New research has revealed Melbourne has snatched the crown from Sydney for the most popular domestic travel destination for 2025—now there's a debate-ending stat to brag about to your NSW friends. Here is what's going on today in officially the most popular city in the country.

The Headlines

• Every time we're up and out early enough to see the hot air balloons, we give ourselves a little pat on the back. Well, yesterday's thrill-seekers got into a spot of bother when one had to make an unplanned landing—on a go-karting track of all places. Kind of terrifying but it won't make us take it off the "would be cool but probably will never do" Melbourne bucket list.

• Everyone knows the coolest and trendiest suburbs, but nobody ever talks about the smelliest. The Environmental Protection Agency has released new data, revealing the most pungent postcodes in Melbourne. The overwhelming winner for worst odour is Cranbourne, with Reservoir and Pakenham also getting a shoutout on the list due to their proximity to landfill. In good news, Abbotsford was called out for its strong malty brewery smell (although it does divide residents), and Carlton is up there for reportedly smelling of coffee.

• Set menus don't always equal expensive and can actually be your ticket to a fancy meal on a budget. Melbourne has plenty of options, from casual feasts to high-end dining without the hefty price tag. Sitchu has rounded up the best on offer for under $70pp, including rotating seasonal plates at Marama Wine Bar, a festa at Bar Idda and small plates at Windsor Wine Room. The perfect list to have on hand for next time you're in charge of date (or mate) night.

Where to Eat and Drink

If there’s one thing to rival drinks happy hour, it’s pizza happy hour, and you can get exactly that at The Penny Black (along with a drinks happy hour, of course). This Brunswick local favourite have taken their pizza deals up a notch by also offering two hours of bottomless pizza for $19.90 on a Sunday—worth taking your Tupperware and filling your boots. Amongst all the pizza, they also put on Wednesday night drag trivia at 7 pm to camp up your usual pub quiz, and a generally fun and laid-back vibe to catch up with mates.

Where to Live

If this Collingwood warehouse was in North London the landlord would've managed to make it a ten-bed house by now. Here though, it could be where you call home from the 1st May sharing with only one other person (and two cats). It's calling out for someone with a huge vinyl and yoga mat collection to move in and put the space to good use.

Core selling point: day to night transition.

Where to Work

Think you know your gorgonzolas from your manchegos? The Calendar Cheese Company is looking for a casual demonstrator who can share their cheese knowledge with the public and host promotional stands in stores across Melbourne. Duties include 'cheese demonstrations' (jury is out on what that entails) and chatting with customers about the products. Sounds like a brie-lliant job.

Where to Go

No stint living in Melbourne is complete without a trip or two to the Queen Vic summer night market. If you're yet to tick it off the list, tonight is your final chance until November rolls around. Expect the usual chaotic atmosphere, live music, and a lineup of street food from just about any country you can wish for. Whether you're craving paella, dumplings or an Aperol, grab your group and weave your way through the crowds one more time.

Enjoying the Melbourne 417?