If you need that little bit of extra motivation to make it to your early morning exercise class, have we got a fact for you. If you touch on and off before 7 am on a weekday, your train journey is completely free—so get that 6 am reformer pilates in the CBD booked. Here’s the latest for your Thursday in Melbourne, whether you've just woken up or you've been on an free early galavant around the city.

The Headlines

• Another subscription service to add to your roster, HBO Max is officially launching in Australia at the end of March. This distant corner of the world is finally getting access to the famous US shows that we hear about all the time. It'll feature big names like The Last of Us, Euphoria, and House of the Dragon. It's great news and all, but have they ever heard of a VPN or a cracked Fire Stick?

• That “where do you wanna go?” message on Hinge is always an annoying one, so here are some of the best spots for a date in Melbourne—striking that perfect balance of atmosphere but not too busy, and nice but not too formal. From wine bars to casual eateries, and Euro-diner vibes, some of these spots are worth bookmarking even if you're not in the dating game.

• It's been a while since we served you a classic round-up, so we're back with a good one. If you're looking for some mid-week dinner inspo that won't break the bank, this list has you covered. From $12 pasta nights to half-price steaks and bottomless tacos, Melbourne’s got plenty of budget-friendly eats that don’t skimp on flavour. Whether you’re craving pub classics, Japanese feasts, or just an excuse to go out on a Tuesday, consider your next meal sorted.

Where to Eat and Drink

Speaking of cheap eats… Pasta under a tenner in Fitzroy? Go on then. Good Times is serving up $9 puttanesca, garlic bread, negronis and wine carafes—you don't get much for that these days. The rest of the menu isn’t much more expensive either and the humble Italian spot is open until 9 pm to satisfy those late-night pasta cravings. This is set to be your new bargain bites holy grail.

Where to Live

Gabby, the biomedical ethics researcher and part-time martial arts and audiobook enthusiast, is looking for a new roomie in Brunswick East. The space looks huge for two people, with a courtyard some wine bars would be jealous of. We won't ask any questions about the drill on the side, we're sure there's a simple explanation and we hope she gave Megan the reply she deserved too.

Core selling point: Gelato Messina on the doorstep.

Where to Work

Got a driver’s license and the patience to navigate the streets of Melbourne? GoGet is on the lookout for casual drivers to keep their fleet in check—moving cars around, taking them for a clean, and making sure the rental cars are all where they need to be. It’s a job with no desk in sight, minimal interaction with colleagues or customers, and the chance to listen to podcasts on the clock—dreamy.

Where to Go

Spice up your Thursday with a bit of glamorous forced fun—drag bingo is on tonight at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda. It's sure to be a high-energy night of some questionable comedy and an occasional alcohol-fuelled dance off. Della Katessen is hosting the show from 7pm - 8.30pm , and tickets are just under $14—for the price of a pint, you can't go too far wrong.

Enjoying the Melbourne 417?