Hello Reader,

While exploring our latest articles on the city’s hidden gems, I came across a few real head-turners:

• The world’s first feature-length film, The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), was made right here in Melbourne.
• Vegemite was invented in the 1920s by Dr Cyril Callister for Fred Walker & Co in the Melbourne area.
• The State Library of Victoria, established in 1854, is Australia’s oldest continuously operating public library.
• Early plans for an underground City Loop date back almost a century!

If you’re keen for a visual history, The Lost City of Melbourne on Netflix is a must-watch. This fascinating documentary traces the city’s architectural evolution and explores how many beloved Victorian-era buildings were lost to modernisation.

What about you? What’s the most surprising or little-known fact you’ve discovered about Melbourne? Hit reply and let me know – I’d love to hear it.

Enjoy your week,
Amy

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Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​“A Truly Serene Escape”​ Spread across 14 acres of lush, tropically themed gardens, this is a peaceful yet impressive must-visit. Read Diane's review

“ The colours and variety of the Water Lilies were just stunning in the many lakes and ponds with meandering boardwalks and bridges throughout. Visiting the Giant Amazon Waterlilies in the Tropical World Greenhouses, where the lily pads grow up to 1.8 metres in diameter were spectacular. ​Read more here.​ — Diane

​ PARTNER CONTENT ​New 90-Minute City Tours​ Explore our new range of shorter, story-filled guided tours with Paul Daffey, through laneways, arcades and historic streets. See all tour options

​Turn Memories into a Lasting Legacy​ Capture personal stories, milestones, and memories in a beautifully crafted keepsake for family to treasure. A meaningful project with lasting value. Read about Terrie's experience

​Stylish Comfort in the Heart of Melbourne​ Enjoy modern rooms, easy city access, and a relaxed stay close to Melbourne’s best attractions and dining spots. Book a city stay

​Get Creative With Local Art Classes​ Explore painting, drawing, and creative workshops designed to inspire and build confidence at any skill level. Explore classes

PARTNER CONTENT ​At the Comedy Theatre from 7 February​ Cluedo is the ultimate whodunnit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. BOOK NOW

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Gifts for Her: A Guide to Unique and Thoughtful Presents​
• ​10 Best Restaurants Near Southern Cross Station (within 500m)​
• ​27 Best Cheap Eats Melbourne CBD: Lunches Under $25​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Morning Melodies: Denis Walter​ WIN 1 of 3 double passes to see Denis Walter live at Arts Centre Melbourne. Enjoy a joyful daytime concert filled with much-loved songs, warm storytelling and a celebration of his remarkable 55-year career. ENTER NOW

​WIN a Video Documentary​ Julian Dahl from My Life Story Legacy is offering one lucky winner a professional video documentary of your love story, valued at $1400. A beautiful gift for Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the love of your life. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Midsumma Festival (until 1 Feb 2026). Melbourne’s premier queer arts and cultural festival returns with three weeks of theatre, music, cabaret, visual art, parties and the iconic Pride March, celebrating creativity, community and inclusion.​
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• ​The Formula 1 Exhibition Melbourne (until 19 Apr 2026). For the very first time, Australia is hosting the internationally acclaimed Formula 1® Exhibition — an unmissable, immersive experience celebrating the past, present, and future of the world’s greatest motorsport.​
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• ​Romeo and Juliet (6–16 Jun 2026). The beloved Shakespearean tragedy brought to life on stage through ballet — passion, heartbreak and sweeping choreography in a classic production.
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• ​Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert (10 – 11 Apr 2026). Audiences can enjoy the beloved Disney film on the big screen accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing Alan Menken’s iconic score live.​
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• ​Portable Iron Houses (Open the First Sunday of each Month). Visit three rare 19th-century prefabricated iron homes in South Melbourne—among the last of their kind—offering a glimpse into Melbourne’s Gold Rush era. Tickets from $7.
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• ​Kew Court House Live (every Thursday and Fri). Discover a new side of Melbourne’s live music scene every Thursday and Friday night in the heart of Kew.
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