Either you’re fighting for your life with hay fever, or the unusually high pollen count in Melbourne at the moment has gone completely over your head, there is no in-between. Here is what Wednesday has to offer, most of which does involve leaving the house (apologies, hay fever sufferers).

The Headlines

• Melbourne has so many good food places to offer that it can actually sometimes feel a bit overwhelming (and expensive) to decide how to tackle the ever-growing hit list. Well, this round-up of cheap eats might just help make the experience a little lighter on the wallet. It's got a little bit of everything, from pho to banh mi, and from fish and chips to bagels. Add it to your favourites for the next time you need a tasty lunch and payday feels a little further away than you'd like.

• Another day, another Jetstar sale—this time for Japan only. Travel from Melbourne starts at around $380 for connecting flights to Tokyo or Osaka between November 2024 and September 2025, even covering the famous cherry blossom season. If you can handle long-haul on the Ryanair of the Southern hemisphere, it's the perfect opportunity to tick Japan off the bucket list.

• Yarraville and Ascot Vale have been named as the second and third trendiest summer destinations in Australia. According to Airbnb's newest travel trends analysis, these two Melbourne spots bagged the award thanks to their cool bars and restaurants, and the added bonus of the Art Deco Sun Theatre cinema. If you fancy an Aussie summer holiday, Jervis Bay up in New South Wales came in at number one, with South Australia taking up the highest number of top ten spots.

Where to Eat and Drink

Sebby's Scrolls has made quite a name for itself over the last few years, with people travelling far and wide to sample the dense cinnamon-y goodness at their Caulfield South location. They pump out 2,500 cinnamon scrolls (the Aussie lingo for a cinnamon roll) a week when they open Wednesday-Sunday, and they're the best in the biz. The monthly special for October is a pistachio scroll, only 2 days left to get your hands on one.

Where to Live

This Fitzroy sublet is available until April next year—perfect if you're planning on escaping elsewhere in search of a sunnier winter. The crisp white decor—we're talking sofa, bedding and even a tablecloth—is calling out for someone (you) to spill red wine all over it, but other than that the flat is gorgeous.

Core selling point: duck egg blue Smeg coffee machine.

Where to Work

If your time in SE Asia inspired you to get your scooter license, have we got a job for you. Media-V are looking for casuals to ride the company Vespas around Preston and surrounding areas, towing their advertising trailer. For up to $40 an hour, you can spend 8 hours zooming around Melbourne getting stares and points from the public, and no doubt having some close shaves with lime bikers and tram alighters.

Where to Go

We must admit, one thing about Melbourne is the distinct lack of kangaroos, even though there are apparently 10 million more than there are people in Australia. Well, we know where they are hiding. Westerfolds Park in Templestowe is just an easy bus or drive out of the city, and you’re guaranteed to see them. Best time to go is early morning or around dusk, when they like to come out to graze.

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