Every inch of Melbourne holds our interest, from its rooftop bars to its streets strewn with vibey cafes, its churches, graffiti and gargoyles, skyscrapers and spires. Victoria’s coastal capital also has a thriving arts scene, and shows off – in equal measure – an old-world elegance and contemporary edge.
Find Curious cocktail bar beneath the W Melbourne. (Image: Visit Victoria/Duy Dash)
Hot tips for Melbourne…
Feel the pulse of the city over cocktails at Death & Co , the much-loved New York institution that has made its international debut in Melbourne. We also suggest you slip downstairs to Curious , the subterranean cocktail bar inside the W Melbourne. Also, order a ‘magic’ coffee to enjoy at one of the city’s many ST. ALi outlets , a pioneer in specialty coffee since 2005.
Runners-up
Sydney/Warrane, NSW Perth/Boorloo, WA Brisbane/Meanjin, Qld Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA
The most severe solar storm of the year is underway.
A powerful solar storm is happening right now, and if you’re in southern Australia, tonight might be your chance to see the colourful display.
According to the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) at the Bureau of Meteorology, a severe geomagnetic storm is underway. They have issued an Aurora Alert, meaning space weather activity is favourable for viewing the spectacle: “Severe geomagnetic storm in progress. Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at regions as far equatorward as middle latitudes.”
According to the ASWFC’s website, Aurora Alerts are issued “when space weather activity favourable for viewing aurora is in progress. When an alert is current, the alert information indicates the latitudinal range in terms of high, middle, low and equatorial regions where aurora may be visible under good observing conditions.”
What is the Aurora Australis?
Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see the spectacle. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)
The Aurora Australis – also known as the Southern Lights – is one of the most dazzling natural displays visible to the human eye. Put simply, the phenomenon occurs when the sun releases a massive burst of charged particles and magnetic fields into space. These particles are captured and funnelled toward the southern poles by Earth’s magnetic field, colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collisions result in light being emitted and a spectacular natural dancing rainbow ensuing.
The past two years have been particularly good years for viewing the phenomenon.
How to see the Aurora Australis
A Southern Lights display can last minutes to hours. (Image: Unsplash/Graham Holtshausen)
Tasmania has historically been the best spot to see the Aurora Australis due to low light pollution and its position closer to the South Pole than mainland Australia. South Arm Peninsula, Bruny Island and Cockle Creek are popular viewing locations on the island.
But the good news is the ASWFC has shared that it’s possible the Aurora Australis could be seen further north, in mid to southern parts of Australia.
In Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Point Lonsdale and Phillip Island are favourable locations; in New South Wales, Jervis Bay, Kiama or the Blue Mountains might offer you the glowing display; and in South Australia, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Eyre Peninsula offer excellent southern exposure.
A Southern Lights display can last minutes to hours, with the best active window typically being between 10pm and 2am.
