Happy happy Aus Open weekend, everybody. It's time to pour an Aperol and cheer for Jack Draper. Here's everything you need to keep you busy this weekend, both on and off the court.

The Headlines

• Food and sport are two of the things Melbourne does better than a lot of places—combine the two, and it's hard to go too far wrong. In true Broadsheet style, they've rounded up the very best eats both inside and outside of Melbourne Park. Some highlights at the Open itself include a taste of Entrecôte's famous steak frites or Vietnamese rice bowls or salad from Good Days, a humble spot you'll recognise from the streets of Brunswick. We're excited for the "what I ate in a day at the tennis" videos already.

• We are constantly treated to the best of the best new openings here in Melbourne, and things aren't slowing down in 2025. For those always on the lookout for their new favourite eateries—hot off the press are Broadsheet's picks for the top openings that are coming up. Top of the list is Masses Bagels’ first brick-and-mortar store. After making a name for themselves at Carlton Farmers Market, their new store is due to open in January in Collingwood. Check out the list for the rest of Melbourne's most talked-about chefs and restaurateurs’ newest ventures.

• Beach camping isn't for everyone, but if you're that way inclined and love getting the true Aussie experience, take a look at the best spots for beach camping in Victoria. Armed with your ute and roof tent, ready to wake up to a sunrise over the Pacific, there are spots for camping on Philip Island, down the Great Ocean Road, in national parks, and on many other gorgeous beaches close-ish to Melbourne. Luckily there are fewer dingos than if you've ventured up to K'Gari, but there are still a few roaming about, so be careful.

Where to Go on Friday

Melbourne puts on many a great themed festival on Southbank, and this weekend is no exception. The 2025 Vida Latin Festival is on this weekend, celebrating Latin culture with music, food, and fun. There is a lineup of 20 DJs and some of the best Brazilian, Argentinian, and Venezuelan cuisine Melbourne has to offer. The South Americans know how to put on a good fiesta—there's no better place to boogie to some reggaeton this weekend. It's on until 10pm on Friday and midnight Saturday and Sunday, with the celebrations bound to get a bit rowdy later on in the evenings.

Where to Go on Saturday

The Great Ocean Road is top of everyone's Melbourne weekend trip list, but actually getting it booked can be a real headache. If you're looking to save yourself the admin and tick off the famous Twelve Apostles from your bucket list, there is no time like the present. Melbourne Working Holiday Girls are putting on a day trip on Saturday, with a jam-packed schedule of sightseeing and the chance to spot some koalas. Watch yourself when dancing to reggaeton on Friday though, as you meet at 7:45am in the CBD to set off.

Where to Go on Sunday

If watching the tennis has convinced you that you've still got it, Caulfield Park Tennis Centre is prepared to allow you to live out your delusions this Sunday from 4-6 pm. They're running mixed singles and doubles for all skill levels, from those there for the gossip to the ones who truly back their serve. Tickets are $22 for a run around and a way to meet people if nothing else. Surely there's a pint-shaped reward waiting at the end too.

Where to Eat and Drink

Christmas landing right at the start of summer is harsh on the old bank account, but Melbourne's got plenty of spots for when you're trying to be social on a budget. Here's a guide to the very best bargain eats for all the 'skint diners' out there. From $15 cacio e pepe to an insight into the world of Melbourne's all-you-can-eat buffets, there's an option out there for all of us. Book the table during happy hour and you're laughing—summer is back.

Where to Live

Looking to burn through the last of your savings but want to live in luxury doing it? There's a master bedroom up for grabs in Southbank with a stunning terrace big enough to convince you you're not actually living in a high-rise. The building's got all the extras we're used to by now—gym, pool, sauna etc—and you'd be just 10 mins from Flinders Street. There's an IGA downstairs which yes, is an expensive local, but it'll do for the late-night snack trips.

Core selling point: the girls bathroom of all girls bathrooms.

Where to Work

Premier League football fans, listen up. With the only way to access the games in the Southern Hemisphere being through Optus Sport, a bit of discount on the subscription wouldn't go amiss. This full-time role at Optus in the CBD offers a decent base salary and a sales commission plan, so it's time to turn on the charm to make a few extra dingo dollars. With full-time hours, great discounts off Optus, and a decent salary, you could do a lot worse.

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