We hope you had a fun bank holiday, however we're sure it wasn’t as much fun as these guys had in Sydney, who really got in the spirit by enlisting the help of some NSW firemen to make their slip-and-slide run that little bit smoother. Back to reality today—here's whats going on.

The Headlines

• The pools of Melbourne are many people’s haven in this heat, but in absolutely terrible news, the Victorian Health Department have advised against using them at the moment. This warning comes as cases of a highly infectious diarrhoea disease are massively on the rise, and one of its main ways of spreading is through swimming pools. Certainly enough to put us off our next trip to Brunswick Baths until the temperature drops a little.

• South Korean beauty regimes have been taking over algorithms for some time now, with scalp therapy, colour analysis, glass skin and micro-needling among some of the most popular treatments. It turns out there’s no need for a long-haul flight for your fix, these are all available at various places on our doorstep in Melbourne.

• Beloved but admired-from-afar Fitzroy store, Friends with Frank, are putting on an archive sale until 12th Feb at a pop-up in Richmond. This quintessentially Aussie brand is normally on the top end of the budget, but this sale offers pieces up to 80% off—they're not messing about. Rails are being restocked daily, but it has already been drawing a crowd, so be sure to pay them a visit.

Where to Eat and Drink

Le Melt is a hidden gem, tucked away in one of Toorak's laneways, and it's a sandwich lover's heaven. The decor transports you to Europe with its pastel yellow awning and matching outdoor seating. They offer a range of different grilled cheese sandwiches, each perfectly golden on top with melting cheese—we love the classic cheese and tomato for just $11.95, and their first special of 2025: the Lamb Slam. Plus, they're on Uber Eats, making them the perfect hangover fix.

Where to Live

This Brunswick house is giving Coronation Street with a sprinkle of Northside wannabe DJ (niche, but we hope you get it). If you can look past the odd red kitchen, the high ceilings and archways add some welcome character to the seemingly much-loved home. We think this one will get snapped up quickly, so move fast—priority to those wanting to stay long-term.

Core selling point: the entire backyard.

Where to Work

One for if you're in the pits of unemployment, and something we bet you never thought you'd end up doing—this company are hiring for a T-Shirt Press Operator. Offering part-time hours in their factory in Alphington, you could learn a new skill on the job and be churning out Australia tourist screen-printed t-shirts, no doubt be sold in Queen Vic Market. Very Working Holiday Visa-coded job.

Where to Go

If talk of the slip-and-slide has got you fancying a bit of an adrenaline rush, surely you have to give Melbourne's very own answer to a waterpark a go. Not only does it have huge inflatables for you to bounce about on Total Wipeout style (IYKYK), but Cable Park also boasts knee-boarding, wakeboarding and climbing. It's down in Bangholme, around 30-minutes drive from the city. Well worth making a day out of it with its bar and BBQ offerings too.

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