Things To Do

How untrained and unorthodox home cooks are ushering in a new wave of food enthusiasts.

Once again another weekend rolls around, and with that comes an abundance of activities to keep you entertained with all that Melbourne has to offer! Whether that be making your way around Northcote on a wine-led adventure, or heading into the CBD to get your hands on meat, meat and, you guessed it, more meat. 

From casual Friday to Sunday lunch with the gals, good denim works for every occasion.

Just a short flight from Australia's Eastern Seaboard, Auckland is close enough for a quick escape, but far enough to reset your rhythm—this is how to make the most of it in 72 hours.

Netflix is bringing Squid Game to life with a spine-tingling activation at Federation Square this month. 

Sandy McIntyre is the actor, writer, producer and model making waves across Australia’s creative scene. We picked their brains on the best of what to do in Sydney this winter season. 

Looking for Melbourne's best mini golf? Whether you're after a glow-in-the-dark party, coastal views with your putts or the ultimate obstacle courses, we've teed up the city's top spots for unforgettable rounds. 

From mind-bending installations to boundary-pushing performances, here’s your guide to the standout events you won’t want to miss.

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Bastille Day means different things to different people. If you’re French it probably represents throwing off the shackles of an oppressive monarchy. For the rest of us, it’s an excuse to order massive plates of steak & pomme frites, or drink Burgundy by the bottle while toasting “liberty, equality, fraternity and reasonably priced booze!” That’s the good thing about Bastille Day. There’s something for everyone.

With this year marking the event’s 20th anniversary and its biggest program to date, Sydney Comedy Festival is set to roll into town for a month of cracking jokes. 

Through a combination of cost-cutting techniques and selective use of annual leave, you can increase the number of holidays you go on in your lifetime without sending your miscellaneous bills through the roof.

 Next-gen artists lighting up the city, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and sun-soaked afternoons await.

Victoria’s 2025 cultural calendar is brimming with food, music and art festivals. Grab your mates, hit the road and get ready to eat your way across Victoria.

Once again May has crept up on us out of nowhere, bringing with it one very important day. It’s that one thing you should be prepared for, yet every year it comes as another suprise. That’s right, it’s Mother’s Day. 

It's 2025, and Melbourne's cultural grounds are firing on all burners with plenty of things to do. Festivals, Theatre, food and more are all ripe for the filling of that social calendar, and your stomach. The real question is how many of these can you fit into one week? Here's what's on.

Want an unfettered farmstay experience? Bluestone Ridge is the real deal, this 800 acre cattle farm is tucked away in Victoria's High Country and is the serene escape you're after.

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

The festival of art, light, music and cutting-edge technology, confidently returns in July for its fifth edition, promising more kaleidoscopic installations, late-night gigs set to trippy projections and a cracking new program of dining events. 

There's nothing quite like the music scene in Melbourne. Any night of the week in pretty much any stretch of the town, you can catch live tunes—be it howling, foot-stomping rock 'n roll in sticky-floored pubs, sultry jazz in booth-seated lounges, or dirty techno at one of the many dens and d-floors in town.

No matter the season, it’s always prime time to pack the car and escape into Victoria’s wild backyard. From lush riverfront bushland to windswept coastal dunes (yes, you might spot a whale), the state is dotted with incredible free camping spots - some within just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

How far would you drive for some Sizzler-style cheese toast? 'Cos we're happy to spend an hour heading up to the Blackwood Hotel for a little slice of nostalgia and a frosty pint to match.

It may be a whole lot colder but the prospect of a three-day weekend is one mighty-fine way to warm the soul. This coming King’s Birthday in Melbourne for 2025, Monday 9 June, a selection of Melbourne’s venues will still be turning it on for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. 

So you’re ready to take the leap and buy your first home? Here’s how to find the right place to fit your lifestyle, your future, and your community.

With another long weekend just around the corner, it’s time to start making your brunch and dinner reservations. Whether you're waking up early Monday 25 April for the ANZAC Day dawn service or having a much-deserved sleep in, Melbourne’s hospitality industry is gearing up to make sure you spend the public holiday the right way. There are plenty of venues still trading and the surcharges are just a small trade-off for a great feed.

Whether you’re planning a first date, an anniversary, or a sweet surprise for your special someone, organising a date that makes them swoon (and scores you some serious brownie points) is always a win.

Your go-to guide for maximising your time on-board.

The suburbs are back and they’ve had a major glow-up, blending state-of-the-art design, liveability, affordability, and modern convenience like never before.

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.

For those on the hunt for a cultural experience rich with all things history, people, stories, and nature, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) should be top of the list. 

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

Winter just got cheesier. From 15 May to 22 June 2025, Fed Square transforms into a snow-dusted French alpine village for Fondue Chalet—the city’s most indulgent winter pop-up from the team behind Melbourne’s cult-favourite Raclette Igloo.

Go behind the scenes of LA's biggest icons to explore the other side of the city of angels.

Staying in is having a serious moment, and dinner parties are getting a glow-up this year. 

From the usual suspects like Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios Singapore to more unusual offerings like Haw Par Villa and Changi Jurassic Mile, here are the best things to do in Singapore.

Your guide to finding more soul-nourishing moments in 2025.

We’ve found a stack of elite Singapore stayover deals to kick-start your 2025. 

This destination diner in the Southern Grampians is the very essence of local, Victorian dining. And it doesn't hurt that the surrounds are stunning.

Hint, it involves free entry, and we're here for that to send them off.

Singapore has so much to offer that even a short stopover becomes its own holiday. Uncover the hidden gems of this incredible country—you might just find that you want to stay longer. 

In 2025, we're ditching the routine overhaul and making small, more realistic changes that stack up to a better year.

Whether you have a couple of hours airside transiting to your next destination or you’re lucky enough to make a day of it in Jewel, we’ve sorted your next layover at Changi Airport in Singapore.

The southern hemisphere’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone has just dropped the lineup for a massive 26,500sq m foodie precinct. The two areas, The Market Pavilion and Dining Laneway will host some of Melbourne’s tastiest food retailers. 

Tucked away on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka thrives in the understated—a mix of old-world craft and neon-lit nights where every bite and every hidden corner convinces you to stay a little longer. 

The Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 is a pretty big deal for us Melburnians.

When you've maxed out your little treat budget for the week, recreating your fave over-the-top coffee at home can be the next best thing.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Expect a three-course meal, inventive minty cocktails, wine and conversation cards to get to know your new mates.

This year is a real biggie for Formula One. Melbourne has returned as the coveted season opener, host to the world’s first look at seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton debuting his new Ferrari red get up while Spain-born Carlos Sainz embraces a fresh Williams blue. And arguably one of the best parts of the AusGP weekend—the end of race track walk—is also back on the cards. Winning.

Stuck for unique date ideas in Melbourne? The sheer number of options is overwhelming, but don't worry we've got you. If you're looking for the best, fun, cute, cheap, cool, free or first date ideas we have something good for everyone.

A gathering of salty locals, big time heroes and future legends.

There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list: from its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette or funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.

Patience, young padawan LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition will be knocking down blast doors and arriving in Melbourne on 4 May at Melbourne Museum.

FISHER's Out 2 Lunch Festival with Vodafone is back, and we have the insider scoop on how to grab up presale tickets. 

Frank Green—we know them, we love them. For many, the brand is a symbol of the original emotional support water bottle that has stood by us (literally) and continues to hold our hand throughout the day. Now, we can peruse them IRL.

Housed within the former St Kilda Ichi Ni site, The Espy has dropped a fresh open-air bar, right in the peak of summer. 

From situationships to first dates and catch-ups with your mates, here’s how to date differently in 2025. 

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

We're hosting a first-home buyers pop-up complete with expert property panel, DJs, and a stack of freebies from local vendors. 

Summer might be coming to a close, but there’s no need to go thirsty.

The Prince Hotel's snuck in another cheeky refresh, just in time for summer. 

As the temperature rises and summer holidays get into full swing, it’s time to hit the pool. Here’s our list of the best places to make a splash this summer.

We’re calling it a touchdown. Further cementing Melbourne as Australia’s sporting capital, next year we’re going to be able to catch live NFL games. Yep, American football—the National Football League—a la Travis Kelce is coming to us live.

Returning to where it all started Jurassic World: The Exhibition is pipelining for Melbourne with some raving reviews following its massive season in Sydney. 

Love languages were conceived over 30 years ago to help couples better show up for each other, but the internet’s fascination with relationship optimisation has thrust these five acts back into the cultural zeitgeist.

As the popularity of running has grown exponentially, getting your own slice of pavement has become a prized commodity. Across Melbourne, the ritual of putting one foot in front of another has hit new heights with Park Run, Run Clubs and regular punters shaving down their splits on Strava.

Sail through the slew of new year birthdays and anniversaries with these tips for budget-friendly celebrating.

It's the earmarked sports event of the summer, the Australian Open 2025 is the iconic stretch of January where Melbourne suddenly transforms into tennis-arm-chair experts. 

Your go-to guide for maximising your time off in 2025. 

Ever wanted to live out your very own White Lotus experience but without the murder mystery? Three Hummock Island, a private island off the Tassie coast might be just the spot to do it—best of all you can rent it for pittance. 

The Super Bowl is a big deal, and whether or not you're into American sport you can't help but get caught up in the fever, the chicken wings and of course the drama.

We'll show you how to ace the off-court scene by serving up Melbourne's best during the Australian Open

We live in spa country. There’s really no excuse to drown in stress with these tranquil, blissful oases all around us. We’ve got some of the best spas in Melbourne and beyond with Daylesford and Sorrento bringing the goods. Breathe out, relax your shoulders and get booking. Here is Urban List's guide to the best spas in Melbourne and Victoria for 2025.

It's something that Melburnians can take deep pride in, other states might have the weather but our bustling late-night music culture and good-time mentality is second to none in this country. 

The sight of the blossoming purple flowers of the Jacaranda trees is a friendly reminder that the true frosty season is over and there are warmer climates ahead. The Jacaranda is typically earmarked with the coming of summer and Christmas (according to the jingle). The floral tree is an Australian icon in the plant community and a welcome beacon to the tail end of the year. 

Dogs love water just as much as we do, from chasing garden hose streams to splashing in shallow pools. Watching your pup frolic in the waves at Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches is pure joy. However, not all beaches welcome furry friends. We've curated the top dog beaches in Victoria for 2025 so you and your best mate can enjoy the coast together. Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria.

Attention all gym junkies, Melbourne has some new gyms on the scene who are definitely showing their bulk compared to the chains. There are also plenty of small, boutique gyms that offer a more personalised approach than the giants. Maybe 2025 is the time for a change, whether that be joining a gym or swapping yours for a small business. Either way, we’ve got the scoop on Melbourne’s best boutique and independent gyms right here for you.

Looking to unleash your inner creative and get your hands a little dirty? Us too—we haven’t done pottery since Year 8 art class. Thankfully, Melbourne's thriving pottery scene is the perfect place to reconnect with those earthy roots.

Remember when an adventurous night out meant a couple of lukewarm pints in a pub that was two suburbs away from your house? Not anymore. Now, it’s all about Melbourne's escape rooms.

Go karting is a timeless activity. The almost child-like pursuit of speed and reckless endangerment is a thrill that you can’t (and shouldn’t) get driving to coles. With many tracks and karts around town, all with their own different bends and different levels of engine CC’s, it can be a little difficult to know where exactly you should burn rubber. 

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises wisdom, transformation, stability and creativity and we're here to learn and grow, and celebrate.

From 4WDing amongst exotic animals to tackling river rapids, there’s no shortage of active experiences in Melbourne to fill your calendar with. 

We’ve sussed out everything you need to know to ensure you’re ready to hit the the ground running in 2025.

To celebrate the release of Squid Game Season 2, Pink Guards have been wandering the shores of Melbourne and Sydney.

With a jam-packed schedule of Christmas-themed activities kicking off in early November, a huge range of gifting options and a fresh dining precinct, Highpoint is the spot to beat in Melbourne this summer. 

In a monumental celebration of contemporary art, NGV International is hosting the largest-ever retrospective of iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Featuring over 180 works, this expansive exhibition spans Kusama’s extraordinary eight-decade career, making it a global first and an unmissable event.

Together with the legends at BINGE, we're hosting exclusive movie screenings on gravy day.

It’s that special time of year, the time when you eat as much ham/seafood/turkey/pork/scones as your body can handle. When you pour copious amounts of alcohol into your mouth to help you forget about all the terrible things you said at the Christmas party.

The silly season brings with it many things: Kris Kringle pressies that’ll likely be regifted next year, boozed-up relatives and that awkward, annual decision of which side of the family you’ll be spending Christmas day with. It’s not all festive faux pas, though—one such thing that’s universally loved this time of the year is Christmas markets.

The quintessential summer tradition in Melbourne’s cultural calendar, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) is set to make a highly anticipated return in March 2025 for another round of one-off dinners, chef residencies, pop-ups and long lunches. Spanning across 10 days, from March 21 to 30, the MFWF program is jam-packed, featuring over 200 events across the city and surrounding suburbs. 

The High Country means something different to every Victorian. Maybe it’s fond memories camping at Sheepyard Flat over Christmas as a kid, or skiing at Hotham when the powder is heaving. Best of all, there's something for everyone so we've put together a solid travel guide and three-day itinerary for your next country escape.

Ah, Christmas—the season of sparkly lights, festive tunes and a to-do list longer than Santa’s. Between finding the perfect gift, planning events that scream “holiday spirit” and navigating the chaos of end of year celebrations, it’s easy to feel like an overworked elf. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you shop, explore and eat your way to a stress-free December 25th.

This running rookie and his recent adventure of a lifetime are proof that a desire for positive change and a bit of initiative can take you a long way. 

Ah, Roma, who can resist the everlasting charm of the Eternal City? It’s a place where you’ll find old-world beauty at every turn, endless museums to explore, so many spirits to be sipped and cacio e pepe is always on the menu.

Achingly cool, the world’s fashion capital Milano, is a nonnegotiable stop when planning your next European getaway.

Balmy weather, 8pm sunsets, and iced lattes in hand are all telltale signs summer is almost here. But the real marker isn’t when Woolies decks the aisles in tinsel, it's when the Summer Night Market returns to Queen Vic Market.

Find out how to score a trip to Italy, valued at $8K.

Pickleball is a cocktail of racket sports. It uses a rubber paddle similar to table tennis, played on courts just like badminton, and has major squash vibes. You can play it indoors or outdoors, with two or four players, and if you did a double take passing by a game, you might almost mistaken it for tennis. In 2024, Pickleball in Melbourne is popping off, so we did some digging.

Melbourne loves to make a big deal of things—think laneways and the metro rail project—and fortunately for us, Christmas falls into that category of ‘things’. Kicking off at the end of the month is the City of Melbourne’s four-week-long Christmas Festival set to take over the city.

Ready to book your next holiday on miles? Download the app and discover all the ways you can get the best bang—and miles—for your buck. 

In Melbourne, if there's a stage, there'll be theatre, and fortunately, there are plenty of both in this city. From local to international titles, there are thespians a plenty duking it out under the spotlights, portraying fables of mystery, sci-fi, right across to classic productions. 

It’s that time of year again where Melbourne welcomes Moonlight Cinema back for its 28th summer. Returning to their usual turf—the Botanic Gardens Friday 29 November 2024. This annual cinematic tradition has multiple flicks to feast your eyes on. 

No matter the health of your post-silly season wallet or your ability to swindle that extra week of leave, these 2025 travel trends will ensure that the next holiday in your calendar is one to remember.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of the Melbourne Cup public holiday. It starts with a coffee at your local, then the day could likely mosey into a meal at the pub, followed by a cocktail and bite at one of the many watering holes open on Tuesday 5 November.

Every city has something to offer, so we’ve leaned on our editors to give you those juicy, affordable recommendations.

Ahead of the highly anticipated drop of Sex Therapy: Sessions with Chantelle Otten, we spoke to Otten about her new series and the intimate dinner she's hosting to celebrate. 

Known for its sprawling mansions, thriving entertainment industry and palm-studded streets, Los Angeles is a natural celebrity habitat. To give you the best chance of clapping eyes on Hollywood’s rich and famous, we uncovered 10 of the top spots for VIP sightings. 

Grab your camera team, because Sony Scene Festival just made a massive return to Australian shores. They've lined up over 120 events from a crew of Sony digital imaging ambassadors and industry experts, bringing the creative events platform to the masses.

Plus, win an adventurous Aussie holiday worth up to $3.5K.

Winter’s finally packing up and the lure of an outdoor getaway has never been stronger.

The world would be a far better place if there were more festivals like Ability Fest, but for now, we can relish in the fact that the country’s most inclusive event is making a triumphant return this October, taking over not just Melbourne but making an exciting debut in Brisbane.

Indulge in a taste of Italy at South Melbourne’s Lucia with their new limited edition Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Coffee Dessert. Crafted in collaboration with Lavazza and their Tales Of Italy range, this decadent treat is part of a special two-course menu available for a limited time only. 

Tucked away in the lush, tranquil Otway Ranges, just a stone’s throw from the legendary Great Ocean Road, there’s a slice of nature that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale

Everoyne's favourite train is running a late timetable this spring, with Twilight Trains choo chooing us into the balmy evenings ahead and making room for plenty of Instagrammable moments. 

We went digging to sort the timeless from the transient, so you can nail the top runway looks for this season and beyond.

Whip out the spreadsheet and make sure your passport’s valid, because Singapore Airlines is offering up flight deals to a heap of destinations for its Early Bird Fares sale. 

The Singapore Grand Prix is a goosebump-inducing event that transforms the already buzzing city into the ultimate adult’s playground. Trust us when we say you’re going to want to book in some annual leave and snag yourself a ticket.

If you’re up the top end of the Sunshine Coast and looking for things to do in the bustling hub that is Noosa, we’ve got you covered.

To the delight of Melburnians and Sydneysiders, Westinghouse is back on its mission to serve free food to hungry crowds.