Overview
So, you've managed to talk yourself out of your plan to move to the Bahamas and become a famous Instagram influencer. Bummer. Sure, taking staged pics of your legs with palm trees in the background might've been a nice life for a while, but it would've become boring in due course — and think of the sunburn.
To help fill that void, satisfy your wanderlust and populate your feed, we've partnered with Mitsubishi to find the best new experiences to keep you entertained. The beauty of it, you won't even need to stray too far from your city. In celebration of the new Eclipse Cross, we've curated a list of activities for each day of the week and best of all, they're easily accessible. Leave the Bahamas for next year, hey?
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22: THE WORLD OF WESTWOOD
Unleash your inner fashionista and learn about style icon Vivienne Westwood.
Cinema Nova has long been the place for cheap movies and Monday is discount day. There are killer choc tops — tiramisu, we see you — and surprisingly good coffee on offer, plus the cinema gets a nice mix of big Hollywood bangers and smaller arthouse films. In October, the new Vivienne Westwood doco will be on show, Vivienne Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist, summing up the life and times of a fashion icon from the Brit punk times of the 70s. Still relevant as ever, go learn about the boss lady at Nova for a chill $10 on a Monday evening. Book your tickets first, so you don't miss out. And, no, unfortunately, you can't reserve a tiramisu choc top.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23: ALL THE CHEESE
Hit up the Holey Cheese Festival and sample fromage from all over.
If what's missing in your week thus far is a huge dose of cheese, look no further. The Holey Cheese Festival comes to town from Tuesday, October 23 to deliver you a spectacle of the stinky, creamy delights we so love. The Queen Vic Market will host this week-long cheese bonanza featuring fromage from all over, wine and live music. Tastings will take place en masse, and bigger bites will be available from food trucks, Melbourne chefs and market traders. If you're keen to delve a little deeper, there are cooking demos, too. Discovering is the name of the game here, that, and cheese.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24: GAMES NIGHT
Hang with your old mate Donkey Kong at this retro arcade bar.
Bartronica is Melbourne's answer to an old-school games arcade, albeit with a grown-up twist. The underground video parlour and bar — along a lane, past an unmarked door, down some stairs and in a basement because Melbourne — has everything from retro pinball machines to Donkey Kong, and even Nintendo 64s to really placate those craving a throwback. Keep in mind tournaments are played on the reg, so get working on your finger and wrist dexterity and gain gaming glory.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25: AUTHENTIC CREPES
Do as the French do and enjoy a crepe in the park.
Oh, crepes — those buckwheat slices of pure joy that we would wrap ourselves up in forever if we could. While that may not be possible, you can still get your hands on these bébés at Breizoz French Creperie. The Fitzroy eatery has the goods, in both savoury and sweet form, right on Brunswick Street. Grab one of each, then stroll over to Carlton Gardens and pretend you're in a Parisian park. The imagination works best when it's stimulated by hot, thin, cheesy pancakes — it's a proven fact.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26: INTERSTELLAR SHOWING
Check out a flick about astronomy to learn about the galaxy and beyond.
Planetarium Nights have hit Scienceworks and it's the perfect alternative to a boozy Friday night out. Let's face it, super loud music and $20 drinks can get a little tired. This is a much more wholesome way to kick-start your weekend. The adults-only nights at Spotswood's science museum will broadcast two screenings each night: one to do with astronomy and what's going on up in the sky, the other an art film about voyages into unseen worlds. You can get drinks from the bar, so you can mull over the big questions of the universe while sipping on a nice pinot.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27: FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE
While away the day in the Rhododendron Gardens then treat yourself to some choccie.
Brace the day, get out of bed early and drive up to the Dandenong Ranges — that way, you'll beat the rest of the tourists (the road up is only one lane so it can be a slow crawl). Head to the National Rhododendron Gardens, where it'll be especially beautiful now that it's spring, for a walk around the 103-acre gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful rosellas and lyrebirds, too. Then, once you've done the hard yards, treat yourself to a feast at new Olinda cafe and chocolate factory Only Mine.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28: TATTOOS FOR CHARITY
Wind up the week with a spontaneous Sunday tattoo — hey, it's for charity.
Always wanted a tat? Be spontaneous and get one this Sunday. Okay, so it might be wise to put a little more thought into it than that, but if you've had one on your mind hit up the Not Just A Girl Flash Day on Sunday, October 28. This charity tattoo day will be held by Australia's leading female-identifying tattoo artists, who will each have a sheet of original designs ready for walk-ins. The event will be cash only and all proceeds will go towards three charities supporting women in need: Women's and Girl's Emergency Centre, Stars Foundation and Full Stop Foundation.
Where to next? Make the most of every week with Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and navigate to your next destination here.
Top image: Letícia Almeida.