Hello Reader,

Nadine here this week.

I'll be honest with you — I had my doubts.

When I set off to reach Lake Tyrrell, a remote pink mirror lake in the Wimmera, entirely by public transport, I half-expected something to go wrong. A missed connection. A full coach. A timetable that simply didn't add up.

What I didn't expect was Steve.

Steve is a V/Line coach driver on the Sea Lake to Bendigo run. By the time I boarded at 5.40 in the morning, he had already completed his walk, cleaned the floors, scrubbed the toilet, and — this is the detail that got me — buckled every single seatbelt closed, so passengers could easily find the ends and know they were working. He knew his regulars by name. He genuinely worried when someone he expected didn't appear.

In my article this week, I share the full story of that journey: the planning, the pink salt lake, the remarkable community-owned pub in a town that refused to disappear — and the unexpected joy of discovering that regional public transport, done right, can feel less like a logistical compromise and more like a genuinely human experience.

With free weekend travel available for Seniors Myki holders on regional Victorian services, and half-price fares midweek, there has never been a better time to go a little further than you thought possible.

​Read my article here.​

Warmly,
Nadine

P.S. We have one more Explore Club Tour in Melbourne CBD lined up for Wednesday 24 June. We'll start under the clocks at Flinders Street, venture through the iconic Campbell Arcade, and navigate the newest additions to our rail network, concluding at the State Library. Book your spot here before they run out. There's also just 3 tickets left for the Bendigo tour happening on Sunday 14 June, it's your last chance to book here.​

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Rug up for a Glowing Garden Experience​ Discover why this magical after-dark experience is captivating visitors. Launching this weekend

“ My friend and I went to Lightscape at the RBG, which is truly amazing! ​ An early session guaranteed easy parking and no crowds, plus we had the bonus of perfect weather. ​Read more here.​ — Kathy

PARTNER CONTENT ​Walk Melbourne with Paul​ Four guided walking tours through Melbourne's laneways, literary history and hidden streets — running every Thursday and Friday with small groups and big stories. Find your tour

​Cook, Learn and Laugh​ Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class packed with delicious food, practical tips and plenty of fun. Join a cooking class

​100 Free Ways to Enjoy Melbourne​ Discover a treasure trove of free experiences across the city. Your next affordable adventure starts here. Start exploring

​Your Guide to Melbourne’s Best Musicals​ From blockbuster productions to beloved classics, find out what’s lighting up Melbourne’s theatre scene this year. See what's on

PARTNER CONTENT ​New Styles You’ll Love​ We’re excited to share that Blue Illusion’s New Arrivals are here! Explore the latest collection designed to inspire and elevate your seasonal wardrobe. SHOP NOW

​Stories of the Birrarung​ Explore a new multichannel audio-visual artwork right here next to the river Birrarung. Free and open daily

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Thoughtful Australian-Made Gifts for Someone Special​
• ​Experience Artistic Brilliance at NGV International​
• ​17 Best Op Shops in Melbourne for Vintage and Bargain Lovers​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win Premium Tickets to Under the Canopy​ Acclaimed accordionist James Crabb, with music spanning Europe, Scotland and Australia. Enter now to win a double pass to this extraordinary Melbourne Chamber Orchestra performance. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Scone Festival (until 28 Jun 2026). This month-long celebration of all things scones features a rotating menu of sweet and savoury creations, from classic favourites to inventive new flavours. Visitors can enjoy the festival through tastings or take-home treats at Mary Eats Cake’s Brunswick and Montrose venues.
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• ​Unseen/Undone – Ann Gillespie (20 Jun – 4 Jul 2026). This powerful exhibition at MARS Gallery presents sculptural ceramics, installation and participatory works exploring the invisible labour of care, with raw clay garments continuously transformed in an evolving cycle that reflects themes of vulnerability, memory and human connection. Free entry.​
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• ​Box Hill Crawl and Bite Tour (Sundays until July 5, 2026). You'll visit six delicious stops that highlight the best of Asian cuisine without ever leaving Melbourne. Read Nadine's review here.​
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• ​EMERGENCE[Y] (until 5 Dec 2026). This major free exhibition brings together artists, scientists and collaborators from around the world to explore how we adapt to a rapidly changing planet. Spanning ecological, technological and social transformation, it features works on topics such as climate resilience, biotechnology, First Nations knowledge, regenerative systems and future cities. Science Gallery. Free entry.​
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• ​Making Modern Melbourne (until 31 Dec 2026). This free exhibition traces Melbourne’s transformation from the early 20th century to today, exploring major events including the World Wars, the Great Depression, postwar migration and the rise of multiculturalism. It features historic photographs and modern reimaginings that show how the city has evolved over time.
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• ​Claude Monet and Australian Impressionism (30 May – 18 Oct 2026). This free exhibition pairs Claude Monet’s celebrated Haystacks, midday with works by leading Australian Impressionists, exploring their shared fascination with light, atmosphere and the changing effects of nature.
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• ​Rachael Grace – Live Shows & Concerts (Various dates & venues). Acclaimed vocalist Rachael Grace performs a range of live shows across Victoria — from intimate piano bar performances to her celebrated Australian Barbra Streisand Show — with multiple dates and venues including Ringwood, Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston throughout 2026.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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