Ever wondered what it feels like to die? Fancy meeting a three-metre big cat made from colourful pom poms? You can do this and more at the second instalment of Melbourne Now at Federation Square. The contemporary exhibition is back after a 10-year hiatus,bringing together more than 200 Victorian-based artists,designers and creatives at the Ian Potter Centre:NGV Australia. Lie on a simulated hospital bed and experience death and an out-of-body experience at an immersive XR (extended reality) exhibit,step through a neon-lit Vietnamese temple made from more than 600 computer fans,and ponder the relationship between dinosaurs and a giant mound of inflatable Zimmer frames. The kids will love the tactile beehive installation and,of course,the kaleidoscopic big cat.
Seengv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-now
Right royal fun at Queen Vic Market
With the Easter weekend seafood crush over,return to Queen Victoria market for hawker-food hijinks and a host of kid-friendly fun. Hawker 88 Night Market returns to Wednesday evenings for five weeks from April 12 to May 10,bringing a cornucopia of Asian cuisine,live music and themed cultural performances. Book the kids in for free cooking workshops where they can try their hand rolling a sushi roll and making chocolate balls (until April 20),while the Kids Passport offers prizes for juniors who roam the stalls for stamps.
Seeqvm.com.au/whats-on
Tour top city landmarks
Melbourne has an abundance of heritage buildings and green spaces,and you can fill almost a week exploring some of the best with free guided tours. Start at the halls of power in Spring Street with a tour (weekdays) of Parliament House,where you can take a seat on an MP’s chair and view portraits of past premiers in Queen’s Hall. In Swanston St,tour the twin historic beauties of the State Library Victoria (daily) and the Melbourne Town Hall (weekdays excluding Tuesdays). Explore the library’s heritage reading rooms,galleries and exhibition spaces,including Ned Kelly’s armour,and at the Town Hall view the Grand Council Chambers and stand in the footsteps of monarchs and rock royalty (The Beatles famously waved to fans from the portico balcony). Let the kids blow off some steam outdoors on a guided stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens (daily).
Seenew.parliament.vic.gov.au;www.slv.vic.gov.au;whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au;rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens
Malthouse (Indian) summer sessions