Concrete Playground's Most-Read Melbourne Stories of 2019
As we approach the end of the year, here at Concrete Playground, we stop to take a glance backwards — to take stock of what happened in Melbourne in 2019 and how the city has changed. As always, there's been a lot of notable developments.
Our most popular stories of the year — the ones that resonated with you the most — include the city's new things: a heated outdoor wave pool, an OTT Preston brewery, a Harry Potter store and an inner-city Taco Bell. The opening of the latter was our most-read story of the year.
Art and experiences piqued your interest, too, including an immersive installation in a deserted mansions and bumper car-filled ice rinks — oh, and a bed cinema by the beach that kicks off in January. Bring on 2020.
Image: Moon Dog World by Kate Shanasy.
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NewsTaco Bell Is Opening Its First Melbourne Store This Summer
After five Queensland openings, the Tex-Mex giant is finally bringing its tacos and frozen margaritas south.
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NewsThis Map Shows Where the Victorian Government's Proposed Suburban Rail Loop Would Travel
The ambitious project to connect all of Melbourne's existing trail lines is hoping to get federal funding with this year's election.
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NewsAustralia's Outdoor Bed Cinema Is Embarking on Its First National Tour
After four seasons in Sydney, the 150-bed movie theatre will make its debut in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne later this year.
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NewsThis Deserted 1930s Mansion in the Dandenongs Has Been Transformed Into a Haunting Immersive Installation
Melbourne street artist Rone has created a multi-sensory decaying world throughout 12 of the mansion's rooms.
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NewsMelbourne's First Outdoor Heated Wave Pool Is Now Open
Splash about in the state's largest pool of its kind, or laze around on a sun lounger by the water.
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NewsGerman Supermarket Chain Kaufland Is Opening Three Huge Melbourne Stores
The retail giant has planning approval to build stores in Dandenong, Chirnside Park and Epping, with more to follow.
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NewsA Bumper Car-Filled Ice Rink Is Popping Up in Australia This Winter
Bumper Cars on Ice will hit Sydney and Melbourne this August.
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NewsFamed Korean Fried Chicken Chain Pelicana Has Opened Its First Melbourne Store
With 2000 stores in South Korea, the brand has now brought its 11 fried chicken flavours to Australia for the first time.
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NewsSuper Affordable Activewear Brand Decathlon Has Opened in Melbourne
The French retail giant's first Melbourne stores stock everything from activewear and sporting goods to tents and wetsuits.
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NewsThe Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach Has Been Named One of the Best in the World
Six Australian beaches have made FlightNetwork list of the top 50 best beaches in the world.
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NewsAustralia's Biggest Harry Potter Store Has Opened in Melbourne
The magical 500-square-metre store even has its own Platform 9 3/4.
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NewsMelbourne's Moon Dog Has Opened the Doors to Its Giant, Very Over-the-Top Preston Brewery Bar
Moon Dog World is open for business, featuring 72 taps, a jungle's worth of plants and even an indoor lagoon.
