Hi Reader,

Welcome to our special edition newsletter, all about the upcoming Victorian Seniors Festival this October. We love what this festival stands for—celebrating older Victorians with a month-long program of free and low-cost events, performances, and activities across the state—and we think everyone should know about it!

We’ve gathered all the highlights, tips, and must-sees so you can make the most of this year’s celebrations (including an event of our own!). It's also a good idea to check with your local council, library or community centre to see the range of events happening close to home.

And don't forget this extra reason to get excited: from 5 to 12 October 2025, Victorian Seniors Card holders can enjoy 8 days of free public transport across Victoria. That means unlimited travel on all metropolitan services, V/Line train and coach routes, and selected regional bus services outside the myki-enabled area. Simply touch on and off as usual with your Seniors Myki card, and your trips won’t be charged.

What events will you be attending?

Warmly,
Amy

P.S. You’ll spot a few partner businesses on our list. Some have paid for a little extra spotlight, but rest assured—we only say yes to partners we truly believe in. If it’s here, it’s something we've experienced and would happily recommend.

Explore the Seniors Festival this October

PARTNER CONTENT ​Join Active Melbourne​ From fun fitness sessions to new skills and social activities, there’s something for everyone across City of Melbourne recreation centres. Stay active, connected, and enjoy the festival spirit. Explore the program

​Silent Disco Fun 10 & 11 October​ From grooving to ’70s–’90s hits at Nunawading Library to dancing through Melbourne’s streets with Guru Dudu, these free silent disco events promise joy, music, and connection. Join the fun

​Historic Melbourne Pub Tour​ Join writer and guide Paul Daffey for an afternoon exploring Melbourne’s pub history. Tickets $60. Book your spot

​ ​Find us at Celebration Day​ City of Melbourne will host a day of live entertainment, activities, and community spirit as the festival officially launches at Fed Square. We hope to see you all there! View event details

Enter our Giveaways

​LAST CHANCE: Win tickets for a Retro Entrainment Cruise​ Head out on a lively short cruise for an afternoon of Rock’n Roll fun on the Bay. Entries close 7 am Tuesday 16 Sept. ENTER HERE

​Win $300 to spend on Melbourne River Cruises​ Win a $300 gift voucher to experience the city’s iconic sights from the beautiful Yarra River. ENTER HERE

Festival Event Highlights - Metro Melbourne

• ​Tours of Athenaeum Library (Mon 6 – Fri 10 Oct 2025). Discover the fascinating history of the historic Melbourne Athenaeum Library. Take a tour and hear about this important part of Melbourne’s living history. Tours will be held daily from 11 am. Bookings required.​
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• *Jen & Lisette’s Morning Melodies – Wollert & Nunawading. Step back in time with the much-loved Morning Melodies, where Jen Hawley and Lisette Payette will have you singing along to favourites from days gone by. Held in the welcoming clubhouses of Keyton retirement villages, and include morning tea. Book now: Sherwin Rise, Wollert (Mon 6 Oct 2025, 10–11.30am), Forest Hills, Nunawading (Fri 17 Oct 2025, 10am–12pm).
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• ​Niusia (Sat 4 Oct 7:30–9:00 pm & Sun 5 Oct 2:00–3:30 pm 2025). A granddaughter explores her Holocaust-surviving nana’s complex legacy. Touching, honest theatre at Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds. Seniors tickets $39–$42. Bookings essential.​
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• ​Mid-Autumn Festival Concert (Sun 12 Oct 2025, 1.30–4.00 pm). Celebrate with 140+ performers in classical, folk, chamber, dance and a cappella. Light refreshments included at Jordanville Community Centre, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone. Free entry. Bookings required.
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• ​Step Back in Time Williamstown Walking Tour (Tuesdays & Fridays in October, 11:45 am). Free guided tour exploring Williamstown’s historic seaport, hidden lanes, morgue, monuments and heritage buildings. Departs Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.

Festival Event Highlights - Regional Victoria

• ​Country Concerts (1-31 Oct 2025). Enjoy free and very low cost live music across 23 rural and regional communities in Victoria. For event details and and to book your spot, visit the Seniors Online website.​
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• *Goldfields Explorer Steam Train (Fridays & Sundays, Oct 2025). Departing from Platform 3, Castlemaine Station. Seniors save 15% in October with promo code SENIORS25 when booking online.
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• ​Heritage & Art Bus Tour (Every Thursday in Oct 2025, 10.00 am–2.00 pm). Explore Mornington Peninsula’s heritage and arts with guided tours, lunch, and transport included. Tickets $15. Bookings essential.​
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• ​Kirth Kiln Historic Talk & Bush Walks (Tue 21 Oct 2025). Discover Kurth Kiln history, enjoy static displays, morning tea, and optional guided bushwalks. Kirth Kiln Regional Park, 10.00 am–1.00 pm. Bookings required.
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• ​Barwon Park Open Days (Sundays & Wednesdays, Oct 2025). Explore a grand 42-room bluestone mansion near Winchelsea with guided tours by the National Trust. $10 entry, bookings via National Trust.

BEST DEALS - Seniors Festival

• *Cooks’ Tours: How-To Series (11, 19, 25 & 31 Oct 2025). Explore Dandenong Market, see a cooking demonstration, and enjoy a shared feast with Vietnamese, Japanese and Sri Lankan editions available. Save $20 with promo code SENIOR20. Highly recommended, read our review here.​
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• ​Melbourne River Cruises (1 – 31 Oct 2025). For a 20% discount on all sightseeing cruises and Williamstown products, simply use the promo code SIM20 at checkout when booking here.
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• ​Port Phillip Ferries (1 – 19 Oct 2025). Enjoy 30% off ferry travel! Explore Portarlington or Geelong in comfort—use code VicSeniors30 when booking concession tickets.
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• ​Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs (1 – 31 Oct 2025). Enjoy special programs including warm water exercise, body clay sessions, live music, and scones at the café. Senior bathing rates start from $45. Highly recommended, read our review here.​
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• ​Water Music, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (9 – 12 Oct 2025). A deeply resonant performance at Melbourne Recital Centre that pairs Handel’s Water Music with a brand-new piece composed by Rrawun Maymuru and Nick Wales. Use promo code SENIORSMELB20 for a 20% discount on A & B reserve seats.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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