Overview
Sometimes it feels like the only thing to do with your 'I haven't had a holiday in three years' woes is to jump in your car and leave town in a hurry. The nine-to-five might be getting you down — especially as the warm weather is being such a tease — and you might be sitting at your desk dreaming of standing up and flipping it, quitting your job and cruising up the Princes to a new destination. But, it's probably best you don't.
Perhaps, a better idea would be to get to know the parts of your city that you're not so familiar with. Joining forces with Mitsubishi to celebrate of the new Eclipse Cross, we've curated a list of experiences for every day this week to trick you into believing you're in a new town with a fresh vibe. And, you won't even need to quit your job.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15: SWIM AND CROISSANTS
Do some laps then treat yourself to a tasty pastry.
Start your week off energised and get your blood pumping with some laps at the Fitzroy Swimming Pool. Once you've done had your swim and a hot shower, you'll be ready to crack on with your Monday. But first, breakfast. Make a beeline straight for Lune and its renowned croissants. Grab a buttery, chocolate or almond version (or one of each, for research's sake) and scoff it down on your way to work, inspiring morning envy in those around you on the tram.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16: VEGAN TUESDAYS
Gorge on vegan Indian fare guilt-free for just $25.
Keep Meat-Free Monday going and hit up Babu Ji, an Indian restaurant on St Kilda's Grey Street that runs Vegan Tuesdays every week. It's an all-you-can-eat sort of affair; devour as much rice and curry as you can for just $25. While the menu varies week to week, all the offerings are completely vegan and can be made gluten free as well (hello, gluten-free naan). The night is intended to showcase the versatility of Indian food and how easily it can cater for dietary requirements like veganism. And, yes, pappadums are included.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17: A DAY OF PODCASTS
Get up close and personal with the best podcasting talent at ACMI.
Head along to OzPod 2018, the Australian Podcast Conference taking place at ACMI, presented by ABC. The conference will take place on Wednesday, October 17, with a number of international podcasters scheduled to appear. American Julia Lowrie Henderson from the podcast Bikram and Canadian Veronica Simmonds from podcasts Alone: A Love Story, Sleepover and Tai Asks Why will be there, as will locals Hedley Thomas from The Teacher's Pet, Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe from Double J's Bang On, Honor Eastly from Starving Artist and Being Honest with My Ex and Yumi Stynes from ABC's Ladies We Need to Talk. The conference will combine audio storytellers, producers and innovators, with more of the program to be announced soon.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18: UNRAVELING PERFECTIONISM
Head to a talk at MPavilion and learn about the inherent human need to be 'perfect'.
MPavilion is about to kick into gear for another year, with the annual spring/summer installation kicking off in October. On Thursday, October 18, you can swing by Perfectionisms: an event focusing that inherent human need to be 'perfect' and how it can positively and negatively affect us. Dr David Irving, Dr Margaret Osborne, Professor Shitij Kapur and Professor Alan Duffy will all turn their considerable brain powers to answer questions about the hunt for perfection and why it drives us. Perhaps, this is the perfect mid-week reality check you need.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19: FINDERS KEEPERS MARKET
Peruse the local designs and wares at this seasonal market.
Finders Keepers swings back into town this October, taking place at The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton from Friday, October 19. Head over to the design market that will, as always, feature leading local designers (and those from across the rest of the country, too). In its tenth year, Finders Keepers has grown to be one of Australia's leading markets and supports more than 1200 sellers yearly. With design, art, fashion as well as food and live music to sustain shoppers — even if you don't buy much, your mood leading into the weekend will be amped right up.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20: CITY ESCAPE
Get back to the great outdoors and explore Werribee Gorge.
Make full use of the sunny days that we've been copping and take the opportunity to go on an adventure this weekend. Head to Werribee Gorge to do a walk and take in some of the west-of-the-city charms. There's nothing like a bit of fresh air and a beautiful environment — only an hour or so out of Melbourne, too — to renew what you love about the city. Take a hike along the popular Werribee Gorge Circuit, an eight-kilometre hike that's perfect for beginners — or those who've been in winter hibernation and have forgotten how to spell the word 'exercise'.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21: BIG FASHION SALE
Update your warm-weather wardrobe for less.
Along with Finders Keepers, the Big Fashion Sale also hits Melbourne from October 18–21, so you can make your weekend a fashion and design-heavy one. It is the changing of the seasons, after all. The designer clearance sale will set up on Easey Street in Collingwood for the weekend and will be open from 10am–5pm. With EFTPOS available, you'll probably find it easy enough to nab a bargain from a top designer. More than 50 brands are represented and some will be discounted up to 80 percent —that'll get you moving on a Sunday, even if you're sore from yesterday's hike.
Where to next? Make the most of every week with Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and navigate to your next destination here.