Hello Reader,

Joyce here. You might be wondering who this is. I'm Joyce, from Tot Hot or Not, and Amy's kindly let me borrow your inbox for a moment.
​
While Amy covers the day-to-day here, my thing is Melbourne family fun - and with the spring school holidays coming up, I know a lot of you will be on grandkid duty (or counting down to it).
​
So I've put together a free guide with 100+ ideas for spring days out with the grandkids - picnics, free adventures, day trips and everything in between.
​
Grab your free Spring 2026 Guide here and get the holidays sorted before they sneak up on you.
​
Happy exploring!
Joyce

P.S. While we're on the subject of getting out and about — join us on 15 October for Meet the Author: Marny Lishman, a Seniors in Melbourne event with psychologist and author Marny Lishman. She'll be sharing practical insights on wellbeing and mindset, with plenty of chance to chat with fellow readers afterwards. Tickets are $10, book your spot here.​

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Contemporary Opera Up Close​ Marjie recently discovered an intimate approach to contemporary opera, where powerful voices, music and storytelling come together in spaces that make every performance feel personal. Read Marjie's review

“ I was bewitched by the siren-singing of two sopranos, one contralto and a pianist in a performance of the mythical tale of The Lorelei, transferred to an Australian environment by the poetry of Chris Wallace-Crabbe. I was mesmerised by the wordless “Eliza’s Song” performed by soprano Rachel Joyce and The Partridge String Quartet, and written by Australian Composer, Elena Kats-Chernin. And I experienced a time-shift to the Ned Kelly era with Letters from a Black Snake, Ned’s own words to the music of George Palmer. ​Read more here.​ — Marjie

PARTNER CONTENT ​Journey Through the Cosmos Without Leaving Melbourne​ Step into a spectacular virtual reality adventure through galaxies, molten planets and a black hole. This 40-minute immersive experience brings the wonders of space surprisingly close. Explore the Cosmos

​Meet Melbourne’s New Beacon​ Melbourne Recital Centre’s newest room brings live music, dining and conversation together, with intimate performances and sweeping views across the Arts Precinct and city skyline. Book a first matinee concert

​Find A Quieter Table​ Struggling to hear over lunch? This guide rounds up Melbourne restaurants where calmer surroundings make it easier to enjoy good food and conversation. See our list

​A Day Of Doing Things Differently​ Fed Square comes alive with swaps, repairs, talks and hands-on activities, offering plenty of practical ideas for using less and giving everyday things a second life. This Saturday 12 Sept at Fed Square Free and ticketed spots

​Make the Most of the Show​ Planning a day at the Royal Melbourne Show? These handy tips cover animals, rides, food, rest breaks and simple ways to make the day easier with grandkids. Read our contributor tips

​Pick Your Own Cherries​ Spend a day among the orchard trees this November, picking fresh cherries and enjoying the relaxed farm atmosphere. Plan your visit

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Lunch with a View Aboard Melbourne River Cruises​
• ​Accessible Sydney: 7 must-see attractions, minus the stairs ​
• ​10 Best Restaurants near Flinders St Station (all within 500 metres)​

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 Blossom Festival Package for Two​ Celebrate spring among thousands of beautiful cherry blossoms, with tastings, sweet treats, live music and plenty of orchard fun. Enter now for your chance to enjoy this delicious day out for two. ENTER NOW

Last weeks winners: Congratulations to our Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair double pass winners — Bridget F., Rhonda J. and Elaine F.! And congratulations to Jassi G., Nicole A. and Rosina A., who each scored a premium double pass to Dusklit at Melbourne Recital Centre.

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Andrew Chapman, City Gallery (until 19 Feb 2027). City Gallery presents free, specialist-curated exhibitions exploring Melbourne’s history, culture, people and city life. The current exhibition is The Green Bus: Andrew Chapman’s 55-year photographic journey through the streets of Melbourne, at City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall. Open Monday to Friday only. Free entry.​
  ​
• ​Rome: Empire, Power, People – Melbourne Museum (until 25 Oct 2026). This major Melbourne-exclusive exhibition brings ancient Rome to life through more than 150 original artefacts—including statues, mosaics and jewellery—exploring the Empire’s power, culture and everyday life through immersive displays and storytelling. Tickets from $38. Read Kathy’s review here. Book tickets.​
  ​
• ​Retirees on the River (7–18 Sep 2026). Echuca Moama’s inaugural retirees program invites visitors to slow down and stay a little longer on the Murray. More than 30 local businesses are offering deals across accommodation, dining, guided tours, workshops and entertainment throughout the 12 days.
  ​
• ​Melbourne Fringe Festival (29 Sep–18 Oct 2026). Melbourne Fringe returns with three weeks of independent theatre, comedy, music, art, circus and unexpected performances under the theme “Turn Towards the Heat”. With more than 450 events across Melbourne and thousands of artists, the festival includes free public experiences as well as ticketed shows.​
  ​
• ​Radical Computing Exhibition (19 Sep 2026 – 21 Feb 2027). Explore the history and creative possibilities of personal computing in this interactive exhibition featuring early computers, creative coding, digital art and works by artists exploring how technology can be reimagined.
  ​
• ​Keepers’ Collection Tour: AFL History (23–24 Sep 2026). Step behind the scenes at the MCG and discover more than 100 years of AFL history told through premiership caps, trophies, medals and other treasured objects. An expert from the Australian Sports Museum’s Collections team will share the stories behind these pieces and how they are preserved. Tickets $135. Book here.​
  ​
• ​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​

​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.