In This Issue:

Rejoice in the “Music of the Night”
The Phantom of the Opera is returning to Melbourne from 19 July at the Princess Theatre, with Anthony Warlow reclaiming the role which thrilled audiences when it first premiered here in 1990. 

Winter masterpieces: the hot ticket of the season
The fourth annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces brings two cultural blockbusters to two great arts venues - and both shows are exclusive to Melbourne.

Melbourne wins new arts events for 2008
Melbourne has secured two fantastic new events for 2008 which are sure to be a drawcard for visitors.

Melbourne's sweet love affair
Warm up this winter at Melbourne's cosy and atmospheric chocolate shops, where hand-crafted sweets, rich hot drinking chocolate and jewel coloured lollies brighten the day.

Toast Melbourne's hidden bars on a new tour
Melbourne is justly famous for its stylish and eclectic bar scene – but how do you find the coolest of them, hidden as they are down secret stairwells, laneways and behind velvet curtains? Hidden Bars of Melbourne has the answer…

Grand Hyatt Melbourne's magnificent makeover
This month, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, located at the top end of Collins St, will begin a $40 million renovation which will include an extensive overhaul of the hotel's façade, lobbies, café, bar and retail precinct.

Extreme thrills from a Melbourne rooftop
Adventure seekers can get a heart-starting thrill in the heart of Melbourne's CBD with Urban Central Backpackers' new Rap Jump experience.

Follow the cheese and wine trail through the Yarra Valley
Indulge in a progressive picnic across the cellar doors of the Yarra Valley with the region's new Cheese and Wine Trails, designed to showcase the region's formidable local produce.  

Escape to a blissful spa in the Macedon Ranges
Located in the midst of Macedon's Black Forest area, Macedon Spa is a new complex which combines accommodation, restaurant, spa facilities and a function centre in a picturesque hillside location.

Discover nature's hidden magic in southern Victoria
Uncover the magical sights and sounds of the Geelong Otway Region on a new ecotour that focuses on the diverse and remarkable birdlife of the area.

Zoom through Macedon Ranges on new Vespa Tour
Campaspe Country House, a beautiful 120-year-old manor in the Macedon Ranges, has long been renowned as a great place for food and wine. But from this month, guests canrev up their interest in all things culinary on a self-guided Vespa foodie tour of the region.

Snapshots of Bendigo
New small group tours of Bendigo and surrounds let visitors immerse themselves in the historic Goldrush city's fascinating history, culture and cuisine.

Take a go-kart for a spin at Phillip Island's GP circuit
The Phillip Island Go-Kart Track, now called Champ Karts, has been up-graded with 25 new high-powered rental go-karts and new state-of-the-art safety equipment.

Every Month:

Snow play at Victoria's smaller resorts
Victoria's smaller alpine resorts - Lake Mountain, Mt Baw Baw, and Mt Stirling - provide enjoyable and affordable snow experiences close to Melbourne.

Special Packages - Experience natural beauty and adventure in Murrindindi this July

Important Diary Notes

© 2009 Tourism Victoria