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Overview
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule.
We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine.
This week, play mini-golf inside a pop culture-themed bar, break a sweat dancing it out like Beyoncé and stock up on crafty presents at the Finders Keepers markets. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here.
All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
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Nothing’s better than hitting an indoor mini-golf course for a few holes of pop culture-themed fun on a Monday night. Holey Moley in the CBD features three nine-hole courses across two levels, plus pun-friendly beverages (see: Long Island Iced Tee) and rooms dedicated to The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, Pacman and Barbie. Plus, everyone can break out into song all together at the karaoke section of the course. Holey Moley is open from 12pm on Monday, so you can duck out of work early, and practice your putt from the arvo until late.
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Contrary to popular belief, the best time to be at Revolver Upstairs is not 3am on a Saturday morning. The classic Chapel Street venue is not only home to a dance floor, but also to a pretty great Thai restaurant, Colonel Tan’s by Karen Batson, of Cookie and Magic Mountain Saloon fame. From 5pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, grab a seat on those comfy couches and devour some spicy Thai food alongside a beverage. On Tuesdays, the venue hosts trivia, then DJs after 9pm. Get yourself down there, and discover a brand new side to the venue you most likely have a love-hate relationship with.
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At the top of Uptown Jazz Cafe’s unassuming set of stairs you’ll find an iconic Melbourne live jazz experience. The venue has a jam-packed lineup of local and international talent every week, so sit yourself down and enjoy the tunes that come from some of the world’s most talented jazz musicians. A perfect accompaniment to the evening — and one of the most-loved partnerships on the north side — is stand-out Japanese fare from downstairs neighbour Akari, who serves up delicious gyoza, okonomiyaki and sushi alongside beer and saké.
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Sweeten up that mid-week morning routine with a little help from the world-class pastries at Fitzroy favourite (and everyone’s favourite) Lune Croissanterie. The backstreet gem is serving what’s been described by The New York Times as the best croissants on the planet, alongside an array of other mouthwatering baked goods — both classic and inventive. Drop by the sleek space for a coffee and sugar hit in the form of a traditional pain au chocolate, signature cruffin creation or perhaps a twice-baked almond croissant — your day will be looking pretty great indeed.
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Who better to help launch you into weekend mode than the one-and-only Beyoncé? From 7pm each Friday night, hip hop-loving Mr Scruff’s plays host to Bey Party — a fun, beginner-friendly, Beyoncé-themed dance class that’ll have you breaking a sweat and throwing down some serious party moves. Rock up early to fuel your session with some of the kitchen’s stellar food, and stick around afterwards to show off those newfound moves once the bar’s Flyday Fridays DJ action kicks into gear. For only $15 at the door, you’ll shake off the stress of the week and get a nice hit of endorphins in the process.
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In 2013, 300 people danced to Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights in a field — and in 2017, the idea is back and bigger than ever. Yes, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is happening in Melbourne on Saturday, July 15. Yes, everyone should be dressed as Kate Bush, complete with a red dress, red stockings and black belt (men, that means you as well). On the day, a clowder (that’s the collective noun for Kate Bushes, just FYI) will descend upon the park and copy Bush’s swaying, kicky dance in unison just for the pure joy of it. Support for this weird and wonderful outing has been widespread, and Kate Bush fans from around the world have been inspired to create events in their home cities. So get your gear together and ready yourself to roll and fall in green, out on the wily, windy moors of Kings Domain. Registration is by donation.
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The super adorable Finders Keepers markets have been home to Melbourne’s most creative and quirky designers for more than seven years. And keeping with tradition, the independent hip-fest is returning to their home at Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building for 2017. The autumn/winter edition of the market will take place over three days this July — just in time for the snuggly season. You’ll be able to nab some marvellous treats difficult to find anywhere else, from bespoke leather goods to unique stationery, jewellery and all manner of cute and kooky knick-knack. Every stall will be a unique shopping experience that combines innovative design with grassroots feel-goodery.
Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.
By Libby Curran, Kelly Pigram and Nishan David.