Hello Reader,

If your October calendar isn't already bursting at the seams, what are you doing? The Victorian Seniors Festival launches tomorrow, and it's going to be a bumper month of events, discounts and things to do right across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

We've spent the past few weeks combing through the program, and we've pulled together our pick of the best deals on offer — some from businesses who've kindly partnered with us to reach our wonderful community, others we've simply stumbled across and thought were too good not to share. Think discounted river cruises, cheaper entry to the Skydeck, and 10% off your bill at some of our favourite CBD lunch spots.

If you're keen to explore beyond the city, don't miss our roundup of the best regional events — from gold rush heritage tours to garden festivals and everything in between.

And don't forget: from 3 to 11 October, Seniors myki holders get a full free week of public transport right across the state. It's the perfect excuse to hop on a train and visit somewhere new, without spending a cent on getting there.

The festivities officially kick off with Celebration Day at Federation Square this Saturday. This will be a full day of free entertainment, live music, information and activities for all. No booking required, so just turn up and join the fun. We may well see some of you there!

Let us know what you have planned. Here's to a wonderful month ahead.

Warmly,
Amy

P.S. Feeling unsure about catching public transport? Our contributor Kathy has shared some wonderful tips and ideas to help you make the most of exploring Melbourne and Victoria. Read her tips here.​

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​A Steam Train Day Out​ Step aboard a heritage steam train and travel through the Goldfields, with historic towns, countryside views and a glimpse into railway restoration along the way. Read more

“ After a couple of days in our campervan at Maryborough and Newstead, we ended up at Castlemaine on Father’s Day to meet up with our son, his wife and their two young children, and go on the Goldfields historic rail line to Maldon. ​Read more here.​ — Rob

PARTNER CONTENT ​Mozart, Salieri & Pleyel​ Mozart meets two remarkable discoveries: a Salieri Sinfonia unheard for centuries and a rediscovered Pleyel concerto receiving its world premiere. Live at Melbourne Recital Centre from 15 - 18 Oct. Receive our exclusive 20% discount on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20 Book now

​Life Experience Is the Lead​ Why cast seasoned voices in Helen Garner's The Spare Room? Because a life well lived makes a very good trampoline for the imagination. Hear it from the librettist. The Spare Room, Playhouse Theatre, from 7 to 10 October, tickets from $39. Read our interview

​See Australian Art Differently​ A guided tour can change the way you see familiar artworks at The Ian Potter Centre, with stories and context adding fresh meaning to the visit. Explore the gallery

​A Hotel With More Nearby​ Nadine share's about her stay at this comfortable base with shopping, dining and plenty of places to explore nearby. Read Nadine's review

PARTNER CONTENT ​Mozart’s Beloved Piano Concerto Brilliance​ Treat your senses to a morning of musical delight featuring Mozart’s cherished Piano Concerto No.21 alongside inventive works from Westlake and Stravinsky, all in Melbourne Recital’s elegant Southbank hall. Thurs 29 Oct at 11 am Book your seat

​A Taste of Gluten-Free Melbourne​ Explore a wide range of gluten-free foods, meet specialist makers and hear from experts at Melbourne’s returning expo for food, knowledge and community. Plan your visit

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​23 Fun Group Activities Melbourne Offers for Adults ​
• ​Birrarung Riverfest 2026: our Guide to Melbourne’s River Festival​
• ​Top Wineries in the Grampians​

Enter This Week's Giveaways

​Win Tickets to I Am Woman​ Celebrate the legendary women of 1960s Australian music with cabaret stars Amelia Ryan and Libby O’Donovan OAM. Enter for your chance to enjoy an afternoon of humour, stories and unforgettable songs. ENTER NOW

​Win a Double Pass to The Gospel According to Paul​ Enjoy a sharp and hilarious take on Australian politics as Jonathan Biggins returns as Paul Keating in this acclaimed comedy. Enter for your chance to see the updated show live at Arts Centre Melbourne. ENTER NOW

Congrats to last week's giveaway winner, Connie A, who received tickets to the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra; Mozart, Salieri & Pleyel this October.

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​BLOOM – Bendigo & Heathcote (until 31 Oct 2026). Delve into 175 years of gold rush history with more than 60 experiences, including the Loddon Valley Arts Trail (2–4 October), the Bendigo Comedy Festival (7 – 17 October) and the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival (10–11 October).
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• ​Hardware Lane Precinct: 1.5-hour Walking Tour (Fridays, 2 pm – 3.30 pm). Behind Bourke Street, uncover the old warehouses, service lanes and quiet corners revealing how the city has reinvented itself over time. Tickets $40. Book here.​
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• ​Margaret Preston (until 31 Jan 2027). This major retrospective brings together more than 200 paintings, prints and sculptures spanning Margaret Preston’s seven-decade career, exploring her influential role in Australian modernism alongside contemporary First Nations responses to her work. Tickets from $33. Read Angie's review here.​
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• ​One Enchanted Evening Mystery Book Night (27 Oct 2026). Enjoy a special evening celebrating books, storytelling and the magic of live author events at Mary Martin Books. Tickets include a mystery book, a cosy venue, a glass of wine, and a moderated author session with signing. Tickets $50.​
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• ​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.​
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• ​Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the Gum Tree (until 21 Nov 2026). This major free exhibition explores the cultural, environmental and artistic significance of the eucalypt through more than 160 historical and contemporary works. Featuring renowned artists including Arthur Boyd, Albert Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira and Christian Thompson, alongside new commissions created for the exhibition. The Potter Museum of Art, Parkville. Free entry.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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