|
Hello Reader,
The Victorian Seniors Festival is almost here, and this October is shaping up to be one worth taking advantage of — thousands of events across the state, and a full week of free public transport travel to help you get to them.
Now, we know "Seniors Festival" can sound a bit... beige. Like it might be all trestle tables and raffle tickets. But dig into the program and there's some rather brilliant stuff on offer — harp meditations in the gardens, a mystery book night (with wine!), a nostalgic History & Trivia Tour, a heap of free film screenings, and a wander through the Swinging Sixties. It's also a wonderful chance to get to know your local community — and your neighbouring councils, too — with an abundance of community groups hosting open days, workshops, craft sessions, gardening days and much more.
To make it easier to navigate, we've put together three guides for you:
Keep reading for more inspiration, and as always, let us know what you get up to — we love hearing from you.
Warmly,
The Seniors in Melbourne team
P.S. We've put it all together in a printable PDF too, for anyone who'd rather read through it over a cuppa. View and download a copy here.
Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond
Victorian Seniors Card holders can travel free across Melbourne and regional Victoria from 3rd to 11th October. See how to make the most of this special travel period and plan your calendar.
|
|
|
|
|
PARTNER CONTENT
Bendigo's season of Bloom runs throughout spring, with tulips, arts and wine events galore. Catch the Loddon Valley Arts Trail, illuminated Bloom After Dark, Bendigo Comedy Festival or Heathcote Wine and Food Festival during October.
See the full program and start planning your visit.
|
PARTNER CONTENT
Take 20% off concession sightseeing cruises with Melbourne River Cruises.
Book online during October or in person at the Southbank berth.
Seniors Card tickets from $32.80.
|
|
|
|
|
On Saturday 3 October, music, dancing, workshops and community activities will bring Fed Square to life, with plenty of opportunities to join in. Will we see you there?
|
Victoria's biggest dance floor comes alive with live swing, jazz and ballroom music on Monday 5 October. No partner or dance skills required. Watch from above or join the fun.
|
|
|
Explore the official Festival Guide
The State Government's event calendar is where you'll find the full festival program, but it can be a little tricky to navigate — so we've put together a quick guide to help. Read it here and see what you can find, or read on below for more of our own top picks.
Melbourne Festival Event Highlights
- Melbourne Athenaeum Library (5 – 10 Oct 2026). Unearth the fascinating history of Melbourne’s oldest cultural institution. The Collins Street building opened in 1842 and houses a subscription library, two theatres and one of the city’s earliest lifts. Explore the library and hear stories behind this enduring icon. Melbourne Athenaeum Library, L1, 188 Collins St, Melbourne. Book here.
- Monash Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Gala (4 Oct 2026). Experience a vibrant celebration of Eastern culture as talented Chinese community members present an entertaining program of music, song and dance. Jordanville Community Centre Hall, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone. Find more information here.
- City of Literature: 3-hour 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. State Library Victoria, Tickets $60. Book here.
- Guided Bird Walk at Wilson Reserve (Sun 4 Oct 2026). Explore the varied habitats of Wilson Reserve with urban ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey, learning about local bird species, their behaviours and the importance of riverside environments for urban wildlife. Wilson Reserve, 4 Irvine Road, Ivanhoe. Free entry, bookings essential.
- Reader Outing: Parks & Gardens Cruise (Mon 19 Oct 2026). Enjoy a relaxed morning cruise along the Yarra with Seniors in Melbourne, including tea, coffee and guided commentary. Meet fellow readers and explore Melbourne from the river as you take in the city’s parks and gardens. Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2 Southbank Promenade. Tickets $32.80. Book here.
Regional Victoria Festival Highlights
- Victorian Goldfields Railway Seniors Festival (1 Oct – 31 2026). Celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival with a nostalgic heritage train journey through the picturesque Goldfields countryside between Castlemaine and Maldon. Seniors receive a 15% Discount when booking online during October – use promo code: SENIORS26 Platform/3 Kennedy St, Castlemaine, Book Tickets
- Vegemite History Trivia Tour (7 & 21 Oct 2026). Join a fun and nostalgic tour exploring the history of Vegemite and its inventor, Cyril Callister. Enjoy history trivia, fascinating stories, a short film, morning tea and a delicious Vegemite-inspired treat in this friendly, interactive museum experience. Cyril Callister Museum, Beaufort, Tickets $15.
- Bendigo Day Trip with Lunch & Walking Tour (Sat 3 Oct, Sat 7 Nov 2026). Travel through the scenic Macedon Ranges before exploring Bendigo’s grand gold rush heritage on a guided walking tour with Paul Daffey. Visit historic landmarks, stroll through Rosalind Park and enjoy a relaxed lunch (included in ticket price). Meet at Southern Cross Station, Melbourne. Book Tickets $115.
- Morwell Centenary Rose Garden History and Garden Tour (16 Oct 2026). A guided walk through the garden's history and layout, covering rose varieties, growth habits and tips for growing roses through the season. Cnr Commercial Road and Maryvale Crescent, Morwell. Free, bookings required.
- Tea Blending Workshop (multiple dates throughout Oct 2026). Spend 90 minutes tasting, learning and blending your own tea to take home with James Harris from The Botanical Brothers. Parking available. 179 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville. $65, bookings required.
Best Deals Happening in Seniors Month
- Peninsula Hot Springs (1–31 October). Take some time to unwind — Seniors Card holders enjoy Bath House entry from $50, and every visit in October goes into the draw for an overnight Eco Lodge stay worth $1,460! T&Cs here.
- Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square (1 – 31 Oct 2026). Tasty Japanese meals and a sushi train in the heart of the CBD. Festival special: When you spend $20 per head, enjoy a delicious dessert with tea or coffee for just $10. Also enjoy 10% off the total bill. Year-round offer of 10% discount. Highly recommended, read our review of Chocolate Buddha here.
- Mozart, Salieri & Pleyel – Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (15-18 Oct 2026). Receive our exclusive 20% discount on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20. Explore the music and rivalry of Mozart and Salieri, alongside the elegant works of Ignaz Pleyel, in a sparkling performance by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra on period instruments. Tickets here.
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (book here) — Seniors Card holders get 20% off entry this October. Tickets from $32. Wander through underwater tunnels and come face-to-face with sharks, rays and rescued sea turtles. Read our review.
- Livewell Health Physio – $42 Balance and Fall Risk Assessment (save over 60%), 1 Sept–31 Oct. A personalised check for over-60s to help you stay strong, steady and confident. Book online or call 03 9193 7639.
Daily Crossword
Start your day with a mental challenge!
|
|
Joke of the Day
What is a centipede's favourite Beatle song? I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand...
|
seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
Instagram | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Linked In
Did someone forward you this email? Sign up for free here and receive it in your inbox each week.
Our newsletters sometimes contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
|