Australia is set to be the hottest place on Earth this week, with parts of the NT rising to a sweltering 40 degrees. Not that we see any of that down here in Victoria that is, just thought we'd let you know. Here is what Wednesday holds for you today when 33 degrees will have to do.

The Headlines

• Whilst the betting stats and jargon might be a bit mind-boggling for most of us, one thing that is clear is the winner of 'the race that stops the nation' yesterday was well against the odds. Knight's Choice, ridden by an Irish jockey, came in at odds of around 80/1 saw the bookies make some huge losses at the Cup, with one punter betting $1000 and taking home a tasty $81,000.

• The Melbourne skies will be putting on a show over the next few nights. If you happen to go stargazing before the 12th, you might catch a glimpse of the Leonids and Taurids meteor showers. Find a dark spot away from street lights—Chapel St might be out for this one—allow your eyes to adjust for 20 mins and take in the sights.

• Whether you’re still recovering from hostel beds up the East Coast, or are working yourself too hard to save for summer, we all deserve a relaxing treat now and again. Melbourne boasts some gorgeous spas to choose from, offering everything from hot stone massages to deep tissue therapy. A great Christmas present idea from people back home if the budget won't stretch quite that far just yet. Here’s a round-up of the relaxation spots on offer.

Where to Eat and Drink

You can't truly call yourself a Melburnian until you’ve sipped a cocktail at Afloat, Melbourne’s most popular floating bar. Inspired by the Isles of Capri, it offers stunning views of the Yarra with the city skyline as a backdrop. Modeled after Italian beach clubs, Arbory Afloat features seasonal menus and top-notch music and entertainment. For an authentic Italian experience, we recommend the spaghetti vongole—a delicious mix of clams, chilli, garlic, and parsley.

Where to Live

Two Fitzroy boys are looking for a third person to join them for a Northside summer. Close to one of the better outdoor pools Melbourne has to offer, a six-month minimum lease, a balcony with city views and with rent coming in pretty cheap at $971 a month, you're onto a winner. Your future housemates work as a geotechnical engineer and forecast analyst respectively so get ready to feel stupid if you're still stuck trying to work out how much this coffee would've cost you back home.

Core selling point: adorable pink indoor sun lounger.

Where to Work

When the benefits say 'free food', you know it’s a good one—especially when it’s Gelato Messina. Australia's fave gelato shop is hiring casual event staff in Melbourne, covering weddings, birthdays, festivals and activations. Better still, your childhood dreams of driving an ice-cream van can finally come true as the role involves being their on-the-move scooper, although a little more high-end than 99's and flakes.

Where to Go

If you're in the mood for a bit of midweek culture, An Evening With Stephen Fry still has some tickets left for tonight in South Wharf. The British icon is best known for hosting QI and his many years in showbiz—or for his cameo in St Trinian's for the younger generation. An interesting guy bound to have some stories, settle in for Stephen spilling the tales from his life.

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