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Here's How Booking A One-Night Trip To Melbourne Can Win You A Weekend Of Live Music And Thrills
Here's How Booking A One-Night Trip To Melbourne Can Win You A Weekend Of Live Music And Thrills

Buzz Feed

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Buzz Feed

Here's How Booking A One-Night Trip To Melbourne Can Win You A Weekend Of Live Music And Thrills

If you've been keen for a Melbourne trip, but don't want to end up spending an arm and a leg on your itinerary, now is the time to book. Virgin Australia and Visit Victoria are collaborating on a Melbourne overnight experience, called Last Flight Club, that'll give you all activities and food — fully comped. You just have to buy your flights. There's a whole itinerary for the experience that includes a private DJ set by Client Liason inside the Virgin Australia Lounge, dinner at Melbourne Supper Club and the chance to meet AFL legend Anthony 'Kouta' Koutoufides and AFLW star Darcy Vescio at Melbourne Cricket Ground. You'll also get a free comedy show on the flight over with host and comedian Ben Lomas on the mic. Plus, a guided Lego Star Wars tour and a special experience at Melbourne Museum that finishes off with some Insta-worthy snacks from the Star Wars Café. Seriously, bucket list stuff. The experience is all about showcasing how great Melbourne nightlife is. The city's got great bars, galleries, sport and street culture. A recent survey found 39% of Aussies rated Melbourne the best city for late-night experiences, the highest percentage of any Australian city. And this itinerary's got some of the best of it. As for the competition, to be eligible for Last Flight Club, all you have to do is book two flights through Virgin Australia and get your entry in here. That's it! Then you just cross your fingers and hope you get picked. Good luck.

'Unforgettable': Virgin launches party flight for one night in Melbourne
'Unforgettable': Virgin launches party flight for one night in Melbourne

The Advertiser

time17-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Advertiser

'Unforgettable': Virgin launches party flight for one night in Melbourne

Virgin Australia has unveiled a bold new flight for travellers wanting to party all night - no hotel required. Dubbed Last Flight Club, the first service departs Sydney for Melbourne at 8.30pm on Thursday, August 7, returning early the next morning "just as the sun is rising" - with late-night experiences, events and establishments able to be booked with the flight. Details of continuing Last Flight Club schedules and activities will come after launch. The initiative taps into Melbourne's reputation as Australia's nightlife capital. New Visit Victoria data shows 39 per cent of Australians rate Melbourne as the country's best city for late-night entertainment - ahead of Sydney at 23 per cent. Travellers can enjoy all-night pubs and clubs such as The Melbourne Supper Club, have a "sleepover" at the Melbourne Museum, check out one of the many live music acts across the city or take a behind-the-scenes gallery tour after hours. "Whilst other cities are wonderful, they might start winding down at nighttime, whereas we really come to life and particularly in winter," said Shay Keenan, Visit Victoria CMO. "It's what Melbourne is made for. Whether it's cosying up in a cocktail bar or having a wonderful late-night meal or even exploring our cultural institutions, there's just so much for people to do in Melbourne at night. It's a core part of what makes Melbourne Melbourne." But she said this was the first time they had done something like this, and praised Virgin for the "very different" initiative. Virgin Australia CMO Libby Minogue described Last Flight Club as "a bold new way to travel - turning a regular flight into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Melbourne after dark, all in one unforgettable night". Asked what gives Melbourne the edge over other cities after dark, Ms Keenan credited locals' enthusiasm for going out year-round - "rugged up, but everywhere" - as well as progressive liquor licensing and opening hours and hospitality innovations that keep the city buzzing into the night. The round-trip pricing starts at $290. Tickets for the launch flight are now open for registration, and travellers can also expect live entertainment onboard, a private DJ set in the lounge on arrival and free entry to the city's all-night events. Virgin isn't the only airline wooing night owls and partygoers. Air New Zealand is courting frustrated Sydney singles with its 30, Flirty and Flying campaign, giving away 30 return economy seats from Sydney to Queenstown to eligible singles. The airline's General Manager of Australia Kathryn O'Brien said their own research fhad found that 41 per cent of Sydney locals had "given up" on the local dating scene, 62 per cent are open to meeting someone outside their city, and 87 per cent have had, or are open to, a holiday romance. The campaign celebrates 30 years of flights between the cities and comes as Air NZ boosts capacity on the Sydney to Queenstown route by 26 per cent for the November 2025-March 2026 season. Virgin Australia has unveiled a bold new flight for travellers wanting to party all night - no hotel required. Dubbed Last Flight Club, the first service departs Sydney for Melbourne at 8.30pm on Thursday, August 7, returning early the next morning "just as the sun is rising" - with late-night experiences, events and establishments able to be booked with the flight. Details of continuing Last Flight Club schedules and activities will come after launch. The initiative taps into Melbourne's reputation as Australia's nightlife capital. New Visit Victoria data shows 39 per cent of Australians rate Melbourne as the country's best city for late-night entertainment - ahead of Sydney at 23 per cent. Travellers can enjoy all-night pubs and clubs such as The Melbourne Supper Club, have a "sleepover" at the Melbourne Museum, check out one of the many live music acts across the city or take a behind-the-scenes gallery tour after hours. "Whilst other cities are wonderful, they might start winding down at nighttime, whereas we really come to life and particularly in winter," said Shay Keenan, Visit Victoria CMO. "It's what Melbourne is made for. Whether it's cosying up in a cocktail bar or having a wonderful late-night meal or even exploring our cultural institutions, there's just so much for people to do in Melbourne at night. It's a core part of what makes Melbourne Melbourne." But she said this was the first time they had done something like this, and praised Virgin for the "very different" initiative. Virgin Australia CMO Libby Minogue described Last Flight Club as "a bold new way to travel - turning a regular flight into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Melbourne after dark, all in one unforgettable night". Asked what gives Melbourne the edge over other cities after dark, Ms Keenan credited locals' enthusiasm for going out year-round - "rugged up, but everywhere" - as well as progressive liquor licensing and opening hours and hospitality innovations that keep the city buzzing into the night. The round-trip pricing starts at $290. Tickets for the launch flight are now open for registration, and travellers can also expect live entertainment onboard, a private DJ set in the lounge on arrival and free entry to the city's all-night events. Virgin isn't the only airline wooing night owls and partygoers. Air New Zealand is courting frustrated Sydney singles with its 30, Flirty and Flying campaign, giving away 30 return economy seats from Sydney to Queenstown to eligible singles. The airline's General Manager of Australia Kathryn O'Brien said their own research fhad found that 41 per cent of Sydney locals had "given up" on the local dating scene, 62 per cent are open to meeting someone outside their city, and 87 per cent have had, or are open to, a holiday romance. The campaign celebrates 30 years of flights between the cities and comes as Air NZ boosts capacity on the Sydney to Queenstown route by 26 per cent for the November 2025-March 2026 season. Virgin Australia has unveiled a bold new flight for travellers wanting to party all night - no hotel required. Dubbed Last Flight Club, the first service departs Sydney for Melbourne at 8.30pm on Thursday, August 7, returning early the next morning "just as the sun is rising" - with late-night experiences, events and establishments able to be booked with the flight. Details of continuing Last Flight Club schedules and activities will come after launch. The initiative taps into Melbourne's reputation as Australia's nightlife capital. New Visit Victoria data shows 39 per cent of Australians rate Melbourne as the country's best city for late-night entertainment - ahead of Sydney at 23 per cent. Travellers can enjoy all-night pubs and clubs such as The Melbourne Supper Club, have a "sleepover" at the Melbourne Museum, check out one of the many live music acts across the city or take a behind-the-scenes gallery tour after hours. "Whilst other cities are wonderful, they might start winding down at nighttime, whereas we really come to life and particularly in winter," said Shay Keenan, Visit Victoria CMO. "It's what Melbourne is made for. Whether it's cosying up in a cocktail bar or having a wonderful late-night meal or even exploring our cultural institutions, there's just so much for people to do in Melbourne at night. It's a core part of what makes Melbourne Melbourne." But she said this was the first time they had done something like this, and praised Virgin for the "very different" initiative. Virgin Australia CMO Libby Minogue described Last Flight Club as "a bold new way to travel - turning a regular flight into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Melbourne after dark, all in one unforgettable night". Asked what gives Melbourne the edge over other cities after dark, Ms Keenan credited locals' enthusiasm for going out year-round - "rugged up, but everywhere" - as well as progressive liquor licensing and opening hours and hospitality innovations that keep the city buzzing into the night. The round-trip pricing starts at $290. Tickets for the launch flight are now open for registration, and travellers can also expect live entertainment onboard, a private DJ set in the lounge on arrival and free entry to the city's all-night events. Virgin isn't the only airline wooing night owls and partygoers. Air New Zealand is courting frustrated Sydney singles with its 30, Flirty and Flying campaign, giving away 30 return economy seats from Sydney to Queenstown to eligible singles. The airline's General Manager of Australia Kathryn O'Brien said their own research fhad found that 41 per cent of Sydney locals had "given up" on the local dating scene, 62 per cent are open to meeting someone outside their city, and 87 per cent have had, or are open to, a holiday romance. The campaign celebrates 30 years of flights between the cities and comes as Air NZ boosts capacity on the Sydney to Queenstown route by 26 per cent for the November 2025-March 2026 season. Virgin Australia has unveiled a bold new flight for travellers wanting to party all night - no hotel required. Dubbed Last Flight Club, the first service departs Sydney for Melbourne at 8.30pm on Thursday, August 7, returning early the next morning "just as the sun is rising" - with late-night experiences, events and establishments able to be booked with the flight. Details of continuing Last Flight Club schedules and activities will come after launch. The initiative taps into Melbourne's reputation as Australia's nightlife capital. New Visit Victoria data shows 39 per cent of Australians rate Melbourne as the country's best city for late-night entertainment - ahead of Sydney at 23 per cent. Travellers can enjoy all-night pubs and clubs such as The Melbourne Supper Club, have a "sleepover" at the Melbourne Museum, check out one of the many live music acts across the city or take a behind-the-scenes gallery tour after hours. "Whilst other cities are wonderful, they might start winding down at nighttime, whereas we really come to life and particularly in winter," said Shay Keenan, Visit Victoria CMO. "It's what Melbourne is made for. Whether it's cosying up in a cocktail bar or having a wonderful late-night meal or even exploring our cultural institutions, there's just so much for people to do in Melbourne at night. It's a core part of what makes Melbourne Melbourne." But she said this was the first time they had done something like this, and praised Virgin for the "very different" initiative. Virgin Australia CMO Libby Minogue described Last Flight Club as "a bold new way to travel - turning a regular flight into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Melbourne after dark, all in one unforgettable night". Asked what gives Melbourne the edge over other cities after dark, Ms Keenan credited locals' enthusiasm for going out year-round - "rugged up, but everywhere" - as well as progressive liquor licensing and opening hours and hospitality innovations that keep the city buzzing into the night. The round-trip pricing starts at $290. Tickets for the launch flight are now open for registration, and travellers can also expect live entertainment onboard, a private DJ set in the lounge on arrival and free entry to the city's all-night events. Virgin isn't the only airline wooing night owls and partygoers. Air New Zealand is courting frustrated Sydney singles with its 30, Flirty and Flying campaign, giving away 30 return economy seats from Sydney to Queenstown to eligible singles. The airline's General Manager of Australia Kathryn O'Brien said their own research fhad found that 41 per cent of Sydney locals had "given up" on the local dating scene, 62 per cent are open to meeting someone outside their city, and 87 per cent have had, or are open to, a holiday romance. The campaign celebrates 30 years of flights between the cities and comes as Air NZ boosts capacity on the Sydney to Queenstown route by 26 per cent for the November 2025-March 2026 season.

Debutant's goal helps Matildas past Argentina
Debutant's goal helps Matildas past Argentina

Yahoo

time30-05-2025

  • General
  • Yahoo

Debutant's goal helps Matildas past Argentina

Debutant Kahli Johnson has shone as an inexperienced Matildas line-up claimed a 2-0 win over Argentina to ensure Tom Sermanni's 150th game at the helm proved a happy one. Johnson headed home a wonderful cross from Charli Grant in the 38th minute in front of 43,020 fans at Marvel Stadium, and won't care that she appeared clearly offside. Australia doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Kaitlyn Torpey shanked a cross into the top corner. Interim boss Sermanni, who has coached the Matildas across three stints, appears likely to finish up after Monday night's second game in Canberra. Joe Montemurro is widely expected to take on the full-time job after the current international window. A dream debut goal for Kahli Johnson 🎯And at 21, she's just getting started 📈🎥 @10FootballAU #AUSvARG #Matildas #VisitMelbourne #VisitVictoria — CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) May 30, 2025 The Matildas' starting line-up had just 438 combined caps heading into the game - with Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy claiming 293 of them. Captain Steph Catley and Arsenal teammates Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross didn't play after arriving in camp on Wednesday night following their Women's Champions League triumph. Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold aren't in the current squad. But Australia still had 16 shots (six on target) to six, while Argentina didn't register a shot on target until the 80th minute. Johnson, who had scored three goals in six games for Calgary Wild in Canada's Northern Super League, was among Australia's best, impressing with her deft footwork and strength on the ball. Six minutes into the match, Johnson burst down the left and cut the ball inside for Holly McNamara, who couldn't keep her shot down. Another six minutes later, McNamara latched onto a cross from Charli Grant but couldn't turn her volley on target. Cross or shot, we don't care 😉Kaitlyn Torpey has her second #Matildas goal to double our advantage 👊🎥 @10FootballAU #AUSvARG #VisitMelbourne #VisitVictoria — CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) May 30, 2025 In the 15th minute, Florencia Bonsegunda cracked a long-range strike over the bar - which would prove Argentina's only shot for the half. The Matildas struck in the 38th minute when Grant burst down the right flank and curled a superb cross to the back post for Johnson to head home. Replays showed the attacker was offside but there is no VAR in friendlies. Johnson turned her defender then whipped a long-range effort just wide in the 49th minute. McNamara couldn't keep a speculative shot down in the 61st, while she forced Argentina goalkeeper Chaves into a save four minutes later. Torpey scored when she attempted to launch a cross into the area but didn't hit it cleanly, and watched on in disbelief as it nestled in the goal. Chaves made a good save to deny Wheeler at the near post in the 72nd minute and the Matildas couldn't find a third goal.

Porn king's new book laments decline of larrikinism
Porn king's new book laments decline of larrikinism

The Age

time18-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Age

Porn king's new book laments decline of larrikinism

With all that behind him, Costas last graced these pages as the man behind British nativist politician Nigel 'Mr Brexit' Farage 's 2022 Antipodean tour, and has recently been doing interviews rebranding as a wise survivor of the digital publishing game. Now, it seems like Costas has taken a dash of inspiration from the blokes he's spent years bringing to Australia. Juiced Up An opening night standing ovation (when isn't there one in Melbourne?) at the Regent Theatre on Saturday for the Australian premiere of 'the global phenomenon' Beetlejuice The Musical 'proudly backed by the Victorian government', according to its own press release. But how much did the cash-strapped government via Visit Victoria and the Major Events tourism slush fund sling into the coffers of producer Michael Cassel for the musical you didn't know you needed, adapted from the much-loved 1988 Tim Burton gothic comedy film? Well, that's a state secret. Anyway, shush, the 'hit show nominated for eight Tony Awards' has songs and music by home-town boy Eddie Perfect and is contributing to Victoria's record $40 billion visitor economy, so just enjoy the show, OK? So who went? Everyone from songwriter and performer Tim Minchin to prominent financier and philanthropist Peter Yates. ABC Melebrities included ABC News Breakfast presenter Bridget Brennan and presenter of everything else Patricia Karvelas. ABC-aligned opening-night eventists included comedian Sammy J and Spicks and Specks panellist Alan Brough. Also up for a good time was Seven News presenter Karina Carvalho, actor Alison Whyte and actor Kat Stewart, who used to star with Perfect in Offspring. And at 7pm, just before lights down and curtain up, who were standing slap bang in the middle of the auditorium, having a power chat? None other than Martin Pakula, now chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and forthcoming chair of Crown Resorts (regulatory approval pending) and NGV president of trustees Janet Whiting. Loading Janet was appointed chair of Visit Victoria when Marty was major events minister. As the government likes to spruik, Melbourne is the 'cultural capital of the nation' but it's still a small town. Roy and his (Aussie) toy Last week, CBD brought word of former Liberal frontbencher Wyatt Roy 's remarkable post-political journey to Saudi Arabia, where he's become part of the kingdom's squillion-dollar global PR campaign to launder its image. In an attempt to show off the kingdom's cool and fun side, Roy posted an Instagram video of himself jetskiing while waving the Saudi flag. Turns out our youngest ever MP and minister hadn't completely abandoned his Aussie roots. In the video, Roy was riding an electric-powered water board from Byron Bay-based company Fliteboard, founded by kitesurfing world record holder and serial entrepreneur David Trewern. Before being turfed out of politics, Roy was assistant minister for innovation in the famously innovative and agile Turnbull government, and it's nice to see him maintaining the passion for True Blue Australian innovative agility on the global stage. Loading Head of innovation is also Roy's title at Neom, the futuristic linear megacity that is the vanity project of Saudi de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman. Right now, Neom needs all the innovation it can get. Recent reports suggested the project was set to blow out to an eye-watering $US8.8 trillion, and take over half a century to build. Various elements of the ambitious project have recently been scaled back, and former chief executive Nadhmi Al-Nasr departed last year. With financials like that, we don't begrudge Wyatt a little aquatic escapism. Dicker down All good things must come to an end. On Friday, one of Australia's most eccentric rich-listers stepped down as chairman and chief executive of the company he co-founded in 1978. We're talking about David Dicker, the (almost) billionaire behind Dicker Data. The lavishly bearded lover of fast cars and private jets left Australia in 2019 because it was an 'authoritarian shithole' to live his best life out of a Dubai hotel room. In the past two years, Dicker has sold nearly $300 million worth of stock in his logistics software company, citing costs associated with the divorce settlement with his second wife, Delwyn Dicker. The firm announced its co-founder's departure to the market late on Friday, with Dicker set to stay on for six months in a consulting role. Meanwhile, the other co-founder, Fiona Brown, who happens to be Dicker's other ex-wife, will move into an executive chair role.

[Watch] Beyond Melbourne's City Limits: Where Urban Sophistication Meets Rural Charm
[Watch] Beyond Melbourne's City Limits: Where Urban Sophistication Meets Rural Charm

Rakyat Post

time07-05-2025

  • Rakyat Post

[Watch] Beyond Melbourne's City Limits: Where Urban Sophistication Meets Rural Charm

Subscribe to our FREE AirAsia X's 'Rediscover Melbourne and Surrounds' invites participating media and KOLs to experience Victoria's remarkable diversity. The initiative builds on the airline's celebrated return to the Victorian capital and its commitment to showcasing Australia's vibrant destinations. This carefully crafted journey perfectly aligns with Visit Victoria's 'Every Bit Different' campaign philosophy. It highlights the state's incredible diversity, passion, and creativity through a seamless blend of urban sophistication and rural charm. As we venture beyond Melbourne's urban confines, the program reveals how the city's sophisticated appeal extends into its surrounding regions, offering an interactive storytelling experience beyond traditional tourism. The famil is designed to showcase Victoria's multifaceted character – from Melbourne's hidden laneways and world-class dining to the state's tiny towns and jaw-dropping natural wonders, ensuring visitors experience the destination's true depth and diversity. Dawn Adventures with an Eco-Tourism Pioneer Standing atop the rugged cliffs of the Mornington Peninsula, we watch as the morning sun bathes the coastline in golden light while meeting Nic Cooper, the innovative founder of Below us, early morning paddleboarders glide across the crystal-clear waters like silent sentinels. At the same time, silver gulls and white-bellied sea eagles soar overhead, their wings catching the first rays of sunshine. The scene becomes even more picturesque as locals emerge for their morning ritual. Their dogs bound joyfully through the shallows, creating ripples that catch the light like scattered diamonds on the water's surface. As we begin our paddleboarding adventure, Nic shares his passionate vision for eco-conscious tourism. His voice carries the conviction of someone who's dedicated his life to preserving these natural wonders. Our group takes to the water under Nic's expert guidance, while overlooking from above, the coastal cliffs stand as ancient guardians of this pristine seascape. The gentle lapping of waves against our boards creates a meditative rhythm as Nic explains how Wild Adventures Melbourne redefines tourism through environmental stewardship. His recent award validates years of dedication to sustainable practices. This morning perfectly encapsulates the essence of Nic's vision—where adventure meets responsibility. We share the waters with playful dogs splashing nearby, their owners strolling along the beach, all of us united in our appreciation for this stunning coastal sanctuary. Majesty at Arthur's Seat Eagle Our day continues with a breathtaking gondola ride at Named after the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, this all-weather experience offers a bird's-eye view of Victoria's stunning coastline, all just an hour from Melbourne's heart. The comfortable, fully accessible cabins provide the perfect vantage point to appreciate the region's natural beauty, historical significance, and diverse landscapes. Each journey reveals new perspectives of the peninsula's dramatic coastline and lush forests below. Following our aerial adventure, we rejoined Nic for a picturesque picnic lunch. As the 2024 Emerging Leader Award recipient, Nic shares his passion for sustainable tourism and his vision for preserving Victoria's natural wonders while making them accessible to visitors. Coastal Vistas and Wildlife Encounters Descending from our aerial adventure, we make our way to Our eyes light up as we enter the 10-hectare bushland haven. The highlight of our visit was cuddling an adorable koala during a special encounter session. The soft fur and peaceful demeanour of these iconic marsupials make for an unforgettable moment. We spend a delightful hour hand-feeding the friendly kangaroos and wallabies who hop right up to us, gently taking food from our palms while we marvel at being so close to these magnificent creatures. The sanctuary's commitment to conservation comes alive as we watch a spectacular show featuring its resident Between encounters with wombats, curious dingos, and various reptiles, we gain a deeper appreciation for Australia's unique wildlife. Just 50 minutes from Melbourne's bustling centre, this award-winning eco-tourism destination is much more than a simple wildlife park—it's a place where conservation meets education in the most engaging way possible. All Aboard the Nostalgia Express The next day, as dawn breaks over the Dandenong Ranges, we meet Peter Janssen from Visit Victoria at With childlike excitement, we dangle our legs from the vintage carriage—a cherished tradition that makes this journey uniquely special—as the whistle pierces the morning silence. The mighty steam engine begins its 13-kilometre journey with a powerful chug, and we're instantly transported back in time as we wind through the southern reaches of Sherbrooke Forest. Our collective gasps echo across the carriage as we cross timber trestle bridges, our feet floating above fern-filled gullies. At the same time, the morning sun filters through towering mountain ash trees, creating a magical dance of light and shadow. The fresh mountain air, tinged with eucalyptus and steam, fills our lungs as Peter shares fascinating tales of the railway's rich history. We're completely immersed in this timeless experience for two enchanting hours, leaning out (safely!) to catch glimpses of the engine as it rounds magnificent bends, its whistle echoing off the valley walls. We're already planning our return as we approach Lakeside Station, knowing we've just experienced one of Australia's most beloved heritage adventures. A Blooming Autumn Spectacle As we step through the entrance of the We find ourselves wandering through meadow after meadow of delightful blooms, pausing frequently to take photos, while above us, skilled artists from Circus Oz perform mesmerising acts on their sway poles, which have everyone's heads tilted skyward. The gentle autumn breeze carries the sweet fragrance of flowers as we make our way to the festival's centrepiece—the towering Ferris wheel. During our ride, we're treated to a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the vast floral tapestry below, with lively music from the grounds floating up to meet us. We join a tractor ride through the flowering fields, our guide sharing fascinating stories about the farm's heritage, while fellow visitors exclaim in delight at each new vista. The afternoon light casts a golden glow across the 'Autumn Fever Days' festivities. We find ourselves caught up in the infectious energy of weekend celebrations, moving between various photo spots that seem designed to capture the magic of the moment. Our day at the festival turns out to be more than just a visit – it becomes a multi-sensory adventure where every turn reveals another 'completely unexpected but so happy we came' moment, from the circus performances to the stunning seasonal blooms that make this autumn celebration truly unforgettable. Sweet Discoveries The afternoon takes us to the In the show kitchen, visitors watch mesmerised as master chocolatiers demonstrate their artistry, transforming premium ingredients into an extensive range of creations from classic truffles to innovative fusion flavours and unique chocolate spreads. The Chocolaterie's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the carefully sourced ingredients to the meticulous presentation, making the space itself a feast for all senses. The generous free chocolate tastings become an exercise in willpower, as visitors sample their way through an extensive selection, each piece more tempting than the last. Beyond chocolate, the establishment has expanded to include a gourmet ice creamery, making it a year-round destination that draws both local and international visitors. Whether watching chocolatiers at work, participating in tasting sessions, or simply enjoying the valley views while savouring handcrafted treats, the venue offers a unique blend of gastronomy and entertainment that celebrates the art of chocolate making. Nature's Bounty at Rayner's Orchard Meeting Veeresh Karvirmat, the passionate owner of Rayner's Orchard, offers a window into one of the Yarra Valley's most diverse agricultural treasures. Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne's city centre in the heart of Victoria's food bowl, this boutique orchard has become a cornerstone of the region's agricultural tourism. The orchard's impressive collection spans over 450 varieties of fruit, making it a year-round destination where visitors can experience different harvests throughout the seasons. What sets Rayner's apart is its unique 'Fruit Tasting Adventure Tours,' during which guests can sample fruits directly from the trees and learn about each variety's distinctive characteristics and optimal ripeness. Under Karvirmat's stewardship, the orchard has evolved into more than just a fruit-growing enterprise. Visitors can participate in educational tractor tours through the grounds, where experienced guides share insights about sustainable farming practices and the orchard's history. Urban Adventures on Two Wheels The next morning finds us at Docklands, where The three-hour journey on well-maintained bikes takes us through the city's most popular areas, including a memorable stop at the renowned Queen Victoria Market, where Melbourne's historic heart comes alive. Our expert guide weaves fascinating narratives about Melbourne's history and culture while leading us safely through a carefully crafted route of trails and roads, ensuring a comfortable experience for all skill levels. The tour reveals Melbourne's famous café culture and architectural heritage up close as we pedal through hidden backstreets and historic arcades. Our guide shares insights about various subjects that bring the city's story to life. Each turn brings new discoveries, from vibrant markets to tucked-away laneways, offering perspectives that even many locals haven't experienced. We roll past significant landmarks that showcase the city's rich heritage. This bicycle adventure proves to be an ideal introduction to Melbourne. It combines exercise with exploration and covers the majority of the city's iconic locations and lesser-known gems in a way that would be impossible to achieve on foot. Melbourne's Mosaic: A Journey Through Victoria's Many Faces As our journey through Melbourne and its surrounds comes to a close, we're struck by how seamlessly the region blends its various personas – from a sophisticated urban centre to historic steam railways, from a wildlife sanctuary to a culinary haven. Each experience builds upon the last, creating a rich tapestry that proves Victoria is indeed #EveryBitDifferent. This collaboration between AirAsia X and Every day brings new discoveries, and every turn leads to unexpected delights. As we pack our bags filled with chocolates from the Yarra Valley and memories of steam train whistles, we understand why Melbourne and its surroundings continue to captivate travellers seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary. AirAsia X operates flights to Melbourne three times a week, alongside other flights in Australia, including thrice-weekly services to the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. 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