It’s official Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world. And while we don’t want to brag, this is a record seventh year in a row that we have won this accolade, so we must be doing something right! In the 2017 edition, The Economist awarded Melbourne a score of 97.5 out of 100 and earning a full score in the categories of healthcare, education and infrastructure. For your next trip to Melbourne here are some of the events we are looking forward to in August and September.
FOR THE FASHION PLATES
The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture – NGV – 27 August to 7 November
Exclusive to Melbourne, take a tour through 70 years of high-end Dior fashion. The exhibition is broken down into a series of themes and you will get the chance to be up close to outstanding displays of Dior’s signature ball gowns and evening dresses.
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Melbourne Fashion Week – Melbourne Town Hall & throughout the CBD – September 1 to 8
A week long celebration of fashion, see the best local talent, upcoming designers and enjoy a host of fashion experiences. We are particularly looking forward to shopping up a storm during Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out, attending a few runways to get inspired for our spring wardrobe and enjoying some of the free events.
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FOR THE SPORT FANS
AFL Grand Final – the MCG – September 30
All the blood, sweat and tears on and off the field this year all come down to this. This seasons two best teams will take each other on in an epic clash. Make sure you book your tickets early and get yourself in the stands for this iconic Victorian spectacle.
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FOR ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AFICIONADOS
Melbourne International Film Festival – various locations throughout the CBD – 3 to 20 August
This year’s theme is Explore New Worlds, so be prepared to traverse some interesting and unexpected places and stories. Films are in a variety of languages, lengths, styles and formats so take a look at the program, and plan what you want to watch.
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Melbourne Writers Festival – various locations – 25 August to 3 September
No matter what you love to read there is an event at the festival that you will love. There are opportunities to discuss or hear from experts on big issues and sessions on the industry perfect for new writers or editors. There is even a great program for kids, so this is one for the whole family.
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Melbourne Fringe Festival – various locations – 14 September to 1 October
A little quirky and outside the box, experience live art in all its forms from comedy to dance to art at this year’s Fringe Festival. Not sure where to start with the extensive program? Come along to the Spotlight Stage on September 23 at Fed Square where you can see a 3-hour free tasting plate of Fringe highlight acts.
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FOR THE NATURE LOVERS
Spring is here in September and this is the best time for a walk through the Botanic Gardens. Go a little further afield and visit the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen, it is also a great place in Spring with over 17 hectares of sculpture gardens and 3 modern art galleries, plus Café Vue at the museum is a great spot for a day out.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival – Silvan, 40km east from the city – 14 September to October 10
For an extra special day out why not try the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. This is truly a beautiful experience with fields as far as the eye can see in colourful bloom. Speak to the concierge team about how to get there, public transport is available via a train from Southern Cross Station just down the road from the hotel out to Lilydale Station where you can catch a special shuttle bus to the tulip farm.
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FOR THE FAMILIES
Royal Melbourne Show – Flemington Showgrounds – 23 September to 3 October
This annual event is always held in the September school holidays and is a riot of carnival games, agriculture displays and great food. Where else can you feed a lamb, discover a new wine and buy all the Bertie Beetle showbags you can carry?
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