Big moments deserve a little something extra — and with American Express Plan It® Instalments, you can make it happen*. Plan It lets you divide your purchase or even your statement balance into three, six or 12 equal monthly instalments — with no interest, just a monthly fee. You can even create multiple plans at once and cancel anytime, so you stay fully in control while building up those sweet rewards points along the way. Even if it's just for a weekend, sometimes the best way to recharge is by checking into a hotel that feels worlds away. Add world-class dining, buzzy rooftop bars or a spa treatment or two, and you've got yourself the ultimate mini-escape. Here are some of our favourite city escapes around the country that tick all the boxes. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne Rising high above the Hoddle Grid with sweeping views of the city and beyond, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, is, in more ways than one, the pinnacle of luxury. There are plenty of ways to take in those views, too, whether from your in-room bathtub, the stunning 24-hour infinity pool or hatted fine-diner Atria. Complete the experience with a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where tranquil spaces and restorative treatments make it easy to forget you're in the middle of the city. Crown Towers It's big, it's bold, it's flashy — and there's simply nothing else quite like it in Melbourne. Inside, you'll find oversized rooms and suites with marble-accented bathrooms, world-class dining at restaurants like Nobu, Rockpool and Silks (not to mention the long-standing Conservatory, still home to one of Melbourne's very best buffets), and one of the city's most renowned spas. Crown might just be Melbourne's ultimate choose-your-own-adventure — as long as you're in the mood for pure indulgence. Jackalope Set among rolling vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope pairs avant-garde design with a deep sense of place. Dine on hyperlocal produce at on-site fine-diner Doot Doot Doot, sip wines surrounded by vineyards, or unwind with a spa treatment that draws on the property's surrounds. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that will stay with you long after you check out, whether it's a romantic weekend or a solo escape. Capella Sydney Behind a heritage sandstone façade in the heart of the CBD, Capella Sydney brings a new level of contemporary luxury to the Harbour City. The nine-storey property features 192 elegant rooms with Frette linen and standalone bathtubs, alongside destination dining at the opulent Brasserie 1930. The indulgence continues at Auriga Spa, where timber-lined interiors, greenery and a considered menu of treatments will help you truly disconnect. The Eve You might be mistaken for thinking the above pool deck is located on a faraway island — but it's actually in the thick of Surry Hills. And it's the cherry on the very top of The Eve, the 102-room hotel set within the expansive Surry Hills Village. Downstairs, the vibrant Wunderlich Lane precinct is home to a curated (and extensive) mix of dining and bars, from vibey rooftop Mexican diner Lottie to the sleek omakase of R by Raita. The options might feel overwhelming, but don't spend too long deciding where to dine — the pool awaits, after all. Sofitel Sydney Wentworth With its mix of 1960s jet-set glamour and contemporary French-inspired luxury, Australia's first-ever five-star hotel continues to set the standard for luxury city stays nearly 50 years after it welcomed its first guests. Following a top-to-bottom $70-million makeover unveiled in 2024, the 436-room hotel now boasts four new dining and bar venues curated by House Made Hospitality, including the expansive terrace lounge Wentworth Bar, Vietnamese-French fine diner Delta Rue and the elegant Bar Tilda. If you like your stays a little gourmet, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth delivers. [caption id="attachment_973394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy[/caption] The Calile, Brisbane There isn't much that hasn't already been said about The Calile, Fortitude Valley's oh-so-stylish resort-style hotel that's twice been named the very best hotel in Oceania by the World's 50 Best. Its 175 rooms and suites combine chic, pared-back interiors with private balconies that overlook the stunning openair pool deck, where poolside cabanas set the scene for weekend lounging at its finest. Beyond the pool, dining options abound — from breezy all-day Greek at Hellenika or punchy contemporary Thai at the impressive sAme sAme — while a curated retail precinct makes for a leisurely shopping experience. If relaxation is on the cards, the Kailo Medispa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments, while the hotel's library offers a serene space to read or work. W Brisbane W Brisbane might just be one of the city's most eye-catching hotels. The design-forward property offers 312 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Brisbane River and beyond, while the rooftop WET Deck, tranquil AWAY Spa and 24-hour gym are ready and waiting for however you choose to unwind. You won't have to head too far to refuel, either — start with a pre-dinner drink and snack at the sleek Living Room Bar, indulge in caviar bumps and fire-grilled steaks at New York-style brasserie The Lex, and head up to the pool deck for a nightcap overlooking the city skyline. Crystalbrook Vincent With over 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, Crystalbrook Vincent is a bold, art-infused hotel perched right on the edge of the Brisbane River. This boutique stay fuses sustainability and style with 100-percent waste-free bathrooms and no single-use plastics anywhere on site, while plush king beds and rainforest showers in every room bring the luxe factor. Food-wise, all-day diner Mews offers seasonal menus that champion local produce, buzzy rooftop bar Fiume might just be one of the city's most picturesque spots for a sundowner, while Howard Street Wharves and James Street are but a proverbial stone's throw away. For more information about Amex Plan It, head to the Amex website. A fixed monthly fee and T&Cs apply. *Plan It Terms and Conditions: You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may withdraw this offer, prevent you from creating any new Instalment Plans or cancel any of your existing Instalment Plan(s) at any time if your Card Account is overdue, or if you do not comply with your Card Conditions. The minimum Plan amount is AUD$100. We may also limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be disclosed to you at the time of creating your Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You may request to cancel your Instalment Plan(s) at any time through your Online Account or the Amex App. Any billed Monthly Plan Fees will remain payable, but no further Monthly Plan Fees will be billed after cancellation is effective. As cancellation can take 24-48 hours to process ("Processing Time"), you may be charged a further monthly plan fee after cancellation if the Processing Time occurs on your payment date. View the full Plan It ® Instalment Terms and Conditions here. Top image: Jackalope
If there's one summer drink that never goes out of style, it's the margarita. With its salted rim and smooth tequila, it's the ultimate warm-weather classic, made for long afternoons with friends. To celebrate that feeling, Tequila Herradura (which has been crafting tequila for 150 years) is teaming up with some of Australia's favourite bars to put their unique spins on the classic cocktail. Below, find venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to enjoy the summer of margaritas before the season departs. Sydney Tios Cerveceria Described as Surry Hills' home of tequila, Tios Cerveceria offers a curated margarita menu designed for long summer nights. There are hundreds of agave-based tipples available to choose from, including their beloved $10 house marg, and each drink comes with a free bag of perfectly spiced popcorn. With multiple flavours on offer, margarita connoisseurs will be in heaven. Cantina OK! Described as a "micro mezcal mecca", Cantina OK! is a must-take pilgrimage for margarita fans. With a highly curated menu, Cantina OK! is a hole-in-the-wall in the centre of the city, stocking hand-sourced and hand-imported agave spirits. Enjoy their famous margaritas, served over hand-shaved ice with fresh limes. Delicious. [caption id="attachment_1071716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Uncanny Bar Known for its inventive cocktail list, King Street's Uncanny Bar is family-run and serves one of Sydney's most unique margaritas: The Julio Ricter, which comes complete with a za'atar rim. If you're looking for a margarita with a sharp twist, head to Uncanny in Newtown. [caption id="attachment_1071713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Monica Rooftop For margaritas with a view, head to Monica Rooftop at 25hours Hotel The Olympia in Paddington. With its elevated setting and high-energy atmosphere, it's built for sunset drinks in the city. Enjoy share-style plates with your friends and sip on Monica's Picante Margarita, featuring fermented jalapeño, lime, and habanero bitters. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_1071726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Kindermann[/caption] George on Collins A CBD crowd-pleaser with a slick fit-out, George on Collins is a modern Asian fusion restaurant and a reliable spot for a margarita. Expect a polished take on the cocktail that suits long lunches, after-work drinks, and pre-dinner date aperitifs. Bar Ampere Looking for a late-night haunt this summer? Bar Ampere, a Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Russel Place, is serving margaritas until 3am. It's take on the classic drink leans more sophisticated than sunny, but it's a great late-night option for those long, spontaneous summer nights. Repeat Offender Down in Elwood, Repeat Offender is a neighbourhood favourite that's known for good cocktails without the fuss. Their margarita menu alone is a page long, so you know you'll find something that will hit the spot. Pair your margarita with Repeat Offender's delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. Brisbane [caption id="attachment_1071763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] The Alligator Club If you find yourself in Fortitude Valley thirsty for a marg, head to The Alligator Club. The late-night hot spot plays live music every single night and serves bar snacks, including pinza (hand-pressed pizza), alongside a mean margarita. It's one of the Valley's best after-dark hangouts. [caption id="attachment_1071760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] Stratton Bar & Kitchen Situated in two World War II hangars in Newstead, Stratton Bar & Kitchen blends laid-back Brisbane dining with a comprehensive drinks list. Don't go past their coconut marg, which features their own signature coconut salt rim. It's a venue designed for group catch-ups and fun nights out. [caption id="attachment_1071758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] CRU Bar & Cellar Not all margaritas should be drunk in dingy bars. CRU Bar & Cellar in Brisbane's trendy James Street is a go-to for an elevated margarita that hits the sweet spot. The restaurant offers both a multi-course dining experience and afternoon cocktails and snacks if you're after something lighter. Whether you like your margaritas with some spice or in an elevated dining setting, the Summer of Margs is your excuse to try some of Australia's favourites. Find a venue to experience a Tequila Herradura margarita. 18+. Please drink responsibly.
Coburg has landed a new Japanese-inspired bar and diner, Koi Toy. The new high-energy, late-night spot brings modern Japanese flavours to Melbourne's North, opening inside Pentridge Shopping Centre. "At Koi Toy, our aim is to offer delicious, rustic, and creative Japanese food with a twist. We've moved beyond the usual sushi and sashimi staples, presenting dishes that are infused with passion and innovation. Our food is made for everyday enjoyment – flavourful, satisfying, and crafted not for Instagram, but for a true degustation of taste and craftsmanship on every plate," says Executive Chef Alex Meimetis. Meimetis, whose resume includes stints at Chin Chin Club and Claypots Evening Star, has designed a menu of classic dishes with a modern twist, in collaboration with Head Chef Long Le. Japanese flavours are blended with intentionally unexpected ingredients, such as smoked chorizo, pomegranate molasses, and Turkish spices, to create dynamic dishes. Menu highlights include angel hair tempura King Prawns, sake-cured Ocean Trout, and crunchy fried whitebait with yuzu tartare sauce and apple nori slaw. Bartenders Danny Chen and Whale Kim have curated a fresh, fruity cocktail list, including standout creations such as the Swipe in TanTan with Pavan Liqueur, gin, lemon, passion fruit, and peach bitters, and The French Rising with Chambord, pineapple juice, citrus vodka, and rhubarb bitters. The space, designed by Studio Y and with branding by Confetti Studio, features outdoor dining and a private dining room for up to 20 people. "The design of Koi Toy is inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with materials like timber that nod to yakisugi, a method of preserving wood by charring. The overlapping neon signs evoke the iconic glow of Tokyo's signage. The interior design works symbiotically with the branding by Confetti Studio to create a cohesive experience, while the sphere lighting adds a unique, conceptual touch." Images: Supplied.
Lunar New Year is about gathering around the table and sharing food and festivities. For Steve Wu, executive chef of the Lotus Dining Group, it's the most important celebration of the year — one centred on family, connection and flavour. Ahead of Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 17, Steve has created two Asian-inspired dishes designed for celebratory meals at home. These two recipes reflect how Lunar New Year cooking continues to evolve with bold, modern flavours, while staying rooted in the rituals that bring people together. From the wok-fried wasabi wagyu beef to the sealed scallops with wasabi mayo, both are full of flavour and designed to be shared, making them well-suited to the long, festive meals that define Lunar New Year. WOK-FRIED WASABI WAGYU BEEF WITH THAI BASIL Ingredients: For the Sauce 55g soy paste (thick soy sauce) 25g palm sugar 22g soy sauce (light soy sauce) 7g black vinegar 10g S&B Wasabi Paste For the Marinade 200g Wagyu flank steak 5g oil 2g soy sauce 2g potato starch For the Dish 10g cooking oil for wok 50g asparagus 50g baby corn 20g onion 10g fresh chilli (sliced) 3g Thai basil Method: Prepare the Sauce Combine the soy paste, soy sauce, and palm sugar in a small saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over low-to-medium heat, stirring until the palm sugar is completely melted and the sauce is homogenous. Do not boil. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool down completely. Once cooled, stir in the black vinegar and S&B Wasabi Paste. Set the sauce aside. Prepare and Marinate the Wagyu Beef Trim the Wagyu flank steak and slice it against the grain into pieces approximately 4 x 2 x 0.5 cm. In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with the 2g of soy sauce and potato starch until well coated. Finish the marinade by stirring in the 5g of oil to coat the beef slices and prevent them from sticking together. Allow the beef to marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Stir-fry the Vegetables Warm up your wok over medium-to-medium-high heat. Add the 10g of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the asparagus, baby corn, and onion. Stir-fry the vegetables for about one minute until they start to soften slightly and take on some colour. They should still be crisp. Transfer the half-cooked vegetables to a clean plate and set aside. Sear the Wagyu Beef Use the same wok (ensure it is still hot). If necessary, add a tiny bit more oil. Increase the heat to high. Add the marinated Wagyu beef slices in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and steaming). Sear the beef for about 30 to 60 seconds per side, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness (Wagyu is best served medium-rare). Finish the Wok Fry Add the stir-fried seared beef and vegetables together. Add the sliced chilli. Toss briefly. Pour in the prepared sauce (you may not need all of it; add to your preference). Toss quickly to coat everything evenly. Immediately add the Thai basil leaves. Toss for a final 5 to 10 seconds until the basil is wilted and fragrant. Serve on a plate. Steve's chef tip? "If you want to add some more spice, mix in 10g of wasabi with the marinade." LUNAR NEW YEAR-STYLE SEALED CALLOP WITH S&B WASABI AND MAYO Ingredients: For the Wasabi Mayonnaise Sauce 40g mayonnaise 5g lemon juice 10g honey 5g yellow mustard 4g S&B Wasabi Paste 1g salt For the Dish 6 pieces sashimi-grade scallops 50g red capsicum (diced finely) 50g yellow capsicum (diced finely) 30g fresh pomelo segments (segments peeled and gently broken) 60g cucumber ribbons 2g micro lemon balm Cooking oil: As needed for searing Method: Prepare the Wasabi Mayonnaise Sauce In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, yellow mustard, S&B Wasabi Paste, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the wasabi or salt if needed. Set the sauce aside. Prepare the Scallops for Searing Before cooking, gently pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Sear the Scallops Place a frying pan over high heat until hot. Add a small amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, reduce the heat slightly to medium-high. Place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear both sides for 45 to 60 seconds per side, depending on your preferred internal temperature (aim for a deep golden crust). Rest the Scallops Immediately remove the seared scallops from the pan and place them on a kitchen paper towel for about one minute. This allows the internal heat to redistribute gently, ensuring the centre remains moist and tender. Plate and Serve Slice each cooked scallop in half horizontally. On serving plates, arrange a base of the diced capsicums, cucumber ribbons, and pomelo segments. Drizzle or dollop the prepared wasabi mayonnaise sauce artfully onto the plate. Place the sliced seared scallops on top of the sauce and vegetable mix. Garnish with the micro lemon balm. Steve's tip for this recipe? "Add a bit of wasabi as is at the end of preparing the dish to give it some extra punch." Feeling inspired by Steve's recipe? For the tenth year in a row, Asian Inspirations is hosting the Lunar New Year Cook Snap Win competition. There are $20,000 in prizes to be won, including the grand prize: the ultimate foodie travel adventure for two. Head to the Asian Inspiration website to learn how you could win big. Discover more recipes. Image credit: Josh Mullins
Tuesday, February 17, marks the 2026 Lunar New Year: a time for family feasts, good fortune, well-wishing, and a fresh start. For Lotus Dining Group executive chef Steve Wu, it's his favourite time of year. "To me, it is a celebration dedicated entirely to family and connection. A holiday where relatives who haven't seen each other in a long while gather to share meals filled with blessings." Steve grew up in Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, a place renowned worldwide for its incredible food culture and warm hospitality. While Steve has been based in Sydney since 2012 and is now the chef behind local restaurants Pearl Dining, Lotus and the Dumpling Bar in Circular Quay and Summer Hill, his culinary roots reach back to his childhood. "My mother was a traditional housewife who mastered the craft passed down from my grandmother. Every festival, she would hand-make everything — from Nian Gao (rice cakes) to Zongzi — using the most traditional methods," Steve tells Concrete Playground. "Watching my mother cook and helping her transform raw ingredients into a festive feast was the most captivating thing to me. That process is truly what inspired me to become a professional chef." Lunar New Year in Australia may look different from the festivities of his childhood, but Steve is still using food to reconnect with his culture. "Nowadays, you see major events and activities all over Sydney, and even Western restaurants have started incorporating Lunar New Year elements into their menus. It's become a shared experience for all Australians," says Steve. "For Chinese restaurants, this is the busiest period of the year, so we celebrate in the thick of the action. However, on my rare days off, I love heading to Yummy Seafood in Beverly Hills for a proper Chinese feast." To celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year, Steve has created a recipe for Pan-Fried John Dory Fillet made with S&B Golden Curry. The pre-mix sauce lets you easily recreate restaurant-quality flavour at home this Lunar New Year, and the sauce's golden hue fits the festive theme. "In Chinese culture, we have a saying: "Nian Nian You Yu" (年年有餘), which means "May there be a surplus every year." Because the word for fish (Yu) sounds exactly like the word for surplus, a fish dish is an absolute must-have on the table to bring good fortune." If you want to try the dish yourself this Lunar New Year, follow Steve's recipe below. PAN-FRIED JOHN DORY FILLET Ingredients: 200g of John Dory fillet (if you can't find John Dory fillet, any type of fish works well) Plain Flour (as needed) Pinch of S&B Seasoned Salt and Pepper 2 cubes of S&B Golden Curry Mild 92g 200 ml of chicken stock 1/4 piece of onion, diced 50g of diced carrot Olive or vegetable oil (as needed) Steamed rice (as needed, for serving) Pickled red ginger Method: To Prepare the Fish Use paper towels to pat the fillet dry. Season both sides of the fillets with a pinch of S&B Seasoned Salt and Pepper. Place plain flour on a plate. Dredge the fish fillets to coat them evenly with a thin layer, then shake off any excess. Make the Golden Curry Heat a small amount of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and carrot for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Pour in the 200 ml of stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cook for 10 minutes with the lid. Add the 2 S&B Golden Curry cubes. Stir until the cubes are completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Turn the heat back to low, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Keep warm. Pan-Fry the Fish Fillets Heat a clean frying pan, then add the oil over medium heat. Carefully place the coated fish fillet into the hot oil. Pan-fry each side for about 3–4 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown. Remove the fillets and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Plating and Serving Ladle the hot Golden Curry Sauce in the middle of the plate. Place the pan-fried John Dory fillet on top of the curry sauce, served with pickled ginger. Serve with rice. Steve's top tip? "Chop up the Golden Curry cubes before you put them in the pan to prevent them from burning. And if there's any curry left on the plate, get some bread and scoop it up — you won't regret it" Feeling inspired by Steve's recipe? For the tenth year in a row, Asian Inspirations is hosting the Lunar New Year Cook Snap Win competition. There are $20,000 in prizes to be won, including the grand prize: the ultimate foodie travel adventure for two. Head to the Asian Inspiration website to learn how you could win big. Discover more recipes. Image credit: Josh Mullins
With ocean views and weather that practically begs you to eat outdoors year-round, the Gold Coast is where long lunches often roll into sunset drinks, and reservations are planned around golden hour. Whether you're plotting a food-focused escape or simply want to see how good dining with a sea breeze can really be, Get Up and Gold Coast to these al fresco dining spots that deliver on atmosphere, flavour and location in equal measure. The Tropic, Burleigh Heads Set right on beautiful Burleigh Beach, The Tropic is the type of venue your mind wanders to when you think of the Gold Coast. White umbrellas, breezy interiors and uninterrupted ocean views set the tone, while a Mediterranean-leaning menu keeps things fresh and coastal. You can expect plenty of seafood (the cold seafood platter features the best in Moreton Bay bugs, tiger prawns, freshly shucked oysters, and more), and refined cocktails, including signatures like the Mojo Tivo Blood Orange spritz and the Basil Maybe, which features gin, mango, basil, and bitters served straight up for a refreshing sip. If you're looking for an al fresco long lunch destination that ends in sunset spritzes overlooking the beach, The Tropic is your go-to. [caption id="attachment_1070222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads[/caption] Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads Rick Shores is the type of Gold Coast restaurant that interstate foodies plan their trips around, and for good reason. Also located on Burleigh, the modern Asian restaurant pairs bold flavours with a stellar view. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck, the beach is the backdrop for signature dishes like Moreton Bay bug rolls, cured Ora King salmon sashimi, and freshly shucked oysters with Thai vinaigrette. The al fresco experience is polished yet relaxed, making it one of the Gold Coast's most memorable dining experiences. [caption id="attachment_1070225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta[/caption] Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta If you find yourself in the southern Gold Coast, be sure to drop by Kirra Beach House in Coolangatta. Despite being a multi-level, elevated beachfront venue, Kirra Beach still has a laidback atmosphere. Lounge in the terrace cabanas, sink into booth seating in the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and enjoy the sunset terrace for cocktail catchups and casual lunches. When it comes to food, expect seafood-led pasta, fish and steak fillets, as well as salad bowls for something lighter. With an extensive wine list and signature crowd-pleasing cocktails, it's easy to spend the whole day relaxing al fresco-style. [caption id="attachment_1070223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sueño, Mermaid Beach[/caption] Sueño, Mermaid Beach If you're looking for a rooftop bar that's as design-driven as it is delicious, head to Sueño. The Mermaid Beach rooftop is located above the Latin American restaurant Norté and features a variety of shareable plates. Think: ceviche, skewers, handmade tortillas and guacamole. Sueño's signature cocktail menu is extensive and inspired by the Americas (be sure to try the Beso Picante featuring gin, Aperol, and spicy agave). The rooftop also offers a bottomless brunch on weekends, featuring an eight-dish shared-style brunch menu paired with bottomless selected cocktails, house beer, and wine for $149 per person. Whether you're here for a rooftop afternoon aperitif or a long evening under the stars, Sueño is all about fresh flavours and al fresco dining – Latin American-style. [caption id="attachment_1070226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Surfers Pavilion[/caption] Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise If you're looking for a Gold Coast dining experience that's a bit more casual (without compromising on its view), Surfers Pavilion in Surfers Paradise does the trick. The restaurant is located on the Nerang River, providing a different type of waterfront al fresco dining experience. It offers a relaxed, social atmosphere that suits large groups and after-work revellers, and its deck is ideal for grazing, cocktail parties and casual catch-ups. The menu is a crowd-pleaser serving everything from burgers to fish and chips and share plates at affordable prices. Enjoy a cold beer in the Queensland afternoon with a river view to match. [caption id="attachment_1070224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads[/caption] Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads Burleigh Pavilion is a Gold Coast institution. Sitting right on the headland, the large restaurant overlooks Burleigh Beach and features sprawling spaces to socialise alfresco-style. Grab a spot on the deck beneath the umbrellas for the best views of Burleigh, and enjoy the menu, which features share plates for groups and pub-style classics, including battered local snapper, burgers, steak, and woodfire pizzas. Aperol Spritzes are the unofficial cocktail of Burleigh Pavilion, making it the perfect Sunday session location when on the Gold Coast. [caption id="attachment_1074101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palette, HOTA[/caption] Palette, Surfers Paradise Located inside HOTA, Home of the Arts, Palette is one of the Gold Coast's hidden dining gems. The refined restaurant offers a calm, cultural dining experience with a seasonal menu inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. Palette is the Gold Coast's only three-hatted restaurant, offering fine dining alongside the fresh, local produce the destination is known for. If you're looking for an alfresco bar post-gallery hopping, head to The Exhibitionist Bar, which features breathtaking views across the city and toward the hinterland from HOTA's rooftop. From beachside views to rooftop escapes, the Gold Coast's al fresco dining scene is reason enough to plan a getaway. Come for the sunshine, stay for the long lunches, and don't be surprised if your afternoon plans roll on into the evening. Image Credit: Supplied Lead Image Credit: The Tropic
Group getaways can often be social highlights of the year. But, between the group chat admin, Airbnb cleaning fees and boring, overpriced hotel rooms, deciding where to stay on a friend's trip can suck the fun right out of it before you've even arrived. In Bendigo, a new type of accommodation has landed, designed with group getaways in mind. Tasman Holiday Parks Bendigo has just launched its fleet of vintage-style caravans that are full of personality. Nicknamed Patty, Selma, Thelma and Louise, these four retro caravans are designed for travellers seeking accommodation that's full of character. While the caravans look perfectly vintage on the outside, the insides are decked out with comfortable, modern amenities, including a queen bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette. Each caravan also comes with its own vinyl record player, lawn games, and access to a private fire-pit precinct to help you switch off and connect with your mates. The campsite includes access to a communal resort pool, laundry facilities, a camp kitchen, and a games room. Ultimately, the glamping caravans help you and your mates focus on making memories — all without the hassle of pitching your own tent or sleeping in a swag. The caravans are best suited to small groups, including low-key hen getaways, couples' trips or a quiet family holiday. Plus, given the parks' central Bendigo location, holidaymakers also have easy access to the Victorian city's incredible food and wine scene, galleries and botanic gardens. So, if you're looking for a glamping-style holiday that's full of character and a chance to log off and make some memories, consider booking a stay at Tasman Holiday Parks brand new vintage caravans in Bendigo. Book your stay now. Image Credit: Supplied
Anyone in the arts knows that getting projects off the ground is a notoriously difficult task. From finding the time to create outside of paid work to simply keeping a roof over your head, following your dreams isn't always easy. Melbourne-based director, animator, and stop-motion specialist Sammy Lewis knows this reality all too well. "I'd been struggling to find work for most of last year and was on the verge of a career shift or at least finding a day job outside of animation," they told Concrete Playground. Over three and a half months in their studio, Sammy created Garbologist, a stop motion short film inspired by Specsavers' iconic "Should've Gone to Specsavers" ad format. Garbologist was submitted as part of Specsavers' annual competition in partnership with the leading short film festival, Flickerfest. A judging panel selected five finalists before the public voted on their favourite. The creativity and dedication of Garbologist stood out and Sammy was crowned the winner, scoring a $70K cash prize as well as a screening of their film at Flickerfest. "The prize has changed everything, and now I'll be able to focus on my own ideas full-time and hopefully develop a short film or series concept," they said of the career-changing prize money. We spoke with Sammy from the UK, where they're working at famed animation studio Aardman (the team behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep), to learn more about their prize-winning animated short film and what's next for the artist. Concrete Playground: Your winning entry reimagines the Specsavers ad through stop motion animation. What was the original creative spark behind Garbologist? Sammy Lewis: The idea for Garbologist came from a mix of things and is actually quite nostalgic for me. I was a truck-obsessed kid who would wait on the footpath to watch the bins get collected. My life peaked at three years old when I got to sit in the driver's seat and operate the claw. The first bin that gets collected in Garbologist is 22, which is the number of my childhood home. I also grew up with classic stop motion shows like Fireman Sam and Postman Pat and wanted to pay homage to their influence on my animation career. How did you get started in your career? A childhood obsession with plasticine turned into studying a Bachelor of Animation at The Queensland College of Art. That then led to moving from Meanjin/Brisbane to Naarm/Melbourne to find anyone else who was doing stop motion. That seems to have worked out, and I've animated on music videos, commercials, short films, kids' television and two feature films. How did you approach balancing brand storytelling and constraints with your creative voice? My whole aim for this ad was to tell a good joke, and I kept refining ideas until I thought I'd landed on a solid visual gag. Time was my biggest constraint, as stop motion is a notoriously slow process. I tried to keep things as simple as possible at every stage, but unfortunately, this meant cutting out a bin chicken character from my original draft. Tell us about the production process for this film. How long did it take, and what were the challenges? From initial idea to final export, the whole process took about three and a half months. My studio at the time was very small, and I had to fit everything on a set that was only 1.2 metres wide, and the scale of the puppets had to be about half the size of what I usually work [with]. I didn't have much of a budget and tried to recycle and reclaim as many materials as I could. 90% of Garbologist is cardboard and acrylic paint. The puppets have oven-bake clay heads with plasticine hands, the grass is made from two painted bath towels, and the garbage truck is a toy I bought second-hand and added the claw. Building all the puppets and sets took two months. Animation was two weeks and I outsourced music and sound design at the last minute so I could focus on editing and compositing. Everything is real, handmade and full of hot glue. What do you love about working with stop motion and animation? I love how stop motion and animation in general force you to collaborate or otherwise be lonely and sad and take four times longer to complete anything. I had a wonderful little crew of creatives in Lucy (Art Department), Mack (Art Department / Crochet Artist), Goldy (Colour Grade), Ryan (Sound Design/Music) and Seamus Spilsbury (Development). Check out their work. Flickerfest has long been a launching pad for emerging filmmakers. How important is this platform to you? I've been incredibly lucky to have worked on some amazing productions in my career, but it feels like I'm still searching for my own voice as a filmmaker. Flickerfest is such an important festival in providing a platform to do this, as well as opportunities like the Specsavers competition. I really hope to come back in the next few years with a film in competition. Often, creators don't want to touch commercial work for fear it's not "real" art. What do you say to these people, and what are the pros of commercial filmmaking? I understand why some people would feel that way about commercial gigs, and it can be stifling to work for brands when they give you minimal creative freedom. As a freelancer, I've never really had the luxury of picking and choosing what I work on and just try to catch the next thing that falls out of the sky. I've certainly learnt a lot from working on commercial jobs, and it's improved my communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills. What's your advice for filmmakers wanting to break into the industry? I'm not really one to give career advice, as everyone's path will be different. For me, it was finding my people, persistence and quite a bit of luck. What's next for you? What are you working on at the moment? I'm currently in the UK at Aardman, working on the new Shaun the Sheep movie, The Beast of Mossy Bottom, which is a dream come true, and after that, I'll be back to my default of making it up as I go. Image Credit: Supplied
The Gold Coast has long been one of Australia's most reliable family holiday destinations, and for good reason. Few places pack in the same mix of adrenaline-pumping theme parks, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures and family-friendly accommodation. Whether you're travelling with thrill-seekers, animal lovers or kids who just want to stay by the pool, the Gold Coast makes it easy to build an itinerary that keeps everyone happy. This guide rounds up the best family-friendly deals and experiences, so you can Get Up and Gold Coast on your next holiday. [caption id="attachment_1069893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Movie World[/caption] Make Some Memories A family holiday doesn't have to mean slowing down. If your family thrives on excitement, the Gold Coast delivers it in spades. The classics include Village Roadshow Theme Parks: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild, where you can enjoy five consecutive days of holiday fun for $169 per person. Australia's biggest theme park, Dreamworld, also suits families with kids of all ages. The big kids can make some memories on King Claw and Steel Taipan rollercoaster, while the little ones can have fun on the Deep Sea Dodgems and the Big Red Boat Coaster. For families looking to get more bang for their buck, you can book two-day tickets for $99 per person that offer access to Dreamworld, SkyPoint, and Whitewater World. [caption id="attachment_1069891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Timezone[/caption] If a day (or five) in the theme parks still hasn't scratched the adrenaline itch, consider iFly. Located in the heart of bustling Surfers Paradise, iFly lets kids (and brave parents) experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in a safe, controlled environment. Fly from as little as $69 per person and use the promocode EXPGC when booking the iFLY Basic or iFLY Value Package for a discount. Also in Surfers Paradise is the world's largest Timezone, a reliable hit that features arcades, laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, and glow-in-the-dark golf. Set on the water, GC Aqua Park in Southport is a unique, family-friendly experience designed for splash-filled fun, an inflatable course perfect for kids who love to jump off their energy in the Gold Coast sunshine. [caption id="attachment_1069889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] GC Aqua Park[/caption] Nature and Wildlife Adventures Water parks and thrill-seeking aside, there are a number of experiences on the Gold Coast that are rich in connection, nature, and fun. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a beloved day out for families to learn more about animals and the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Enjoy close encounters with the kids' favourite animals, shaded walking trails, and an overall educational day out. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also hosts Astra Lumina, a cosmic light and sound experience that's set in the sanctuary's bushland. Embark on an enchanted after-dark experience, and discover the wonder of the stars thanks to a projection and moving soundscape. It's a multi-sensory experience (and one that won't be forgotten quickly). Use the promo code GETCWS for $10 off day passes to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Use the code GETAL5 for $5 off Astra Lumina tickets. [caption id="attachment_1069894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Astra Lumina[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1069890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elite Holiday Homes[/caption] Where to Stay Accommodation on the Gold Coast caters exceptionally well to families, whether you want all-inclusive ease or simply a place to sleep in between adventures. Paradise Resort is made for travelling with kids, combining pools, activities and kids' clubs with dining that takes the pressure off parents. It's been voted Australia's Best Family Resort for the 15th year in a row and is packed full of activities, including an ice-skating rink, waterpark, miniature train, and more, all within metres of Surfers Paradise Beach. If you stay for three or more nights, Paradise Resort offers daily breakfast for everyone, lunch and dinner for the kids, $200 activities credit, one kids club session per child and more. For families travelling with larger groups, Elite Holiday Homes offers spacious, luxury holiday homes with family-friendly pools and Gold Coast views. If camping or cabin-style stays are more your speed, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort and Gold Coast Tourist Parks deliver an easy balance of affordability and convenience, with easy access to beaches and the Gold Coast's main attractions. If you prefer your accommodation as a central base that's close to holiday activities, look to Novotel Surfers Paradise or voco Gold Coast. Both hotels offer family-friendly discounts, such as kids eating free and, for Novotel, a $100 Timezone voucher to enjoy when staying two nights or more. Use the code LOVE and receive 30% off Elite Holiday Homes when booking for a minimum of four nights. NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort Kids stay and play free, save up to 15%* off accommodation. Free daily coffees, free pedal-kart hire and a $10 games room credit. [caption id="attachment_1069888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gold Coast Tourist Parks[/caption] On the Gold Coast, you can spend one day riding rollercoasters, the next spotting kangaroos, and the following afternoon doing absolutely nothing by the hotel pool, all without long drives or rigid itineraries. With all of these options in close proximity to one another, a family-style Gold Coast holiday is a no-brainer. Image Credit: Supplied
Canberra is set to glow again as Enlighten Festival returns in 2026, transforming the capital into a city-wide playground of art, ideas and after-dark discovery. Running for 11 days from Friday, February 27 to Monday, March 9, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore Canberra in ways you normally wouldn't. Now in its 16th year, Enlighten delivers a packed program of world premieres, Canberra-firsts and large-scale experiences that tell Australian stories through art, exhibitions and immersive installations. At the heart of the festival are the Illuminations, the only time of year Canberra's national institutions unite to showcase monumental, original artworks across their facades. In 2026, architectural projections will light up the Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The lineup features works by celebrated artists Kaylene Whiskey, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Grace Kemarre Robinya, Sam Wallman, Philip Bunting, and Eleanor and Giovanni. After dark, Enlighten: The Night Shift unlocks Canberra's major institutions for unexpected late-night experiences. Think karaoke and live performances inside the Department of Memories at the Museum of Australian Democracy, free lantern-making at the National Archives, and degustation dining within the walls of Parliament House. The Festival Hub Artworks turn the National Triangle into an open-air gallery filled with immersive installations and roaming performances. World premieres, including Serendipity by Atelier Sisu and Glitch Monument by Collide Public Art, make their debut, alongside large-scale installations such as Whispers of Wonderment and Amorphia. Beyond the Triangle, Enlighten: BEYOND encourages audiences to venture further across the city, connecting Canberra's arts organisations, institutions, and local businesses through exhibitions, events, and pop-up experiences throughout the festival. One of the festival's standout moments is Symphony in the Park, a free, all-ages outdoor concert in Commonwealth Park. In 2026, Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors joins the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for world-premiere orchestral arrangements of classics, including Holy Grail and Throw Your Arms Around Me. Entry is free, but booking tickets is essential to secure your spot. The program is rounded out with events for those keen to dive deeper, from Luminous Ideas at Canberra Theatre Centre — featuring Jennifer Wong's FEAST — to the immersive digital exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. Whether you're visiting Canberra for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, Enlighten Festival 2026 is an invitation to wander, connect and see the city in a whole new light. Plan your trip to Enlighten Festival 2026 and see the program here.
While the Gold Coast might be known for its beaches, you don't have to be an ocean person to enjoy the relaxation of the destination. Beyond the sand is a leader in Australia's booming health and wellness scene. Whether you're planning a dedicated wellness escape or weaving a little indulgence into a holiday itinerary, Get Up and Gold Coast to the destination's best spa and wellness experiences for slowing down and switching off. [caption id="attachment_1067919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Native State[/caption] Bathhouses Bathhouses are all the rage at the moment, including on the Gold Coast. SOL Elements in Mount Tamborine is described as a transformative sanctuary where ancient healing meets modern-day wellness rituals. Enjoy the elemental bathhouse, float caves for weightless stillness, and hands-on massages and treatments. If you can make it midweek, SOL Elements offers a midweek bathhouse session and a private floatation cave session, with a wellness drink on arrival and robe hire, for $150. In Coolangatta, Native State is the Gold Coast's premier bathhouse, offering hydrothermal pools, steam rooms, and quiet spaces to boost your immune system, reduce stress, revitalise your body, and more. Its 90-minute bathhouse sessions are currently available for $49 with code 45ONUS. [caption id="attachment_1067921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ground Bathhouse[/caption] Worth bookmarking for your hinterland escape are Ground Bathhouse in Currumbin and Greenhouse Bathhouse in Tallebudgera Valley. Both are known for their calming atmosphere, mineral pools, and community-driven approach to modern wellness. Ground Bathhouse offers bespoke facials, hydrotherapy spas, a traditional cedar hot tub, a large wood-fired hot stone sauna, and an outdoor infrared sauna. Greenhouse Bathhouse is the Gold Coast's original bathhouse, having been established in 2017. It offers massages, an on-site restaurant, a magnesium pool, a red cedar sauna, and more to help you unwind and relax in the hinterland. [caption id="attachment_1067922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spa by JW Marriott[/caption] Day Spas For those craving hands-on treatments and experiences, the Gold Coast's hotel spas deliver polished, high-end experiences that will have you feeling like a new person. Inside The Star Gold Coast, Azure Spa is a destination for moments of solitude, offering treatments that focus on relieving tension, rejuvenating the skin, and providing full-body restorative treatments. The Babor facial is $160 for 60 minutes, giving you an hour of indulgence and self-care. Over at The Langham, Chuan Spa blends traditional Chinese medicine philosophies with modern spa techniques. Restore your balance with massage, detoxifying face masks, and more. [caption id="attachment_1067923" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chuan Spa[/caption] If you're looking for a spa destination for a bachelorette party or birthday, the Spa by JW Marriott at Surfers Paradise is ideal for groups. A four-hour pamper package comes to $539 (valued at $702) and includes a one-hour facial, a one-hour massage, high tea, sauna and steam shower, a glass of champagne and more. [caption id="attachment_1067924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gwinganna Retreat and Spa[/caption] Retreat-Style Wellness Escapes If you're ready to take the (cold) plunge and book an overnight retreat, the Gold Coast hinterland is the perfect place to escape and switch off. For two decades, Gwinganna Retreat and Spa in Tallebudgera Valley has been a leader in holistic wellness retreat experiences. With the principles of organic living, healing spa treatments, and restorative rest in nature, you're guaranteed to feel rejuvenated. Currently, guests can stay five nights and pay for only four, plus experience a massage, facial, $100 wellness therapy credit, and complimentary Gold Coast Airport transfers. Use the code GCSTAYS to redeem and prepare a schedule built around movement, nutrition, rest and reconnection. [caption id="attachment_1067925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eden Retreat[/caption] Eden Retreat in Currumbin Valley is designed for those looking to step away from everyday life in a secluded, nature-focused environment. The retreat offers stays that are focused on realignment through holistic wellbeing, meditation, nourishing food, and therapeutic treatments. If you want to experience Eden Retreat without staying overnight, its day spa is also open to guests seeking restorative treatments. Finally, On Eagle Wings Mountain Retreat & Spa in the hinterland is a relaxing retreat set in the rainforest. The two-and-a-half-hour soak spa package, which lets you recharge your body and take in the incredible skyline views from the infinity pool, is currently priced at $159 per person and includes infrared therapy and mineral spas. [caption id="attachment_1067926" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eagle Wings Mountain Retreat & Spa[/caption] The Gold Coast's wellness scene proves that relaxation here goes far beyond the shoreline. From accessible bathhouse sessions to luxury spa treatments and immersive hinterland retreats, these experiences show just how zen a Gold Coast getaway can be. Image credit: Supplied
In 2026, Flickerfest Short Film Festival will celebrate its 35th year as a highlight in the cultural calendar. The curated programme, which takes place from Friday, January 23 until Sunday, February 1, showcases around 200 short films, including 42 world premieres and 41 Australian premieres, giving Sydney audiences a first look at the industry's creative talents. Alongside Flickerfest's outstanding lineup, the festival has also partnered with Specsavers for the third year running to support emerging filmmakers. The competition invites filmmakers to create a 30-second short film in the spirit of the brand's recognisable "Should've Gone To Specsavers" ad, which has been gracing Australian screens for over 15 years. "The partnership is about getting people to think creatively and giving opportunities for emerging filmmakers," says Flickerfest director, Bronwyn Kidd. "It has evolved from a script competition to people producing their own 30-second ideas. It encourages people to get a team together and make something." From all of the entries, five finalists have now been selected, with each short film set to be showcased at Flickerfest and awarded $20k in prize money. One entrant, however, will win a major prize — $50k cash to help launch and support their creative career. While the finalists have been handpicked by a judging panel, the winner will be chosen by the general public. Voters are also in with a chance at some prize money. Voters are also in with a chance at some prize money. Tell us, in 25 words or less, why your favourite 30-second short film deserves to win. You'll then go in the draw to score a $1000 Digital Visa Gift Card. Perhaps the winner will be Edvard Christie's wine blunder with The Expert? Hannah Dougherty's hilarious crime mystery, Sketch Artist? Or the unique animated short, Garbologist? Justin Villar's The Chase makes for a thrilling TVC, while Muraya Moore's Fishtank nails the creative brief. Watch and vote for the five Flickerfest finalists at the Specsavers hub and go into the running to win $1000 — all while supporting the Australian film industry. See the full Flickerfest programme and find more information here. Lead image credit: Flickerfest
With the first residents moving into East Brunswick Village in 2020, a groundswell of like-minded businesses quickly followed. Replacing the area's dilapidated factories, you'll now find uncompromising baked goods at To Be Frank's second outpost alongside Fomo Cinemas, featuring a dine-in experience inspired by renowned cinema brands such as the Alamo Drafthouse. Bringing a new element to this creative bunch, East Brunswick Village is preparing to host its very first vintage market. Taking place from 10am–3pm on Sunday, February 22, over 30 stallholders will be in attendance, offering vintage and second-hand fashion, statement accessories, retro homewares, vinyl records, collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds. Beyond the rare items up for grabs, another EBV resident is also firing up the barbecue. That'd be Hagen's Organics — a long-standing family-run butchery — flipping a brisket sausage with Vegemite BBQ sauce and grilled onions. Plus, DODAM is elevating the market bites with its ever-popular Korean fried chicken. Fuelled up for your treasure hunt, you might also find yourself dancing from one stall to the next. Paris-born Waxflower regular DJ Michat will be spinning classic vinyl, showcasing her impressive repertoire of soul, disco and bossa nova tunes, plus some zouk deep cuts if you're lucky. Dogs are welcome, and the market is wheelchair accessible.
The racing event of the year is nearly here. To celebrate, Jack Daniel's is bringing the hype (and noise) off-track with a bunch of live music and racing experiences across the city. Here's where to join the party. Jack's Street Party at Middle Park Hotel Middle Park Hotel is the destination for catching all of the race week action, no track pass required. From Thursday, March 5, through to Sunday, March 8, Jack Daniel's is bringing four days of racing, food, drinks, and entertainment to Middle Park Hotel. Located just minutes from the track, you and your friends can soak up the atmosphere (and engine sounds). Watch the races on mega screens and TVs, enjoy the pop-up bar and delicious food menu, and dance to live music and DJs every day. As a tribute to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Jack Daniel's, one of McLaren's official partners, is taking over the entire venue, with replica uniforms and helmets on display throughout the hotel, along with games, competitions, and prizes. From 5–6pm each day, Jack's Hour will take place, complete with drink specials and exclusive merch giveaways. Jack Daniel's has also collaborated with artist Glen Downey to produce a bespoke McLaren-Jack Daniel's-Melbourne-inspired piece of artwork. One lucky punter will win a driver-signed copy of the artwork by entering the competition during Jack's Hour each day. The weekend is free to attend and unticketed. Simply show up (first-come, first-served) and enjoy the atmosphere of race week at Middle Park Hotel. Jack's Bus Jack's Bus (yes, a literal bus) will be parked at Middle Park Hotel during the day. From 12–3pm each day, attendees will receive a bespoke cocktail on arrival, an expert insight into the history of Jack Daniel's and the McLaren racing team, as well as a tasting of a limited edition Jack Daniel's beverage and exclusive merchandise giveaways. Once the racing action is over, the bus will shuttle punters between Middle Park Hotel and The Espy to keep the party going. Jack's Karaoke at The Espy The Espy's Engine Room is set to transform into a high-energy karaoke arena for the long weekend. Step up, grab the mic, and you may end up the lead singer of Jack Daniel's House Band. Practice sessions are taking place on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. Saturday, March 7, is the qualifying heat to narrow the singers down to the final four. On Sunday, March 8, the finalists will take to the stage for the Loudest Lap, the ultimate karaoke showdown. The top prize (aside from your 15 minutes of fame) is $5K in cash, with all participants receiving a Jack Daniel's prize pack. Get ready for a weekend of belters and fun at The Espy's Engine Room. Jack's Garage at The Espy Ready to party the night away? Jack's Garage in The Espy's Gershwin Room is taking over with an electrifying lineup of Australian artists across four nights. On Thursday, March 5, electronic duo The Presets will set the tone for the exciting weekend. Friday, March 6 sees Slowly Slowly take to the stage with their local indie rock, while Saturday, March 7 brings DJ Anna Lunoe and her infectious house and electronic beats to The Espy. Finally, on Sunday, March 8, Keli Holiday wraps up Melbourne's race week with a high-energy gig that's sure to get you dancing. All performances are live and free, so RSVP here and arrive early to avoid capacity limits in the Gershwin Room. Even if you miss out on tickets, all gigs will be live-streamed on screens across the venue. This means you can still enjoy the tunes and have a dance at The Espy to some legendary acts. Jack's Pit Stop at Crown Casino Throughout race weekend, Crown Melbourne will become Jack's Pit Stop. By heading to The Pub, Sports Bar and Jackpot, you could win a free trip to Las Vegas with the purchase of any Jack Daniel's product, as well as a Jack Daniel's Pit Crew customisable t-shirt. Make it one of your pit stops across the racing-obsessed week. McLaren will bring speed to the Albert Park racing track, but Jack Daniel's is making sure Melbourne feels the energy. Between parties and fan hubs, live music and karaoke, there's no better way to enjoy the March weekend. Image Credit: Supplied
While the city may be famous for its beach and wellness lifestyle, the Gold Coast also has a thriving cultural scene. One that's filled with local makers, independent boutiques and art spaces. From gallery exhibitions and circus performers to Indigenous tours and food markets, Get Up and Gold Coast and discover the city's cultural side with this insider guide. [caption id="attachment_1072421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] La Clique[/caption] HOTA, Home of the Arts The first stop on a cultural tour has to be HOTA, Home of the Arts. It's a precinct that brings together galleries, live performance, cinema and dining all under one roof. On now is the free exhibition A Bigger View, which spans artists, decades and continents to showcase large-scale artworks and masterpieces from the National Gallery of Australia and major works from HOTA. Among other talented artists, the exhibition also includes two pieces by Henri Matisse and one by Pintupi artist Long Tom Tjapanangka. Alongside art and exhibitions, HOTA also hosts theatre, including international productions such as the high-energy circus cabaret La Clique, which returns in March after its sold-out debut in 2025. The show blends daring acrobatics and stunts with burlesque and comedy to create a captivating night out. Also in March, for one weekend only, comes Duck Pond, an "exuberant take" on the famous Swan Lake ballet in circus form. If you want to elevate your cultural day out, head to Palette, HOTA's flagship restaurant. It's the Gold Coast's only three-hatted restaurant, with a menu that is inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. [caption id="attachment_1067580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre[/caption] Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre A huge part of the Gold Coast's culture is its Indigenous history. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located at Burleigh Headland, offers locals and visitors the opportunity of guided walks, exhibitions and storytelling experiences to showcase the Yugambeh language and Country. Learn about the land's history and its First Nations people to gain an even deeper sense of its cultural heritage. To inspire you to Get Up and Gold Coast, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is offering two weekday walkabout tours for the price of one. Bring a friend or family member along for free and discover ancient stories and Burleigh's vibrant culture. [caption id="attachment_1067581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Swell Sculpture Festival[/caption] Gold Coast Festivals Many art festivals choose the Gold Coast as their home base. First on the calendar in July is the Surface Miami Street Art Festival, which features large-scale murals and live painting in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami. In September, the Swell Sculpture Festival transforms Currumbin Beach into an openair gallery for Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. BLEACH* Festival is an annual citywide celebration of performance, visual art and music that takes over the Gold Coast's laneways and theatres. In 2026, BLEACH* will take place in October, so keep an eye out throughout the year as the program is unveiled. Between these festivals and many others, you've got a cultural calendar that rivals other Australian cities. [caption id="attachment_1067583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mint Art House[/caption] Independent Boutiques If you're looking for local creators and small businesses to support when in the Gold Coast, head to James Street's boutique stores in Burleigh. Located mere steps from the ocean, the independent shops and designers offer thoughtful curation and pieces that will remind you of your trip to the Gold Coast. For something even more unique, Mint Art House in Burleigh Heads is an artists' collective that's also a gallery, studio and events space selling unique ceramics and souvenirs for you to take home. [caption id="attachment_1067586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miami Marketta[/caption] Food Culture Looking to experience some of the Gold Coast's food culture? There are an abundance of markets and cafes that focus on community and creatives. Miami Marketta is a hub of creativity, good food, and live music. Described as the first creative precinct on the Gold Coast, different spaces and events are run side by side, and night markets and street food reign supreme. At HOTA Farmer and Artisan Markets, local designers, artists and artisans host stalls every Sunday morning, offering the best in farm-fresh produce, delicious food, handcrafted wears and more. For a Gold Coast-style brunch, Stable at Cornerstone in Currumbin is a sun-filled space where seasonal produce and specialty coffee take precedence, while Sun Devil (located in Strange Days vintage clothing store) proves that some of the Gold Coast's best cafes are where you least expect them. This is just a snippet of the cultural events, festivals and activities happening on the Gold Coast. Because while we love the city for its theme parks and beaches, it's also a growing cultural haven. Image credit: Supplied Lead Image: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
For years, NSW residents looked through jealous eyes at other Australian states enjoying a multitude of extra public holidays that weren't afforded (NSW typically observes just 11 public holidays per year, while other states observe as many as 15), but now the tables have turned, thanks to a calendar loophole. On Sunday, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced that NSW residents are getting an extra public holiday for the next two years. Having announced the intention to explore it last month via press conference, Minns has confirmed that the Monday following ANZAC Day 2026 and 2027 would be a public holiday for NSW. Remembrance services will still fall on Saturday, April 25, 2026 — until this past weekend, only residents in WA and the ACT were being granted a public holiday on Monday, April 27. "NSW has fewer public holidays than other states. Some other states have already moved to having an additional public holiday when ANZAC Day appears on the weekend, and we're going to follow suit for 2026 and 2027," Minns said in a video posted to his social media accounts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Minns (@chrisminnsmp) In the video, Minns acknowledges that this isn't a decision to mark the occasion with celebration, saying "[ANZAC Day] is probably the most important national day that we have". Minns also places faith in NSW to not abuse the holiday and its historical significance, adding, "I think NSW residents can, of course, be trusted with this public holiday in the sense that it won't detract from the solemnity and importance of the 25th of April." The response has been mixed, with RSL NSW members and business owners in particular not fully on board (though the former is still mostly in favour), hesitations acknowledged by the Minns government. Then there's the court of public opinion. One Facebook commenter on Minns' video wrote "NO! ANZAC Day is a day of remembering those who have fought and gave their lives for Australia. It is not just another long weekend." Another commenter added, "it would be a greater sign of respect for us to sacrifice one day of our weekend to remember the ANZACs' sacrifice," while a third pointed out public holidays aren't just a day off for some, asking pointedly, "not thinking about small businesses, families that rely on child care?" No ANZAC Day services will be impacted over the weekend, and for those who may be wondering, two-up will still be illegal on the Monday, and every day in the year other than April 25th and November 11th. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Minns (@chrisminnsmp) ANZAC Day will next fall on a weekend in 2032, so NSW residents will have a few years to consider how the changes impacted remembrance around the occasion before another opportunity arises. Hear Minn's full commentary on the new public holiday via his social media accounts. Image: iStock
There are only a handful of soundtracks that can make millennials' hair stand on end — one of which is Harry Potter™. If you've ever wanted to hear John Williams' instantly recognisable Oscar-nominated score live, you're in luck as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone™ In Concert is about to cast a spell over Sydney. To celebrate 25 years of witchcraft and wizardry on screen, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is performing the entire film soundtrack live. Running across five performances from Wednesday, December 2 to Saturday, December 5, the film that began the series will be screened in high definition, while the orchestra brings John Williams' epic score to life. See the first Hogwarts letter being delivered, the beginnings of Harry, Ron and Hermione's friendship, a troll running amok, and the story that inspired a generation, all backed by an expert live orchestra. Whether you're a Potterhead yourself or are introducing the magic of the film to someone for the first time, you can expect to experience a whole new level of enchantment at the Sydney Opera House this December. Book your tickets now. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone™ In Concert is rated PG. Please note: children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times when attending concerts at the venue. All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
After a two-year hiatus and a cancelled 2024 run, Groovin the Moo is officially returning — though not quite in the format longtime fans might remember. Rather than its traditional multi-stop regional tour, the festival will stage a single-day, single-stage event in Lismore on Saturday, May 9. Organisers have described the move as a "deliberate and considered return", signalling a slower, more sustainable rebuild for one of Australia's most-loved regional music institutions. "Starting with a single stage and single-day show allows the festival to rebuild with care, while staying true to its regional foundations," organisers said in a statement. For nearly two decades, Groovin the Moo has been a rite of passage for regional music fans — bringing major international acts and emerging Australian talent to towns often skipped by big-city touring circuits. Past lineups have featured everyone from Billie Eilish and The Kooks to Gang of Youths, Amy Shark and The Veronicas, alongside breakout local artists who've gone on to headline their own tours. But like many Australian festivals, GTM has faced mounting pressure in recent years. Rising production costs, shifting audience habits and challenging ticket sales led to the cancellation of its 2024 edition just weeks after the lineup announcement. At the time, organisers cited insufficient ticket sales and a need to rethink the festival's long-term model. Now, with support from Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government and Destination NSW, the comeback show aims to test a more financially viable structure — while still honouring its regional DNA. "The festival belongs to regional Australia," said Fuzzy CEO Adelle Robinson. "Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure." ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd echoed the sentiment, describing the return as "a genuinely special moment for Australian music" and highlighting the importance of regional centres like Lismore in the broader live music ecosystem. For now, the message is simple: Groovin the Moo is back — just smaller, more intentional and (hopefully) built to last. The full lineup and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. This article first appeared in Rolling Stone Australia. Images: Supplied
Real estate in Australia is a complex and pricey market, with prices in most cities steadily rising year on year. The median house price in Australia is now $883,000, and in capital cities, things are getting dire — dire enough that Sydney buyers are paying seven-figure sums for driveways, let alone houses. But hard as it may be to believe, some property is still cheap in Australia, as long as it's rural and small, according to a report from Realestate.com.au. In NSW, January's cheapest sale was a fraction of that media price at a mere $80,000 — the property in question being a sandstone Anglican church on 2000 square metres of land in Wilcannia, a town outside of Broken Hill with 735 permanent residents. According to Realestate.com.au, the property was put on the market because its Sydney-based owner failed to anticipate the logistical challenges of the renovation. [caption id="attachment_1074362" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Realestate.com.au[/caption] In Victoria, a low record for the month was set by a fixer-upper weatherboard cottage in Walpeup, which sold with an acre of land for $115,000. The decades-old, three-bedroom cottage had been abandoned for the last eight years but reportedly still attracted a lot of interest from cash buyers before it sold. Up in Queensland, Mt Isa saw the cheapest sale in the state, $105,000 for a three-bedroom home pitched as a 'renovator's delight'. With a plywood-covered exterior setting the scene for a bare, linoleum-floored interior. [caption id="attachment_1074361" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Realestate.com.au[/caption] It's not much of a step from Tasmania, where the cheapest deal was $110,000 for a two-bedroom lake shack set in a township of just 11 residents in the Central Highlands. Size didn't matter in South Australia either, where a partial ocean-view studio apartment sold for $165,000 in Victor Harbor. Prices were higher in the ACT and Northern Territory. In the former, the cheapest sale was a studio apartment for $235,000, while in the latter, an Alice Springs ground-floor apartment with 51 square metres of living space, a pool, a basketball court, and a barbecue area sold for $190,000. But the cheapest sale in the country occurred in Western Australia, where a rundown three-bedroom home with almost no images listed sold for just $60,000. Images: Realestate.com.au/sold
Victoria sits in a special place, just as scenic as the rest of Australia, but situated where climates collide in spectacular fashion, especially by the sea. From the calm waters of Port Phillip to the wilder surf breaks of the Bass Strait, Victoria is home to just shy of 700 beaches, and among them are some of the most spectacular shorelines in the country. If we had to choose our favourites, we've already picked Melbourne's best beaches, and the best beach camping in Victoria, but we've turned to the travel experts at Lonely Planet for the showstopper shorelines that top Victoria's beaches. For the rest of Australia, you can read their Best Beaches Australia guide, available online and in your nearest bookseller. [caption id="attachment_1075590" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption] Bells Beach, Surf Coast One of Australia's most legendary surfing beaches, Bells was enshrined in pop culture when Patrick Swayze's adrenaline‐junkie character, Bodhi, waits his whole life to surf its fabled '50‐year swell' in the 1991 action film Point Break. But before its movie stardom, Bells Beach came from humble beginnings. Originally inaccessible, motorbikes and bulldozers eventually cleared a path to the beach in the 1950s, and in 1962 it hosted its first ever surfing contest when a gaggle of local surfers gathered at the frigid water's edge. Fast forward over 60 years and Bells enjoys a global reputation as one of Australia's – and the world's – best surfing beaches. The humble community‐run Easter Rally has morphed into the Rip Curl Pro, the longest‐running event in competitive surfing and an iconic stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Crowds flock to the dramatic red‐clay cliffs framing this natural amphitheatre every year over the April Easter weekend, watching as surfers carve, duck‐dive and glide along enormous 6m (20ft) waves. The thigh‐burning surf forms when Southern Ocean waves wrap around the point and hit an exposed reef, creating a surging wall of water with a right‐hand break perfect for carving with a surfboard. Getting there: Located on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, Bells Beach is 5km (3 miles) from the closest town of Jan Juc, or a 90‐minute drive southwest of Melbourne. You can also get here by bus. Stairs lead down from the car park to the small beach. [caption id="attachment_1075591" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park Enclosed by impressive granite boulders at either end, Squeaky Beach is a standout in Wilsons Promontory National Park, a rugged slice of wilderness at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, bordered by Victoria's largest marine national park. The fine, rounded grains of quartz sand on this snow‐white beach compress underfoot, creating a high‐pitched squeak – hence the name. Wander between the huge boulders at the northern end of the beach and splash in hidden rock pools, or dive into the bay's crystalline waters; at their most inviting during the warmer months (particularly November to March). Connecting Squeaky Beach with Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay to the north, the 6.2km (3.9‐mile) Three Bays Walk is another way to immerse in this spectacular stretch of coastline. Allow two hours each way. There's camping just around the headland at Tidal River; perfectly placed to savour a Squeaky Beach sunset. Native wildlife–watching opportunities also increase during the golden hour – look for wombats, kangaroos, emus and other critters. Getting there: Squeaky Beach is 222km (138 miles) or about a three‐hour drive from Melbourne/Narrm. Park behind the beach or walk here from Picnic Bay or Tidal River. Alternatively, catch a Yarram‐bound bus to Fish Creek, and take a taxi from there. [caption id="attachment_1075592" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Mount Martha Beach, Mornington Peninsula If you're flying into Melbourne/Narrm, you'll likely see Mount Martha Beach before you leave the airport, thanks to its brightly painted beach huts splashed across billboards welcoming you to Victoria. Nearly 100 weatherboard huts were first built in the mid‐19th century and, despite not having running water or electricity and some falling into disrepair, they're much‐loved local landmarks; privately owned and usually locked. Lapped by the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, the beach itself runs for 2km (1.2 miles), split down the middle by a shallow creek. At the northern end lies Mount Martha Life Saving Club, which patrols the beach from November to May, and a yacht club teaching kids and adults how to handle a jib. Wheelchair‐friendly beach matting extends from the Life Saving Club down to the waterline, and the club has an accessible changeroom with showers. Just across the road is a handy village of fish‐and‐chip shops, supermarkets and delis; perfect for picking up supplies for a sunset picnic by the water. Getting there: Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, Mount Martha Beach is an easy one‐hour drive from Melbourne along the coast. Arrive early to score a coveted parking spot. [caption id="attachment_1075595" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Wreck Beach, Great Otway National Park Descending the 366 steps from the cliffs down to Wreck Beach is a gamble. At high tide you'll find just a short belt of sand and heaving surf, with nowhere to go but back the way you came. But time your visit for low tide and you'll discover an abundance of history in the rock pools. In the mid‐19th century, decades before concrete was first poured on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, this infamous stretch of shallows and hidden reefs was feared among sailors, who dubbed it the Shipwreck Coast. An estimated 660 ships met their fate along the coast, many of them drawn to Melbourne/Naarm during Victoria's gold rush from 1851 to 1896, in hopes of cashing in on the city's immense wealth. Today, stories of ruin and survival are scattered like flotsam from Anglesea to Port Fairy, including the remains of two shipwrecks at Wreck Beach. The steep staircase leads you down to 2km (1.2 miles) of beach backed by a natural amphitheatre of wind‐buffered golden cliffs. There are no facilities, and the rough surf makes the water unsuitable for swimming, but wander about 400m (1312ft) from the bottom of the stairs and you'll find a pair of anchors with fascinating stories. Jutting out of a figure eight–shaped rock pool are the rusted remnants of Marie Gabrielle's anchor, with other parts scattered in the pools surrounding it. While carrying tea from China to Melbourne in 1869, Marie Gabrielle was blown off course by a heavy gale and crashed into Moonlight Head. Everyone onboard survived but the tea could not be saved. The Fiji wasn't as lucky. After leaving Hamburg, the ship was tragically close to the end of its journey when bad weather and faulty navigational equipment caused it to crash into Moonlight Head in 1891. Locals sent lifesaving gear from Port Campbell, which included a vital length of rope that went missing when they arrived at the wreck. The Fiji's rusted anchor is all that remains on the beach, but climb the steps at the northern end to see a white tombstone dedicated to the lost crew, including a poignant mention of the cook, 'name unknown', who perished with them. Getting there: Wreck Beach is a three‐hour drive from Melbourne/Narrm along the Great Ocean Road. From the car park, a short bush trail leads to a staircase to the beach. [caption id="attachment_1075594" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Getty[/caption] Ninety Mile Beach, East Gippsland From the top of Ninety Mile Beach's dunes, you can look both ways and see nothing but unending sand. Free from rocky outcrops to obstruct the view, Australia's longest single beach is an unbroken stretch of dunes, shallow inlets and lagoons that separates Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. Festooned along its length are the sleepy coastal towns of Woodside Beach, Seaspray, Golden Beach and – the largest and most popular – Lakes Entrance. In summer the area is popular for fishing in the surf, beachside camping and long walks, while in winter you can try your hand at spotting humpback and southern right whales migrating up the coast. To really connect with nature, pitch a tent or drive your caravan to one of 20 free camping spots behind the sand dunes. Most sites have toilets and paid showers, and most importantly, unrivalled access to the water. Beaches are patrolled during summer at Woodside, Seaspray and Lakes Entrance, with beach wheelchairs and accessible toilets available at Lakes Entrance Main Beach and Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club. Getting there: Ninety Mile Beach is a three‐hour drive east of Melbourne/Narrm, cutting a trail inland through the regional towns of Warragul, Morwell and Traralgon before arriving at Lakes Entrance. These excerpts were supplied by 'Lonely Planet' from their 'Best Beaches Australia' guide — available online and at bookstores near you now. Images: supplied
Travelling for work isn't always the perk you imagine. When it comes to hitting the road for your day job, you're most likely cooped up inside the four walls of a budget hotel rather than exploring the sights. However, Big4 Holiday Parks has a new competition, The Big Aussie Review, where the winner scores a travel gig that many of us have spent years dreaming about. With applications now open, you've got the chance to become BIG4's official Travel Reviewer, tasked with spending 365 days travelling across Australia. The assignment? Uncover and review the small-town favourites, roadside stops and unexpected moments that turn a good trip into a great one. With one lucky duo — partner or best mate — or family awarded the job, you'll crisscross the country in a Ford Ranger and Crusader caravan, stopping at Big4 Holiday Parks along the way. Travelling from the Top End to Tassie, the brief is simple: capture and produce top-notch video, social and editorial content that inspires Australians to rediscover their own backyard. "Australians don't need a passport to have an incredible holiday," says Big4 Holiday Parks CEO Sean Jenner. "We're a nation that loves a review, and The Big Aussie Review is about shining the spotlight onto the magical stuff and celebrating what makes travel in Australia so special." Oh, that car and caravan we mentioned? Once this year-long adventure is over, they're yours to keep. Plus, your 12-month trip includes petrol costs, weekly food allowances, thousands of dollars' worth of travel equipment, and a car load of content creation gear, including a new iPhone 17 Pro and Starlink satellite internet, so you can keep the world informed about your adventures. Fancy yourself as the next Michael Palin or Jan Morris? The selection criteria are straightforward. All Big4 asks is that you love to travel, can't stop creating content and have a keen eye for spotting the magic in the everyday. To apply, visit the website and upload a 60-second video of yourself reviewing anything that you love, no matter how silly. Applications for Big4 Holiday Parks' The Big Aussie Review are now open. Head to the website for more information.
Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, one of Australasia's largest one-day dance music festivals, is returning on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The grass parklands of the Pukekawa Auckland Domain will transform into a high-energy open-air dance floor, backed by the power of a full and live orchestra. Known for pushing the boundaries of live performance, SYNTHONY blends global dance anthems and New Zealand's rich culture with the power of a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals. As the sun sets over the Pukekawa Auckland Domain, the energy builds into a night designed for music lovers seeking something bigger and bolder than a standard concert, and it serves as the perfect catalyst for a New Zealand holiday. This year's lineup brings serious weight. SYNTHONY No.7 returns with a brand new set list while UK electronic music act, Faithless, is headlining the night. Other DJs and musicians on the lineup include Peking Duk, Shapeshifter, Hot Dub Time Machine, Kaylee Bell, Made You Look, The Black Seeds, and The Exponents. Taking place across two stages, the festival also features food and beverage villages, entertainment activations, and rides. The festival kicks off from 3.00pm NZDT for a celebration of live music, New Zealand culture, dancing and festivities. What to do in Auckland The Pukekawa Auckland Domain is located just minutes from the CBD, making SYNTHONY the perfect reason to book a weekend escape in the New Zealand city. Nearby accommodation options include Cordis Hotel, Auckland, a comfortable city base with an easy run to and from the Pukekawa Auckland Domain. If you're looking for a group accommodation option, Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments is a luxury 5-star hotel located close to Albert Park and the city centre, helping you to see the most of Auckland. Beyond the festival, Pukekawa Auckland Domain's central location gives you plenty of daytime options to explore the city. Auckland War Memorial Museum sits within the same parkland, making it an easy post-festival activity. The nearby Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki also offers a creative, city-centre cultural stop that balances the high-energy night with something distinctly Auckland before you head home. Use the Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival as your excuse to head to New Zealand and explore all that Auckland has to offer. Buy SYNTHONY tickets here. Discover Auckland Image credit: Supplied
If you've been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok recently and seen videos of the Jellycat cafes in New York and London, and been sad to find out they're not available on Aussie soil... well, it's not Jellycat, but the next best thing is about to arrive in the heart of Melbourne. Putting a new spin on Lunar New Year cuisine, and landing right across from the University of Melbourne campus just in time for orientation week, MC Takeaway is dealing out beloved LNY dishes in adorable plushie form for the ten days between Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, February 27. How does it work then? Just spend upwards of $88 at any retailer in Melbourne Central (except Coles) and present your receipt to the pop-up staff to get a free plushie while stocks last — plus a voucher for one of the centre's food retailers. Once you arrive at the cafe-themed popup on level one, the plushie artisans inside will prepare the collectible treats with flair, and while you can't eat these snacks, they'll sure look cute at home or hanging from a designation trinket collection. Hungry? Don't panic, you'll get a voucher to use at one of the centre's food retailers too. And since this is all happening alongside O-Week, Melbourne Central is offering a bonus giveaway for students, with a back-to-school prize pack worth over $2000 on offer for those who sign up to enter — including an Apple iPad, Airpods, a Fjällraven backpack and a Frank Green bottle and lunch set. Still not satisfied? Shopaholic students in Melbourne Central can visit the Student Hub to browse the other discounts available at 30 retailers throughout the centre. The MC Takeaway pop-up will be open daily from 12.30 to 6.30pm, located inside Melbourne Central on level one, opposite Sephora. Images: supplied.
This March, Melbourne's streets are set to transform as racing roars back into town. If you're already planning your social calendar around the event, the ultimate post-race after-party is happening at ultra-chic, high-energy basement bar Mr Mills. [caption id="attachment_1071880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Mills[/caption] For the uninitiated, Mr Mills (found under Hyde Melbourne Place) is one of Melbourne's classic laneway spots, and beloved by regulars for its late-night cocktails and DJ-curated tunes. For four nights, from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, the bar will transform into the epicentre of race week, with an expertly crafted music program and — in classic Mr Mills fashion — a crystal-inspired takeover by Chivas Regal CrystalGold. Chivas Regal CrystalGold is making its Australian in-venue debut this race week. The golden, oak-aged spirit is filtered to crystal clear and sold in a luxurious, bevelled bottle. Together, Chivas Regal CrystalGold is setting a new gold standard for race week nightlife, teaming up with Mr Mills to deliver performance and prestige in equal measure. [caption id="attachment_1074941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chivas Regal CrystalGold[/caption] You can try Chivas Regal CrystalGold included in the signature drink of the celebration: the red apple and macadamia old fashioned. Chivas CrystalGold, red apple, macadamia, pennyweight gold, and aromatic bitters work together to elevate the spirit's multitude of flavours. On Sunday, Mr Mills will be totally transformed when the event amps up for the final night. The laneway will be lined with performers and chess pieces to help you find the hidden entrance to the Grand Prix race-week hub. Inside, crystal-inspired light projections will transform the space and DJs — including Set Mo — will take over the dance floor. The event isn't ticketed, so wait times may apply. To find out more about Chivas Regal CrystalGold, visit the website. Lead image: Supplied
Being so close to the continent means Australians are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to Asian cuisine. From Sydney's famous Chinatown to Melbourne's bustling Koreatown in Healey Lane, simply head out your front door in any major city, and you can find venues that capture the bold flavour of Asian dining. Sydney cafe, Dutch Smuggler, is one of these venues. Located behind 200 George Street in the heart of the CBD, Dutch Smuggler serves toasties and Indonesian specialty coffee to busy city workers. But it's not just locals who pilgrimage to the Circular Quay cafe. [caption id="attachment_1075260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dutch Smuggler[/caption] Tourists and Sydneysiders head to Dutch Smuggler to try their famous mie goreng toastie. The dish is exactly as it sounds — a blend of the deliciously spicy noodles and a fried egg, encased in melted gruyere cheese on fresh white bread. Blending Western and Indonesian comfort food has worked well for the cafe, which offers a range of flavourful fusion dishes including a kimchi toastie (combined with ssamjang sauce and cheese), and a beef rendang-inspired toastie. [caption id="attachment_1075262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dutch Smuggler[/caption] Executive Chef, Irenne Winata, describes the cafe as "fast-paced" and "flavour-driven". Born in West Borneo, Irenne is constantly inspired by the flavours of her home. "As an Indonesian, it's like coming back home." When asked to sum up Indonesian cuisine in three words, Irenne describes it as "Bold, emotional and unapologetic", which rings true for Dutch Smugglers' small yet mighty menu. Indonesian Flavours To Try Outside of the mie goreng noodles (toasted or otherwise) we all know and love, there are other Indonesian flavours Irenne recommends if you're trying to expand your palate. First on the list is rendang. "I think it's one of the most complex but also comforting dishes in Indo," says the chef. "We call it nasi padang. There are a lot of spices. Then we reduce the sauce until it's like a dried curry. It's super layered." The curry is traditionally cooked for six hours, adding a "smoky depth" to the meal. "You get the warmth from the spices, sweetness from the coconut, savoriness from the beef, and the slightly smoky depth from the long process of cooking it," says Irenne. Another flavour (that Irenne makes herself in the cafe) is balado, a hot and spicy paste originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia. "It's spicy, it's tangy, it's flavorful, as per usual. We normally cook it with soft-boiled egg or deep-fried boiled egg." Irenne also recommends soto, a traditional Indonesian aromatic soup. "It's a vermicelli noodle soup with shredded chicken on top. There's a beef version of it, too." Alongside the Indonesian fusion meals, Dutch Smuggler is Sydney's destination for Indonesian coffee. The venue is a specialty roaster that showcases Indonesian coffee. "I think in Indonesia, the coffee is bolder," says Irenne. "I think it's more full body and more earthy." [caption id="attachment_1075263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dutch Smuggler[/caption] The team at Dutch Smuggler work alongside farmers from different regions of Indonesia to source the best in single origin beans and brew the coffee to accentuate the rich and bold flavours the country is known for. Whether they're offering a new coffee style to the people of Sydney or upgrading the humble toastie, Dutch Smuggler, with its Indonesian heritage, is a flavoursome staple and comfort food destination among the city's run-of-the-mill CBD cafes.
We're definitely biased, but Sydney's one of the most beautiful places to see and stay. There's always something to do, some place to drink, somewhere to swim (winter doesn't stop those Sydneysiders from achieving their morning dip). And if you're touring in style, you might as well get the full experience with a luxury stay. Whether you're visiting from interstate or a few suburbs over, Sydney is packed with five-star hotels offering plush sheets (there's no better feeling), silver-platter room service, pamper packages, and infinity pools overlooking heart-stopping views. Capella Sydney, Loftus Street Ever wondered what it's like to stay in one of the world's best hotels? Look no further than Circular Quay — with Capella Sydney crowned the 12th best hotel on The World's 50 Best Hotels list. A feast for the architectural eyes, the meticulously restored former Department of Education building invites discerning guests to another kind of art deco wonderland. Hiding behind a historic facade lies a "meadow garden" — a kinetic lighting installation, featuring wildflower-like lanterns that bloom and fold; a Baroque-style indoor pool and wellness sanctuary, including the serene Aruiga Spa, as well as some of the best dining experiences in the city. Find timeless, moody glamour at the Victorian-style drinking den, McCrae, and award-winning and seasonal brasserie classics at Brasserie 1930. The rooms also fuse heritage motifs with contemporary furnishings and appliances — think Dyson hairdryers, intuitive tablets, and oversized bathtubs. Because what's a staycation without an indulgently long morning soak? 24 Loftus St, Sydney [caption id="attachment_1069490" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption] 25 Hours The Olympia, Paddington Ever return from a holiday or staycation wishing you had more time? Well, at 25 Hours Hotel Olympia, you've got an "extra hour" to play around with or lazily sink into — with an unhurried, halcyon-like atmosphere designed for comfort and presence. The global hotel chain, known for its soul-driven, chicly themed outposts, recently opened its first Australian branch at the original West Olympia Theatre in Paddington. Featuring 109 rooms for both the "dreamers" and "renegades" (the hotel's divided into two bold archetypes), wanderlust cinephiles are taken on a cinematic journey. There's "25 hours" service, retro furnishings, and a swathe of onsite destinations to check out — from the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, The Palomar, on the ground floor (helmed by Luke Davenport, ex-The Palomar, London), to a buzzy Los Angeles-like rooftop, Monica. Guests can even pick up their morning brew and pastry at Jacob the Angel, the UK's specialist coffee house. With an international feel in one of Sydney's most fashionable enclaves, you'll totally absorb main character holiday energy. 1 Oxford St, Paddington Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach Bondi may be Sydney's most famous beach, but Coogee's now home to the area's most luxurious hotel. Opened in December, the old Crown Plaza has transformed into a sparkling Grecian escape thanks to a not-so-little makeover by The Intercontinental. The five-star utopia features 198 light-filled rooms and 22 sea-facing suites (some with lavish outdoor baths), all inspired by the undulating rhythm and colours of the shoreline. Because it's the eastern suburbs, obviously, there's a clear focus on wellness and rejuvenation: you'll find sunrise yoga sessions on the sand, pickleball courts for sprightly travellers, and lavish spa treatments for the digital detoxer. The spa will open in March, as will the palm-fringed infinity pool, bar, and leisure deck. In the meantime, guests and visitors can check out Shutters Restaurant & Bar, a fitting Australian-Mediterranean fusion, as well as the hotly anticipated Rick Stein at Coogee Beach. The influential British chef's second Aussie outpost (he's got Bannisters by the Sea in Port Stephens) heroes Stein's "fresh seafood, simply prepared" ethos for a glitzy Sydney audience. You can order everything from Singapore chilli crab to hot shellfish platters, and even classic fish and chips. 242 Arden St, Coogee View this post on Instagram A post shared by The EVE Hotel (@theevehotel) The EVE, Redfern With Palm Springs sensibilities and a seriously cool, biophilic design, The EVE is a hidden oasis in Sydney's inner city. The five-star hotel by the TFE Hotels (the hotel management team behind Brisbane's southern-Cali-inspired hotel, The Calile) sits on the chic new Wunderlich Lane in Redfern, where some of the best new Sydney restaurants, bars and boutiques are situated, such as lifestyle brand Saardé (which partners with the hotel for luxury bathroom essentials). You'll find a mixed bag of clientele here, from tastemakers and It-girls in new-season St. Agni to corporate somebodies and aspirational digital nomads — languidly soaking up the lobby's mid-century modern interiors, as well as the piece de résistance: the rooftop pool. Featuring rust coloured sunloungers, cabanas, and bar service amongst the palms, this 102-room and suite space feels more like an exclusive members club than a standard hotel. 8 Baptist St, Redfern [caption id="attachment_986313" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] The Grand National Hotel, Paddington The Grand National Hotel isn't your average foodie hotel. Founded by renowned restaurateurs Josh and Julie Niland, the restored neighbourhood pub punches above its weight in both flavour and flair. Tucked away from Oxford Street, the Paddington venue expands on Niland's three-hatted seafood-first restaurant, Saint Peter — while offering those in a food coma a place to nod off. Seamlessly blending the building's heritage charm with their ethos of sustainability and modern innovation, the 14-room boutique hotel heroes natural materials and local artisans. Eucalyptus and earthy brown tones encourage the outside world in, meanwhile custom-rendered walls and ribbed tiling mimic the ocean's ripples and fish scales. There's even fish-fat candles, ceramics made from fish bones, and custom plates and cups using discarded fish bones, in each distinctive room. As for the menu? Saint Peter 2.0 invites visitors to lap up their yellowfin tuna cheeseburger at the bar, and guests to embrace their three-course breakfast of champions. The marron scrambled eggs is a must-order. 161 Underwood St, Paddington [caption id="attachment_797071" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] George Apostolidis[/caption] Crown Sydney, Barangaroo The shining, sculpturally designed beacon of Barangaroo is the city's first six-star hotel — with everything at its doorstep. From the moment you walk in the lobby, Crown Sydney exudes Hollywood glamour. You'll be greeted by distinguished uniformed doormen before being dazzled by a gigantic six-storey crystal chandelier and monolithic white marble columns sourced from Europe. Sydney's tallest hotel offers 327 guest rooms, including premium villas and two super-prime villas, featuring deep-soaking baths and floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing sweeping sea vistas. Postcard views aside, guests can relish in a true staycation experience here — with an incredible infinity pool that seems to flow into the harbour, as well as an open-air tennis court, a luxurious day spa optimising La Prairie products, and 14 restaurants and eateries to taste test at. Have a cucumber-infused tequila cocktail on the rooftop at CIRQ, followed by Nobu's signature black cod miso for dinner. Dessert on white chocolate mousse at Teahouse… then rinse, rotate, and repeat the next day. 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo W Sydney, Darling Harbour Darling Harbour is so back. The '80s and '90s weekend hotspot for food, entertainment and immaculate views underwent a major a revitalisation in the early 2020s — and W Sydney is part of the glow-up. The largest of the global W Hotel group stands tall like a wave (it's shaped as such), luring tourists and locals seeking some "big smoke" energy. There's 588 maximalist rooms and suites to soak in harbour views, with pulsating beats reverberating through the high-shine hallways. A two-storey rooftop bar and infinity pool encourages the party at night with bold flavours and innovative cocktails inspired by the vibrancy of South East Asia; whereas the on-site restaurant BTWN (because it sits directly "between" two motorways on each side of the hotel), honours locally-sourced, seasonal produce from morning to night. If you're a sweet treat before bed kinda person there's also 2am: Dessertbar by Janice Wong inside. Indulge in one of the world's best sticky date puddings and Basque cheesecakes (Wong won Asia's Best Pastry Chef) while watching the world go by. 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney [caption id="attachment_854324" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ace Hotel[/caption] Ace Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills One of the world's most stylish hotel chains finally opened its doors Down Under in 2022. Ace Hotel has built itself up a cult following since opening in 1999, with the boutique chain going for a luxe-vintage vibe — and now, it boasts a sleek 18-storey outpost in Surry Hills. Apart from the 264 rooms (some that are pet-friendly), there are heaps of spaces to hang out in. Once you make your way past reception, you'll stumble upon the fun, laidback lobby cocktail bar that's regularly offering up DJ sets, artistic residencies and absolutely killer negronis. There are also two restaurants — the ground-floor neighbourhood diner Loam and Kiln, a rooftop restaurant and bar by Mitch Orr. They're joined by the final piece of the Ace Hotel's culinary puzzle, laneway cafe and bar Good Chemistry. Either spend the night at one of Sydney's best hotels or just drop by for drinks and dinner. 53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney Paramount House, Surry Hills When Paramount House Hotel was first announced back in August 2017, it promised it wouldn't be your standard luxury Sydney hotel but rather an experience that would immerse patrons in the inner-city culture of Surry Hills. And when it opened in 2018, it delivered on that guarantee. You'll never have a dull moment at Paramount (unless you actively want one) as the building offers up a rooftop gym, gorgeous independent cinema and one of Sydney's best cafes — plus, depending on when you book your stay, you're likely to find a dance party, art exhibition or a film retrospective awaiting your attendance. There's also a new mini mart, Paramart, in the hotel lobby, which blends the classic Australian milk bar experience with the convenience and style of Tokyo vending machines. Designed by Anna Wu of AWA Studio, the concept heroes local restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores — while injecting a playful edge into your stay. Guests can mess around with vintage Nintendo Game Boys, chess sets, and even tarot cards. Set in an old 40s warehouse, the 29-room hotel features soaring ceilings with exposed brickwork, luxury copper finishes and Jardan sofas that complete the Paramount House identity. 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills The Langham Sydney, Millers Point Just a ten-minute walk from Circular Quay and The Rocks, The Langham is the epitome of indulgence. With 96 rooms on offer, demand for even just one night at this Sydney institution is high all year round. And with facilities like its fitness centre, sauna, day spa and spectacular indoor pool with a star-dappled sky ceiling, you'll find it hard to tear yourself away from the Sydney hotel to explore the amazing surrounding areas. Within the suites, expect plush furniture, high ceilings and large windows overlooking the western side of the harbour. Bed and breakfast specials are also on offer, as is a 'pampered pets program' — making it one of Sydney's few pet-friendly accommodation options at the luxury level. We're also very big fans of The Langham's traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy a bespoke version of this beloved British tradition, elevated with classic Wedgwood teaware and The Langham Sydney's champagne of choice, Laurent-Perrier. 89-113 Kent Street, Millers Point Oxford House, Paddington Find West Hollywood (or year-long summers) in Paddington with one of the city's sunniest hotels. Revitalising a mid-century gem, Oxford House (or OH! for short) comprises 56 rooms and suites of earthy hues, layered textures, and natural light. There's a stylish nod to local and international artisans and designers with curated art and photography by Ksubi co-founder George Gorrow — including work by Lena Gustafson, Adam Turnbull, and Niah McLeod — as well as custom bathrobes by Paddington designer, Double Rainbouu. In-house wine, restaurant and hi-fi bar Busby's promises dimly-lit hedonism, groovy tunes, and steak frites. If you fancy breakfast, you can carb-load with potato rostis and poached eggs. But the main event revolves around the bright and leafy courtyard pool (which many rooms face), which absolutely pops off on weekends. Poolside DJ sets and digital projections lift the mood, meanwhile, the bar keeps you well-fed and "hydrated" with Mandarin Palomas and club sandwiches. 21 Oxford St, Paddington Little National Sydney, Clarence Street A pint-sized national treasure. The Little National Hotel may be just steps away from Barangaroo and the CBD, but inside, there's a sense of zen. The intimate hotel honours Japanese minimalism with 230 petit-chic rooms and bare necessities. Little luxuries include plush king-sized beds, crisp white linen, skin and hair products by Appelles Apothecary and Lab, bathrobes by Brogo, complimentary movie access, intuitive tablets, and a partnership with UberEats. That means you can order from any available CBD-based business — and have food items delivered straight to your door by hotel staff, along with sustainable disposable plates and cutlery. Head up top, and you'll find a rooftop oasis featuring a timber-decked balcony, lush greenery, and communal sofas. Order a spritz at the bar in summer, and sip on a negroni in the indoor velveted lounge areas during winter. For commuters, businesspeople, and digital nomads, there's also "the library" (a quiet workzone) to get in a flow state and print those tickets. If you're after big-city vibes in mindful settings, The Little National is your gateway to productive rest. 26 Clarence St, Sydney [caption id="attachment_975684" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Old Clare Hotel[/caption] The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale Since its highly anticipated re-opening back in 2015, Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel has held a firm place as one of the best hotels in Sydney. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic (and dearly beloved) Clare Hotel, and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the city stay boasts heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with pendant lighting and vintage furniture. You can also bring your pooch along, thanks to several dog-friendly suites. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, private gym and in-room massage services. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. At night, simply relax at The Clare Bar or on the city-sweeping rooftop bar. 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale Shangri-La Sydney, The Rocks The views from Shangri-La Sydney look as if they have been plucked right out of a Tourism Australia ad. Look to the left and you'll see the Harbour Bridge up and close. Roll over in bed and look to your right, and you've got the Opera House just sitting there looking right back at you. It's pinch-yourself stunning. And everything you get is centred around those panoramic harbour views. Each of the 565 rooms has a different angle of the harbour. The restaurant and bar, up on level 36, are also made for gawking out at the surrounding Sydney landmarks. As you'd expect from a five-star hotel, the Shangri-La also has its own opulent spa facility. Relax here before heading to the gym, indoor swimming pool, hot whirlpool bath or sundeck. Deep dive into that self-care life. We could think of worse places to rest your head for a few nights. 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour This 590-room five-star haven was Sydney's very first luxury hotel built in the CBD. And it has never fallen behind the pack, constantly setting the standard for all new hotels in the area. It is a true Sydney institution — for overnight stays, pampering and dining. First off, the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour rooms are just stupid glamorous. Spread over 35 floors in Darling Harbour's tallest building, guests enjoy all the latest tech and contemporary design with chic French touches. The rooms are classically designed, but they never feel old or outdated — much of this is thanks to the constant updates going on here. If you're not trying out its new luxury spa facilities, be sure to at least take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the harbour. Food and drink-wise, you'll be sorted too. Visit the French-inspired grill combining French flavours with locally sourced produce at Atelier, order a poolside cocktail at Le Rivage Pool Bar, take in the sunset at the award-winning Champagne Bar or grab a coffee & croissant at the Esprit Noir Lobby Bar on Sundays. It's clear why Sofitel Sydney remains one of the very best hotels in Sydney. 12 Darling Drive, Sydney Crystalbrook Albion, Surry Hills Crystalbrook Albion is a luxurious operation in the heart of Surry Hills. It was launched back in July 2018 by 8Hotels, but has since been acquired by the Crystalbrook Collection hotel group. With 24-hour service and brekkie included, this guest house is pitched as a fusion of hotel and home. Here, at one of the best hotels in Sydney, you'll get to lounge around in designer interiors decked out with a covetable art collection — and in a rooftop garden complete with an outdoor shower and panoramic city views. There's also an honour system bar, where guests can help themselves to high-end nibbles and drinks. When it comes to the food and drinks, both at the breakfast table and in the mini bar, working with local businesses such as Brix Distillery, Infinity Bakery and Poho Flowers is of major importance. 21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills [caption id="attachment_936166" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kimpton Margot Sydney[/caption] Kimpton Margot Sydney, Pitt Street Kimpton Margot Sydney may have only opened in 2022, but the Sydney hotel has some real old-world energy about it. Stacks of heritage-listed art deco architectural features have been paired with some contemporary Aussie style. The art deco vibe flows through to each of the 172 spacious rooms and suites, as well as the four restaurants and bars. Out of these drinking and dining spaces, Luke's Kitchen is the centrepiece — helmed by chef Luke Mangan. You can't stay at Kimpton Margot Sydney without taking a dip in the sun-drenched rooftop pool overlooking the city — especially come summer in Sydney. It's a proper concrete oasis, decked out with lounge chairs and couches, surrounded by city towers. All these luxury offerings are also paired with a heap of complementary amenities. Grab a free bike for the day, do some yoga in your room with all the gear and online tutorials provided, and even bring your dog — at no extra charge. 339 Pitt Street, Sydney QT Sydney, Market Street Every one of QT Sydney's guest suites has been carefully crafted to reflect and honour the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings in which it resides. QT's exterior sports a striking blend of gothic, art deco, and Italianate-influenced architecture — and inside, the luxurious rooms carry through that art deco-meets-gothic aesthetic to quite a striking degree. Plus, thanks to its location right in the centre of the CBD — and alongside one of the city's most famous theatres — the luxury Sydney hotel is a great pick for out-of-towners, while locals can often be found making the best of its various bars, bistros and restaurants. Want to stay a little closer to the beach? Hop over to the QT Bondi for a coastal escape. 49 Market Street, Sydney Travelling with a four-legged friend? Check out our list for the best dog-friendly hotels in Sydney before you go. Images: supplied
Back in the day, there were only two options. Black or white. Perhaps a question of whether to add sugar. However, fast-forward to today, and the options for novelty coffees are seemingly endless. And in 2026, one particular coffee add-on seems to be having a real moment in the spotlight: cold foam. Cold foam is an airy, light, and velvety whipped topping that is placed on your coffee like an ice cap on a mountain. It's usually made by frothing cold milk without heat and is lightly sweetened or subtly flavoured to elevate your coffee experience. Sure, they tend to look pretty as a picture and are primed for photo dumps, but even the snootiest of coffee snobs in town seem to be getting around the cold foam. So leave your lame latte, common cappuccino and lifeless long black behind, and set out on a fancy-free, foam-filled adventure this weekend using our guide to the best cold foam coffees in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Coffee in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Boozy Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne Beautiful Jim Key, Brunswick Beautiful Jim Key, situated in Jewell Station Village, calls itself a neighbourhood cafe and luncheonette inspired by the "fantastic and the curious." The cafe is from Priyam Chovhan and partner Josh Murphy, an experienced restaurateur. In building Beautiful Jim Key, they sought to create a space focused on thoughtful hospitality and everyday pleasures. Signature menu items include an amped-up avo on toast with stracciatella, tomato and za'atar, and a potato roll stuffed with smoked sausage, cheese and barbecue sauce. One of the cafe's most coveted menu items is the BJK Cafe Royal, which features cold brew topped with creamy coconut cold foam and orange zest. While cherries are in season, try the Cherry Royale, which combines fresh, house-made cherry cordial, cold brew, coconut float, and dark chocolate. Dua Bakehouse, Collingwood Dua Bakehouse, situated within the Collingwood Yards precinct, is a bakery that blends Southeast Asian flavours with European pastry techniques. Since opening in early 2025, the understated yet aesthetically pleasing bakery and cafe has garnered a loyal following of locals and visitors seeking out two-toned iced drinks and the famous fluffy shokupan. This summer, the iced latte topped with pecan cream cold foam was a particularly popular beverage, often seen on social media perched next to a Pandan Princess Cake. A perfectly pretty combo. Good Measure, Carlton Carlton, coffee and cocktails. A fearsome combo that viral cafe Good Measure nails. During the daylight hours, this Lygon Street space plays host to those in search of the precious bean juice, but when the sun sets, it trades coffee for cocktails. If you visit during the day, be prepared to face a line. Many patrons are likely to be lining up for one particular specialty treat: the Mont Blanc. This coffee is filtered, iced, and served in a tumbler, where it gets a ceiling of fresh cream and a dusting of orange zest and nutmeg. This one is viral good reason. Baker Bleu, South Yarra and Cremorne Stores Baker Bleu is known and adored for its award-winning sourdough breads, including their famous country wheel rolls, seasonal fougasse, chewy bagels, pillowy challah and crusty ficelles. Baker Bleu's signature flaky croissants are known for being taken to the crisp edge in the oven, and their creamy custard tarts have become a crowd favourite for good reason. More recently, the bakery has begun expanding its offerings to include the likes of soft serves and novelty drinks. Their Iced Honey Cream Latte is a luxurious blend of double espresso poured over milk and ice, topped with whipped cream infused with honey and spices, and finished with a dusting of chai sprinkles. Chef's kiss. Monforte Viennoiserie, Carlton North Tucked away in a row of beige Victorian houses is the teal kiosk that houses Monforte Viennoiserie. And while this hole-in-the-wall spot is only open a few days a week, a sizable queue often forms outside before 8 am, with loyal customers keen to try Giorgia McAllister Forte's latest creation. The small-batch pasticceria specialises in yeasted doughs and croissant-based products, and everything is made on site in the petite space. While the menu changes each month, one thing is consistent: Giorgia's menu is exciting, experimental and ever-evolving. A recent addition to the menu is the Caffe Speciale, featuring Belafonte chilled filter coffee infused with a lemony, dark brown sugar syrup, topped with a fluffy sweet cream subtly imbued with bitter almond, and finished with fresh lemon zest. Ona Coffee, Brunswick If you step inside the bright, minimalist warehouse location on Ovens Street, tucked behind bustling Sydney Road, and take a seat at the interactive coffee bar, you'll see that Ona Coffee Melbourne goes far beyond your standard cafe. For one, the bar has dedicated sections for espresso, milk work and filter brewing. The most impressive part is the coffee, naturally, with a 20-plus list to choose from. You'll find frothy milk-based coffees, single-origin espressos, batch brews, pour-overs, iced coffee, and cold brew. And because even highbrow coffee addicts can't resist the cold foam craze, Ona has introduced a pistachio cream iced latte, crowned with a sprinkling of crushed nuts, that is driving people nuts trying to get their hands on one. Elster, Elsternwick Elster is a neighbourhood go-to that suits just as well for quick morning coffees, long leisurely lunches, work meetings, or even a family-friendly brunch where kids can relax and enjoy themselves. A selection of specialty drinks makes Elster a serious contender in the novelty coffee category. A crowd favourite is the Tiramisu Brew, served iced or hot, with vanilla cream, hazelnut and chocolate dust. There is also a Coconut Cloud Matcha with coconut water, vanilla and matcha cream, and a Blueberry Butterfly Iced Matcha with butterfly pea flower syrup. And if you want to take things up a notch, go for the Baileys Iced latte with whipped vanilla cream and chocolate. Top Paddock, Richmond Top Paddock, one of the darlings in the stable of cafes owned by the Darling Group, is not only serving up some of Melbourne's most beloved brekkies, but also some seriously amped-up coffees. The interior of Top Paddock is beautiful and light, with a real sophistication that few cafes achieve. It's an open, welcoming space with small and communal tables, outdoor seating, and a bar where you can watch the baristas at work. Speaking of, they produce custom blends from specialty coffee beans sourced from the world's top producers, with a strong focus on pairing coffee with food. The Darling Group venues have introduced a stellar lineup of cold foam coffees, including the Cherry Lime Cold Brew, an Iced Honeybee Latte with honeycomb cold foam, an Iced White Chocolate Matcha with white choc cold foam, and a Salted Maple Cold Brew. St. ALi, South Melbourne When you think about the beginnings of Melbourne's third-wave coffee movement, it could likely be traced back to St ALi. Not just a boutique local roaster of rich, beloved coffee beans, St ALi was instrumental in introducing the concept of an industrial-style cafe serving brunch as good as its brew. Despite the saturation of the city's cafe scene and stiff competition from local coffee roasters, St ALi has survived the movement and remains a Melbourne institution. It's also not afraid to get on board with new trends, including the cold foam craze. Seasonal specialties include the Biscoff Freddo with cold milk foam, crushed Biscoff and chocolate shavings, the Lights Out with orange juice and chocolate espresso cream, and the Strawberry Cloud with matcha, strawberry puree, and cold milk foam. Baguette Sudios, North Melbourne Baguette Studios in North Melbourne has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike, desperate to get their hands on the specialty French-style baguettes and pastries. Some of their signature items include the deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich and a pretzel croissant. However, one particular drink has recently caught the attention of those partial to a sweet treat. Inspired by Korean coffee culture, the Butterscotch Cream Latte is an iced latte topped with butterscotch sauce and caramel cream. If that sounds too intense for you, grab a coconut cloud matcha, but be warned, it's almost too pretty to drink. Bloomwood, CBD While this city is in no way short of banging bakeries, every now and then, a new one emerges that really captures the attention of Melburnians. Bloomwood Bakery, a serene CBD space, did just that, with its irresistible pastries and specialty drinks. Signature pastries, which attract hordes of visitors each day, include a passionfruit-and-coconut jelly flower, a pepperoni-and-hot-honey focaccia pizza slice, a maple-cinnamon scroll, and a corn-and-cheese crisp croissant. To drink, there are renowned two-toned drinks, such as strawberry, banana or coconut iced matchas. There are plenty of seasonal and special cold foam options that you may be lucky enough to try, such as a citrus cream brew, a Thai milk tea with salted coconut cream and a hojicha latte with black sesame cream. Images: Supplied.
This just in: coveted Melbourne bakery, Cobb Lane, is opening its first city location. The CBD outpost will be located in the new Bennetts Lane Development on Little Lonsdale Street, a site that boasts a baking history dating back to the 1800s. Owned by pastry chef Matt Forbes and his wife and business partner, Amy Newman, Cobb Lane is an artisan bakery specialising in breads, pastries and cakes, which are available at the South Melbourne Market, Richmond Traders on Bridge Road, as well as for wholesale. "We've had our eyes on the city for a while now, so when this opportunity came up, we knew it was the perfect spot…Wesley Place is such a rare gem of green space. We love the idea of our guests grabbing a pastry and a coffee and relaxing under the olive tree," says Newman. At the new location, Cobb Lane will introduce a lunch menu for the first time, serving sandwiches, sausage rolls, and pies. Find Duke's coffee alongside a rotating schedule for filter coffee. "We want to complement the already bustling stretch of Little Lonsdale, somewhere you can grab a sandwich and a coffee on your lunch break, or pick up a fresh baguette for dinner on your way home," says Forbes. The new location will continue Cobb Lane's legacy while representing the brand's evolution, featuring a more refined, contemporary interior and atmosphere. Forbes wants to revive Bennetts Lane's baking past while rethinking what a city bakery can be, because he says, "Why shouldn't people in the city have access to fresh bread, too?" Images: Ben Moynihan. Cobbs Lane is slated to open in late March 2026. If you're after fresh bread and flaky pastries, check out the best bakeries in Melbourne.
After much anticipation, Melbourne has landed a rebellious take on French dining at 1/15 Collins Street. Frenchie brings classic French flavours, techniques and dishes to the city, with one obvious difference — the price tag. Frenchie's big drawcard is that everything on the menu is priced at $14. Yes, you read that correctly. All plates, cocktails, bubbles, and beers are $14. Those plates play into classic bistro dishes reimagined for a new generation. Share plates are bold and flavourful, and tableside service and roaming trolleys add a dramatic flair to the dining experience. Channelling the spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Frenchie takes social dining to a new level, being loud, playful and unapologetically fun. There is red velvet at every glance, mirrored staircases, an enviable marble bar, cinematic lighting and flirtatious energy. It's Moulin Rouge meets Melbourne. The menu, created by co-owner Lucas Boucly and Head Chef Sylvain Bernard, is bold, enticing, and accessible, with each dish priced at just $14. Go for tuna steak with peppercorn sauce, confit duck leg with potato sarladaises, steak entrecote, or ratatouille tart. Of course, we expect many will start with the $14 caviar bump, for a taste of the good life, at an approachable price point. The pair behind the new venue, Julian Diprose and Lucas Boucly, with many years of experience in the hospitality industry, were fed up with the dining experience often being overshadowed by formality. About Frenchie, Diprose says, "It's loud, social and a little chaotic. We wanted to create a space that takes the 'joie de vivre' of Paris without the price tag. A place where you can sip champagne in sneakers, maybe lose track of time and enjoy the night without having to worry too much about the rules." The owners want Frenchie to be a fuss-free, feel-good, late-night venue that is approachable and accessible. With red velvet and mirrored lighting, the venue design leans into the romance of Paris, the allure of the Moulin Rouge, and the grit of Melbourne's street culture. "Taking a lot of inspiration from Parisian bistros and late-night wine bars, the menu celebrates all your favourite French classics served in a way that feels unpretentious and full of energy," says Boucly. Images: Griffin Simm.
If you've had eyeballs on the Winter Olympics, you've almost certainly caught the fastest sport of the Games — luge. In the not-too-distant future, you'll be able to get a taste of the action on the Mornington Peninsula, with a brand-new luge ride sending daredevils hurtling through the landscape. It arrives as part of a newly approved $25-million-dollar major update to Arthurs Seat Eagle — a long-standing cable car offering sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay. Descending at a rate of knots from the mountaintop, the brand-new luge track will stretch to 1440 metres, following the natural undulations of Arthurs Seat. Yet this action-packed ride is just the beginning. The works will also include a new observation tower rising 34 metres above the green canopy. Giving visitors the chance to soak up panoramic views of the bay and surrounding landscape, the gumtree-inspired tower will also include a 10.5-metre platform for an unbeatable perspective. Next, the Arthurs Seat Eagle development will also include a new experience centre, where visitors can learn more about the coastal region's environment and cultural history. Think fascinating displays, educational programs and sensory installations designed to help everyone appreciate the area's natural beauty. What's more, the project includes a revamped cafe, complete with a new and improved outdoor terrace and additional seating. With works expected to begin soon, the project is scheduled to be ready by December 2028. And according to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, the reimagined Arthurs Seat Eagle will deliver a major win for the region, creating jobs, supporting businesses and increasing tourism. However, not everyone is happy about the project's approval. Since it was first announced, local groups have fought the development, arguing a luge track was not environmentally appropriate for a state park. Responding to community concerns, changes to initial plans included shortening the track, retaining existing vegetation and ongoing consultations with Parks Victoria. Redevelopment works at Arthurs Seat Eagle are set to begin in the coming months, with completion expected by December 2028. Head to the website for more information.
A Gold Coast getaway often means sun-soaked beaches, surf breaks and seaside cocktails. But just a short drive inland lies an entirely different world, one of ancient rainforests, misty waterfalls, boutique wineries and luxurious accommodation that will reshape how you holiday. If the Hinterland's on your radar, now's the time to Get Up and Gold Coast, with exclusive accommodation and experience deals to help you plan your trip. Waterfalls and Walks Worth the Drive If your idea of a holiday is getting out into nature and stretching your legs, the Gold Coast Hinterland has a number of UNESCO-listed rainforests and parks for you to enjoy. Twin Falls and Purlingbrook Falls in Springbrook National Park are must-do walks, offering dramatic waterfalls and shaded paths that feel worlds away from the coast. For those craving grand scenery, Lamington National Park delivers on all fronts. Think ancient trees, panoramic lookouts and natural beauty that make this Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area a must-do. [caption id="attachment_1069322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Purlingbrook Falls[/caption] If you'd rather leave the logistics to someone else, Paradise Tours offers 10% off its Springbrook day tour, complete with free professional photos, when you book with the code GOLDCOAST2026. Southern Cross Tours also sweetens the deal, with $50 off a Scenic Rainforest & Vineyard Escape for Two using the code GETUP. Adventure Time The Hinterland caters just as well to thrill-seekers as it does to slow travellers. Soar through the rainforest canopy on Australia's largest guided zipline tour at Canyon Flyer in Mount Tamborine, or tackle the aerial challenges at Happitat, a world-first cliff park where high ropes and ziplines are set against jaw-dropping scenery. Both adventure tours will get your heart pumping whilst you enjoy the stunning scenery of the Scenic Rim surrounds. Meanwhile, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers an elevated perspective of the forest, with steel bridges suspended high above the canopy. Perfect for those who like a little adventure without the need to abseil. [caption id="attachment_1066281" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Happitat[/caption] If you're planning a romantic adventure, the Historic Rivermill's private, scenic horse ride for two lets you slow down and take in the Hinterland's scenery. Book the Historic Rivermill private scenic horse ride with the code FREEPICNIC, and you'll receive a complimentary riverside picnic. Or use code GETUPGC to enjoy 10% off at Happitat. Where to Stay While the Gold Coast's beaches have holiday apartments and five-star hotels, luxury in the Hinterland means quiet mornings surrounded by nature. There are a number of boutique accommodation options for you to indulge in. The Beechmont Estate is a boutique country retreat with five-star luxury accommodation and a hatted on-site restaurant, The Paddock, while The Tamborine offers a boutique hotel experience perched above the escarpment of Tamborine Mountain. If you love to glamp in style, Tamborine Mountain Glades is a five-star glamping experience that's set within the surrounds of Thunderbird Park, offering you a chance to rest and reconnect among the greenery. [caption id="attachment_1066289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tamborine Mountain Glades[/caption] For a luxe stay, Verandah House Country Estate lets you create your very own wellness retreat on Mount Tamborine. Relax among the trees in a barrel steam sauna and magnesium hot baths. And for a truly immersive nature stay, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat features views overlooking the western McPherson Ranges, architecturally designed villas, walks (both guided and solo), and waterfalls on your doorstep. Book Tamborine Mountain Glades with the code EGC2026, and you can receive a late checkout and breakfast for two included. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat's Best of O'Reilly's package includes two nights' accommodation, daily breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea. Where to Eat Food is a major drawcard in the Hinterland thanks to paddock-to-plate dining, boutique distilleries and cellar doors dotted throughout the region. Start your day at Franquette Bakery, where flaky pastries and excellent coffee are king. From there, head deeper into the Hinterland to Cauldron Distillery and try their award-winning gin range that's inspired by the Gold Coast's native botanicals. Bring along a picnic rug or camp chairs and sprawl amongst the vineyards with friends. [caption id="attachment_1066288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cauldron Distillery[/caption] For lunch, Canungra Valley Vineyards delivers the full slow-afternoon experience. It's perfect for a long lunch featuring wine tastings and strolls through the cellar door to try local produce. Canungra Valley's Homestead Picnic Basket experience is a great option for a romantic date in the Hinterland. [caption id="attachment_1066282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peddly Picnics[/caption] For laidback afternoons, Peddly Picnics (where your electric bike hire is paired with a bespoke hamper) creates curated picnic experiences that turn any scenic spot into a long lunch. There's even the option to bring your dog along for the ride with Peddly Picnics' dog carrier. Enjoy the perfect day at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards with a Homestead Picnic Basket for two with any bottle of wine for only $120. So jump in the car and enjoy a short drive away from the coastline to experience the Gold Coast unlike ever before. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, sipping wine among rolling hills or unwinding in a rainforest retreat, these hinterland experiences are waiting for you to experience them. Image credit: Supplied
From cheap and cheerful street food spots where the tacos and tinnies flow freely, to secret, in-the-know joints specialising in regional cuisine, to institutions that have been slinging guacamole for as long as we can remember, Melbourne has a Mexican restaurant to suit every craving. The past few years have seen an admirable number of newcomers emerge on the city's Mexican food scene, and we're grateful for it. From venues boasting agave clubs and extensive mezcal selections, to restaurants churning out the highest-quality tortillas, to joints spotlighting diverse Mexican dishes and flavours, Melbourne is fortunate to have such a high standard of Mexican cuisine at its fingertips. So grab your margarita-loving mates, and take a trip through Melbourne's best Mexican venues using our handy guide. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Thai Restaurants in Melbourne
Whether you are indecisive and have choice fatigue, adventurous and want to try it all, or have fomo and worry that your dinner date will make a better choice off the menu, the simple answer to all your problems is to go for the set menu. While the city certainly serves up some blow-the-budget kind of degustations, there are also plenty of reasonable set menus out there that make it a great way to get bang for your buck. We've scoured the town and found the best set menus for less than $100, so sit back, relax, and be guided by the professionals as to what you should eat to get the most out of your dining experience. Recommended reads: The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best BYO restaurants in Melbourne The Best Pizza in Melbourne The Best Omakase in Melbourne Nori Maki, CBD This sleek, 28-seater omakase-style restaurant was opened in late 2024 by an ex-Nobu chef, and sushi handrolls are the name of the game. Not food-court handrolls, but sophisticated and refined bites with a higher nori to rice ratio. And with an array of set menu options here, Nori Maki has something for every budget. The $34 four-handroll menu includes salmon and avocado, kingfish, scallop and torotaku rolls. The $43 five-handroll option adds a crab handroll, and the $69 omakase menu includes sashimi plates, chawanmushi, dessert and special rolls. If you want to splurge on the Nori Maki set menu, you will still be in budget at only $89 a head. Cost: $34, $43, $69 and $89 Jim's Greek Tavern, Collingwood Can you call yourself a true Melburnian if you haven't spent at least a few rowdy evenings at Jim's Greek Tavern in Collingwood? Opened way back in 1980, the unpretentious establishment has been serving traditional, no fuss Greek fare to hungry groups celebrating birthday parties, bux parties and everything in between for decades. There is no menu here, so go for the $75 set menu and be guided by the professionals through a generous feast of dips, cheeses, salads, seafood, meats and Greek desserts. The fact that you can BYO cements Jim's as one of the best group dining spots in town. Cost: $75 Manzé, North Melbourne Manzé in North Melbourne is a celebration of Mauritian cuisine and cooking techniques. Nagesh Seethiah's seasonally based menu is an ode to childhood memories and a way to continue his family's connection to culture through food. The $65 three-course set menu and the $80 four-course option are excellent ways to sample Mauritian dishes built around locally farmed and fished produce. One might start by snacking on mussels with chilli vinegar and apple, or grilled daikon with Mauritian coconut chutney, before trying Manzé's goat curry marinated in Manzé's masala, and market fish with curry leaf chutney. Once you visit this charming, petite restaurant, you'll likely be back for more. Cost: $65 or $80 Mamasita, CBD Mamasita has held its own as one of Melbourne's most popular Mexican eateries since it opened in 2010. And it manages to keep things fresh and affordable to this very day. The $59 Taste of Mamasita menu will fill you up with some classic Mamasita bites that include guacamole with tortilla chips and pico de gallo, the famous sweet corn on the cob with chipotle mayo and queso, braised chicken flautas, brisket barbacoa and plenty of hand-pressed tortillas. The $79 Best of Mamasita menu takes it up a notch with tuna tartare tostadas, lime-cured ceviche, brisket tacos and chicken asado. Add a jug of sangria for the table, and you'll likely still keep the bill under $100 per person. Cost: $59 and $79 Elio's Place, CBD Elio's Place on Flinders Lane is a relatively new addition to the CBD dining scene, which offers all-day dining and a cosy reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Euro-leaning menu can be sampled with the $75 Classic or $95 Deluxe set menus. Expect the likes of fried pumpkin with hot honey, burrata with crispy chilli oil, pappardelle with white duck ragu, served alongside focaccia with miso butter, fries with aioli and farm leaves. We like that you can customise your set menu with clever add-ons such as oysters, potato rosti, desserts and cheese plates. The charming old-world aesthetics of the venue will make you want to stick around all day. Cost: $75 or $95 Robata, CBD The team behind South American restaurants San Telmo, Pastuso, Palermo and Asado has taken a jaunt to Japan for this Tokyo-accented eatery. It's set within a playful, minimalist space sporting futuristic elements and neon lights aplenty. The eatery embraces the art of charcoal grilling, with Japanese techniques and traditions at the forefront and a custom-built robatayaki grill taking centre stage in the kitchen. The menu is extensive, which is why we opt for the $70 set menu. Start with edamame and chirashi handrolls, snack on wagyu tartare and cauliflower karaage, fill up on chargrilled chicken and fried with seaweed salt, and finish with a black sesame parfait coated with matcha chocolate. Cost: $70 Borsch Vodka and Tears, Windsor Holding its own in the heart of Chapel Street since 2006, the team at Borsch, Vodka and Tears have proven they know their Polish food, strong spirits, and how to have a good time. Many come to sample Polish vodkas with a plate of pierogi chasers, but there is so much more to try from the hearty menu. And the set menus available here are some of the best deals going around. The $45 Premium Economy Flight menu comes with a cup of borsch, a basket of bread, pierogis and a cocktail. The $65 Business Class Flight menu includes additional sausages, cabbage rolls and salad. Just make sure you book ahead, as this small spot fills up quickly. Cost: $45 and $65 [caption id="attachment_662927" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jean-Louis Carvalho[/caption] Bodega Underground, CBD Tucked away in a cosy basement space on Little Bourke Street lies this late-night mezcal bar and taqueria, slinging good times and ripper tacos right through to the early hours of the morning. The Bodega Underground menu is entirely gluten-free and boasts vegan options aplenty — the same goes for its set menus. The $59 feed me menu ($55 for veg or vegan) includes a generous selection of dishes such as corn chips with avocado and green pea guacamole, battered zucchini tacos, beef ribs with mole negra sauce and churros with dulce de leche. Or if you're looking for a bit of weekend fun, the $75 bottomless brunch includes five dishes with 90 minutes of cocktails. Cost: $55, $59 and $75 Moonhouse, Balaclava The Commune Group (of Tokyo Tina and Hanoi Hannah) embrace modern Chinese cuisine at their Balaclava venture, Moonhouse. We're fans of just about everything coming out of the kitchen here, so choosing from one of their set menus is a fantastic way to sample much of the menu. The $55 Favourites menu is a steal with calamari, wontons and char siu pork, followed by crispy lemon chicken and kale fried rice. The $76 Classic set adds a few extra dishes and apple sorbet with honeydew matcha for dessert. Or go for the $88 Premium option with tuna tartare, beef and black bean hotplate, prawn fried rice and chocolate fondant with red bean ice cream. There is even a vegan set menu available. Cost: $55, $76 and $88 Yum Sing House, CBD There's much to like about modern Cantonese diner Yum Sing House, tucked away down a quieter part of the city on Sutherland Street. Part-restaurant, part-bar, part-private karaoke room, this is a late-night dining and party spot that keeps good times rolling until the early hours of the morning. To experience the full package, the team has created a $60 set menu that includes one hour of karaoke on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Choose three entrees such as prawn toast, chicken wonton and deep fried tofu, and one main from a selection of honey soy pork cutlet, fried Barramundi with sambal and marinated mushrooms. Yum Sing House also offers a generous $80 feed me menu. Cost: $60 and $80 [caption id="attachment_862796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Moynihan[/caption] Cumulus Inc., CBD Andrew McConnell is known for setting up some of the best restaurants and wine bars in Melbourne, and Cumulus Inc. is an old favourite. The $95 chef's selection set menu showcases Cumulus Inc.'s famous menu mainstays, such as the tuna tartare with goat's curd, green peas and mint and the slow-roasted lamb shoulder with almond and red pepper. Make sure you save some space for the Valrhona soft chocolate with Earl Grey, orange caramel and pistachio. Those wanting more McConnell set menus can nab one for $85 at Supernormal, $75 at Builder's Arms Hotel and $85 at Marion. Cost: $95 [caption id="attachment_728895" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] Daughter in Law, CBD This popular venture from renowned chef Jessi Singh is a rule-breaking Indian restaurant that likes to stray from tradition. Authenticity might not be on the cards for the most part, but bold flavours certainly are, across an ever-changing menu of contemporary creations. Expect the likes of tandoori corn, Indian fried chicken, and blue cheese naan. The $69 set menu is an excellent way to taste the best that Daughter in Law has to offer. Start with a selection of street food snacks, including samosa chat and scallop crudo, before moving on to tandoori chicken and a selection of curries with papadum and naan. You will not leave hungry. Cost: $69 Shu, Collingwood Why should carnivores have all the degustation fun in Melbourne? At Collingwood's forward-thinking contemporary Chinese spot Shu, vegan Sichuan cuisine shines. The $95 ten-course vegan set menu celebrates classic dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The lack of animal products is more than made up for with creative ingredients found throughout the menu such as wasabi leaf, seaweed caviar, black tahini, ginger pearls and preserved mustard greens. For an even better deal, Shu offers unlimited yum cha on the weekends for $55. Cost: $55 and $95 Sebastian, Williamstown When a Basque-style beachside escape is on the cards, Melbourne's own slice of San Sebastian ticks all the right boxes. Overlooking Williamstown Beach, the aptly named Sebastian is plating up a taste of sunny Spain, with its menus making a hero of the kitchen's custom-made charcoal grill. There's a range of degustation options, however, the $75 option provides excellent bang for buck. It's a produce-driven lineup, kicking off with pintxos and tapas-style small plates like the leek croquettes, and crispy mussels with a fermented chilli aioli. Next up, house-smoked chicken is accompanied by coal-roasted pumpkin and salad. Cost: $75 [caption id="attachment_749768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Lagoon Dining, Carlton Lygon Street and its surrounds might once have been wall-to-wall, old-school Melbourne Italian joints, but a new wave of residents is slowly but surely shaking up the demographic. One of these is the relative newcomer, Lagoon Dining, with a menu grounded in Chinese culinary traditions. The $85 feed me menu is always evolving, but may include dishes such as pickled cucumbers with whipped tofu and chilli oil, fried chicken with tonkatsu sauce, salted fish fried rice or charcoal roasted char siu with hot mustard. Check out Lagoon Dining for your next night out. Cost: $85 Images: Supplied.
In a sunlit studio on Melbourne's northside, a nightclub-like room houses heavy basslines and the sound of gloved fists hitting boxing bags. In the adjacent room, reformer Pilates carriages, lit by yellow neon lights, move in sync. And in a third, heated space, a class is settling into dimly lit savasana — sweaty, centred, collective. This is Fitzroy, one of Upstate's now 17 locations that have come to redefine what modern movement looks like: less about aesthetics, more about community. For co-founder Gail Asbell, the philosophy that powers Upstate was shaped by something deeply human — loss. Seventeen years ago, Gail and her sister Charelle lost both their father and brother within a short time. Gail was working as a brand manager for Tourism Victoria, climbing a corporate ladder that, suddenly, didn't seem to matter much. "When you go through something like that, you can't help but question what you're doing with your life," she says. "It made me ask myself: what's my purpose?" [caption id="attachment_1074104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Upstate co-founders, Gail and Charelle Asbell.[/caption] Both sisters turned to yoga to cope with their grief — separately, without knowing the other had done the same. "I'd never done yoga before," Gail recalls. "But it became this space where I could just breathe again." At the time, yoga in Australia was far from mainstream. "There wasn't a Lululemon in the country," she laughs. "You'd go to one studio and it was incense and chanting, then another would be super athletic. I loved how it made me feel — but I didn't want to be preached to. I just wanted to move my body and feel good." That experience became the seed of an idea. After training in the US, where yoga was gaining cultural momentum, Gail came home inspired. "I could see there was this gap — studios that were clean, consistent, and focused on how you felt, not how spiritual or flexible you were. I wanted to create a space for that." Together with her sister, she opened the first Upstate Studio in Geelong. "There was no grand plan," she says. "I was pregnant at the time. We thought we'd open one little studio while our kids were young. But it just took off." From that first space came 17 studios across Victoria and beyond — each an embodiment of the brand's mission: to help people find a positive state of mind through movement and connection. Accessibility and community have been part of the DNA since day one. "We grew up on a dairy farm," Gail says. "We didn't come from money. We wanted to make movement something everyone could access — fun, affordable and non-intimidating." That's the spirit behind Upstate's bright yellow branding — "all about positivity and energy," Gail explains — and its inclusive mix of class styles. Yoga and pilates anchor the offering, but boxing has become one of its most-loved modalities. "Boxing's been around forever, but we wanted to teach it in an Upstate way — high energy, fun and empowering," she says. "It's not about sparring or competition. It's about walking out of class feeling powerful." [caption id="attachment_1011773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Upstate's Palm Beach studio.[/caption] Power, for Gail, has little to do with domination. It's about confidence — something she says is central to both movement and leadership. "Empowerment's a funny word," she reflects. "It gets thrown around a lot. For me, it's not about shouting it from the rooftops. It's about helping people build confidence to try new things, to fail and get back up again." That ethos runs through the business. Upstate now employs around 90 full-time and part-time staff, plus more than 250 instructors across Australia — and nearly all of its leadership team started as teachers. "Last year, 95 percent of our roles were filled internally," Gail says. "When someone comes in as an instructor and works their way up into marketing, operations or education, that's empowerment to me — giving women opportunities to back themselves." It's also why Upstate recently launched its own instructor training programs. "We saw a gap — people were graduating with the theory but didn't have the confidence to teach," she says. "We wanted to prepare people to stand in a room, use their voice and feel capable." The result has been more than just new recruits. "Our senior instructors have become educators," Gail says proudly. "It's created a whole new level of opportunity in the business." [caption id="attachment_1069777" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Instructors at Upstate's newest studio, Oakleigh.[/caption] Beyond the studios, Upstate has evolved into a lifestyle brand — hosting retreats, events and collaborations that extend its community beyond the mat. "There's such an appetite for movement paired with connection — whether that's a yoga and wine night, or a mindfulness event," she says. "We send the invite and it's booked within hours." That sense of connection remains deeply personal for Gail. "Movement can completely change how you think and feel," she says. "Even something as small as taking a breath at the start of class — it can shift your whole state of mind." Seventeen years on, the grief that first brought Gail to the mat has transformed into purpose — and a thriving community that continues to grow. "Sometimes we don't stop to reflect," she admits. "But when I see all our team together, or hear a member say a class changed their day, that's when it hits me. This is why we started." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Upstate Retreats (@upstate_retreats) The brand's next chapter includes continued instructor training, overseas retreats, a new Brisbane studio and a top-secret new class offering, but the mission hasn't changed: "It's still about helping people feel good and giving them the confidence to take up space — in the studio, at work, in life," Gail says. To mark International Women's Day this year, Upstate is putting that philosophy into action by launching a fully funded Pilates Instructor Training Scholarship for a lucky recipient, and on Sunday, March 8, members are also invited to bring a woman who inspires them to class for free. Find out more about Upstate — including studio locations, memberships, retreats and instructor training — via the website. Images: Supplied
Whether its mat, heated, or reformer, pilates is a cult favourite way to sweat in Melbourne. The city is already filled with gorgeous boutique studios dedicated to the joint-friendly workout — and a newcomer pops up every few months. Finding a regular spot resembles casual dating — hopping between different class styles (thank you, Classpass) before committing to a favourite is a rite of passage for first-timers. Here are 18 best pilates studios you should book into. Recommended reads: Reformer Pilates Is the Most Expensive Workout in Australia The 15 Best Bathhouses In Melbourne The 16 Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne The Best Shops in Melbourne for Seriously Good Gift Shopping Rituel 129 Station Street, Fairfield View this post on Instagram A post shared by alishia misevski | interior decorator (@redrose__designs) After a stylish revamp last year, Rituel has dedicated itself to mat pilates. Complete with cherry-red tiles and glass bricks, the chic reception leads into a lofty studio with a skylight. Set to Bicep, Overmono and other electronic grooves, classes come in three levels of intensity and pack a satisfying mix of dumbbells and kettlebells. Embrace the burn — it's just a prelude to the shanklish pies from Nouha's Bakery, which sits across the road. Kōra Pilates 1/170 Sydney Road, Coburg View this post on Instagram A post shared by kōra pilates (@korapilates_) One of the newest spaces on the list, Kōra Pilates is an earth-toned reformer studio that landed last December. All forms of movement are welcome, from gentle mobility sessions to dynamic strength work. After longtime Coburg local Subriah Fonseka discovered pilates while recovering from an injury, she dreamed of a community-focused space that helps people move with intention. Decked out with a circular wooden bench, projector and bamboo blinds, the lounge area will soon host wellness workshops. Rise 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne 1/13 Rose Street, Essendon View this post on Instagram A post shared by RISE Pilates North Melbourne (@rise.northmelbourne) The heavyweights behind Rise Pilates know their stuff. What started in Essendon nearly a decade ago by founder Laura Saggers — an ex‑KX Pilates and Williamstown Clinical instructor — has become a staple for reformer pilates in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Essendon's minimalist studio aesthetic is still very much intact, but the Rise family has grown: North Melbourne now has its own outpost run by engineer-turned-instructor Nathan Ross, the same guy behind Reformer Academy. Rodes Studio 1/360 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rodes Studio (@rodes.studio) Known for its artsy boutiques and buzzing nightlife, Brunswick Street's latest addition is a pint-sized hideaway for non-heated mat pilates and yoga. With its light timber floors, wide windows and sheer curtains, Rodes' sunlit studio radiates calm. The space is ideal for mindful yoga flows and two pilates formats — one building strength and the other honing control. Sleek black mats provided. Project Mood 95 Coventry Street, Southbank View this post on Instagram A post shared by PROJECT MOOD (@projectmoodau) A bathhouse boom gripped Melbourne in 2025, with amenities mostly popping up in social wellness clubs and spas. Southbank's Project Mood falls into the latter camp. Squeeze in a killer reformer session before being cocooned by the mood lights at the heated magnesium pool — one of the four bathhouse facilities in the multi-level venue. Body Concert 259 Queensberry Street, Carlton View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Concert (@bodyconcert) Body Concert houses an impressive library of classical pilates apparatus. From universal reformer machines with small props to a Cadillac machine where seasoned practitioners hang gracefully, ped-o-puls mounted on the walls and other curiosities, the studio is a playground for pilates lovers. Movements and flows stay firmly grounded in the gospel of Joseph Pilates, the workout's founding father. Beyond group classes, Body Concert also offers bespoke programmes for solo sessions or duos. Good Times Unit 5/19-35 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 400 High Street, Northcote 172 Sydney Road, Brunswick View this post on Instagram A post shared by GOOD TIMES PILATES (@goodtimespilates) Born from a desire to ditch overly serious fitness, Good Times offers an approachable, feel-good spin on reformer pilates. With a growing community in Melbourne's inner north suburbs, it's clearly striking a chord. Fitness level is besides the point here. Instead, Good Time's six class types explore different ways to move, including an energetic, bounce-forward option where you'll be performing joyful jumps on the reformer machine. Hum Yoga & Pilates 183 Point Nepean Road, Dromana View this post on Instagram A post shared by JORDAN MOORE - YOGA INSTRUCTOR (@yoga.with.jordan) Perched on the second floor of a low-slung building along the Mornington Peninsula, Hum overlooks the sand and sea at Dromana Beach. The coastal studio is fitted out with exposed brick walls, honeyed hardwood floors and creamy ceiling drapes that nod to the waves just beyond the window. Alongside traditional pilates, Hum hosts a fusion class where yoga postures and breathwork meet grounding pilates moves. Beyond the mat, a suite of holistic perk-me-ups, including an infrared sauna, massages, lymphatic drainage treatments and talk therapy. CorePlus Various locations View this post on Instagram A post shared by COREPLUS STUDIOS (@coreplus_studios) There's probably one of CorePlus' minimalist studios in every suburb.With 35 locations across Australia and a footprint in the US and Canada, CorePlus has come a long way since its first Malvern East studio in 2015. Expect sweat-first mat and reformer pilates, driven by dynamic sequences, heated rooms and strength- and cardio-focused sessions. Upstate Various locations View this post on Instagram A post shared by UPSTATE STUDIOS (@upstate_studios) An Upstate studio is hard to miss — just look out for cheerful yellow. Mat and reformer pilates classes run beneath neon signs and walls stamped with positive affirmations like 'Up And At 'Em' and 'Power Up', led by perky instructors who will cheer you on through every pulse. A membership comes with the added bonus of scheduling classes at any outpost across the city — there are 16 across Melbourne and regional Victoria – so it's all smiles wherever you are. Boxing and yoga classes are also available. KX Pilates Various locations View this post on Instagram A post shared by KX Pilates (@kxpilates) KX Pilates is the motherlode of boutique reformer studios in Melbourne. In 2010, its first location in Malvern set the pace for the fitness scene by merging traditional pilates movements with high-intensity cardio and endurance elements. The chain is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, which encourages small and gentle improvements every day. Regulars return for classic, challenging workouts that run without a hitch — KX's classes optimise their box and spring changes for a seamless flow. I Am That Studio 1/7 Emma Street, Collingwood View this post on Instagram A post shared by I Am That - Yoga | Pilates | Wellness (@iamthatstudio) Tucked away on a quiet backstreet between Fitzroy and Collingwood, I Am That Studio's community is built on kindness and inclusivity — and these values are rewarded with seriously cool amenities. The sprawling space houses three studios in total, with the open-air rooftop studio being the one to book for golden hour sessions. After a good sweat, unwind in a wellness-focused corner featuring an outdoor shower, infrared sauna, and cold plunge. House of Movement 11 Intrepid Street, Berwick View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jo (@jo.hrisovergi) This Southeast local channels the easy warmth of a neighbourhood coffee shop. The lounge features cosy details such as a modular green armchair and a wooden kitchen island — and it spills out onto an outdoor patio where umbrellas shade cafe-style seating. Expect mat and reformer seshes in sleek studios, including one infrared room for extra energetic mat pilates. It's a great detox, but not for the faint-hearted: the room heats up to 38 degrees. Universal Practice 124 Johnston Street, Fitzroy 1441 Malvern Road, Glen Iris View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNIVERSAL PRACTICE (@universalpractice) You know you're in good hands at Universal Practice – a team of physiotherapist instructors runs the show. Its "medical model" blends scientific research with pilates principles to deliver no-nonsense reformer classes, including some designed specifically for athletes and expectant mothers. There are also close-knit clinical groups (just three people per session) using a range of pilates equipment — they deal with specific conditions like injury rehabilitation. Plus, all Universal Practice classes are eligible for private health insurance rebates. Siga Studios 133 Sackville Street, Collingwood View this post on Instagram A post shared by Siga (@siga_studios) Siga siga, Greek for "slowly slowly", is a reminder that life doesn't have to be rushed. Housed in a warm studio with a vintage green couch centrepiece, Collingwood's Siga Studios embodies this. There's even a class for when you're having an off day — slow, restorative movements set to hypnotic, meditative soundscapes. The calming space also hosts mat pilates and barre classes, and first-timers can mix and match: intro packs start at $99 for any 10 classes. One Hot Yoga & Pilates 36 River Street, South Yarra View this post on Instagram A post shared by One Hot Yoga & Pilates (@onehotyoga) Charcoal grey walls, oak furnishings, and a glass display of statement objects that doubles as a reception desk set a quietly polished vibe at One Hot Yoga. Temperature control is the heart of the design-led studio: it sits at a cushy 27 degrees, while hot mat classes dial it up to a sweat-inducing 37. The studio might be ultra-luxe, but prepare to leave your comfort zone. One Hot seriously prioritises mastery and commitment, with a sharp focus on gaining complete control over your body for ultimate dopamine rush. Love Athletica Various locations View this post on Instagram A post shared by Love Athletica ™️ (@loveathletica) As the name suggests, Love Athletica is known for its "athletic" classes, which remixes pilates with HIIT-style bursts for a full-body workout. Co-founder Caroline Knipe channelled sunny California vibes into the interiors of light-filled studios, while her husband Mat Knipe curates seasonal pop, R&B and house mixes to keep you motivated through heavy spring sequences. There are three levels of intensity across reformer and hot mat pilates (the latter is exclusive to the original Hawthorn East location) classes, with one sneaking in a 15-minute yoga cooldown. Peaches Pilates 105B Chapel Street, Windsor View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peaches Windsor (@peachespilates_windsor) From teaching classes in her Bondi living room to 10 nationwide locations, Peaches founder Tori Clapton built a cult mat pilates studio from the ground up. Her secret? A cheeky motto — Make People Feel F*cking Awesome. With cardio-fuelled sessions and instructors who carry big personalities to work, Victoria's only studio fits right into Chapel Street chaos.
Sydney's best experiences aren't always hidden down laneways or reserved for those in the know. Sometimes, the city's most enduring attractions stick around because they continue to deliver year after year. Whether you're heading to Sydney for the first time as a tourist or are rediscovering your own city, these four Sydney attractions are worth experiencing at least once. And, they're all located in the easy-to-access heart of the city. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers a front-row seat to Australia's underwater ecosystems. Home to thousands of marine creatures, the aquarium takes you beneath the surface through immersive tunnels, coral reef displays and close encounters with sharks, rays and a dugong. Walk beneath glass tunnels as grey nurse sharks glide overhead in Shark Valley, find a world of colour and wonder in the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, meet Dottie the rescue turtle, and get close to a penguin colony with the Penguin Exhibition Boat Ride. For locals, it's the perfect weekend or school holiday experience with the kids. For visitors, it's an introduction to Australia's marine life — no wetsuit required. Madame Tussauds Sydney If you're a pop culture fan, you have to take a trip to Madame Tussauds Sydney in Darling Harbour. Discover a magical world of unrivalled ancient craftsmanship where the Madame Tussauds team combines time-honoured wax techniques with cutting-edge technology. It takes more than 500 exact measurements and 150 images to create each celebrity figure, with the sculpting process taking months and costing as much as $220,000 per icon. At the Sydney venue, you and your friends can pose with global superstars, take selfies with Australian legends, and step into immersive sets that let you feel a part of the action. Whether you're popping in with friends or entertaining interstate visitors, Madame Tussauds Sydney makes for a fun city activity that'll have you walking out with plenty of memories and a full camera roll. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo If you've ever told overseas friends they'll see kangaroos and koalas "at some point," WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo makes good on that promise, all without leaving the CBD. See kangaroos lounging in the sunlight, koalas napping in Eucalyptus trees, and even come face-to-face with the endangered Tasmanian Devil. There are ten interactive zones for you to wander through, where you can learn more about Australia's beloved animals and the zoo's conservation efforts. Be sure to get your photo snapped with the cuddly koalas (a classic tourist moment) and, if you really want to make a day of it, book in a private group dining experience. Here, you'll receive exclusive after-hours access to the zoo and its exhibitions, a three-course dinner and beverage package as well as the opportunity of a self-guided tour of the surrounds. Sydney Tower Eye There's seeing Sydney, and then there's seeing Sydney from 250 metres above ground. Sydney Tower Eye is a highlight in the city's recognisable skyline and offers visitors 360-degree views that stretch from the Harbour Bridge to the Blue Mountains (on a clear day). For first-time visitors, the observation deck is a breathtaking way to get your bearings. For locals, it's an opportunity to step back and appreciate just how spectacular (and sprawling) the city really is. Watch ferries on the harbour, spot familiar neighbourhoods from a new perspective, and time your visit for sunset to see the city come alive at night. Want to take your trip up a level? The SKYWALK experience takes things one step further, with an outdoor walk around the tower's edge. It's an open-air adventure for those who want to see Sydney from brand-new heights. Book your tickets to these Sydney attractions online now. Image credit: Supplied
For diversity of beach camping options, Victoria is hard to beat. If you're a wine fiend who loves the stars but hates to be away from bars, there's the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. If you're a misanthrope who aims to put as much distance between humanity and yourself as possible, there are the depths of the Great Otway National Park and Wilsons Promontory. If you love long, wild beaches, 90 Mile has you covered, but if shallow, sheltered bays are more your thing, head west of Melbourne to Killarney. Here are ten top spots to get you packing and pitching. Recommended reads: The Best Free Camping Spots in Victoria The Best Beach Campgrounds in Australia The Best Beaches in Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria [caption id="attachment_714491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory If you like a few creature comforts and the company of a temporary village, then pitch at Tidal River. This epic campsite, which has room for just over 480 tents and campervans, lies on the western coast of Wilsons Promontory. Beautiful Norman Beach runs along one edge, and Tidal River along another. Come summer, the openair cinema (Victoria's oldest outdoor cinema) opens for business, so, after a day swimming, surfing and hiking, you can catch up on a flick you missed. The other facilities are pretty fancy, too (for camping) — you get toilets, hot showers, gas barbies, dishwashing stations, washing machines and device charging stations. Book before you leave home — and if you want to pitch a tent between December–January, you best get in really early. It's one of the best beach camping spots in Victoria, and everyone seems to know it. [caption id="attachment_605453" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Timmy Pete/ Flickr[/caption] Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory If you can't think of anything more trying than camping among 500 other tents, but still have your heart set on Wilsons Promontory, here's a strikingly contrasting option. Refuge Cove is a small yet spectacular beach hidden away on the Prom's eastern coast. The only way you can get there is on foot, by walking along a scenic track from Sealers Cove in the north or Little Waterloo Bay in the south. Bookings are vital, permits are required and stays are limited to two consecutive nights for groups as big as 12. Other stunning, beachside, walk-in campsites on Wilsons Promontory include Little Waterloo Bay and Oberon Bay. [caption id="attachment_714495" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn for Visit Victoria[/caption] Shoreline Bay Drive, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park This campground gives you access to the incredible 90 Mile Beach. The name is as the name does — the beach runs uninterrupted for 90 miles (about 145 kilometres) along Victoria's southeastern coast, making it one of the longest beaches on Earth. Shoreline Drive's 19 campsites provide room for 65 tents along a narrow strip at 90 Mile's southern end, not far from the cute, fibro cottage-dotted village of Seaspray. The only facilities you can expect are non-flushing toilets. Camping is free, and no bookings are available — simply turn up and try your luck. [caption id="attachment_714492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria[/caption] Johanna Beach, Great Otway National Park For wild surf, rugged scenery and a rustic camping experience, make tracks to Johanna Beach, in the western section of Great Otway National Park. This one is a go-to for surfers — in fact, it's home to one of the best beach breaks on the planet and has even hosted the World Surfing Championships. You're also likely to meet hikers, making their way along the Great Ocean Walk, a 100-kilometre trek from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. The 25-pitch campsite is neatly tucked away behind sand dunes and has non-flushing toilets only. Don't forget your drinking water. Bookings are essential. [caption id="attachment_714493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria[/caption] Newhaven Beach, Phillip Island Here, you can meet Phillip Island's famous little penguins and koalas without forking out for exxy accommodation. Run by BIG4, this campground (and caravan park) sits on a nature reserve between Newhaven Beach and wetlands. The facilities are supreme — on top of toilets, showers, a laundry and a kiosk, there are the extra-fun additions of a giant jumping pillow, a basketball ring, a games room and buggy hire. When you're done with all those, Phillip Island gives you loads to do — from The Nobbies boardwalk to a bunch of wineries and breweries. [caption id="attachment_746193" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ewen Bell/Visit Victoria[/caption] Mornington Peninsula Foreshore Like Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula foreshore lets you combine beach time with wine tasting. Plus, it's just an hour's drive from Melbourne. There are three sites, all managed by the Shire: Rosebud (812 pitches), Rye (174) and Sorrento (147). Wherever you are, you'll be swimming in crystal clear bays and enjoying some good facilities, including toilets, hot showers, barbecues, boat ramps and plenty of shade. Plus, there's always a village just across the road and a stack of wineries a short drive away. To find out all about the Peninsula's best eats, drinks and activities, consult our weekender's guide. [caption id="attachment_746192" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Wye River Foreshore, Great Ocean Road Another camp that comes with a high chance of seeing koalas is the Wye River Foreshore Camping Reserve, 18 kilometres south of Lorne and two-and-a-half hours' drive from Melbourne. The 64-pitch site spreads across absolute beach frontage and the mouth of the Wye River. In between swimming and fishing, explore the Great Otway National Park, finding rainforest, heathlands, lovely bays and rock formations. The campsite comes with toilets, showers and power, plus there's a pub and general store nearby. Bookings are essential. Fairhaven, French Island National Park For a peaceful getaway not too far from Melbourne, head for Fairhaven, in the French Island National Park, east of the Mornington Peninsula. The only way to get there is via a passenger ferry — the extra effort to get there means you'll be free from big crowds. The campsite is perched on the island's western coast, next to a long stretch of sand and still water. In between kicking back, set off on foot or by bike to explore the island's diverse ecosystems, including open woodlands and mangroves, harbouring 580 plant species, 230 bird species and lots of koalas. The campground offers simple toilets, and bookings are essential. [caption id="attachment_604451" align="alignnone" width="1277"] Marengo Holiday Park[/caption] Marengo Holiday Park, Near Apollo Bay Marengo Holiday Park is on absolute beachfront at the southern end of Mounts Bay (that's the bay to the south of Apollo). When you're not swimming and strolling, you can take a sea kayaking tour, meet Australian fur seals, and, by night, acquaint yourself with the local glow worm population. Expect to be well looked after, facilities-wise: there are toilets, showers, a laundry, a camp kitchen, a playground, a barbie area and wifi. If you're planning on driving the entire Great Ocean Road, let our 48-hour guide help you out. This guide to other local Great Ocean Road accommodations will also help those preferring to stay in the area without camping. Killarney Beach, Killarney Found 280 kilometres west of Melbourne (about 20 kilometres west of Warrnambool), Killarney is a tranquil, 800-person village surrounded by lush dairy pastures. Its nearest beach is a one-kilometre arc of sand, alongside a calm, shallow bay. Leave yourself time to adventure around the area, especially in nearby Tower Hill Reserve, where you'll get to see a volcanic crater. The 68-pitch campsite is sheltered by dunes and comes with toilets, hot showers, barbies, a kids' playground, an oval and, in summer, a caretaker. Pets are welcome and bookings are recommended. Top image: 90 Mile Beach Visit Victoria.
Now that you're firmly back at the desk, you're probably spending half the day wistfully dreaming up travel plans for 2026 and beyond. But perhaps it's time to transform these fantasies into reality, with IHG Hotels & Resorts offering a host of new stays ready to anchor your journey. With the global hotelier launching five properties in Victoria and New South Wales over the past 12 months, at least five more are set to be revealed throughout the rest of 2026. Adorning the Coastal Walkway, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach was unveiled in December 2025, inviting guests to experience its oceanfront rooms and suites alongside the signature Shutters Restaurant & Bar, guided by renowned chef Rick Stein. This March, the second phase of the hotel will open, adding an infinity pool with a poolside bar, a breezy day spa and the members-only Club InterContinental lounge. Also opening in March is Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton. Situated on the fringe of Melbourne CBD overlooking Lincoln Square, guests will have easy access to Carlton's much-loved dining and cafe scene, with spots like The Lincoln and Assembly a short stroll away. Of course, the tram is also on your doorstep, so making plans for a night at the theatre or game day at the 'G is equally straightforward. Yet these openings aren't just limited to Melbourne and Sydney. With tourism to the NT skyrocketing in recent times — overnight trips were up 19 percent last year, the most growth of any state — IHG is gearing up to open voco Darwin Suites in April 2026. From this comfortable base in the city centre, you can conveniently hit up the Mindil Beach markets during a long weekend vacation or get to and from the Darwin Convention Centre if you're on the clock. Although not quite in the Top End, Townsville will also welcome a new hotel to Far North Queensland. Arriving in mid-2026, Holiday Inn Townsville will open its doors in the CBD, right amid the Flinders Street nightlife hub. Located near other local hotspots such as Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Queensland Tropics Museum and Townsville Yacht Club, this 93-room hotel will also feature modern all-day dining and flexible event spaces. Rounding out the Australian openings, the South Coast is primed to receive a new stay, with Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina also scheduled to open in mid-2026. Making the most of its stunning marina and ocean views, guests can unwind on the pool deck while feasting on fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Then, take in the sunset from the promenade or wander just a few minutes around the cove to the pristine Shellharbour South Beach. Head to the website for more information about opening dates and hotel amenities.
The best breakfasts in Melbourne are as diverse as the multicultural city they're made in. Sure, you'll find Vegemite on toast and all kinds of smashed avocado on the menu at these Melbourne breakfast spots, but there is so much more on offer. After an epic shakshuka to share? We got one. Japanese brunches. There are heaps here. Hungover and need a bacon roll and bloody mary, stat? Let us take care of you. We even have a few healthy options where the sugar and fat might be left out, but flavour and fun are still king. And the best breakfast in Melbourne isn't necessarily found in a cafe — although many are. You'll also find these early-morning treats in bakeries, bagel shops and delis. Rest assured, we have them all covered in this guide. Read on to see where you'll next be fuelling up before work or relaxing during a long, lazy Sunday morning with mates. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne The Best Coffee in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
If your favourite type of weekend plans leans toward loud sing-alongs, big crowd energy, and piano ballads, allow us to introduce Keys Gone Wild. Starting on Friday, January 23, from 9 pm, the Sunroom at Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy) in St Kilda will transform into a high-energy, late-night piano party where the crowd is an integral part of the show. Every Friday night, you can expect classic hits and current chart-toppers all performed live (and loud) on the piano. Enjoy crowd sing-alongs and request your favourite bar anthems to keep the energy up. The event is free to attend, simply rock up to the Espy and have a dance. No bookings or tickets required. It's Melbourne's weekly event that's perfect for groups, kick-ons, and for getting your weekend started with a belter. So, round up the crew, warm up your vocal cords and spend a night at Keys Gone Wild. [caption id="attachment_699808" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Drewnik[/caption] Head to The Espy's Sunroom for Keys Gone Wild every Friday night from 9pm. Lead image credit: Supplied
The best restaurants in the Melbourne CBD don't just include the city's many fine diners, but also encompass small, humble eateries that serve outstanding fare to those who know where to find them. Whether it's a high-stakes corporate lunch, a quick post-uni budget dinner, a special occasion celebration, or a meal to show off Melbourne to an out-of-towner, you'll find options aplenty in our guide to the best restaurants in Melbourne city. Here, you'll find everything from decades-old dining institutions to fresh newcomers showcasing inventive dishes, world-class wine lists, venues offering one-dish menus, high-flying hotel restaurants, secret back-alley spots, late-night diners, and enduring, perennial favourites serving a range of cuisines across a spectrum of price points. With our guide to the best restaurants in Melbourne CBD, your next lunch break or dinner plans are sorted. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Bars in Melbourne's CBD The Best Bars in Melbourne The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne's CBD
Melbourne is a city of the arts, with an overwhelming love for all things creative, and it shows in the statistics. Take the big screen, Melbourne is home to over 70 cinemas, from the literal biggest in the southern hemisphere at IMAX Melbourne, right down to the charming boutique theatres in the city and suburbs that keep cinephiles from having to go far to catch a flick. Sure, moviegoing is expensive in this day and age, but in a time where art is under threat from corporate agendas and the cinema is more sacred a space than ever — it's a great time to support your local indie theatre and distributors. If you're looking to evade the multiplex and watch a movie in a cinema with character, or catch an independent film that your local Hoyts or Event Cinemas doesn't have on the showtimes, you're spoilt for choice. These cinemas around the city are charming, historic and exactly the thing you need. [caption id="attachment_1074823" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Palace Cinemas[/caption] The Astor History often goes hand in hand with a cinema maintaining a boutique identity — and few are as historic as The Astor. Putting on the pictures since 1936 and preserving as one of just a small few single-screen repertory cinemas in the world. Meaning, The Astor keeps a tidy repertoire of classic films in its showtimes, carefully protected by owners Palace Cinemas. Inside the classic stalls and stands space, films can be projected in a mix of formats, with regular screenings of 35mm, 70mm and 4k — the latter of which is pristine even for the usually crystal clear resolution, as The Astor keeps one of the highest quality digital projectors in the entire country. And you're not limited to the snack bar for pre-movie snacks, since the Overlook Cafe and Bar (yes, like The Shining) keeps a tidy bar menu available just next door. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thornbury Picture House (@thornbury_picturehouse) Thornsbury Picture House and Brunswick Picture House As independent goes, the Picture Houses make everything else on this list look like a chain. The original Thornsbury cinema has been family-owned and operated for almost a decade by Gus and Lou Berger, described as a cinema that's about more than just screenings, but somewhere where audiences can gather and chat about a film in an intimate 57-seat space. They recently expanded north with the Brunswick Picture House, which opened in November 2025 with the same vision. In both spaces, you'll find plenty of new arrivals and independently distributed films, plus regular special events, including its own festival: the Northern Lights Film Festival. Cinema Nova There's no discussion about boutique theatres in Melbourne without mentioning this Lygon Street icon. Cinema Nova started as a joint operation between the Longford and Valhalla cinemas, but has since grown into a 16-screen operation with its own bar, making it one of the largest independent cinemas in the southern hemisphere. That scale means Cinema Nova offers almost every kind of screening possible. Fresh same-day premieres and independent productions alike have regular places in the showtimes. There's a huge range of special events, too, with major and minor film festivals setting up shop yearly, plus regular advance screenings, marathons, double features, stage recordings, exclusive retrospectives and restorations and much more. [caption id="attachment_1074825" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Palace Cinemas[/caption] The Kino The most convenient of all of Melbourne's boutique theatres, The Kino is a premier picturehouse in the CBD, Collins Place, more specifically. An extremely stylish cinema and part of the national Palace Cinemas family, it's a seven-screen site that puts an emphasis on premium. The prime example of that attitude is the newly installed premium recliner seats, including tables and footrests, that sort of comfort makes every movie screening better, in our opinion. The showtimes have a wide mix of premium films too, but like all Palace Cinemas, there's a certain emphasis on the independent and international, and regular event, advance and membership discounts. Sun Theatre Another of the golden oldies, the Sun has been shining since 1938, maintaining an air of Art Deco that makes these 20th century cinemas so charming. The current owners took over in 1995, after its stint as a Greek cinema in the 1960s ended with a forced closure and a prolonged period of disrepair, during which most of the original cinema fell into disrepair. But the charm survived, and now the Sun is brighter than ever. Now boasting eight distinctly styled cinemas, the Sun has a large variety of films on daily, with a healthy mix of Hollywood, Independent and Australian films in regular rotation alongside festivals, retrospectives, previews and themed screenings. Lido Cinemas The site now known as Lido Cinemas has had plenty of previous identities. First it was a catholic school, then a theatre, a dance hall, a mini golf complex and then a cinema in the late 1930s. But it wasn't done there — it had to try the whole dance thing again, then phases in dinner theatre, cabaret and then abandonment. Until Eddie and Lindy Tamir, who also own Classic and Cameo cinemas, moved in in 2013. Now, the 114-year-old building is Lido, a beloved cinema with eight screens, a rooftop cinema and a jazz room. Screenings are a mix of arthouse and blockbuster alongside festivals, themed screenings and events like a film club hosted by Zachary Ruane of comedy trio Aunty Donna. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Classic Cinema (@classiccinema) Classic Cinema Classic is being used literally in this case — being Melbourne's oldest-running theatre. Originally purchased in 1888 for a tidy sum of £5000 by owners looking to build a skating rink and clubhouse, and it would go through lifetimes of various theatres and dance halls, going through ownership changes, the great depression and fires, before entering the Classic Cinemas identity in 1971 and being acquired by its current owners in 1997. The Tamir family has renovated the theatre three times since, with it now operating with ten screens, a rooftop and a dedicated music and comedy space. Classic positions itself as not just a cinema, but a cultural precinct to film-loving Melburnians, thanks to regular film festival programming and screenings of films big and small, old and new. Coburg Drive In The concept of a drive-in cinema altogether is inherently pretty retro, but this Coburg classic lives and breathes that spirit. Since 1965, this 33-metre screen has been doing it old-school. If you're among the Gen Z who have never watched a movie in your car — drive-ins are like outdoor cinemas but with the shelter of your own automobile, and instead of Bluetooth headphones, the sound comes via a dedicated FM radio channel. Seating…or parking in this case… is on a first-in, first-served basis, so you're advised to arrive with plenty of time to secure a prime park for the movie. And have some decorum: big cars are asked to stay in the back to avoid interrupting the view. For snacks, a retro diner serves food and can deliver to your car if you order over text. [caption id="attachment_1074826" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Palace Cinemas[/caption] Pentridge Prison Cinemas A former prison is an unconventional place to hold, well, any sort of business, but when you've got a brewery, hotel, wine bar, restaurant, wedding space and more in a former prison complex — a cinema fits right in. Introducing Pentridge Prison Cinemas, part of the Australia-spanning Palace Cinemas family. In terms of what's on offer, Pentridge's 15 auditoriums all boast Dolby Atmos sound, digital projection and fully reclining chairs complete with footrests. Luxurious, and licensed too, so if Pepsi Max doesn't cut it, you can get a stronger drink to take into your screening of Palace's mixed films and events program.
Breaking: Beloved Brunswick East venue, the Beast, has posted a handwritten "RIP to the Beast - CLOSED" sign on its door. The shocking permanent closure of the iconic venue after 18 years is telling of the financial challenges that are becoming insurmountable for many hospitality businesses in 2026. An Instagram post by the venue's account cites continued challenges following Covid lockdowns as the cause behind the closure. "We fought hard, but the long aftershock of the lockdown years was something we couldn't outrun. It's been exhausting — and deeply meaningful." The closure leaves loyal diners, who need their regular fix of the Beast's famous burgers, devastated. The team thanked those who helped build the venue and their customers. "To everyone who built it, broke it, played in it, or played with it — thank you. You made this place what it was, and we'll carry that with us always." With minimal information about what's next for the team or the venue, the only clue we've been given is a hint at a new career in OnlyFans. Jokes aside, this hints at a pivotal time for the Melbourne hospo industry where, given the cost of living, many venues exist on the precipice each day waiting to see whether they will sink or swim. So what life rafts are going to be thrown to ensure the continued legacy of Melbourne's globally renowned food and drink scene? Time will tell. Images: Supplied.
Formula 1 weekend in Melbourne has long blurred the lines between sport, fashion and spectacle — and in 2026, beauty is firmly back in the race. MECCA is returning trackside at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix with a full-scale Beauty Pit Stop — a pop-up beauty garage inspired by the lightning-fast pit stops that keep cars race-ready. [caption id="attachment_1072206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2025's MECCA MAX Beauty Pit Stop Activation.[/caption] Set up in the Melbourne Junction precinct at Albert Park and open to fans of all ticket types, the activation reimagines the mechanics of race day for humans instead of cars. Think less tyre changes, more touch-ups: race-goers can drop in between sessions for complimentary express eye services designed for speed, impact and endurance — the kind of glam that can survive sun, crowds and 58 laps of racing. The Pit Stop format is deliberately fast-paced. Rather than lingering makeovers, it's about quick turnarounds and high-performance results — a concept that mirrors the rhythm of the race itself. Alongside the express services, a curated edit of MECCA MAX products will be available to shop trackside, including a limited-edition Formula 1-inspired eye set created exclusively for the 2026 Grand Prix. This marks the third consecutive year MECCA has gone trackside at the Australian Grand Prix, but the scale and ambition of the Beauty Pit Stop has grown with each return. Last year's activation proved a crowd favourite, offering shaded reset zones, complimentary touch-ups and bold, race-ready colour — and this year's iteration leans even harder into the idea of beauty as part of the event experience, not just an afterthought. With Melbourne's Grand Prix consistently attracting one of the highest proportions of female fans on the global Formula 1 calendar, the Pit Stop also reflects a broader shift in how major sporting events are being designed — not just for spectatorship, but for participation, self-expression and culture beyond the track. The MECCA MAX Beauty Pit Stop will run throughout the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix, from March 5–8, 2026. Consider it your quickest stop of the weekend — no booking required. Images: MECCA | Groblox
It's that time of the year when people get extra lovey-dovey, so booking a romantic escape feels like the perfect move. Alternatively, the love-sick nature of Valentine's Day might just make you want to escape to a different continent altogether. Whatever your motivation for boarding a plane, Scoot's latest Gotta Scoot Tuesdays sale is stacked with heavily discounted fares to a host of dream destinations. This way, you can plan out one romantic experience after the next, or trade the overpriced roses for a date-worthy retreat. Running now through Monday, February 16, this limited-time sale features stellar travel periods, so you can take your romance to the next level right away or hold off until later in the year. This time around, the available travel dates are: February 24–March 20, April 14–May 29, July 13–September 17, and October 4–October 31. And the destinations? Well, they're primed for starry-eyed couples' trips, backpacking adventures with your best pals or an overdue solo vacation where you hopefully won't have to hear another word about Valentine's Day. Highlights include one-way fares from Sydney or Melbourne to Singapore starting from $210. You can also book flights to Koh Samui from Sydney for $315 or from Melbourne for $300. If you'd prefer the Thai mainland over the island life, Sydneysiders fly to Chang Mai from $295, while fares from Melbourne start from $285. For those envisioning nonstop date nights in big cities, Scoot is offering discounted airfares for those places, too. Trips from Sydney or Melbourne to Bangkok start at $255 and $260, respectively, while fares to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City start from $230 for Sydney travellers or $245 for lovebirds departing Melbourne. Scoot's Gotta Scoot Tuesdays sale is on now, running until Monday, February 16. Head to the website for more information.
Delivery service apps like UberEats continue to rise in Australia and New Zealand, claiming exclusivity deals with everything from major grocery stores to hardware giants. Yep, hardware, you read it right. The latest Australian megastore to join the order-to-your-door offer posed by Uber Eats is the home of things home and garden — Bunnings. Following a successful Victorian pilot program in January, the nationwide rollout will begin in 15 locations across Australia, with plans to expand further and over to New Zealand throughout the year. The partnership will give eligible customers access to 60-minute guaranteed deliveries of over 30,000 items from the Bunnings catalogue — including lawn mowers, power washers, pet food, gardening equipment, DIY products, nuts, bolts and packing boxes. Bunnings COO, Ryan Baker, told 9Honey that the partnership will "offer customers another convenient way to shop a wide range of products from Bunnings, delivered directly to their home or worksite via the Uber Eats app. While many customers enjoy visiting our stores to browse and get advice in person, we know there are times when convenience and speed are the priority." [caption id="attachment_1076390" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ceri Breeze via iStock[/caption] "This partnership complements our existing delivery options and helps us better understand how customers want to shop with Bunnings," Baker added. Lucas Groeneveld, General Manager of Uber Eats APAC, said in a press release, "From last-minute DIY fixes and garden projects, to preparing for a BBQ or keeping a work site moving, this partnership makes it easier than ever for customers to get what they need, delivered on demand, whatever the occasion." Bunnings joins a mix of other non-edible delivery partners on Uber Eats, including Pet Barn, Officeworks and EB Games. If you're wondering, though, Bunnings snags are not included in the delivery service — you'll still have to get those yourself. Check to see if your local Bunnings delivers via UberEats here, more stores are expected to roll out later in 2026. Images: iStock
Millions of us spend time behind our desks, and some of us even love it. But if you're looking to switch things up in 2026, Parks Victoria has just embarked on its search for the next generation of rangers, providing an unmatched opportunity to work amid the great outdoors and all the fresh air that you could ever want or need. This latest recruitment drive invites outdoor enthusiasts to apply for 62 new roles across the state. Best of all, no two days are the same, with on-the-clock rangers tackling a diverse array of jobs. One moment, you could be controlling weeds and maintaining tracks; the next, it's all about community engagement and preparing for bushfire season. But with four million hectares of public land and waters to oversee, you won't be doing it alone. Rangers actively work alongside Traditional Owners, communities, volunteers and partners to contribute meaningful outcomes for people and nature. Together, this helps elevate local economies and community ties, plus creates unforgettable visitor experiences. If your application is successful, recruits will get to learn an abundance of new skills, from bushfire preparedness to cultural heritage protection. Meanwhile, you'll play a vital role not only in protecting Victoria's pristine landscapes, but also in safeguarding the wildlife that call it home. How's that for job satisfaction? So, where might you end up working? In the Gippsland Region, there are rangers needed in spots like Bendoc, Orbost, Omeo and Cann River, while the Grampians and surrounds features roles for Nelson, Halls Gap and the You Yangs. With many more jobs to explore, there are also six Designated Aboriginal Ranger positions to strengthen Parks Victoria's frontline. "Our rangers are so important to Victoria — whether it's in one of our urban parks, a marine sanctuary, a campground or a wilderness area, everyone benefits from the work they do and the passion they bring to each day," says Parks Victoria Chief Executive Lee Miezis. Parks Victoria is now hiring rangers across Victoria. Head to the website for more information.
Think of the Gold Coast and your mind probably jumps straight to its picturesque beaches, beloved theme parks and the lively strip of Surfer's Paradise. While these can all make for a brilliant getaway, the Gold Coast has a number of year-round events that give the holiday destination a cultural edge. From world-class sporting spectacles to exciting festivals, Get Up and Gold Coast in 2026, and plan a trip around these exciting events. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 This March, the Gold Coast is hosting one of the premier sporting events of the year: the AFC Women's Asia Cup 2026. Alongside Sydney and Perth, the Gold Coast will become a bucket list destination for football fans. The Gold Coast Stadium will host four group matches from Monday, March 2, until Sunday, March 8. This includes the Matildas' second group match, followed by two rounds of play-offs on Thursday, March 19. Whether you're a sports fan or not, there's no denying the buzz and atmosphere that comes from a major sporting event like this. There are still tickets available, so be sure to nab yours and book in a Gold Coast escape. Australian WPGA Championship The Australian Women's Professional Golfers' Association Championship brings the world's best female golfers to the Gold Coast. Players will compete for the Karrie Webb Cup (and $600,000 in prize money) at the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club and the Palms Golf Course from Thursday, March 19, until Sunday, March 22. Outside of the championship, the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village is your destination for sport and entertainment with food and beverage options, music, pop-up bars, dedicated fan zones, interactive golf challenges, chill-out areas and shopping. At WPGA, witness the best in golf while enjoying the Gold Coast's picturesque weather and scenery. WSL Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro In May, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro (part of the World Surf League Championship Tour event) will be held on the Gold Coast's golden beaches from Friday, May 1, until Monday, May 11. This year, the event is taking place in Snapper Rocks and is set to deliver world-class surfing. Past winners include Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina, so you know that it'll be worth the journey to see this year's talent on show. The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro is free to enter, so you and the family can witness the best surfers in the world compete up close and personal. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show One of the Southern Hemisphere's largest boat shows, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is an annual showcase of superyachts, sailboats, marine tech and waterfront appreciation. The event takes place over four action-packed days from Thursday, May 21, to Sunday, May 24. See superyachts up close and personal and revel in the luxurious waterfront lifestyle that the Gold Coast delivers in droves. Blues on Broadbeach Every May, the Gold Coast suburb of Broadbeach transforms into one of Australia's largest music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach. Across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, the four-day (and night) event is a celebration of soul, rhythm and blues music. It kicks off on Thursday, May 14, with a non-ticketed lineup that includes Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Robert Finley, The Lachy Doley Trio, and many more. While most of the festival is free, the Sunday Ticket offers exclusive access to a stellar lineup. On Sunday, May 17, ARIA Award-winning The Teskey Brothers and special guests Judith Hill and Ash Grunwald will perform to the crowd as the sun sets over Broadbeach. Alongside live performances, you can wander between beachfront parks, bars and pop-ups, making it the ultimate chilled Gold Coast experience for music lovers. Cooly Rocks On Coolangatta puts on its retro filter the first weekend in June with Cooly Rocks On. The nostalgia-fuelled street party is a celebration of the motors, music and lifestyle of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s with classic car displays, a pin-up pageant, live gigs and vintage beachfront markets, all free to explore. From Wednesday, June 3, until Sunday, June 7, you can browse through a selection of retro treasures and memorabilia and listen to some of the finest rock 'n' roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around the world. There's also a preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Contest taking place. Cooly Rocks On is one of three festivals in the country to host this round, and the winner will secure a spot at Elvis Week in Memphis. Rock on. Pacific Airshow The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast transforms the city's famous beachfront into an open-air runway. From Friday, August 14, until Sunday, August 16, fighter jets, aerobatic teams and precision solo flyers will take to the skies for a weekend of high-octane airshows. Enjoy general admission, or take it up a notch with hospitality experiences at the Garden Bar or Beach Club. Ticket holders can enjoy a curated menu of food and drinks, a patio area with seating and shade, private restrooms, and live airshow commentary. It's a Gold Coast-style winter escape. Bleach* It's not just Melbourne and Sydney hosting the country's premier cultural events. Bleach* Festival is a contemporary arts festival running from Thursday, October 1, until Sunday, October 11. The spring festival brings dance, art, music, exhibitions, and panels across three vibrant festival hubs: Kurrawa Park, Emerald Lakes, and the Gold Coast's Home Of The Arts (HOTA). There's a range of free and ticketed events to choose from, with the full lineup released later in the year. Keep your eyes peeled and book in some cultural experiences. Groundwater Country Music Festival Is country music more your scene? Groundwater Country Music Festival is the Gold Coast's destination for all things boots, banjos and beachside twang. Taking over the streets of Broadbeach from Friday, October 16, until Sunday, October 18, the free three-day festival brings a stacked lineup of Australian and international acts. While the 2026 lineup is yet to be announced, the October festival is a must-do for music lovers on the Gold Coast. Expect line-dancing sessions, street food, pop-up bars and a laidback coastal atmosphere complete with cowboy hats. Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 The Gold Coast 500 turns Surfers Paradise into a high-speed street circuit, bringing Supercars racing right into the heart of the city. For one adrenaline-fuelled weekend from Friday, October 23 until Sunday, October 25, the sound of engines echoes between skyscrapers as drivers battle it out just metres from the beach. Whether you're a die-hard motorsport fan or simply keen for a high-energy weekend by the beach, the event blends sun, speed and spectacle. Explore more events and accommodation options, and be ready to Get Up and Gold Coast. Image credit: Supplied
Rumours about Wendy's return to Melbourne aren't exactly new, with local fast-food fans regularly spreading and seeking out gossip on the timeline. But since the much-loved chain announced its comeback in 2023, genuine updates have been few and far between. So when signage for Wendy's first Melbourne location was spotted on Canterbury Road in Bayswater last year, the rumour mill started ticking over again. Yet with no official word on opening dates, the Frosty faithful haven't had much to sink their teeth into. [caption id="attachment_1038589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy's Brisbane CBD.[/caption] However, this week brought some of the clearest hints yet about behind-the-scenes developments at Wendy's. Reported by Real Commercial, Wendy's Australia has posted job ads for positions at potential restaurants in Dandenong South and South Melbourne. Of course, there's still much to be revealed about Wendy's expansion in Melbourne. But this small piece of news offers fans more than just a few crumbs to hold onto, as this sign of progress brings them ever closer to biting into a burger. [caption id="attachment_1038598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy's Brisbane CBD.[/caption] For those in Brisbane, that wait ended in October, when the chain revealed a landmark two-level themed location in the CBD, complete with all the trimmings. That followed Wendy's long-awaited return to Australia, which was launched in January 2025 in Surfers Paradise. Now operated by US franchise giant Flynn Restaurant Group, Wendy's could become a commonplace sight on Australia's fast-food scene. That's because the chain has revealed plans to open 200 stores nationwide by 2034. [caption id="attachment_1038585" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy's Brisbane CBD.[/caption] Head to the website for more information.
