Hello Reader,

It’s Marjie here,

I’m delighted to be joining the Seniors in Melbourne community. You may have seen a couple of my recent outings — from a visit to Chiltern to a memorable meal at Omnia Bistro & Bar — and now I have something a little different to share.

Recently, I attended the launch of the MONOPOLY: Ballarat Edition at the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens — and I must say, I’m now a very proud owner.

What struck me most is how this familiar board game can become a surprisingly practical (and rather fun) way to explore Ballarat. As I wandered through the city later that day, I had one of those lovely “aha” moments — recognising places like the Ballarat Mining Exchange, which only hours earlier had been just a square on the board.It made me realise you could almost plan an entire visit this way. From Kryal Castle to Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Tramway Museum and the Eureka Centre, many of the city’s highlights appear on the board — along with a few ideas for where to eat and explore next.

And a little bit of fun to finish — we have three MONOPOLY: Ballarat Edition board games to give away this week. If you’d like to try your luck (and perhaps plan your own Ballarat adventure from the dining table), be sure to enter below.

I look forward to sharing more outings with you soon.

Warmly,
Marjie

P.S. Looking for last minute Easter ideas? Read our Melbourne Easter guide here. And don't forget to wind your clocks back on Sunday 5 April! (That's for those of us who still wind watches and clocks!)

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Play School Fun Comes to Life​ Step into a world of nostalgia and creativity with this delightful interactive experience inspired by a beloved classic. Join the fun

“ A very interactive, hands-on, playful experience where the children (designed for 2-5 year-olds) can explore all the familiar sites and characters they see on the television. The favourite was the Rocket Ship Clock, when once inside, there were popular books to read, stories to tell... ​Read more here.​ — Diane

PARTNER CONTENT ​Experience Choral Splendour​ Enjoy the power and beauty of Baroque choral music as the Brandenburg musicians and choir unite in a stirring program at Melbourne Recital Centre from April 16-19. Save 20% on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20 Book now

​Step into Ancient Rome​ Discover the wonders of Roman life through captivating artefacts and immersive displays. See the exhibition

​Look inside the Human Body​ Explore a thought-provoking exhibition that reveals the wonders of the human body in extraordinary detail. Read Marjie's experience

​Must-Have Apps for Easier Outings​ Read Nadine's list of handy apps that make getting around, dining out, and exploring the city simpler and more enjoyable. Stay savvy

PARTNER CONTENT ​Waitress arrives this May!​ Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Melbourne for the very first time! Starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Gabriyel Thomas, Mackenzie Dunn with Rob Mills and John Waters, this uplifting and irresistible hit features an uplifting score by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles.  Book tickets now!

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​29 Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide​
• ​Degraves Street: Melbourne’s Beating Heart of Coffee, Culture and Character​
• ​Unearth Melbourne’s History at the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​WIN a MONOPOLY Ballarat Edition Board Game​ Bring Ballarat to your table with this special MONOPOLY edition featuring local icons and landmarks. Enter now for your chance to win a fun, nostalgic game perfect for cosy afternoons. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​City of Literature Walking Tour (Thursdays 10 am - 1 pm). This tour is ideal for curious readers, history lovers and anyone interested in the cultural forces that shaped Melbourne. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here.​
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• ​Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu (9 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun 2026). Held monthly, contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. ​Stay for snacks and a chat afterwards.
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• ​AQC Quilt Show Melbourne (9 – 12 Apr 2026). Australia’s premier quilting event returns to the Royal Exhibition Building with stunning displays from local and international quilters, workshops, demonstrations and a vibrant expo of fabrics, tools and textile creativity.
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• ​Circus Oz: Here, There and Everywhere (8 - 18 Apr 2026). It’s a fast, funny jumble of jaw-dropping tricks, deadpan silliness and glorious physical chaos, all fuelled by a raucous live soundtrack played by a delightfully disobedient band.
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• ​Piip and Tuut at Concert (3 - 12 Apr). Held at ACMI, two clowns go to a concert hall for a fun-filled night of slapstick, songs and acrobatic mischief.
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• ​Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden bus tour (Mondays & Wednesdays, from March to May 2026). Sit back and enjoy the garden's highlights, then after the tour, make your way down to the award-winning Chelsea Australia Garden of Olinda and Cloud Forest conservation garden. Tickets $9.​
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• ​Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival (1 – 30 Apr 2026). A month-long celebration across nine charming villages in the Macedon Ranges featuring autumn gardens, food and wine trails, markets, workshops, live music and scenic experiences showcasing the region at its most colourful.
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• ​Market Day: 90-minute Walking Tour (Fridays 2 pm – 3.30 pm). If you’re someone who enjoys hearing stories around the dinner table, you’ll love the stories of the Vic market. Tickets $40. Book here.​

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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