Happy New Year! May your 2025 be filled with good coffee, kangaroo sightings and a high UV index.

We're back to usual scheduling now that the festivities are over—Mon-Fri, 9 am sharp. If you're enjoying reading, send the signup link to a friend as a New Year's treat. Let’s get into it.

The Headlines

• While the UK braces for grey skies, dreaded dry Jan, and the crash diet onslaught, Melbourne's about to come alive for summer. There's so much going on across the city this month, and here's a handy roundup so you don't miss a thing. From pride parades and Latin festivals to exhibition openings and summer night markets—we’re sending our best wishes to your bank balance and social battery.

• Section 8's January lineup has dropped, and it's set to be the place of the summer—as if it wasn't already. The CBD container bar will host an eclectic mix of events throughout the entire month. Expect free entry, lots of sun, and a big queue if you don't get in early. We've said it before, but there's no harm in another reminder—they sell Bintang if you're missing your Bali fix.

• Melbourne isn't short of swimming spots. From beaches to pools, there are plenty of places to flock for a dip. If you're fed up with your watering hole, may we suggest a swim in one of Victoria's stunning rivers. Here's a list of the top five places to cool off on those 'might be too hot days'. There's even some Aussie wildlife spotting on offer at a few of them—platypus, not crocs, don't stress.

Where to Go

Whether you're an avid fan who spent the festive gooch at the MCG, or you just fancy mixing up your Thursday night, the Melbourne Renegades will take on the Adelaide Strikers tonight at Marvel Arena. It's a Twenty20 cricket game if you've still got no idea what we're talking about. Tickets start at $25, with the action kicking off at 7:15 pm. If you've still got no idea, we're sure it's nothing a quick YouTube rules explanation can't fix.

Where to Live

Forget the usual budget, flatmates, and amenities, if the top requirement for your new house is its proximity to Melbourne's infamous rodeo bar, keep reading. There's a room up for grabs in this Footscray apartment. While it's a mission out of the city, at least you've got a rodeo bull on your doorstep whenever you fancy. Your future housemate is happy to go cafe-hopping with you but likes to have some personal time to draw. Hopefully, they're creating a masterpiece to replace that awful McLovin thing hanging on the wall.

Core selling point: probably the hole in the bathroom roof.

Where to Eat and Drink

At Top Paddock Café in Richmond, fresh is best. They live by the paddock-to-plate mantra, working with local producers to create ever-changing seasonal menus. The space itself is as stylish as it gets—think open spaces, natural light, and plenty of greenery. Go for the buttermilk waffles or the eggs benny with bacon, washed down with a custom-blend coffee, of course—soo Melbourne.

Where to Work

If you're handy with a popcorn machine and want to spend your summer evenings getting paid to watch films outdoors, one of Melbourne's many outdoor cinemas is hiring. St Kilda's Sunset Cinema needs staff for their season at the Botanic Gardens, running from January through to March. Duties include serving snacks, scanning tickets and helping with some of the setup, so you'll be kept busy on the nights the film choice isn't for you.

Enjoying the Melbourne 417? Share this link with a friend.