One for Melbourne history lovers


Hello Reader,

It’s Kaye here (yes, another Kaye in the community!),

We know how easy it is to navigate the streets of Melbourne CBD, but have you ever thought about how this plan all began?

I recently visited the Hoddle Grid – The Great Land Grab exhibition at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and found it fascinating. The exhibition explores Melbourne’s very first land sale in 1837, but what I particularly enjoyed was learning about the colourful mix of people who bought the land — some making fortunes, others not quite so lucky.

It’s an easy exhibition to move through at your own pace, just a short walk from Flagstaff railway station, and entry is free. Read more here.

If you go, I can recommend coffee from Parkance Coffee - The Switch before or after, then head across to Flagstaff Gardens for a relaxing break. For lunch, I love tucked-away Brick Lane Melbourne in Guildford Lane, or rustic warehouse favourite Krimper Cafe, also nearby.

History, gardens, coffee and food — a pretty perfect Melbourne day out, really.

Happy exploring!

Warmly,
Kaye

P.S. From time to time, we send an occasional extra newsletter from one of our partners. We’re always mindful to keep these relevant, useful or enjoyable for our community — never just “more emails”. As always, we’d genuinely love your feedback on what you do (and don’t) enjoy receiving.

What's on
Dining
Attractions
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Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

Taste Your Way Through Box Hill

Discover delicious bites and fascinating stories on this flavour-packed food tour. A wonderful way to explore one of Melbourne’s best foodie hubs.

As you approach Box Hill Central, skyscrapers jut from the flatness of suburbia like a miniature Shanghai, their glass facades blazing golden in the sunlight.
Every time I visit, it feels like it must have rained — another high‑rise has seemingly sprouted up overnight.
Nadine

PARTNER CONTENT

Explore Arcades and Laneways

"We really enjoyed the tour with Paul today. We discovered Arcades we had not been through before with interesting shops we plan to revisit. Paul had lots of stories to tell and traced the social changes through time. He was knowledgeable and engaging and the tour extended to 2 hours."

- Campbell

WAITRESS Serves Up Heart and Humour

This uplifting musical blends catchy songs, heartfelt moments and plenty of laughs. A feel-good night out that’s hard to resist.

Celebrating Melbourne's Fashion Scene

In April, the Balwyn Historical Society hosted “Georges Remembered,” an event that reminisced about the famed Georges store.

Save 50% at Melbourne Restaurants

Love dining out? Discover how to enjoy fantastic meals at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants for half price.

PARTNER CONTENT

Iconic Tunes, Intimate Setting

From classical masterpieces to modern hits, enjoy the music you love surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles.

Challenge, Reflection & Renewal

David Box runs public talks on preparing for and walking the Camino de Santiago.


Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3


Enter our Weekly Giveaway

Win Tickets to Italian Serenatas Live

Be swept away by an enchanting evening of Baroque music from Vivaldi, Corelli and more, performed by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Enter to win a double pass to this unforgettable concert at Melbourne Recital Centre.


WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

  • Rocky Road Festival (1 – 31 May 2026). Indulge in a month-long celebration of Australia’s favourite sweet treat at The Chocolateries across the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula, with 31 unique rocky road flavours, tasting sessions, dessert specials, ice creams and hands-on workshops where visitors can create their own custom rocky road creations.
  • Working in Port Melbourne: From Sherbet Bombs to Airplanes (until 24 Jun 2026). Explore the rich industrial history of Port Melbourne in this fascinating exhibition presented with the Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society, uncovering stories of local manufacturing, factories and innovation — from confectionery production to the rise of Australia’s aircraft industry.
  • Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City (until 31 Jul 2026). A new immersive VR experience in Melbourne CBD, giving visitors the chance to walk through the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in extraordinary detail. Seniors card tickets from $37.50. Read Marjie’s review here.
  • Offbeat Sari (until 30 Aug 2026). A vibrant contemporary performance blending dance, storytelling and South Asian cultural expression, Offbeat Sari at Bunjil Place celebrates identity, tradition and modern creativity through bold movement, music and visual design.
  • 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.
  • Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA – Flemington Racecourse (20 May – 19 Jul 2026). Step under the Big Top for Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling KOOZA, a breathtaking spectacle combining high-flying acrobatics, clowning, live music and lavish costumes in an exhilarating journey exploring identity, fear and discovery through classic circus artistry and theatrical wonder.
  • Film Photography Walking Tour (28 Jun 2026). Explore busy, colourful, photograph-ready Brunswick for a guided small group walking tour with a difference. Camera and film provided. Beginners very welcome. 2.5 hours duration. Maximum six per tour. Tickets $120. Group discount available.

Daily Crossword

Start your day with a mental challenge!

Joke of the Day

What do you call two barracuda fish? A Pairacuda!


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