Did you know that rent in Melbourne is 45% lower than in Sydney on average? We also reckon the coffee is 45% nicer, but St Kilda beach is 45% worse than Bondi—can't have it all can you. Here is how to make the most of your Wednesday.

The Headlines

• With the weekend on the horizon, the sun peeking through the clouds, and daylight saving hours finally upon us, it's the perfect time to hit a beer garden. This list covers the best spots in Melbourne for outdoor boozing with friends. With locations all round the city and suburbs, your new favourite local hidden gem is bound to feature.

• Olivia Rodrigo has been spotted going incognito on the streets of Collingwood ahead of her sold-out performance in Melbourne tonight. A clip of her has gone viral, where she offers advice to a fan who approached her for advice for aspiring artists, with her words of wisdom being 'just make stuff every day'. We had her down as more of a South Yarra girl, but we hope she had a lovely day.

• As if the Yarra Valley doesn't offer us enough already (loads and loads of wine), a new food festival is set to land next month. Loads of local eateries will feature, serving up ice cream, savoury dishes, and other sweet treats. It’s the perfect excuse for a trip over if you haven't ventured that way yet, and surely by November, we can bank on it being a sunny day.

Where to Eat and Drink

Although you’ll pay 10 times the price for a bahn mi here compared to Vietnam, it has been said that Melbourne is the best place for the Vietnamese classic outside of its homeland. Luke's Vietnamese in Moonee Ponds is a local favourite, with guaranteed queues at lunchtime and the crispiest BBQ pork for miles around. It's a minimalist hole-in-the-wall joint with just a few outdoor seats, but that's when you know the food is the most authentic. They also have great vegan and veggie options if that's a bit of you.

Where to Live

This bargain sublet in Parkville feels too good to be true. It's $650!!! a month and available from 17th October to the end of December. The decor is pretty dated, but we're sure you can look past that for a couple of months—or spend the rent money you're saving on a couple of temporary additions.

Core selling point: denim cap feature wall.

Where to Work

Digital nomad, barista style. If you're looking for a freelance lifestyle, but prefer the coffee machine to the laptop, Need A Barista is looking to up its roster of coffee whizzes around the city. Maximum salary is $66 an hour, which isn't to be sniffed at, so if you back your coffee art, get yourself signed up.

Where to Go

If you're after a wholesome Wednesday evening activity, allow us to suggest this Japanese Spring-themed paint and sip class. Whether you see yourself as a Picasso protégé or you are pretty useless with the brush in hand, how bad can a few hours of prosecco-fuelled creativity really be.