Must-see: A groundbreaking exhibition is coming to Melbourne this summer

The action continues next winter with another world first.

One of the 10 immersive artworks by Yayoi Kusama, which will be part of the NGV exhibition.

By Akash Arora

Updated April 1, 2025, first published November 30, 2024

Even if you've never been to Naoshima, also known as Japan's "art island", you may have seen images of the giant yellow pumpkin with black polka dots, which is located on a small pier against the backdrop of a blue sky and sea. You could go to Naoshima to check out the iconic sculpture - or you could head to Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria, where an exhibition of 10 immersive artworks by the artist behind the yellow pumpkin - Yayoi Kusama - will open on December 15 (until April 21).

The show is the largest collection of Kusama's artworks ever assembled in a single location and includes the world premiere of Infinity Mirrored Room- My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light - a room of infinite chandeliers and mirrors. While the main exhibition will send Instagram into overdrive, an accompanying show, Kusama for Kids, will keep the little ones engaged. The stellar arts scene in Melbourne continues next year, with LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition, which will bring the Star Wars galaxy to life with LEGO bricks at the Melbourne Museum from May 4. ngv.vic.gov.au; museumsvictoria.com.au

Desert escape joins heritage list

The federal government has just added Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory to Australia's National Heritage List, which highlights natural, historic and Indigenous places of outstanding significance to the nation: from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the spiritual centre of Australia to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

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Watarrka National Park.

Watarrka is the Luritja word for the local umbrella bush, and the national park - about three hours west of Alice Springs - is home to the parched sandstone cliffs, offering unparalleled desert views of Kings Canyon. Looking for a great way to explore this natural wonder? Check in to Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon and hike the six-kilometre Kings Canyon rim loop. nt.gov.au/parks

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Where to travel on a budget

Almost one-third of Australians (31 per cent) take up to a year to save for an overseas holiday, according to a new report from Money.com.au. Based on a survey of about 1000 Australians and the latest overseas travel data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the report has ranked the cheapest destinations for Australian travellers, how much they cost on average and how long it takes to save for them, with China (five months; $4153), Thailand (5.4 months; $4543) and Bali (5.5 months; $4599) appearing in the top three spots.

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.