The Forum has got to be the most beautiful music venue in Melbourne. A building within a building it seems; the foyer often leaves newcomers wondering how a tough rock band or cool pop act feels about playing in such a daggy theatre venue. But enter the band room, complete with gargoyles and Greco-Roman statues around a traditional theatre stage, and stare up at the ceiling to feel like you’re in a beautiful open-air theatre in an historic European city. Stars adorn the sky-blue painted ceiling and make this a stunning atmosphere in which to absorb some live music.

Originally designed as an ‘atmospheric theatre’ movie palace, the heritage-listed building is a world away from big, sweaty, concrete rock venues or hollow arenas; it’s a real treat.