Hello Reader,

It's Chris here. After more than 50 years preparing cartographic artwork for a living, you'd think I'd have had my fill of maps — but no. So when I saw Science Week's opening session was a comedy show called "Maps!", presented by a self-described Cartographic Comedian, I couldn't resist.

Held in the historic Royal Society of Victoria building — one I'd walked past a hundred times but never stepped inside — the session was hosted by Julian O'Shea, an engineer-turned-comedian with a love of maps and the odd stories hiding inside them. He had the room laughing over everything from a cube-shaped motel in remote WA (apparently inspired by a map showing a wombat — "and we all know wombat poo is cube-shaped!") to the real reason Melbourne's streets sit at that unusual angle, which turns out to be tied to a rather charming piece of Victorian folklore involving the sun and Bourke Street.

Julian clearly adores this city, and like so many of us, he's drawn to its hidden corners and behind-the-scenes stories. His recently published Unknown Melbourne Map is full of them, and it's already got me thinking about a few new local jaunts.

Thank you, Julian and Geography Victoria, for a genuinely memorable hour and a half.

Science Week runs right through to 23 August, with plenty still on across Melbourne. See what's still on offer here.​

Warmly,
Chris

P.S. The Victorian Seniors Festival is coming up in October, and while the full program launches in September, we've started pulling together events, outing ideas and deals early — beginning with our regional Victoria highlights. Take an early look here and start planning a regional getaway. More to come soon!

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Midweek Bathing Bliss​ Mist rising off 70 mineral pools, hilltop sea views and a warm robe waiting between soaks. Our full review shares why a winter weekday visit is pure magic. Read our review

“ The prospect of a day dipping in and out of hot springs in the middle of winter at first conjured up mixed feelings: all good while actually bathing in the warm pools but exiting … not so sure. Our recent visit to Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs allayed such concerns. ​Read more here.​ — Kathy's

​Three Weeks by the Yarra​ More than 70 free walks, talks and wildlife spotting sessions along the river, from platypus tours to storytelling by the water. Some popular ones are booking out fast. Our top picks for RiverFest

​Take the Stress Out of CBD Parking​ Heading into Melbourne by car? Find practical parking options, useful tips and ways to make a city visit easier. Delve into our parking research

​Make the Most of Two Days​ Planning a Bellarine Peninsula escape? This handy itinerary brings together scenic stops, good food and memorable experiences for a relaxed getaway. Read about Leonie's getaway

​Contemporary Art at ACCA​ "I spent the morning seeing Are You Lonely Tonight? I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, and it ended up being really different from what I expected. I thought it would be quite heavy, but it actually felt thoughtful and the artists explored the topic with compassion and care." Read more from Kaye H

PARTNER CONTENT ​Candlelight Concerts: Melbourne​ Transform a simple night out into a magical musical journey with live performances in beautifully atmospheric venues. Grab tickets

​Twenty Years in the Making​ Over 200 works from the artist behind those bold Australian still lifes you've always admired. Melbourne's first major Preston retrospective opens in September — here's what to plan for. Read our guide

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Now or Never Festival 2026: Our Picks Worth Booking​
• ​10 Ways to Score Cheap Theatre Tickets in Melbourne​
• ​32 Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD​

Community Giveback

This quarter, Seniors in Melbourne has partnered with Travellers Aid to support the team helping Victorians travel with confidence every day. Find out more →​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win a Double Pass to Silvie Paladino – A Life On Stage​ Enjoy beloved songs and behind-the-scenes stories from Silvie Paladino’s remarkable stage career. Enter now for your chance to spend a memorable afternoon with this celebrated performer. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Meet the Author: Robert Skinner (17 Sep 2026). Our next reader event! Meet author Robert Skinner for an engaging conversation about his latest work, with the opportunity to hear directly from the writer and discover the stories and ideas behind his book. Tickets $10.
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• Ending soon: HERstory (until 30 Aug 2026). This inspiring free exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance honours the stories of Australian women who have served in the military through vivid portraits and personal reflections. Free entry. Read Angie’s review.​
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• ​A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (until 11 Oct 2026). This inspiring show chronicles the life of Neil Diamond, showcasing his rise from Brooklyn to rock icon. Enjoy classics like “Sweet Caroline” in a vibrant, energy-filled musical memoir created with Diamond himself.
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• ​Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne (9 – 12 Sep 2026). Melbourne’s popular craft and quilt fair returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with quilt exhibitions, creative workshops, expert demonstrations, handmade crafts and a bustling marketplace for makers and craft lovers. Use our discount code SENIORS10 to save 10% at checkout!
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• ​7 Dances for 7 People (9 – 19 Sep 2026). Award-winning choreographer Tra Mi Dinh brings together seven exceptional dancers in a mesmerising new work inspired by the symbolism and mystery of the number seven. Expect hypnotic movement, precision and endurance in this 55-minute contemporary dance performance. Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, Northcote. Tickets from $30.​
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• ​Zerial – Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne (16 – 20 Sep 2026). Experience a bold contemporary theatre production that brings fresh energy and theatrical invention to the stage. Tickets from $45.​
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• ​Blossom, Wine & Dine Mid-Week Package (21 Sep - 2 Oct 2026). CherryHill Orchards has teamed up with neighbours Rochford Wines for a relaxed, self-drive day combining a proper sit-down lunch with an afternoon among the blossoms. Tickets $105. Book here.​

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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