Hello Reader,

I know many of you visited DIVA when it opened the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts... well, AMPA's new home inside Hamer Hall now has its next exhibition, ENCORE!, and I was invited to the media opening last week.

Celebrating fifty years of Australian performing arts under one roof, you walk in through gold curtains and it's instantly glamorous, proper show-stopper stuff. There are fifty objects in total, so allow well over an hour to take it all in properly, whether you're moving through everything or lingering on your favourites (and there'll be plenty).

A few of mine: Ossie Ostrich, Geoffrey Rush's crown, and Kylie's gold hot pants from the Spinning Around video, alongside costumes worn by Olivia Newton-John, Dame Joan Sutherland and Dame Nellie Melba. Plus, many more!

I noticed the price point is better this time round: just $16 with a Seniors Card. Being right by Flinders Street Station, it's an easy one to build a day out around. There are some lovely lunch spots along Southbank, and quite a few do midweek specials if you're heading in on a weekday.

Also, in celebration of the reopening of one of Melbourne’s most beloved theatres, entry to the ENCORE! exhibition will be free on 10 and 11 October.

Read our piece about AMPA and ENCORE! here.​

Enjoy your week,
Amy

P.S. Have you planned out your 9 days of free travel yet? From 3-11 October, Seniors myki holders travel free across Victoria's public transport network as part of Seniors Month, so there's really no better excuse to get out and about. Read our guide for a huge amount of inspiration and start locking in some outings.

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​A Night at The Victoria​ Step inside one of Melbourne’s oldest hotels, with theatres, restaurants and city attractions are right on the doorstep. Plan your stay

“ We were given last-minute tickets to the theatre, so we checked online for a hotel to stay the night. We chose The Victoria Hotel in Little Collins Street. We had heard about The Victoria Hotel from several friends, how central it was, how it’s been there for so long, and how good it is. ​Read more here.​ — Terrie

PARTNER CONTENT ​World-Class Jazz, Close to Home​ Melbourne International Jazz Festival lands at Bunjil Place this October, with two performances you won't want to miss — including a striking new work from the Australian Art Orchestra and a tribute to a jazz legend. Use code SENIOR10 for $10 off. Tickets from $20. See the line-up

​Make the Most of Spring​ Explore Melbourne in spring with gardens, roses, coffee tastings, art exhibitions and easy day trips that bring fresh ideas and colour to the season. Get inspired

​Christmas Comes to Melbourne​ Yes it's early! But if you're interested in a joyous Christmas concert, they do start to book out. Our guide rounds up ideas for enjoying Melbourne during the festive season. Start planning

​A Day of Coastal Charms​ Boutiques, bay views, historic streets and the Millionaire’s Walk come together in this relaxed day-trip itinerary. Explore Sorrento

PARTNER CONTENT ​Fancy a day out in Bendigo?​ We're running our guided train and walking tour on Saturday 3 October and again on Saturday 7 November. It's a full day with tour guide Paul Daffey, who's a wonderful storyteller. We catch the scenic train from Southern Cross Station, explore Bendigo on foot, have lunch together at the Shamrock Hotel, and travel home as a group. Book your spot

​Wear The Moment, Melbourne​ With over 300 designers and retailers across more than 100 free and ticketed events. The program's landed for Melbourne Fashion Week 2026, running 19 to 25 October. Don't miss the line-up

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Free Melbourne City Map with 10 Free CBD Experiences​
• ​Under the Clocks – Walking Tour of Melbourne​
• ​10 Best Restaurants Near Southern Cross Station (Within 500m)​

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 tickets to the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra​ Experience an unforgettable evening of classical music as Mozart and Salieri meet the world premiere of a rediscovered Pleyel concerto. Enter for your chance to enjoy this spectacular Australian Brandenburg Orchestra performance. Thursday 15 Oct at 7 pm ENTER NOW

Congrats to last week's giveaway winners Annette and Karen F, who won tickets to a Candlelight Concert of their choice anywhere in Victoria.

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Design X Nature (25 Sep – 18 Oct 2026). This free outdoor exhibition transforms the Australian Drylands into an open-air gallery, featuring new artworks by four artists responding to plant life, climate adaptation and the changing natural environment, alongside walks, talks and workshops. Free entry. Read more here.​
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• ​California Dreamin’ – The Laurel Canyon Story (20 Nov 2026). Travel back to the golden era of Laurel Canyon with the music of Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and other legendary artists, performed by The Beggars, Catlouise Johns and Steve Todd. Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds. Tickets from $65.​
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• ​Meet the Author: Marny Lishman (15 Oct 2026). Join psychologist and author Marny Lishman for an insightful author event exploring wellbeing, mindset and the ideas behind her work. A great opportunity to hear her share practical insights and connect with fellow readers. Tickets $10.​
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• ​The Gospel According to Paul (20 Oct – 1 Nov 2026). Jonathan Biggins returns as former Prime Minister Paul Keating in this acclaimed one-man political satire. Packed with razor-sharp wit, humour and fresh takes on contemporary politics, the award-winning production offers an entertaining and insightful portrait of one of Australia’s most influential leaders. Tickets from $65.​
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• ​The Enormous Radio (30 Sep–10 Oct 2026). Step into an uncanny audio encounter with the animal world in this immersive installation by Roslyn Oades and Bob Scott, exploring radio, sound and storytelling in an intriguing contemporary art experience. The SUBSTATION, Newport. Tickets $30.​
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• ​Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues (31 Oct–1 Nov 2026). Enjoy a weekend of jazz, blues, funk and soul, with performances from Australian artists including The Bamboos featuring Kylie Auldist, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers and Jamie Oehlers Quartet. The festival also features free community events, family activities and the National Jazz Awards.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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