Big news, Victoria has been declared the healthiest state in Australia. It turns out the obscene amount of açai consumed in Bondi wasn't enough to sway the results. Here's what's going on in Melbourne today to keep you entertained between your salads and runs.

The Headlines

• The UV index addicts amongst you may have already spotted this, but there is a heatwave heading in our direction. For once, Melbourne boasts the highest temperatures among the East Coast's major cities. It's time to ditch the layers and lather on the factor 50 from Thursday, with temperatures set to reach the 30s. Let's gloss over the cloud cover forecast and focus on the temperature.

• Northsiders were spoiled this weekend with two exciting new openings, both well worth a visit in the coming weeks. First up is Bear's, a cosy wine bar at 502 Queensberry Street. Open Wednesday to Sunday, serving up the very best vino, classic cocktails, and delicious bar snacks—looks like the perfect spot to have one too many glasses. Just ten minutes down the road, Bobby's Bakery at 207 Dryburgh Street is ready to cure you with a croissant and an espresso the morning after. A delightful Friday-night-to-Saturday-morning routine, if you ask us.

• If you've got a birthday, anniversary, or enter any other celebration here coming up and simply can't face hosting it in your flat, we've got you. Here's a list of the best places for large group bookings across the city. From private karaoke rooms to banquet set menus, there's a space for every occasion—the perfect excuse for a party.

Where to Eat and Drink

Despite coffee shops on every corner, Sam’s Café does a good job of making a name for itself. Sam's is a humble joint situated on Barkly Street in St Kilda offering the creamiest lattes and mouth-watering toasties. It's a locals favourite for its hard to resist-coffee, a community feel and affordable prices. They also have some cool merch from tote bags to t-shirts, so be sure to check it out when you next grab your morning brew.

Where to Live

This one is for the organised among us looking to get a room sorted for the new year. It's a big room with an en-suite away from the others in the house, and couples are actively welcomed—makes a change from the abundance of singles-only rooms out there. There's also a resident sausage dog and other regular puppy visitors, what an absolute treat.

Core selling point: whopping walk-in wardrobe.

Where to Work

Party Higher is hiring for hosts for their silent discos—you can even make your own playlist and every great DJ has to start somewhere, you'll be headlining your fave club in no time. If you can cope with not having music on to drown out the awful singing, it's not a bad way to make a bit of extra pocket money each week.

Where to Go

Lido Cinema's Rom-Com celebration is well underway, and this week's showing is the 1989 classic When Harry Met Sally. This independent, family-owned cinema in Hawthorn has a schedule of new releases alongside arty and classic films that would get a cinephile weak at the knees. The Tuesday rom-com specials are priced at a bargain $12, can't say no to a cosy night at the cinema for cheaper than a pint. Check out the rest of the soppy specials schedule here.

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