In honour of the final few days of the Australian Open, enjoy this clip of the crowd losing it at Alcaraz changing shirts on court. We must stress, he is only 21, but in fairness, very ripped. Here is what’s going on over the weekend, and we promise to stop going on about tennis now.

The Headlines

• Melbourne’s answer to Banksy struck again this week, with the newest depiction of the infamous ‘Pam the Bird’ appearing on the outside of Novotel in the CBD. This graffiti design of some kind of cartoon animal has been popping up around the city over the last few years on road signs and railway lines, even making an appearance on the heritage-listed Flinders Street Station clock. It’s divided Melbournians, with some calling it a disgrace and vandalism, and others seeing the funny side.

• You loved the hiking recommendation earlier in the week, so we're taking it up a level. Here's a list of the very best multi-day hikes to tackle next time you fancy a trip out of the city. The Great Ocean Walk offers a huge 100km of stunning coastline and rainforests, while the Grampians Peaks Trail can be a 13-day trek (or shorter if you’re not that keen)—and that's only the start. There are plenty of different accommodation options too, including adorable cottages if you don't fancy a tent in the height of summer.

• Melbourne Place, an absolutely stunning new hotel, has opened up in the city, and it's been called a 'tribute to the city's rich cultural tapestry'. You know it's a good one when Vogue write an entire feature article on it. With a very chic design, Melbourne-renowned chefs in the kitchen, and a rooftop to die for, it doesn't disappoint. It may be slightly out of the budget, but a good one to have a nosey at.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Everleigh in Fitzroy is the ultimate classic cocktail bar, capturing the charm of a 1920s speakeasy. The intimate setting, with its leather booths and long bar, will transport you to the golden age of cocktails, giving you a taste of New York right in the heart of Melbourne. Drinks are on the pricier side, but they're crafted just for you—the "Bartender's Choice" ensures you’ll be sipping exactly what you like.

Where to Live

Maybe we were lying yesterday when we said two spare rooms were hard to come by—we're back with another. This one is up in Moonee Ponds and will set you back just over $900 a month. The interior is fun with no Ikea furniture in sight but includes some interesting elements like the perfectly placed chessboard, floating bathroom cupboard, and glaring red walls in one of the rooms. The backyard is adorable though and patiently awaiting a welcome wine night on the day you move in.

Core selling point: obsessed with that bath mat tbh.

Where to Work

The iconic Palais Theatre in St Kilda is hiring for a casual box office team member to help out with selling tickets. As Australia's largest seated theatre and having hosted big names in the past, such as Dua Lipa and Jungle, there are a lot worse jobs out there. Surely as a ticket seller that means getting yourself and your mates into the venue for free, right?

Where to Go on Friday

If you were glued to the Baby Reindeer drama earlier this year, you’ll be excited to hear there’s a comedy show running in Melbourne from the same producers. Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen is a one-man show about a stand-up comedian battling his overthinking brain while navigating a new romance. It’s already wowed audiences at Edinburgh Fringe and the West End, and you can catch it at the Arts Centre Melbourne until the 1st Feb.

Where to Go on Saturday

Hearing the three words Purple Disco Machine transports us right back to our uni days. If you've got the same nostalgia, you can relive the good times this weekend at Riviera Beach Club, where the German DJ is set to headline an event presented by Poof Doof. Doors open at 3 pm, and the weather is looking perfect for an evening boogie by the beach. The bad news is that final-release tickets are a steep $120—there's bound to be some flying around a FB group on the day though we're sure.

Where to Go on Sunday

The Lucky Coq hosts weekly Sunday 'revival' parties in their Windsor courtyard with DJs and drink specials. The venue is known for its famous all-day, every-day $5 pizza, which can soak up the booze whilst boogying in the courtyard. This sun-trap yard often features Melbourne's most cool and up-and-coming DJ's, so spend your Sunday dancing away the blues and munching on some pizza in the sun.

Match Point Pick

The end of the tennis fun is sadly upon us, with the male semi-finalists taking to the stage today and the finals entertaining us all weekend. Not quite sure what we'll talk about next week, but we'll leave you with some final predictions—Sabalenka and Djokovic to lift the trophies, you heard it here first.

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