A cafe that was once bustling in the Dandenong Ranges will be brought back to life and offer a new experience for locals and entice new visitors to the area. Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd will transform the former Olinda Golf Course Clubhouse and Cafe into a vibrant new venue across the stunning views of the Yarra Valley. The cafe will provide a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy locally-sourced food and drinks, and will make the most of the stunning views across the Yarra Valley with indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe will also provide a space for community connection…
Author: Melbourning
Step into the shadows of Melbourne’s history with Bones & Burial Boxes, a gripping exhibition that uncovers the hidden stories of the city’s most infamous prison burial sites. Opening on 5 April at Pentridge Prison’s Warders Upstairs, this compelling display delves into the lives and deaths of those connected to Pentridge Prison and the Old Melbourne Gaol, revealing a complex narrative of crime, punishment, and societal attitudes. Through rare artefacts and groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, the exhibition brings to light the grim realities of Melbourne’s penal system. Highlights include burial boxes, coffin lids, and a sack used to transport bones, alongside funerary…
Get ready for an unforgettable Easter weekend as the Bendigo Easter Festival returns from 18 to 21 April 2025, bringing spectacular parades, cultural performances, and family-friendly fun to the heart of Bendigo. One of Australia’s longest-running community events, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, celebrating Bendigo’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit. Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf expressed her pride in the festival, saying, “The Bendigo Easter Festival is a showcase of living history, cultural performances, and fun attractions for all ages.” ‘This year, we’re honouring the legacy of Cr Rod Fyffe OAM, a beloved community leader, by naming the…
Melbourne Theatre Company is set to premiere The Robot Dog, a bold and thought-provoking sci-fi comedy, at Southbank Theatre’s The Lawler from 1 March. This imaginative production, part of MTC’s Education & Families program, explores the intersection of technology, culture, and human connection in a future Australia shaped by automation. Set in 2042, The Robot Dog follows Janelle, a woman of Cantonese heritage, and her partner Harry, a First Nations man, as they navigate grief, work, and identity after moving into Janelle’s family home. Assisted by a quirky AI and a robotic therapy dog, they confront a world of technological augmentations and societal…
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is back for its ninth edition, ready to disrupt, challenge, and inspire with a dazzling lineup of more than 40 features, shorts, and special events. From 20 to 24 March 2025, ACMI and Fed Square will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, showcasing the radical and rebellious work of female and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pasifika. “This festival is a celebration of emerging and established voices,” said MWFF Festival Director Sian Mitchell. “It’s where the future of film is being written, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”…
Tickets are selling fast for Lightfall – a world-wide exclusive light trail experience making its debut at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne these April school holidays. From 6 to 20 April 2025, visitors can wander through a stunning 1km illuminated trail in the award-winning Australian Garden, transforming the landscape into a magical after-dark wonderland. Produced in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and supported by the City of Casey and Red Energy, Lightfall promises an enchanting evening for all ages. Featuring large-scale light sculptures, lakeside reflections, and an immersive soundscape, this event is perfect for family outings, romantic dates, or simply escaping into nature’s…
Frankston’s South Side Festival is back for its fourth year, running from 8 to 18 May 2025, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. This vibrant celebration of art, performance, and community will transform Frankston into a hub of creativity, offering something for everyone—whether you’re an art enthusiast, a theatre lover, or just looking for a fun family outing. “We’ve crafted a program that’s exciting, intriguing, and inspiring,” says Festival Producer Freyja Macfarlane. “From dazzling light installations to high-energy performances, there’s something to captivate all ages and interests,” she said. Kicking off the festival is the return of Neon Fields (8–11 May), turning Beauty…
Mark your calendars for a day of music, food, and fun as the Seymour River and Ranges Music Festival takes over Kings Park Reserve in Seymour on Saturday 15 March. This free, family-friendly event is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of community spirit and resilience, born from the determination to rebuild after the devastating floods of October 2022. Featuring an incredible lineup, including The Black Sorrows, Taylor Sheridan, Kingswood, and Carter & Carter, the festival promises a day of soulful tunes and high-energy performances. Local dance groups, bands, and DJs will also take the stage, while food trucks, a pop-up…
Rod Laver Arena is set to play host to the Super Netball Final in August – with the blockbuster event expected to see more than 14,000 fans pack the stadium, making it the biggest ever crowd at a netball grand final. The 2023 grand final at John Cain Arena drew thousands of fans from around the country, with a sold-out crowd of 9,622 witnessing a thriller between the New South Wales Swifts and the Adelaide Thunderbirds – and an economic impact of more than $6.9 million for Victoria. Fans have been flocking to to Super Netball games in record numbers,…
Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Chris Lake is set to light up stages in Melbourne and Sydney this May, bringing his electrifying beats and a brand-new production to Australian fans. Fresh off his headline slot at the OUT 2 LUNCH Festival, Lake will perform at Melbourne’s PICA on Friday, 9 May, and Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Saturday, 10 May, promising an unforgettable experience packed with new music. “Australia holds a special place in my heart,” Lake said. “Some of my favorite shows and memories have happened there. I’m buzzing to share some new music with fans down under and make this trip…
In a significant move set to reshape Melbourne’s hospitality landscape, Sydney billionaire Justin Hemmes’ Merivale Group has acquired a prominent car park at 34-60 Little Collins Street it plans to turn into an entertainment precinct reminiscent of its Sydney flagship venue, Ivy. The proposed development, tentatively named “Parkade i set to become a vibrant hub in Melbourne’s East End and will feature popular restaurants like Totti’s and Mumu, along with exhibition spaces, live music areas, a day spa, and retail shops. The goal is to create a lively, multifunctional destination that brings energy and activity to the area. The City…
The state government has announced it is bringing back a fan favourite with the Track Walk returning for the first time since 2023 at this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Fans will once again be able to walk the 5.3km Albert Park circuit when the Grand Prix finishes on Sunday 16 March. A ban was placed on fans being able to enter the track in 2024 following an incident in 2023 where some spectators broke through the security barriers and entered the track before the race had finished. A range of measures will be put in place to ensure…