Hello Reader, I’ve recently started following the journey of a Melbourne retiree named Michael Kerrisk — and I can’t stop thinking about it. At 63, Michael has set himself a remarkable challenge: travelling from Melbourne to London without getting on a single plane. No quick long-haul flight, no shortcuts. Instead, trains, buses, ships and a carefully mapped route that will take him through Southeast Asia, across China and into Central Asia — the “Stans” — before eventually reaching Europe....
7 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, It's Terrie here. Last week we took an easy train ride to the Showgrounds for the Caravan and Camping Show — and what a sight! From enormous luxury motorhomes (sadly beyond our budget!) to compact little vans, there were hundreds to step inside and compare. I quickly realised how useful it is to inspect them in person. Some were easy to climb into, others not so much — wobbly steps and missing handrails are worth noting. The Showgrounds is large, so I was grateful for the...
14 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, It's Kathy here! Revisiting familiar places at different stages of life can be surprisingly moving — and full of new discoveries. Thanks to the City of Melbourne, I recently joined their Chalk and Walk activity at Fawkner Park, part of the summer seniors program. Yes, sanctioned chalk graffiti! But this park was a very different place to the one I knew as a teenager back in the early 1970s. Back then, Fawkner Park meant winter softball matches — freezing winds, muddy slides,...
21 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, I smiled this week when I read that The New York Times has named Melbourne one of the top places in the world to visit in 2026. Quite the endorsement — especially for those of us who already call this city home. It’s a timely reminder that we don’t always need a long-haul flight to feel like we’re travelling. Melbourne and Victoria offer so much to explore: neighbourhoods we haven’t wandered in years, regional towns perfect for a gentle day trip, exhibitions, walks, and...
28 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, It’s Terrie here, I did something a little unexpected recently — I took part in a professional documentary-style interview to record our family’s love and life story. I’ll admit, when our daughter first suggested it, I was hesitant. Being filmed felt a bit daunting. But I’m so glad I said yes. Julian, the filmmaker from My Life Story Legacy, guided us gently through the whole process. We reflected on our 52 years of marriage, looked back through decades of photos, and talked...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader, While exploring our latest articles on the city’s hidden gems, I came across a few real head-turners: The world’s first feature-length film, The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), was made right here in Melbourne. Vegemite was invented in the 1920s by Dr Cyril Callister for Fred Walker & Co in the Melbourne area. The State Library of Victoria, established in 1854, is Australia’s oldest continuously operating public library. Early plans for an underground City Loop date back almost...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Kathy here. Not so long ago, my relationship with the city was a simple one. In and out. One errand, one appointment, then straight back home. Practical, efficient — and, if I’m honest, a little rushed. Something has shifted recently. After joining one of the Seniors in Melbourne walking tours, the city seemed to open up to me in a new way. I found myself lingering. Wandering into arcades I’d previously hurried past. Sitting down for coffee rather than grabbing it on the run....
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader, If you joined us at an Australian Brandenburg Orchestra concert last year, you’ll know exactly why we’re smiling as we write this. Thanks to our partnership, many of you were able to attend Brandenburg performances in 2025 — and the feedback that came back to us was overwhelmingly positive. Time and again, readers told us how much they loved the intimacy of the performances, the warmth of the musicians, and the way these concerts made familiar music feel fresh and alive. So we’re...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, It’s Terrie here. As of the 1st Jan, Seniors Myki holders can now travel free every weekend on public transport right across Victoria (indefinitely!). Trains, trams, buses and V/Line are all included. It’s a lovely boost for easy days out, visiting family, or simply heading somewhere new. A quick reminder: you still need to carry your Victorian Seniors Card and tap on and off with your Seniors Myki as usual — your Myki just won’t be charged for weekend travel (it's true, we've...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read