News just in: Brisbane-born cookie brand Brooki Bakehouse is finally expanding to Melbourne. The bakery that attracts hordes of locals and tourists alike is set to bring its signature brownies, cookies, croissants, and so much more to Chadstone Shopping Centre this May. Brooki Bakehouse was founded by Brooke Bellamy, who built an impressive social media following across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, resulting in endless queues of devotees waiting patiently to get their hands on one of Brooke's coveted baked goods. Brooki's always-evolving range of cookies includes the likes of an almond croissant cookie, and oreo cheesecake cookie, and a carrot cake cookie. The Chadstone opening marks a major milestone in Brooki Bakehouse's remarkable success story. What started as a small bakery in Brisbane quickly garnered a loyal following of fans across Australia. While the brand already operates in flagship locations across Queensland and in Sydney Airport (which happens to be the most popular store), Melbourne has been one of the most requested cities for an outpost by Brooki followers. "Melbourne has been our most requested city since the day we opened — years of DMs, comments, and emails asking the same question: when are you coming? 7 May is the answer you've all been waiting for," says Bellamy. The opening of Brooki Bakehouse's first permanent Victorian store conveniently coincides with Mother's Day, making it an ideal gift for any mother-figures in your life. Brooke Bellamy will be in the store from Thursday through Saturday to personally welcome customers, contributing to the brand's warm, welcoming vibe. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The right hotel can elevate a holiday, while the wrong one can leave you wishing you'd done your due diligence. From location and comfort to warm hospitality, your stay sets the tone for the entire trip. And anyone who travels often will tell you the same thing: there's a bit of an art to booking hotels. It's not always about spending the most money or booking the penthouse suite. Instead, it's about gathering an arsenal of tips over the years that make each stay more rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or are trying to find ways to upgrade without dropping a whole pay cheque, we've collated some pearls of wisdom to help you get the most out of every stay. Research Reviews Here at Concrete Playground, we love spotlighting the best new hotels and chicly designed lobbies, but not all accommodations are made equally. Expert traveller, Rachel Choy, recommends researching reviews as closely as your travel insurance. "I once left my husband in charge of booking accommodation, and he almost booked a shack with no running water or electricity. I looked at reviews and realised pretty quickly that this was definitely not the place for us. So if you're trying to find the cheapest deal, cross-check with reviews to make sure it's clean, convenient and safe." [caption id="attachment_1090770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands[/caption] Take Advantage of Hotel Memberships There's a perception that hotel memberships are complicated or there'll be a catch that has you out on the street, luggage-laden, before your dinner reservation. In reality, many hotel memberships are easy to maintain and offer a wide range of benefits. Marriott Bonvoy, for example, is the world's largest hotel loyalty program and offers exclusive member rates when you sign up. You'll earn points by checking in to over 30 of Marriott Bonvoy's brands that are located in over 10,000 destinations. You can then use these points to redeem free nights. By earning more nights, you'll reach different membership tiers. For example, Gold members can enjoy a complimentary 2pm late checkout, which could come in handy for a slow and easy morning before heading to the airport. Your staycays across the year could quickly add up. There's actually not been a better time to consider hotel membership, as Marriott Bonvoy currently has an offer to help you earn even more from each trip. Registered Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 2,500* bonus points on each stay and one bonus Elite night credit for each hotel brand they try, helping travellers achieve rewards and higher membership status. Registration is open now through to Sunday, April 26, with eligible stays occurring between now and Sunday, May 10. Membership is free to join and takes a couple of minutes to set up. Plus, it gets even more rewarding, as members can save 10 percent on stays in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Book now for trips between April 1 and June 30**. So, if you're searching for a city break, a long weekend across the ditch, or a tropical escape, consider becoming a member and receive instant discounts and rewards. Book With a Credit Card Once you've found a hotel that fits your criteria, the next step is locking it in. Booking your stay with a credit card can unlock a surprising range of extra benefits that many travellers overlook. Depending on the card, this can include complimentary travel insurance, bonus points on accommodation purchases and even hotel room upgrades or late checkout. It also adds a layer of protection if plans change or you need a refund. For seasoned travellers, booking hotels with a rewards credit card can quickly add up points and benefits. Keep in mind this isn't financial advice, so be sure you know the pros and cons of owning a credit card before taking the plunge. Book Direct While third-party booking platforms can be useful for browsing, booking directly with a hotel often comes with advantages. Many hotels reserve their best prices, flexible cancellation policies and loyalty benefits for guests who book through their own websites. Booking directly also makes it easier to request small room changes. For example, if you need a solid night's sleep or want to roll the dice for a better view, ask the hotel if you can have a room away from the elevator. Requesting a corner or end room, if possible, is another way to try to book a larger room for the same price. Plus, don't forget, if it's around your birthday or an anniversary, make it known to hotel staff when booking. We won't tell if it's a little white lie. And who knows, you may end up with a small surprise in your room. Travel During Shoulder Season If you want better rooms and better value, plan strategically. Travelling during shoulder seasons (the period just before or after peak travel months) often means lower rates, fewer crowds and more availability. Hotels are more likely to have spare rooms during these windows, increasing your chances of scoring an upgrade or a better rate. In Australia, autumn and early winter are particularly good times to find great deals on city stays and coastal escapes. Hotel travel doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated. With a few small habits like booking smart, joining hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, and keeping an eye on promotions, you can make every trip (and hotel stay) go that little bit further. * T&Cs apply. Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay, with registration by 26 April to register, visit Marriott Bonvoy ** T&Cs apply. Save 10 percent on stays from April 1–30 June 2026. For more details, visit Marriott Bonvoy Image Credit: Supplied
It's easy to write off Sydney's "touristy" spots. As a local, they're the kinds of destinations you seem to visit when you've got out-of-towners in tow. But some are definitely worth a revisit. Consider this your sign to work a little heritage back into your cultural rotation. One of the city's most beloved heritage landmarks is Sydney Observatory, part of the Powerhouse Museum. It sits on the highest natural point in Sydney Cove and is a place of deep cultural significance with a history of scientific research and astronomical discovery. The year-round destination is located in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Intrigued? Here's a taste of the year-round program of experiences, guided tours, exhibitions and events you can experience at Sydney Observatory. Free Access Often, a day out in Sydney can come with a hefty price tag, but the Observatory grounds offer free daytime walk-up access. You can explore the heritage-listed site for free from Thursday to Saturday, 12-6 pm. Pack a picnic lunch, take in the views, and let your kids run off some steam on the free playground. Sydney Observatory is an inviting outdoor and cultural space for families, locals and tourists alike. Inside, there's also a free exhibition available to explore. I Put The Stars On The Ground honours the rich knowledge of First Nations Astronomy that has been shared through stories, art, songs and ceremonies. Featuring a selection of works and star maps by Gail Mabo (Eddie Mabo's daughter), as well as ceramic art by Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra and Songlines of Our Universe—an original soundscape by William Barton and Veronique Serret—this free exhibition will fill your cultural cup. Tours to Book in If the above has you itching for more, Sydney Observatory offers several tours and experiences to learn from. Sydney Observatory offers guided daytime tours of the grounds, letting you uncover stories from behind Fort Philip and the Signal Station. Explore the Observatory building, including its domes and telescopes, and archival objects from the Powerhouse Collection. Sydney Observatory has a rich history of meteorology, timekeeping and astronomy, so you and your family can learn something new and feel a deep sense of appreciation for the history of Gadigal land. If you have younger visitors, book into the Sydney Observatory Family Tours, designed for ages 6 and above. Want to use the Observatory to its full potential? In one of Sydney's most unique after-dark activities, you can embark on a guided tour under the cover of darkness. Once a month, Sydney Observatory opens its doors (and domes) to the public after dark for Astronomy Nights. Learn how astronomers read the sky through interactive night-sky talks and guided exhibition tours. You can discover the stories behind constellations and planets and observe the sky through the building's treasured telescopes. Through its blend of science and storytelling, you can learn more about the sky, stars and Sydney. Expand Your Mind Alongside its guided tours, Sydney Observatory also hosts workshops and courses. Once a month, photography fans can take part in a two-hour night photography workshop. Sydney Observatory might be the best place in the city to take shots of the panoramic views, the heritage building and (on a clear night) the stunning stars. While you're welcome to bring your own camera, the team at Sony Australia will provide the equipment you need and guide your practice. Whether you're already an astronomy fan or looking to add some culture and science back into your weekend diet, Sydney Observatory offers a range of accessible programs and activities for astronomers of all ages. Book a visit this season. Discover what's on at Sydney Observatory and plan your visit.
The European summer fantasy is hard to beat, but if a 24-hour flight (and the price tag that comes with it) isn't quite on the cards this year, there's good news. You don't actually have to travel halfway across the world to tap into that holiday feeling. A short flight (or even a quick interstate hop) can get you surprisingly close, especially if you know where to check in. Marriott Bonvoy offers hotels in locations across the globe that will have you feeling relaxed as soon as you set foot in the lobby. Right now, you can save 10 percent on Marriott Bonvoy stays booked until June 30. Travelling as a Marriott Bonvoy member earns you points and benefits that accumulate over time. It's free to join and rewards you for taking a holiday. Register* by Sunday, April 26, and you can earn 2,500 bonus points** (i.e. more rewards) as well as save 10 percent on your booking. So, if Europe's off the cards this year, here's where to go (and stay) instead. [caption id="attachment_1088355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort[/caption] A Short Flight Away: Pacific Islands & New Zealand When the goal is to truly switch off, the Pacific Islands are hard to beat. For Australians, the flight time is considerably shorter than usual international trips. With their beaches, warm hospitality, and sunshine, you can still get the summer fix you're craving (without going to Italy). When it comes to accommodation, resorts rule the switch-off brief. At Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, you can choose from lounging by the beach, teeing off on its 18-hole Championship Golf Course or swimming in its lagoon-style pools. Over in Samoa, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows is a historic resort located in Apia. Featuring a blend of culture, adventure and hospitality, the hotel offers you a gateway to the island's natural beauty and rich, local traditions. Both Fiji and Samoa are roughly 4–6 hours from major East Coast cities, which means you can make a trip over without spending two annual leave days on an aeroplane. [caption id="attachment_1088356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort[/caption] New Zealand is another destination that feels like a proper international getaway, yet it's just a short flight from Australia (depending on where you are, of course). Roughly a 3–4-hour flight from Sydney and Melbourne, you can make a long weekend of Auckland if you do it properly. Whether you're looking for a city jaunt or are after wineries and beach swims, Auckland has it all. Take a stroll through the Viaduct Harbour precinct for the best in food and drink, or board a ferry to Waiheke Island to check out the city's stunning nature and vibrant art scene. If you're after a central base, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland places you in the heart of the city so you can spend more time soaking up the city and less time working out bus schedules. While Euro summer is a four-week minimum endeavour, a long weekend in Auckland could be the holiday you (and your bank account) need. [caption id="attachment_1088357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Four Points by Sheraton Auckland[/caption] For Something Close to Home: Australian Staycations While some travellers don't consider it a "real" holiday until you get your passport out, most countries aren't as massive as Australia. Holidaying locally is often the most realistic and achievable travel option for people. For some, even a weekend city staycation can scratch that Euro summer itch without the heavy lifting. Melbourne may be the most European of them all. From trips to the National Gallery of Victoria to shopping in Armadale and coffee in Fitzroy, there's something for every type of traveller. Fill your creative cup by travelling to Melbourne (or booking a city staycation if you're a local) and selecting hotels that suit your holiday preferences. [caption id="attachment_1088361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank[/caption] AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank offers sweeping city views and is located in the inner-city neighbourhood of Southbank, making it super easy to travel to the heart of the city. But, if you want some time away from the hustle and bustle, AC Hotel also has a luxe heated infinity pool and two on-site restaurants, Sorolla and the sleek Bar Triana. Are you more of a theatre buff? Stay at The Westin Melbourne, a prestigious property situated right next to the Regent Theatre and just steps from trams and Flinders Street Station. Close by at the 5-star hotel Melbourne Marriott Docklands, enjoy river views and a tranquil and rejuvenating sauna experience on level 15. The hotel is located right by Melbourne's DFO shopping precinct if you're after some retail therapy, as well as Marvel Stadium for easy access to world-class sports and concerts. [caption id="attachment_1088364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Harbour Marriott[/caption] If you're keen to explore Australia's top dining and entertainment, consider a trip to Sydney. From catching a performance at the Sydney Opera House to easy access to child-friendly attractions like the SEA LIFE Aquarium, a Sydney holiday can be a way to get a change of scenery without taking too much time off. If you're staying in the centre, the Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay will have you front and centre to all of the city's hot spots. Enjoy an eco-friendly Kayak Tour through the iconic Sydney Harbour before heading back to the hotel to relax with a harbour view. Closer to trendy neighbourhoods of Redfern and Surry Hills, stay at Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney and visit the eclectic White Rabbit Gallery or head into Chinatown. Finally, with its warmth and outdoor lifestyle, Brisbane could be an excellent Euro summer swap this winter. In recent years, Brisbane has become one of Australia's most exciting food and wine destinations, with a myriad of restaurants opening each year. It's easy to create a packed itinerary that balances foodie date nights in Fish Lane and sunsets with friends at Felons Brewing Co. [caption id="attachment_1088365" align="alignnone" width="1499"] W Brisbane[/caption] Overlooking the Brisbane River in the CBD, the W Brisbane leans into bold design and playful luxury. When it comes to unwinding, the AWAY Spa offers mineral-rich vitality pools, saunas and steam rooms, while The Lex brings a slice of New York-style dining to the riverfront. So, leave the long-haul (and overpriced) flights this year and consider a winter holiday that's a bit closer to home. From sunny escapes that are a few hours' flight away to city adventures in Australia, you can rest and relax without the Euro summer price tag. *T&Cs apply. To save 10 percent on stays until June 30 2026. For more details, visit Stay With Marriott. **T&Cs apply. Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay with registration by 26 April 2026. To register, visit Marriott Bonvoy. To receive both bonus points and 10 percent off, you must be a Marriott Bonvoy member. It's free and easy to join here. Image Credit: Supplied Lead Image: Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
If your group chat hasn't involved wild theories about "The Boy In White" yet, you're missing out on the biggest supernatural thriller of the last decade. Luckily for you, the first three seasons of the highly acclaimed FROM series are available on Stan right now, and the season four premiere is coming on Monday, April 20, so there's absolutely time to get into the series that's got everyone talking, speculating and widening their eyes with every twist and turn. FROM kicks off when the Matthews family — father Jim (Eion Bailey), mother Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno), daughter Julie (Hannah Cheramy) and son Ethan (Simon Webster) — drive into a town they can't leave. And they're not the only ones. They soon discover that everyone who lives there is trapped. While it may look like an average midwestern town in America (albeit ten times creepier), it is anything but. Of course, being trapped anywhere indisputably sucks, however, that portion of this nightmare isn't even the worst of it. As the town tries to figure out why they're trapped in this unknown postcode, they must also dodge (and try to defeat) what comes out of the surrounding forest to threaten their survival and ultimate escape. Come sunset, the town's sheriff, Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau), orders everyone inside to stay safe from "creatures" who roam the streets. At first, they don't look so scary. They cosplay as everyday people who look like they're stuck in the 1950s, including repeat offenders like a waitress, cowboy and librarian. Their human appearance allows them to deceive and trick the residents into letting them inside, and, once they're close enough, the monsters don't just kill them, they will torture them for their own deranged pleasure. With windows bolted shut to stop the temptation to let them close, it gives audiences the same heart palpitations as Birdbox while also screwing with your head (and imagination) in the same way Lost did throughout the early 2000s. In fact, if FROM sounds like Lost to you, it might be because it's from the same producers behind that game-changing series: Jack Bender and Jeff Pinkner. While the same notion of being trapped exists (this time in a Middle America town versus an island) — and they've retapped Perrineau for another leading role (he played Michael Dawson in Lost) — the show is vastly different while delivering on a feeling we've been craving since that plane crash all those years ago. The twists, turns, revelations and puzzle-piece context have viewers mind-mapping and brainstorming for the answers, and there's serious character investment with both existing residents and the new ones welcomed along the way. Oh, and FROM promises better reveals and answers than the conclusion of Lost, and with everything we've learned so far about the town and its residents, it's definitely looking like that expectation will be lived up to. The first three seasons of FROM are available only on Stan, each with ten episodes to send your living room spiralling into wild curiosity. Get into it quick and you'll be all caught up for the highly anticipated Season 4 in no time, premiering only on Stan this Monday, April 20. Episodes drop weekly, so you can become part of the fun (and mad theorising) in real time. So, if you've been craving a mystery box drama, then FROM might just be the mind-screw you've been looking for. Just be warned: you might not be trapped in a town with monsters keeping you up at night, but the mysteries of this show sure might. The brand new season of 'FROM' premieres April 20, only on Stan. Images: Stan
Your work day just got a lot whole better, well, if you work in the CBD, that is. Chobani, loved for its healthy and tasty yogurt, has opened its first cafe outside of the US, on none other than Little Collins Street. Chobani Cafe has popped up in the city for three sweet weeks running from Monday, April 13th, to Saturday, May 2nd. And the best bit? The breakfast bowls are complementary. Yes, they are free. The kind folks at Chobani are dishing out 50,000 free yoghurt bowls over the course of the pop-up, bringing a moment of joy and positivity to Melburnians. "We're incredibly proud to be sharing the joy of Chobani with Melburnians this autumn – bringing that feel-good moment into the heart of the city while offering a satisfying and nourishing start to the day with our undeniably delicious, protein-rich, Melbourne-made yogurt," says Ellie Vince, Chobani's GM of Marketing. The Chobani Cafe, located on Little Collins Street between Elizabeth and Queen Street, will serve customisable, protein-rich yoghurt bowls, with options including light Greek yoghurt, no-sugar-added vanilla bean, and a new strawberry protein variety. Those lucky enough to get their hands on a bowl can choose to top it with fresh fruit, granola, superseed crunch, almond butter, raspberry chia compote, coconut or honey. Not only does Chobani taste good, but it does good too. "We're excited to be creating a bright, generous moment in people's mornings. And because we believe good food should be for everyone, the Chobani Café will also help power our long-standing partnership with Foodbank Victoria – supporting their vital work to improve food security across the state." Each Thursday across the pop-up, Chobani will donate the equivalent of 15,000 meals to Foodbank, totally an incredible 45,000 meals. This effort builds on a long-standing partnership between Chobani and Foodbank Victoria, which started back in 2012. "Chobani exemplifies what a partner with a long-term commitment to food security means to Foodbank. Their team has been by our side now for more than a decade, supporting Australian families through some of the most difficult moments. We love Chobani's ingenuity and their ability to continuously seek out new opportunities to help us build resilient communities through food, especially at a time like this when so many people are running on empty," says Dave McNamara, CEO of Foodbank Victoria. The Chobani Cafe is open between 7.30am and 11.30am during the week, and from 8am until 12pm on Saturday, or until sold out. As if complementary yoghurt bowls weren't enough, there is also a rotating calendar of giveaways and special offers on the table. On Mondays, there will be free tote bags for the first 300 customers; on Tuesdays, find free birthday backpacks for the first 150 customers; on Wednesdays, the first 500 customers will get a free keyring; on Thursday, 15,000 meals will be donated to Foodbank; on Fridays, grab free iced coffees or matcha for the first 150 customers; and on Saturdays there will be free samples of Chobani's new Cookie Dough Flip. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
If you've been craving a show that can actually captivate you in 2026, then the horror mystery series FROM is just what your attention span needs. But don't just take our word for it — there are millions of viewers of the show globally (which is still releasing on Stan), consistently racking their brains for answers in this mystery world, especially as we dive into the fourth season of the psychologically testing show. Created by John Griffin (Magic: The Gathering, Crater), FROM is MGM's most-watched original series in the network's history, has a 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and consistently trends in Stan's Top Ten. The addictive series is a perfect blend of horror and mystery, centring around a town that traps all those who enter it. While that feels mind-boggling enough, residents must also dodge creatures that surface to torment (and kill) them at night, and they're equal parts terrifying and confusing. Led by Harold Perrineau (Romeo + Juliet, Lost, Matrix Reloaded) as Sheriff Boyd Stevens, the residents must figure out why they have seemingly been chosen for this nightmare postcode, why these monsters torture them every night, and how the hell they can escape this geographical prison before it ultimately kills them. It's a mystery that feels unexplainable, but what's special about FROM is that with every episode, viewers are drip-fed more information, which leads them closer to finding out the answers they desperately crave. If you were a fan of Lost in the early 2000s, it has the same mystery-box DNA and even comes from the same producers, Jack Bender and Jeff Pinkner. And with 10 episodes per season, the addictive nature of the show means it's not uncommon for fans to bang out an entire season in one weekend (or, for those having a particularly horizontal day, one sitting). Once you watch it, theorising reasons for the town's suffering becomes second nature. There are several fan forums surrounding FROM on Reddit, with the more popular of the bunch boasting over 150,000 followers. With Season four available on Stan from April 20 and dropping weekly, Subreddits are expected to surge, and the traditional viewing experience (where you watch episodes at the same time the rest of the world does) will bring the "Fromily" — both new and existing — together for every revelation. The "Fromily" fandom name was born early on in the show's run, blending "From" and "Family" together as the series had tongues wagging almost instantly on X and Reddit. Considering the show centres around a group of strangers coming together as one makeshift family in order to survive, it's a fitting portmanteau which further solidifies as seasons go on. While the bonkers storyline is what pulls you in — that confronting first episode really does a number on everyone who presses play — the diverse casting is so brilliant, that the curiosity around their personal journeys, and the friction between the residents keeps viewers hooked on an emotional level. Once you dive into the series, you're in for the long haul. While the Matthews family — father Jim (Eion Bailey), mother Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno), daughter Julie (Hannah Cheramy) and son Ethan (Simon Webster) — kick off the show as the newest residents, we meet more people as the show goes on, and gradually understand more about those who are already trapped there. From the town's longest-surviving resident, Victor (Scott McCord), who has been there since he was a child, to arrogant tech billionaire Jade (David Alpay), who arrives on the same day as the Matthews, the conflict between old and new neighbours is consistently at the forefront of both drama and survival on FROM. So, if you're looking for something to get stuck into, something you can watch in real time with a fandom serious about finding answers, FROM is the cultural phenomenon that will reactivate that twisty TV-induced brainwork we've been missing. Seasons 1-3 are already available only on Stan, and Season four is dropping weekly now, ready for you to become part of the global obsession. The brand new season of 'FROM' is streaming now, only on Stan. Image credit: Supplied
Let's be honest: nothing kills a party faster than a soulless function room. You know the one. Fluorescent lighting, grey carpet, and a sad cheese platter in the corner. In a city as vibrant as Melbourne, this just won't do. Whether you're planning a birthday party, engagement celebration, end-of-financial-year bash or family reunion, Melbourne's venues bring personality, great food and drinks, and maybe even a view to match. If you're ready to ditch the generic function room and entertain in style, these ten spots have you sorted. The Espy The Espy (officially Hotel Esplanade) is a go-to Saturday night pub option for Melburnians, but did you also know it offers seven (yes, seven) bookable function spaces? Located on the St Kilda foreshore, the venue offers character-filled spaces, including the light-filled Sunroom, which can host up to 80 guests cocktail-style. For something even more refined, the Mya Tiger Green Room is a cocktail space inspired by vintage Cantonese cookshops and features luxe green velvet booths. From live entertainment to dining options, the multi-level venue could help you celebrate your next event with a coastal twist. Yarra Botanica Floating on the Yarra River, this plant-filled venue is designed for outdoor entertaining and feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. Whether it's your birthday or EOFY party, Yarra Botanica is a great choice for parties that begin in the afternoon and roll into golden hour. The venue serves local Victorian produce with a seasonal menu, alongside share-friendly dishes such as pizzas, grazing boards and seafood. With views of the city skyscrapers, cocktails on tap and multiple decks and lounges, there's ample space for an intimate party of 200 guests upstairs or up to 300 people on the Lower Deck at this inner-city floating garden oasis. West Beach Pavilion Originally built in the 1920s as a bathing pavilion, West Beach Pavilion in St Kilda blends beachside heritage with modern event spaces. West Beach Pavilion's event spaces include the Grand Beach Hall, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around deck. You can also host your party in the Gallery, a restored private room that offers a covered lounge deck area so you and your guests can have fun with a beach view. West Beach Pavilion can accommodate everything from large cocktail events to weddings, all right on the St Kilda foreshore. Fargo & Co If you're after less golden hour and more inner-city Melbourne energy, let us introduce you to Fargo & Co. Situated on Richmond's bustling Swan Street, Fargo & Co is located inside the former 1907 State Bank. Drawing on its history, Fargo & Co features event spaces, including the Bankers' Foyer for around 10–30 guests, while larger function rooms include access to a semi-private bar. There's also a rooftop terrace space for you and your guests to soak up Richmond's buzzing nightlife atmosphere into the early hours. Village Belle Hotel The Village Belle Hotel is another St Kilda institution. The heritage pub dates back to 1891 and features old-school Melbourne pub charm. The multi-level venue features four distinct event areas, including the Balcony Bar (above Barkly Street with views toward the popular Acland Street) which features a private bar for up to 70 guests. Upstairs, the Doulton Lounge offers booths for catching up, a dance floor and sleek black marble bar. If you were looking for a beer garden vibe, the Garden Bar has a retractable roof, so you can soak up the sun without worrying about Melbourne's unpredictable weather. Whether you're after a casual pub meal, want to catch the AFL game with mates or are planning a party for over 200 people, The Village Belle Hotel delivers. Harlow Bar This Church Street staple is a classic pub with a modern twist. With several function areas (including a rooftop), Harlow Bar is an easy-to-please choice for any type of event. There's a dedicated private function level complete with its own bar and AV facilities, making it a great pick for corporate gatherings or family-style speeches. Individual function rooms can host up to 180 guests, while the full venue can accommodate up to 740 guests. Enjoy classic cocktails and craft beers, pub meals and snacks and a welcoming (read: unstuffy) hub made to celebrate special occasions. BrewDog Pentridge Looking to impress your guests with a bit of local history? BrewDog is not your average brewery. Located in the former Pentridge prison, the Coburg brewery is a pilgrimage for craft beer lovers. BrewDog features two bars and over 20 craft beers on tap (and brewed on-site). There are both outdoor and indoor spaces, including the upstairs function room for more private events such as networking evenings. The Deck overlooks the sprawling beer garden, while The Den offers a smaller seated option for intimate gatherings and dinners. Boring function rooms, be gone, as this venue will certainly have your guests talking. Prince Alfred Prince Alfred is a Richmond local that knows how to host a great gathering. With its classic pub hospitality and lively beer garden, Prince Alfred is unpretentious and can cater to groups of all sizes, no matter your function. Reserve a small section of the pub or take over a function space such as The Chelsea or Albemarle Rooms for an intimate sit-down dinner. Whether you're after casual Sunday pub energy or something more elevated, Prince Alfred helps to bring events of all types to life. Hickens Hotel Hickens Hotel on the corner of Russell and Little Collins Street has recently had an upgrade. The "oldest new pub" is a CBD staple offering rooftop views and a whole heap of character. After its 2025 redevelopment, Hickens Hotel now spans four levels, with each operating as its own unique space. Book the Front Bar for more casual drinks, the retro-styled Carlton Lounge and Abe's Athletic Hall for games and karaoke or the Rooftop Bar for cityscape views. The sports hub is an inner-city staple and made for people who want to catch a game, enjoy a few pints, and celebrate with ease. Garden State Hotel Located on Flinders Lane in the Melbourne CBD, Garden State Hotel spans four levels of bars, dining options and open-air spots all centred around the multi-storey beer garden. Its private event spaces include the popular Italian restaurant Tippy Tay and The Observatory, a top-floor room with a private balcony for up to 120 guests served cocktail style or 50 people seated. The basement venue, Rose Garden, is made for larger cocktail events and includes access to the beer garden terrace. Perfect for corporate parties and premium cocktail-style events, Garden State Hotel wants you to celebrate in style. Whether you're after a beachside bash, inner-city glamour or a laidback pub, Melbourne is full of venues that offer personality, heritage charm and great food and beverage options – no fluorescent lights to be found. Find the standout venue that fits your celebration style. Lead image credit: Chege Mbuthi
Have you ever dined or drank somewhere and been absolutely floored by its quality? Have you showered praise onto the venue via their waitstaff, half-yelled thanks to the chef as you walk out the door and left them a review online? Well, if you love any of the venues shortlisted for the inaugural OpenTable Restaurant Awards, you can now go a step further. Recent OpenTable consumer research found that 63 percent of Aussies are more likely to try a new restaurant if it's won an award, the restaurant booking platform is looking to celebrate the rich hospitality scene in Melbourne by awarding venues in three categories, two of which are open to Aussies wanting to have their say. The categories open to vote submissions online are the Industry Choice Awards, a space for hospitality professionals to celebrate their favourite restaurants, and the People's Choice Awards, which give a voice to diners who keep the industry alive. [caption id="attachment_1094314" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Scarf[/caption] "OpenTable's inaugural Restaurant Awards will shine a light on Melbourne's incomparable hospitality scene, the venues that help make the city a world class dining destination and set the global standard time and time again," said Drew Bowering, General Manager Australia at OpenTable. "We're proud to celebrate our partner restaurants and reward the exceptional experiences and service that they're delivering." Need more incentive? Voting will also give you a chance to win a $250 OpenTable gift card, so browse the nominee shortlist below and visit the website to cast your vote before it closes on Monday, May 18. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Luci, on Monday, June 15. [caption id="attachment_1094313" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Vue de monde[/caption] Industry Choice Shortlist Restaurant Design Award Circl Coupette Disuko Yiaga Yugen Dining Innovation Award Amaru Babines Serai Shelaneous Vue de monde Impact Award All Things Equal Farmer's Daughter RESIDENCE at The Potter Scarf The Mulberry Group Standout Service Award Bistra Il Solito Posto Malin Reed House Ripponlea Food and Wine People's Choice Shortlist Neighbourhood Gem Lagoon Dining Neighbourhood Pizza Punch Lane Wine Bar Salona The Carlton Wine Room Bar & Pub Of The Year Babines Lamaro's Hotel Lui Bar Marquis of Lorne Toorak Cellars Bucket List Amaru Attica Lee Ho Fook Shelanous Vue de monde Opening of The Year Daphne Disuko Muses Wine Bar Suze Yiaga Lead image: Babines Voting for the Industry Choice and People's Choice Awards is open now and closes on Monday, May 18. Visit the website to cast your vote.
While property ownership remains a distant dream or outright alien concept for many Australians, new data has revealed that during the cost-of-living crisis, the country's two biggest housing markets have seen a slight downturn in activity. As reported by the Australian Financial Review, the Cotality daily index has revealed that home values in Sydney and Melbourne are shrinking. Since February, home values have slowly been depreciating in Australia's two biggest cities, reaching a drop of 0.04 percent on the weekend. Sadly, it's not indicative of a nationwide shift, since value is increasing in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Historically speaking, downturns were last recorded in times of major financial upheaval, with the recent occurrences including 2008, 2011 2018, 2019 and 2020. However, it's not a symptom of a bubble bursting, rather a loss of momentum in a market that's been growing for the last six years — a loss brought on by rising interest rates and economic shockwaves from the Iran War. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cotality AU (@cotality_au) Cotality research director Tim Lawless said to AFR, "We've seen more than three months of housing values moving backwards…If you go back historically, there's probably only around five times in the last 15 years where we've seen clearance rates holding this low and they all line up with housing market downturns." Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee reiterated to AFR that this qualifies as a mild downturn, and is heavily offset by the continuing growth nationwide. "In contrast, other parts of the country are continuing to record strong growth, particularly Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. This highlights how uneven the current cycle is, with the larger East Coast capitals no longer leading the market in the way they have historically." According to Cotality, this week's preliminary clearance rate (the ratio of properties sold at auction to total auctions listed) fell for the third consecutive week, bringing it below the average March figure by nearly ten percent, with more drops forecasted around the ANZAC Day long weekend. Meanwhile in the renting world — Cotality's Q1 Rental Review of 2026 reveals that in Sydney, renters are spending a record 33.1 percent of household median income on rent, while the shortage of rental listings has increased to 18% below the five-year average across the country.
Time, money, energy — most of us are short on one or more of these. So, when you head out for dinner and drinks, you're not just investing in what goes down your gullet, but the experience as a whole. Increasingly, interior design is what transforms a good time on the town into a great one. And to see who measures up, the Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) has unveiled its shortlist of 226 top-notch projects. Spotlighting work across residential, commercial and public sectors, AIDA is now entering its 23rd year, and is widely regarded as the industry's leading benchmark for excellence and innovation. With the winners announced on Friday, June 12, at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney, we've picked out a few choice hospitality and commercial projects featuring wall-to-wall stunning design. [caption id="attachment_991816" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Baker Bleu, Cremorne[/caption] In Melbourne, the shortlist is stacked, with Merivale Design Studio getting the nod for LB's Record Bar — a retro-leaning, vinyl-only hang-out led by hospo heavyweights Michael and Zara Madrusan. Collingwood-based architecture and interior design studio IF Architecture gave us the Kobini-inspired Suupaa and Baker Bleu, Cremorne. Nearby, Wardle is in contention for Yiaga — Hugh Allen's landmark fine-diner in the Fitzroy Gardens. For a design-led stay, Flack Studio's Hannah Street Hotel certainly earns its spot on the shortlist. For Sydneysiders, the representation is just as strong. Studio Shand put itself in award contention with Surry Hills' S'Wich, just as Luchetti Krelle has with their colourful Med-leaning design for Cibaria Manly. Surry Hills design studio Akin Atelier transformed the new-look Club Rose Bay, while 3XN GXN, BVN Architecture and Aspect Studios all helped deliver the Sydney Fish Market — described as the Harbour's most significant addition since the Opera House. [caption id="attachment_1079531" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Yiaga, East Melbourne[/caption] Further north, Brisbane and the Goldy are also home to several new and incredibly designed venues. Alexander &Co took charge of LiTO and Haven at Mondrian Gold Coast, while Studio Collective remagined healthcare design for Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. In Newstead, think elevated neighbourhood trattoria for Studio Plenty's Bar Monte. Then, lean into J. AR Office's reborn 'grand old dame' for Marlowe, with the renowned studio also shortlisted for Brisbane's Golden Avenue, featuring a statement-making open-air courtyard. With so many exceptional venues contending for each award, the winners aren't selected haphazardly. Featuring a panel of eight leading voices in Australian interior design, the judging process is anonymous, transparent and confidential. But why should the experts have all the fun? Check out a choice local spot and see if the interior experience makes getting out of the house that much more worth it. [caption id="attachment_1084007" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Fortitude Valley.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1027796" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Marlowe, South Brisbane[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1025305" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bar Monte, Newstead[/caption] Winners of the Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 will be announced on Friday, June 12. Head to the website to see the full shortlist. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Top image: Suupaa, Cremorne.
In Melbourne, it's not hard to find gluten-free nosh. If you're simply gluten-conscious, many spots happily accommodate with special options and sometimes, whole menus dedicated to your needs. Mexican taquerias are a great place to start — we've got three on the list — but the same diversity extends across the city's dining scene. But food that is completely not contaminated by gluten? That's a harder task. For coeliacs trying to leave the house without a Pyrex full of emergency snacks, we've also shortlisted six with accreditation from Coeliac Australia. This means that all of their gluten-free food is prepared in a contained area separate from the gluten-containing food. That might not mean much if you don't self-destruct whenever a smidge of gluten enters your digestive system, but it means heaps for someone who's out for three days when it does. Wherever you fall on the gluten-free spectrum, there are some of the best feeds to book into without worrying.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is getting its flowers. In July, the leading First Nations performing arts company will be presented with the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale Danze 2026. The Golden Lion is presented for a lifetime achievement in dance and is a highly coveted honour that puts Bangarra's work firmly on the global stage. It's a major cultural moment not just for Bangarra as the first company and First Nations performers to receive the award, but for First Nations storytelling in general. Bangarra (which means "to make fire" in the Wiradjuri language) sparks important conversations and social change through its storytelling and cultural works, and from May, audiences back home will have the chance to see why the dance world is paying attention. Performing Arts to Watch Bangarra Dance Theatre draws on 65, 000 years of culture and storytelling. Through contemporary dance, the performers create works of theatre, music, poetry and design that share First Nations stories. Each dancer is professionally trained and has a proud Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. This winter, Bangarra Dance Theatre is once again sharing its powerful visual poetry with the country. Under Artistic Director Frances Rings, Sheltering is an intergenerational performance of contemporary works. Each piece offers a profound journey into the intricate bonds between people and place. Keeping Grounded is an exploration of our energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land, choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell. Brown Boys is a groundbreaking dance film by Gomeroi and Tongan man Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper that delves into the experiences of young Indigenous men, exploring identity, belonging, and cultural connection. Sheoak, choreographed by Mirning woman Frances Rings and set to music by renowned composer David Page, explores themes of resilience, connection to Country, and cultural identity. Over the course of 90 minutes, the three works engage with vital First Nations social and cultural issues and showcase the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit. Sheltering will begin its tour on Ngunnawal Country at the Canberra Theatre Centre in late May. This will then be followed by performances on Gadigal Country at the Sydney Opera House and on Wurundjeri Country at the Arts Centre Melbourne in June. Finally, from Thursday, July 9 until Saturday, July 18, Meanjin will host the final shows of Sheltering at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Through its work and performances, Bangarra Dance Theatre aims to create inspiring experiences that promote awareness and understanding of First Nations peoples and cultures. By celebrating the world's oldest storytellers, audiences can immerse themselves in First Nations experiences and identity. Earlier this year, Bangarra Dance Theatre joined forces with The Australian Ballet for Flora, a bold and powerful new dance collaboration. Bringing together 35 dancers from both companies, Flora marked the fourth time these two national powerhouses came together on stage. Opening to rave reviews, Flora took audiences on a journey through the evolution of Australian flora and traced the influence of historic and environmental events on the land and its people. It symbolised the resilience of both flora and First Nations people. From celebrating First Nations culture to progressing conversations around reconciliation, Bangarra Dance Theatre will leave you feeling connected, creatively inspired and with a deep appreciation for the country's performing arts and artists. Sheltering Tour Dates May 23–27 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngunnawal Country June 3–13 — Sydney Opera House, Gadigal Country June 8–27 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country July 9–18 — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meanjin Purchase tickets to Sheltering.
Here's some saucy news. Melbourne Chef Johnny Di Francesco of 400 Gradi has just been ranked in the top five globally at the 2026 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza, or the World Pizza Championship. It's not the first time that Di Francesco has found success at the competition in Parma, Italy. Several years back, he took out the number one spot at the championship. After taking several years off to focus on building the Gradi Group, Di Francesco's remarkable success upon returning to the competition cements his global status as one of the best in the business. "Having made pizza since I was 12, my passion for pizza and cooking has only intensified over time, and being named fifth in the world is an incredible honour. After more than a decade of not competing, I was anxious and excited to see what the outcome would be, and I am so thrilled to still be considered among the top five in the world. I'm so blessed to be able to do what I love, and I try to ensure that joy infiltrates everything that I make," says Di Francesco. The World Pizza Championship is a global event that celebrates the traditions, creativity, skill, and passion of the world's best pizza chefs. The chefs battle it out across many categories, fighting to win titles ranging from best classic pizza to best pan pizza, best Neapolitan pizza to best gluten-free pizza. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Listen up because you don't want to miss this one. A stellar collab between pastry specialist Lune and Japanese eatery Suupaa has just been announced. The catch? The collab will only last one short, but certainly sweet week. Between April 22 and 27, Lune and Suupaa will share a few signature items, creating a harmonious meeting of laminated pastry and Japanese convenience culture. The three limited-edition items will be available at Suupaa and all Lune stores nationally. On the menu is a Negiyaki Pastry developed by Lune, which features white pepper and five-spice bechamel folded through the pastry dough with spring onions and sesame oil, then finished with Kewpie-style mayonnaise and burnt garlic chilli rayu. Wash down the one-of-a-kind pastry with the LUNE-CHA drink developed by Suupaa. The layered drink is a blend of Uji genmaicha and matcha, with oat milk and caramel made from repurposed croissant cut-offs. The toasty-flavoured drink is finished off with a yuzu cream. Finally, get your hands on a keepsake memento from the collab, a super cute Lune x Suupaa keychain designed in collaboration with A Friend of Mine design studio. The Lune rocket and the Suupaa puffer fish logos are combined with a set of charms to create an eye-catching key chain that will make your friends jealous. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The Greek Food & Wine Society has just announced The Greek Food & Wine Festival, a month-long series of immersive dining events coming to Melbourne this May. Hosted across many of Melbourne's most dynamic and loved Greek venues, the festival will showcase the best of Hellenic Food, wine and culture. The Greek Food & Wine Society was established to bring together food lovers, winemakers, chefs and cultural advocates, elevating the culinary dialogue around Greek food and celebrating the sophisticated landscape of Mediterranean food and wine in Melbourne. There is no mistaking that the last few years have seen Melbourne undergo a long-overdue Greek dining revival, with countless new spots opening up, and old-timey establishments being revamped for the next generation. So there's no doubt this festival will be met with much enthusiasm and encouragement. Some of the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne will play host to events celebrating the amazing diversity of Greek food and wine. "Greek food is so much more regional and exceptional than many realise — beyond the moussaka and souvlaki that most people know and love. We're at a moment where Greek cuisine deserves to be celebrated and shared in all its wonderful depth," says Meni Valle, President of The Greek Food & Wine Society. Events not to be missed include a one-night-only dinner at Astoria Bar Kè Grill in collaboration with Nico Lazaridi, one of the big names in Greek wine. The evening will offer a rare opportunity to taste some of the winery's exceptional wines in Melbourne, paired with a bold menu. You can also experience a Greek Island Feast at South Melbourne's Aegli. Chef Ioannis Kasiodokostas, born and trained in Greece, brings exceptional skill and an authentic understanding of Hellenic food to each dish. The fine-dining four-course degustation draws inspiration from the sun-soaked Greek Islands. Yarraville's Eleni's Kitchen + Bar is hosting Elna na Fáme (meaning "come, let's eat") as part of the festival, showcasing authentic share-style Greek dishes in a warm, convivial environment. For a bit of history, head to Muses Wine Bar on May 27th for A Cretan Odyssey Through Food and Wine. The one-off event will highlight Cretan ingredients and little-known Cretan wines across five curated courses. Find further details of the events online now. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
King Island can feel, at first, like a place slightly out of step with the rest of Australia. Not in a quaint or nostalgic way, but in the sense that many of the habits metropolitan life takes for granted — endless choice, constant access, imported convenience — simply never became the island's organising principles. Freight is expensive, margins are slim and distance has a way of clarifying what is worth the effort. As a result, much of what you eat and drink here is grown, made or caught close by, and much of the best of it stays close to home. That logic runs through almost every part of a stay on King Island. Sustainable practices do not announce themselves with much fanfare, because they were never designed as branding exercises. They emerged because waste is expensive, because byproducts need a second life, because making do has always required a degree of imagination. Spend a little time here and you begin to sense a version of localism that feels older and less performative than the one sold back to us elsewhere — a place where resourcefulness still reads as ... common sense. [caption id="attachment_1094320" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Melbourne Bay, King Island — Andrew Wilson[/caption] The landscape deepens that feeling. King Island has a kind of elemental intensity that seems to pull everything back to first principles: wind, salt, rain, pasture, rock, sea. The colours and textures can feel almost pre-human in their arrangement, as though the island has been only lightly negotiated with rather than fully tamed. There are pillow-soft moss beds, natural springs and enormous swells that hit the shoreline with such force they seem to erase any illusion of control. Even the gentler-looking parts of the island carry some trace of that exposure. Which is why a weekend here works best when it is not over-programmed. King Island rewards people willing to plan enough that the practicalities fall away, then leave space for weather, appetite and mood to take over. This is a place for reading by a picture window while the ocean lashes itself into a frenzy outside; for structuring a day around cheese, beef or crayfish because that happens to be what the island does especially well; for walking into the wind until you understand, physically, what sort of coastline you are dealing with. A trip here is rarely about ticking things off. It is about bearing witness. [caption id="attachment_1094324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kittawa Lodge — Emilie Ristevski[/caption] STAY Kittawa Lodge If there is one stay that best distils King Island's particular mix of wildness and care, it is Kittawa Lodge. Set on a remote stretch of coastline in Pearshape, the off-grid retreat sits lightly within old sand dunes and open ocean country, giving you the sense of being deeply embedded in the landscape without ever having to rough it. The architecture keeps the outdoors visually close at all times — glass, timber, sky, weather — so that even from inside, you remain in active conversation with the island. What Kittawa understands especially well is that luxury on King Island works best when it feels inseparable from place. The hospitality is thoughtful without becoming fussy, the provisions and pantry draw heavily on island and Tasmanian produce, and the whole experience has been designed around privacy, immersion and a certain kind of delicious withdrawal. You can venture out, of course, and should. But there is something deeply persuasive about returning to a lodge where the bath faces big weather, the hot tub sits ready for an evening soak, and a quiet hour with a book can feel as transportive as anything you might have driven to. Perfect for: travellers who want their stay to feel deeply tied to the landscape around them. [caption id="attachment_1094985" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Island Distillery — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] EAT Dining on King Island asks for a little more forethought than most Australian holidays, but that extra effort is precisely what makes it memorable. This is an island where convenience has never really been king, and the food culture reflects that. You need to decide what sort of trip you want to have. Do you want to nest, cook and stay close to your accommodation? Or do you want someone else to take the lead while you simply turn up hungry? Either way, the reward is the same: produce of startling quality, handled with a kind of proximity that makes the whole experience feel more direct. If you are staying at Kittawa, self-contained dining feels less like a compromise than part of the pleasure. The provisions are generous, the kitchens are beautiful to use and the lodge's own approach to catering leans into the island's strengths, which means your meals are likely to be built around exactly what you came here for in the first place. In Currie, you can also assemble your own version of the island pantry, whether that means a stop at the gourmet suppliers, a supermarket run for a quiet night in, or a slower browse for ingredients that will make staying close feel better than going out. [caption id="attachment_1094326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boathouse, The Restaurant With No Food — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] Then there is The Boathouse, the island's much-loved "restaurant with no food", which may be the most King Island dining experience imaginable. There is no menu, no front-of-house choreography, just a beautiful old harbour-side building and the understanding that you will bring what you need. For something like this, Salt & Thyme makes perfect sense, catering beautifully whether you want to eat there or take something home to heat up later. The food story on King Island often works like that: part planning, part trust, part allowing the island's scale to shape your appetite. In terms of what to build your meals around, the answer is fairly obvious. Crayfish and beef are central to the island's food identity, and both are best treated as anchors rather than occasional indulgences. The famous crayfish pie from the bakery in Currie has become a rite of passage for good reason, and one of the quickest ways to understand the island's relationship to produce: modest in presentation, very serious in flavour. King Island Dairy belongs in the same category. The island's sea spray and salty pastures have a hand in the flavour profile of its milk, which reaches its highest expression in cheese. Structuring your meals around these things — cheese, beef, crayfish — is less a gimmick than a sensible response to place. DO On King Island, the most memorable things to do are really just different ways of understanding the landscape. You can taste it, you can move through it, or you can sit still long enough to let it reveal itself. However active you plan to be, the island keeps insisting on the same lesson: nature still holds the upper hand here. [caption id="attachment_1094984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Island Dairy — Stu Gibson[/caption] Taste A stop at King Island Dairy is, of course, about cheese, but also about climate, pasture and the slow accumulation of local skill. The island's sea spray and salty grass are part of the flavour story, and tasting the cheeses on-site gives you a more immediate sense of how thoroughly place works its way into the finished product. The Dairy is one of those rare food experiences that feels both iconic and genuinely informative, a chance to understand the island through something rich, familiar and quietly precise. The same goes for a visit to the Brewhouse or a tour through Raff Family Farm. At the Brewhouse, the setting among grazing country keeps the island's agricultural life close at hand even while you are holding a beer. At Raff, the story of pasture-fed Angus starts with the conditions that allow grass to grow year-round — mild temperatures, steady rainfall and the maritime influence that shapes almost everything else here — long before it reaches the plate. These are all, in their own way, lessons in terroir. [caption id="attachment_1094328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seal Rock — Jasper Da Seymour[/caption] Go The island's maritime history is one of the clearest expressions of its power. Bass Strait offered ships a useful shortcut, but the price was often catastrophic. Reefs, poor charts, violent weather and a coastline lined with jagged rock made these waters notoriously unforgiving, and King Island, sitting at the western entrance, bore the consequences again and again. The Cataraqui wreck of 1845 remains Australia's deadliest civilian maritime disaster, with hundreds of lives lost within sight of shore, and once you stand out there yourself — in the full force of the wind, looking at the same broken water — the story takes on a physical clarity that no museum panel could replicate. That is what makes the island's maritime trail, memorial cairns and museum in Currie so affecting. They deepen your understanding, certainly, but the coastline does the real interpretive work. Beauty and danger are so tightly bound together here that one seems to sharpen the other. Follow the stories of the Neva, the Netherby and the Cataraqui, and a pattern emerges: this is a place where the sea is not so much something to swim in, but something powerful to behold. [caption id="attachment_1094329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ocean Dunes Golf Course — Dearna Bond[/caption] The same is true when you set out on foot. Walking on King Island feels right because the terrain remains so under-smoothed. There are tracks and boardwalks, certainly, but the island never feels overly interpreted or overly managed for the visitor. The Calcified Forest has that strange, time-warped quality that makes it feel half geological site, half fever dream, while the cliffs and sea spray around Seal Rocks make it clear that this landscape is best encountered with your body, not just your camera. Even easier walks around Currie carry something of the island's force, whether that is kelp-strewn shoreline, shifting light or the steady reminder that the weather is never simply scenery here; it is an active participant. Golf belongs in that same conversation. Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes may be the famous names, drawing pilgrims for rankings and bragging rights, but what makes golf on King Island memorable goes well beyond the scorecard. The courses are so exposed to the elements, and so thoroughly shaped by the coastline, that the game begins to feel like a negotiation with wind, cliff edge and open sea. The island has a way of making golf look less manicured and more elemental, as though even here, at its most polished, the landscape has reserved the final say. [caption id="attachment_1095037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kittawa Lodge — Emilie Ristevski[/caption] Witness King Island does not demand constant activity. In fact, part of understanding it means knowing when to stop seeking out the next thing and simply stay put. Kittawa is especially good for this, because the architecture has been designed to keep the outdoors visually close even while you remain protected from it. The baths face enormous skies and ocean through picture windows; the hot tub sits outside with the weather still palpably present; the property's placement among old dunes and private coastline means that reading a book indoors can feel strangely eventful when the sea is throwing itself around just beyond the glass. It may not look like an activity in the traditional sense, but on King Island, bearing witness is part of the itinerary. The wind rises, the light shifts, the ocean crashes imposingly against the shore — the whole island keeps reminding you that it has always answered first to the elements, and to us second. Concrete Playground stayed as a guest of Tourism Tasmania. Images: Tourism Tasmania Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
As the weather begins to cool down, it's easy to turn your mind to autumn travel plans. With Aperol Spritzes behind us and cosy, quiet weekends ahead, planning a city escape can be tempting. But where to go? Just two hours from both Canberra and Sydney lies the South Coast region of Shoalhaven. From the white sands of Jervis Bay to the misty rivers surrounding Kangaroo Valley, Shoalhaven is built for weekends dedicated to rest, retreat and renewal. If you're looking to swap city stress for ocean air and indulge in long lunches and restorative experiences, here's how to spend a wellness-focused weekend in the region. Rest Your restorative getaway is only as good as your accommodation choice, and Shoalhaven has no shortage of quiet and restful retreats. Bay and Bush Jervis Bay is designed for switching off in nature. The boutique eco-retreat offers self-contained cottages and safari glamping tents on acres of lush Australian bushland. Wellness is woven into your stay at The Nest, the on-site studio featuring yoga and soundbath sessions. There's also an on-site day spa featuring massages and treatments, and a brand new cafe that's open to the public. With Jervis Bay just a short drive away, as well as bushwalking, whale watching, breweries, and galleries all nearby, Bay and Bush Jervis Bay has everything you could need for a restful weekend retreat. [caption id="attachment_1083654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Motel Molly, Mollybrook[/caption] Motel Molly in Mollymook is a luxe update on the beach motel of many Australian summer road trips. The oceanside motel has recently been revamped with a Mediterranean-inspired look and features handmade ceramics, mosaic tiles, and sunken bathtubs. It also offers a pool, sauna and massages to help you lean into relaxation and renewal. Rooms range from one-bedroom king suites to three-bedroom apartments for larger groups. Alongside its wellness offerings, Motel Molly is a great spot to get out into nature by hiring a bike or surfboard and soaking up the surrounding beaches. [caption id="attachment_1081431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Appleye Silver, Berry[/caption] Outside of accommodation options, Shoalhaven urges you to rest through creativity. Get off your screens and use your hands in local workshops such as Appleye Silver silversmithing, or meet (and paint) some Highland Cows at Abergail Farm with their Coos & Colour art experience. If you prefer to soak up the art rather than make your own, head to Bundanon Art Museum, gallery and homestead for world-class contemporary art set amongst a stunning South Coast landscape. Retreat [caption id="attachment_1081432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Valley Outdoors[/caption] One of the best parts of a city escape is retreating into nature. Paddle the region's calm waterways in canoes with Valley Outdoors. If you really want to feel the serenity, book in for a half-day guided tour with Valley Outdoors Mindful Canoeing Nature Experience. You'll enjoy a mindful reset as your guides help you to connect with Shoalhaven's beautiful nature, including the Shoalhaven Gorge's pristine waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Your tour will involve a moderate level of activity while paddling, but there'll be ample time to pause and enjoy the moment throughout. Another outdoor activity is Shoalhaven's horse riding school. Saddle up for a scenic trail ride through bushland with Regal Riding School, where you can trot along a stretch of shoreline that's waiting to be discovered. In the evening, book a magical Jervis Bay Stargazing experience and lie under vast starry skies. Here, astronomers share stories of the cosmos as you pause and reconnect with nature. [caption id="attachment_1081433" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis Bay Stargazing[/caption] When it comes to local restorative spaces, Worrowing Estate's new wellness pavilion, Melaleuca, will help your mind to slow down through flowing movement. Here, you can practice yoga, pilates, sound healing, reiki and breathwork, all in a peaceful studio that overlooks farmland, bush and curious kangaroos. [caption id="attachment_1081434" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Life Centre, Bewong[/caption] If you're after something more indulgent for your Shoalhaven retreat, make a trip to Berry and visit Sol Organic Facialist. Focusing on Australian-made organic and natural products, facialist Alexandra has over 20 years of experience in her field and offers restorative luxe facials and treatments that include Reiki. In Bewong, Life Centre is your chance to switch off through hot and cold therapy. With saunas, ice baths, floatation tanks and breathwork sessions, you'll feel rejuvenated as soon as you set foot in the wellness space. If you're after something a bit more rigorous, Bowline Remedial Massage and Recovery combines evidence-based remedial massage with recovery-focused treatments to prevent injury, support rehabilitation, and your overall wellbeing. Renewal Renewing in Shoalhaven means connecting more deeply with place. There are First Nations–led experiences across the region that offer opportunities to learn directly from local Indigenous custodians. At Mirritya Mundya in Culburra Beach, guests can experience Indigenous food culture through native ingredients and storytelling. Dishes connect directly to Country for a dining experience built on thousands of years of knowledge. [caption id="attachment_1081437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mirritya Mundya[/caption] In nearby Nowra, Blak Cede Gunyah is a First Nations, women-led cafe and social enterprise that showcases bush foods and produce from the Kareela Ngura community garden. The menu highlights ingredients and knowledge passed down through generations, offering a meaningful way to experience local culture through food. Across the region, produce-driven experiences continue the theme. There are several fresh farmers' markets throughout Shoalhaven that showcase the area's strong connection between land, sea and plate. Enjoy fresh seafood from local producers like Jervis Bay Mussels and Jim Wild Oysters. For fruits, vegetables and artisan produce, make a trip to Milton Village Showground Market, visit the weekly Berry Farmer's Market, or enjoy the monthly Kangaroo Valley Farmer's Market that's located in the heart of town. No matter where you stay, you'll most likely be able to find a local farmers' market. Whether you're looking for an offline luxury bush retreat or a road trip through country towns and beaches, Shoalhaven is a destination designed for switching off. Build your Shoalhaven wellness itinerary here.
The Australian-founded and based ticketing platform Humanitix has today announced a major new appointment in its senior leadership team, tapping the world of Hollywood stardom with a local hire: Australia's own Hugh Jackman. Jackman, both a household name actor and a well-known philanthropist, joins the team as the company's first-ever Head of Impact to help accelerate its global growth. Humanitix is tackling the ticketing duopoly of Ticketek and Live Nation head on, swapping high ticket fees for all charitable donations from all booking profits — with a total donation count sitting at $20,796,400 AUD and counting. Humanitix reports a growth in sales of 23.5 percent every year, with over 20.8 million tickets sold in 2025 and a projection to overtake its controversial rival, Ticketek, before the year is through. In the last 12 months, Humanitix has processed $453 million AUD in ticket sales, and projections are adding another $100 million to that total by this time next year. Since launching in 2016, the company has expanded to events across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, facilitating over $1.6 billion AUD in ticket sales along the way. Its main goal? To achieve $100 million AUD in donations to high-impact charities by 2031. Explaining what drew him to the role, Jackman said, "Most of us don't think twice about ticketing fees or where the profits go, Humanitix flips that on its head by turning those fees into real impact for real people. It's such a simple shift, but it has already changed tens of thousands of lives and has the potential to change millions more." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Humanitix (@humanitix) Humanitix co-founders Joshua Ross and Adam McCurdie hope that the new hire will help shift how the company is perceived globally. "Adding Hugh will help us reach even more organisers and accelerate our mission to disrupt the ticketing industry - for good," Ross said. "This isn't a typical celebrity role - it's about helping scale a model that can change how entire industries operate." McCurdie said, "For a long time, people saw Humanitix as a great idea - a charity alternative to ticketing. What we've now proven is that you can build a world-class platform that competes on product and experience, while also creating meaningful impact." "Most people believe you have to choose between social good and a quality experience," McCurdie added, "but we've shown that the opposite can be true. Hugh's involvement reflects where this is heading: global, mainstream and high-impact." Images: supplied
Not much stands in the way of a Melburnian and their weekend brunch. It's a right, it's a religion, it's something locals lord over other cities via the liveability index. We've got the best coffee, and the best brunch. They've also got some of the best bottomless options too, of course. Because the only way to up the ante is to offer Champagne-standard service. So if you prefer your hotcakes with mimosas, avo, toast and maple bacon with the grown up's espresso (you know the one), or desperately need to dull the pain of last night's hangover with a sloppy joe and bloody mary, scroll on for some of Melbourne's finest bottomless offerings — sure to medicate your hankering for a big, boozy brekkie. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Breakfast in Melbourne The Best Things to Do in Melbourne This Weekend The Best Coffee in Melbourne The Best Bars in Melbourne New Quarter, Richmond Unlimited noodles, bottomless booze. That's what's on offer every weekend lunchtime at Richmond's New Quarter. The Vietnamese restaurant — from the team behind Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina and Firebird — has jumped on the Melbourne bottomless brunch train, but is swapping out eggs and avocado on toast for oodles of noodles. For $76 per person, diners get to tuck into an iced platter of Moreton Bay bug, Pacific oysters, kingfish, beef tartare bites and rice paper rolls. What follows is a made-to-be-shared medley of barramundi, accompanying veggies and your choice of vermicelli noodles or rice. Drinks don't come at a premium either, and you've got unlimited access to a wide selection, ranging from pineapple and lychee bellinis and plum and grapefruit spritzes to skin contact wines and Stomping Ground beers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HALCYON DAYS - ALBERT PARK CAFE (@halcyon.days.cafe) Halycon Days, Albert Park Okay, while there isn't a specific bottomless brunch menu here — the name says it all. You'll be on cloud nine, buzzily sipping on spritzes and Bloody Marys while dining at the nostalgia-driven, Euro-inspired cafe on Montague Street. Alongside an unpretentious and pleasure-driven menu — think baguette with soft eggs and anchovies or their signature carrot-cake toast featuring cream cheese and house-made carrot cake marmalade — Halcyon Days also has a strong list of brunch-friendly cocktails, wines, and pét-nats. Better yet, double park with one of their limited Mont Blancs or creamy cold brews. [caption id="attachment_662927" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jean-Louis Carvalho[/caption] Bodega Underground, CBD Bodega Underground's famed Mexican-inspired bottomless brunch takes over the CBD taqueria every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with seatings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Book your crew in for a brunchtime fiesta at Bodega, one of the best Melbourne CBD restaurants, for $75, and you'll enjoy a lively five-course spread (which just so happens to be entirely gluten-free). The bottomless brunch features favourites like street corn with chipotle mayo and queso, chipotle fried chicken, chicken chilaquiles, and a 12-hour braised birria quesataco. Dessert is also taken care of: classic churros paired with loads of dulce de leche. Vegan brunch lovers can even enjoy their own five-course spread for the same price. To drink, there's 90 minutes of bottomless Mexican-themed sips, including Bodega's go-to guava-infused Mexi-mimosas. The quality and quantity of the offerings help make this one of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PiNCHO X DiSCO (@pinchodisco) Pincho Disco, Collingwood For the bruncher who loves a fiesta before their siesta, Pincho Disco is the weekend starter (or ender) for you. Exclusively on Saturdays, the vibrant Latin-American diner promises two punchy bottomless packages from $69 per person. Indulge in a smorgasbord of Pincho's signature bites such as chipa bread with goat curd, juicy lamb tacos, chorizo skewers, and if you're partial to an oyster (or half a dozen) — slurp a round dressed in zesty, citrusy tiger's milk. Balance the rich and herby flavours with paired cocktails and wines — chilli grapefruit margarita, anyone? — close your eyes and be transported to Rio for 90 minutes. Moonhouse, Balaclava Balaclava's Moonhouse is home to some of the best yum chas in Melbourne. It's also one of the few dim sum haunts that offers bottomless booze. Drop by Moonhouse on a Saturday or Sunday to nab the $64 endless yum cha that cycles through 12 different dishes — think XO scallops, chicken and prawn wontons, roast duck pancakes, char siu pork buns, salt and pepper calamari, and prawn dumplings. There's also a totally vegan option for the plant-based diners out there. And if you feel like making a big party out of the whole affair, you can add on unlimited alcohol for $45 per person. Beer and wine are all that's available, but the Moonhouse crew isn't pouring the cheap and nasty stuff. Get around a Hop Nation pale ale, Stomping Ground pilsner, the pinot grigio from Mandi in Mildura and an MDI Friulano skin contact number. MING Dining, CBD We all love a bottomless brunch — whether it comes in the classic eggs and mimosa form, or the more contemporary lunch adaptation where you get a whole lineup of endless cocktails paired with a hefty set menu. Ming Dining's bottomless brunch falls into the latter's definition. From Friday–Sunday, the crew is plating up a seven-course Asian-fusion feed paired with bottomless cocktails, beer and wine for only $69 per person — that's a proper bargain. During the two-hour window, that table will fill up with dumplings, spring onion pancakes, Hiromasa kingfish, Taiwanese calamari, beef short rib bao buns, sweet and sour pork, and a luxe black truffle fried rice. When it comes to cocktails, you can try some of its signature Asian-inspired sips as well as your classic Aperol spritz, espresso martini and spicy margarita. Few Melbourne bottomless brunch spots have such vast offerings (both when it comes to food and bevs), so be sure to take advantage of this one. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rice paper scissors 🍚🥢 (@ricepaperscissors_) Rice Paper Scissors, Fitzroy Fuel your Brunswick Street vintage trawl with a modest and merry meal at local hero Rice Paper Scissors. Across the weekend, the Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant offers two, two-hour bottomless seating times from $79 per person — exclusively at their Fitzroy outpost. Catering to vegans and non-vegans, you'll get to nibble on crowd-favourites like mouth-watering Thai pork bao and fried chicken, tuna crudo, and generous helpings of nutty roti to mop up all the sauces and soak up the alcohol. Make a few (inevitable) bad shopping decisions on a variety of free-flowing cocktails such as the Siam Sunset Spritz (an elderflower, Thai tea-infused gin fizz), fruity hard seltzers, beer, wine, or bubbly. Just be careful of impulse purchases post-brunch. [caption id="attachment_848176" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leah Traecey[/caption] Tokyo Tina, Windsor Chapel Street's Tokyo Tina pairs its bingo competitions with bottomless booze and brunch fare every Saturday (12pm and 2.15pm). During this two-hour sitting hosted by Valerie Hex, guests can dab their way towards winning prizes while trying one of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne. Punters can choose four dishes each, including salmon tartare, crispy five-spice chicken, miso-baked cauliflower, and pan-fried market fish served with finger limes and ponzu. Complimentary kimchi rice and edamame beans are also served at every table. You can either just get the four courses of food for $55, or you can add on unlimited spritzes, bubbles and beer for an additional $24. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Commons Collective (@_thecommonscollective_) The Commons Collective, CBD If you're after a quintessential Sunday brunch, the kind dressed for Instagram and probably gingham (we're talking, elevated casual attire), The Commons Collective is the garden cafe for you. Drawing inspiration from places such as The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney and London's iconic Petersham Nurseries, the charming and centrally located venue just off St Kilda Road offers seasonal bottomless brunch sessions from $70 per person. During the sun-drenched months, sip on Limoncello spritzes in the Rose Garden; and when cosy fireplace moments call, head inside to the historic Ormond Hall and indulge in espresso martinis. There's fresh focaccia and dips to start, smoked lamb sandwiches and tempura whiting to follow, and a sense of bliss to carry you through the day. Magic Mountain Saloon, CBD This CBD diner's gutsy modern Thai food and glowing red neon fitout has made it a firm favourite with the dinner crowd. But should you fancy starting your day with a bang instead, you can't go past Magic Mountain Saloon's bottomless brunch in Melbourne's CBD. From 11.30am–1pm each Saturday, you can sit down to menu hits like barbecue chicken skewers, garlic chive dumplings, mozzarella curried rice bowls, prawn tom yum and a heap of fried rice. How much money you part with depends on your chosen drink situation. Include 90 minutes of bottomless booze — beer, wine, spritz and sangria — for $65 per person, or opt for some solid alcohol-free mocktails for an easier $50. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baby Pizzeria (@babypizzeria) Baby Pizza, Richmond Okay, more of a bottomless lunch than brunch — Baby Pizza is the place to start the weekend, la dolce vita way. Sleep in and then savour the Richmond favourite's Free-Flowing Festa, featuring a heap of their hearty delights between 12pm and 3pm. From $66 per person, you get to share antipasto options like house-made focaccia with whipped ricotta and cacio e pepe arancini, before moving onto their signature pizza offerings. Wash it all down with a selection of wines, beers, and spritzes (if you're after something a little different, we suggest the shiraz-gin and rhubarb-infused Festa Spritz). Once your 90 minutes is up, you can easily kick on at another pub or bar on Church Street. Zero Mode, Box Hill The masters of envelope-pushing, innovative fare at Box Hill's Zero Mode are serving up one of the most impressive bottomless brunches in Melbourne. This one's on offer from 10am–3.30pm every day of the week, priced at $69 a head. For that, you'll score a special six-course menu and two hours of free-flowing cocktails, beer and wine. But if you'd rather get boozy at night, stop by for Zero's bottomless dinner, which includes three snacks, one main, one side and a dessert, as well as unlimited cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks for $99. Flour Child, Richmond and St Kilda Flour Child's Richmond and St Kilda bottomless brunches can get super rowdy — especially as they openly welcome hen's groups and big boozy birthday parties to join in on the festivities. Running from Friday–Sunday, the deal includes bottomless cocktail jugs, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic bevs alongside its famed pinsa romana pizzas — 11 different varieties are up for grabs. Flour Child divides its bottomless sessions into multiple time slots and menus, all for the same price of $89 per person. First is a 12–3.30pm lunch session, then a golden hour window from 3.30–5.30, an Italiano dinner session from 6–8pm, a late-night 8.30–10.30 session and even a midnight window from 10.45pm to 12.45am. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farmer's Daughters (@farmersdaughters_gippsland) Farmer's Daughters, Collins Precinct Whether you're shopping in the city on a Sunday or checking out an exhibition at the NGV, there's no better excuse for a lazy bottomless brunch at one of Melbourne's best paddock-to-plate restaurants. Set on the rooftop of Farmer's Daughters, you'll be taken on a two-hour culinary journey through the Gippsland region. From $99 per person, dine on a ploughman's platter of soda bread and housemade cured meats, crudités and crudo, and a nourishing chicken and mushroom pie. There's also a sweet conclusion of salted caramel doughnuts. Make sure to book in advance for this one — seating is limited and always in demand. Fargo and Co, Richmond Fargo & Co's bottomless brunch is a long-held weekend ritual that's not going anywhere, anytime soon. The Richmond venue's boozy brunch feasts run every Friday and Saturday. If brunch (at 3pm) is your wish, it'll set you back $69 a head, but post-6pm the price climbs to $89 for every diner — the trade-off is shots and spritzes on arrival. Both sessions come with bottomless cocktails, wine and beer alongside a selection of share plates and your choice of slices from Fargo's Detroit-style pizza, an ideal pick to soak up the aforementioned shots if you come late. [caption id="attachment_775009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] Horn Please, Fitzroy North You can't talk about the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne without raving about Horn Please. This much-loved North Fitzroy Indian restaurant runs its 90-minute 'proudly unauthentic' curry feasts every Saturday and Sunday from 12–3pm. Expect a selection of Indian-inspired street food, creative mains and desserts from the talented hand of North Indian Chef Amar. The $55 feast also comes with an unlimited amount of beer, wine and your choice of the bar's top cocktails. If you want some top-notch Indian food and feel like getting boozy, this deal is a no-brainer. Yakimono, CBD There are stacks of Chris Lukas restaurants in the CBD (Chin Chin, Kisume, Society and Grill Americano), but only Yakimono serves up a bottomless food and bev experience (do note that you can get great bottomless brunch experiences further afield at Hawker Hall and Baby). You can drop by any day of the week from 12–3pm, to get share plates and 90 minutes of unlimited alcohol for $77 per person. Your Melbourne bottomless lunch eats might include a snapper sando, Japanese potato salad, karaage chicken, charcoal-roasted edamame and tuna hand rolls. And the Yakimono team isn't slinging cheap and nasty booze. Throughout the 90-minute experience, you can order unlimited amounts of Shochu soda, hibiscus spritzes, prosecco, wine and beer. You can also choose to lengthen the experience to two hours for an additional $11 per person. And while this deal runs every day, the Friday and Saturday sessions are the most fun — with DJs spinning tunes throughout four hours. Hotel Nacional, CBD This five-storey, totally gluten-free Mexican restaurant on Hardware Lane is home to a banger of a bottomless brunch. Running from midday every Friday–Sunday, the deal includes a selection of its most-loved Mexican bar snacks (think tajín-coated corn ribs and housemade potato croquettes) as well as 90 minutes of unlimited classic margaritas, frozen margaritas, prosecco, wine, beer and more. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before booking as Hotel Nacional's bottomless brunch is exclusively available up on the sun-soaked rooftop. This is one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars, and the best way to experience it has got to be with unlimited margaritas in hand. [caption id="attachment_832325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Cleary[/caption] Fable Rooftop, CBD Fable, the CBD's highest rooftop bar (don't worry, it's got heaters and a retractable awning), is home to one of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne. Every Saturday, from 1–3pm, the team pairs two hours of unlimited spritzes, prosecco, mimosas and beers with a five-course lunch. If it's a hot Melbourne day, the roof will open up and let the sunshine in while you brunch. But we also love dropping by during a rainstorm. There's something quite romantic about drinking the day away while you're encased in a glass room covered in raindrops. Mr. Miyagi, Windsor Mr. Miagi is proof that despite Melbourne's ever-rotating door of hospitality venues, the best restaurants endure. It's been around for over a decade now, serving up fun and fairly affordable contemporary Japanese fare within a really upbeat space. And one of the most fun times to drop by is during its weekly Loose Lunches. Running from Wednesday–Sunday, they include a bunch of eats (edamame, salmon nori tacos, chicken katsu, sesame slaw and a dessert) alongside two hours of free-flowing locally sourced wines, SAPPORO beer and specialty cocktails. This costs an easy $69 per person, and can be upgraded with more premium cocktails for an additional $20 per person — this gets you unlimited cold drip martinis and margaritas throughout the two-hour booking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Rifle Club (@rifleclubelsternwick) The Rifle Club, Elsternwick Here's one you won't have to rise too early for: The Rifle Club hosts its Italian-inspired brunch from 12–4.30pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, treating guests to a parade of shared snacks paired with unlimited drinks for an easy $89 per head. Plates might include the likes of steak tartare, torched tuna, broken king prawn linguine, roasted quail and more. The drinks list offers plenty of choice, too. Wash down your brunch feast with free-flowing beer, prosecco, local wines and spritz. Evie's Disco Diner, Fitzroy The sparkly disco vibes of Evie's are the perfect antidote to a big ol' work week, so it's handy the venue's bottomless drag bingo brunch is now yours to enjoy between 2–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. The two-hour bottomless packages come in either a $59 per person 'basic bitch' or $89 'rich bitch' form — the main difference being the added options of frozé, Aperol Spritz and frozen margs on the latter. You get plenty of choices for the $20 add-on meal; perhaps the chicken and waffles, brekkie wrap, or french toast doused in maple syrup and crispy bacon. There are vegan options aplenty, espresso martinis for $16 and sober options of juices, soda and frozen slushies. Top images: New Quarter by Ashley Ludkin.
With its signature blend of art, ritual, and after-dark hedonism, Dark Mofo is returning to Hobart this winter. Taking place from Thursday, June 11, until Monday, June 22, the Tasmanian city will transform into a cultural playground filled with music, fire, food, art, performance, and large-scale public installations that both challenge and ignite creativity. With so much to do during the winter solstice festival, we've delved into the stacked program to share the must-do moments of Dark Mofo 2026. Late-Night Events Night Mass, Dark Mofo's takeover of Hobart's CBD, is returning this year with the late-night party offering a feast for the senses. Wander through hidden laneway venues, ogle at installations and experience music and art at this after-dark experience. In a 2026 debut, another late-night event is Help Me Through The World. The name is inspired by an old pub in Hobart, and the event is held in a late-night club hidden in the city, featuring music and performers until the early morning. Art and Performers Dark Mofo is known for pushing boundaries in art and culture, and 2026's program is no different. The festival has invited performers from around the globe to experience a Hobart winter, and is offering a program full of Australian exclusives. Dancer, performer, and choreographer Candela Capitán, known for her work in both popular and underground culture, is a major highlight of the program. The Spanish artist will present three performances of her work SOLAS, which sees five dancers and five computers spawn a kaleidoscope of screen and body, desire and consumption. Barcelona-based artist duo, Lolo and Sosaku, will also perform their signature sound installations at the Theatre Royal in an Australian exclusive. Titled ÊLÊCTRON 45CC L=20NM W20NM, the artists will physically create sounds with objects, including engines and hammers, to push the boundaries of electronic music. Over at City Hall, Belgian artist Ruben Bellinkx is building a human sculpture comprised of 36 men holding tables with their teeth. It's bound to be a talking point throughout this year's Dark Mofo festival, and there are eight performances for you to witness during its Australian exclusive. [caption id="attachment_1086169" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ruben Bellinkx[/caption] Women artists are prominent throughout the 2026 program with Regina Jose Galindo from Guatemala and Kiyo Gutiérrez from Mexico, both performing their boundary-shattering works at Hobart's Piano Warehouse — a new precinct for Dark Mofo. Both artists are exploring the human cost of conflict and state lines through Galindo's work, Times of War Regina José Galindo, and Gutiérrez's two performances, Hairline Border and A Wall That Breaks The Body In Two. These performances are free, but for one night only, so we suggest you turn up early. [caption id="attachment_1086171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A Wall That Breaks The Body In Two[/caption] Dark Park At Dark Park, Dark Mofo's immersive public art playground (part of which is happening aboard the new Spirit of Tasmania ferry), several artworks challenge what it means to be human in the modern age. Boris Acket is premiering one of his largest ever spatial audio works, enveloping attendees in light and sound, while Monica Bonvicini is creating a giant whip that aims to wipe clean the structures humans have been dealing with. Meanwhile, Regina Jose Galindo explores the prevalence of European weapons manufacturing in La Sombra, and Chunxiao Qu shares the struggles of loss and a mother's grief in I Want To Burn The Sun and There Is Nothing Left To Pray For, both developed after a traumatic custody dispute. Arthur Jafa also celebrates Black culture and excellence in APEX, where 850 images are soundtracked by a heart-thumping (literally) techno beat. [caption id="attachment_1086174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Princess Nokia[/caption] Music Experiences Alongside Dark Mofo's incredible art, performance and installation lineup, there's also a music program that will have you booking your winter plans ASAP. In Australian exclusives, Xiu Xiu pays tribute to the late David Lynch with their performance of Eraserhead, and international artists Princess Nokia, Headache, Sega Bodega, Power Trip, Snapped Ankles, and WU LYF are all heading down to Hobart for musical performances. At the Odeon Theatre, enjoy performances from the likes of Ninajirachi, Dry Cleaning, Danny Brown, The Black Angels, Clipping, Gabber Eleganza, Daniel Avery, and Blackwater Holylight. Dark Mofo is expanding beyond Hobart this year, with Launceston's Albert Hall offering performances from Melbourne indie darlings Folk Bitch Trio and Yolngu artist Baker Boy. [caption id="attachment_1086175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Baker Boy[/caption] Winter Renewal Amongst all the art and music, Dark Mofo 2026 is also bringing back beloved events that refresh and renew, including the famous 3,000-person Nude Swim and the Ogoh-Ogoh ceremony. Over the festival, attendees can write down their fears, which are then stuffed into a sculpture. On the last Sunday of the festival, the Balinese-inspired sculpture is then paraded and ceremonially burned to cleanse the fears of festival-goers. Returning in 2026 is also Dark Mofo's Winter Feast. This year, the guest chef, Floriano Pellegrino, owner of Michelin-starred Bros' restaurant in Lecce, Italy, is working on inventive and thought-provoking food that moonlights as miniature works of art in their own right. There will be 75 other stallholders at the festival, so you can enjoy the best in Tasmania's incredible local produce and artisans. The 2026 Dark Mofo program proves that the festival remains one of Australia's most distinctive and important contemporary art events. With an immersive lineup, Australian exclusives from global artists and the rituals of death and rebirth during the winter solstice, there's truly nothing else like it. This is just a taste of the program, so be sure to explore the complete lineup and subscribe for priority access to tickets when they go on sale at 10am on Wednesday, April 1. View the program and subscribe here. Image Credit: Supplied
Perth has long been seen as a stopover, a gateway to the rest of Western Australia. But increasingly, it's proving itself as a destination in its own right, just as worthy of a trip across the country as the Kimberley. Set against the Indian Ocean, with pristine beaches and the gateway to the Margaret River wine region, Perth offers something a little different to the usual east coast city break. With winter just around the corner, here's why a trip to Perth should be on this year's travel bucket list. Especially for travellers looking to swap long-haul plans for something closer to home. The Best of Both Worlds One of Perth's biggest drawcards is how seamlessly it blends city life with the outdoors. Within minutes, you can go from the CBD to the shimmering coastline, with beaches like Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach offering clear water, soft sand and jaw-dropping sunsets. Even in winter, the milder climate makes coastal walks and ocean dips surprisingly doable. Closer to the city, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offer sweeping views over the skyline and Swan River, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. The balance of enviable nature on your doorstep, alongside the buzz of a capital city, makes Perth one of the most visitable cities in the world. [caption id="attachment_1086506" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garum, The Westin Perth[/caption] The Local Dining Scene While Perth's dining scene may not shout as loudly as Sydney or Melbourne, it more than holds its own. Garum, by acclaimed Australian chef Guy Grossi, is an award-winning Roman Osteria attached to The Westin Perth hotel on Hibernian Place. Garum focuses on ancient Roman dining techniques while using the best in local produce. It also features an unforgettable wine list with highlights from Italian regions and the nearby Western Australian wineries. At Hearth Restaurant, located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, the focus is also on Western Australia's incredible local flavours. The restaurant showcases the best produce from local farmers, fishermen and artisans, creating an elevated dining experience that you'll remember for years to come. Get a Culture Fix Perth is famous for its sparkling blue water and essentially untouched beaches, but outside of weekends spent on the sand, the city also has a thriving cultural scene. Start at the Perth Cultural Centre, where institutions like the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Theatre Centre, the Perth Institute of Cultural Arts, and WA Museum Boola Bardip are all within walking distance of one another. In Fremantle, heritage streets are filled with small galleries, record stores and long-standing pubs, while weekend markets and live music will fill your cultural cup. A 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD, you'll also find Swan Valley. It's Western Australia's oldest wine region and one of its most accessible. Explore over 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries alongside artisan producers offering gourmet produce, including chocolate and cheese. It's an easy crowd-pleasing addition to any Perth itinerary. Back in the city, the calendar is packed. From major touring acts at RAC Arena to smaller gigs and theatres, there are a number of events that give Perth a city buzz without the overwhelm you find in larger cities. Where to Stay Where you check in shapes the kind of trip you have, and Marriott Bonvoy has a lineup of local hotels that offer all sorts of holidays. You can currently save 10 percent on stays at all the Marriott Bonvoy Perth hotels from now until Tuesday, June 30. The Ritz-Carlton, Perth in Elizabeth Quay offers a more elevated escape. With views overlooking the Swan River, this 5-star hotel provides an infinity pool, luxury spa (featuring bespoke treatments) and a popular rooftop bar, Songbird. While the Ritz-Carlton, Perth has all the makings of a luxe couples getaway, the hotel also offers the Ritz Kids experiences, so the whole family can enjoy the accommodation. [caption id="attachment_1092095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ritz-Carlton, Perth[/caption] In the CBD, the Westin Perth strikes a balance between city energy and wellness. Stay in the centre of town whilst also reaping the benefits of a spa retreat. Enjoy the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT studio and Bodhi Spa, where you can book in massages and facials to relax and reset. For something a little more playful, Aloft Perth offers a design-forward stay just outside the CBD. Its location near the Swan River and Optus Stadium makes it a smart pick for event accommodation, while its social spaces and pool keep your stay vibrant and energised. [caption id="attachment_1086510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aloft Perth[/caption] South of the river, Courtyard by Marriott Perth Murdoch only opened in 2024 and features modern, streamlined rooms and a quieter base that still keeps you within reach of Fremantle and family attractions like Adventure World. It's a great option if you're planning to explore Perth beyond the city centre. And for a central stay that puts you close to the action, Four Points by Sheraton Perth sits directly opposite RAC Arena. Ideal if your trip revolves around a concert or sporting event, it also puts you near Perth's best nightlife, shopping and dining. It's an easy, no-fuss base in the heart of Perth. Travel Hacks If you were looking into booking that western winter trip ASAP, Marriott Bonvoy currently has a 10 percent offer for its members (it's free and easy to sign up). Book now for stays until Tuesday, June 30, and you can get 2,500 bonus points and one Elite Night credit (i.e. more benefits and rewards) to go towards your next stay. From sun-soaked beaches and riverside walks to world-class dining, galleries, and boutique neighbourhoods, Perth is a city worth making a trip to. Its mix of laid-back energy, cultural depth, and easy access to wine regions and nature makes it more than just a gateway or stopover. So swap the long-haul flights and book a winter escape closer to home. Image Credit: Supplied
This just in: Chris Lucas and his wife, Sarah, some of Melbourne's most successful and ambitious restaurateurs, have announced plans for their next venture, Wishbone. The Hong Kong-inspired eatery, slated to open in October 2026, will be an all-day venue channelling the energetic spirit of Hong Kong's food stalls and street food. Wishbone will open on McKillop Street, forming part of the new 435 Bourke Street precinct in Melbourne's midtown. Lucas says, "Midtown is and has always been an incredibly important part of Melbourne's dining scene, and I think there's a real opportunity as we reimagine what it can be today." Hong Kong-born chef Dan Chan (hailing from Lucas' Japanese diner Tombo Den) will take the lead in the kitchen, with his deeply personal connection to Hong Kong guiding the development of the menu. The close collaboration between Chan and Lucas is sure to deliver a dynamic menu that explores the street food dishes of Hong Kong, reimagined through a modern, evolving, Australian lens. "The development of the menu is very close to my heart and draws on my time in Hong Kong, as well as broader travel. The food scene in Hong Kong has always been a brilliant, chaotic mix of influences — a bit eccentric, and a lot of fun. That's what I want people to feel when they eat at Wishbone," says Chan. Designed by the Lucas' in collaboration with DKO Architecture, the space will be, as described by Sarah, "cinematic, seductive and textured." A rich red palette, retro furnishing, and layered lighting will be an alluring blend of Hong Kong-meets-Melbourne. "There's a nostalgia to this part of town, I remember spending a lot of time eating at great places like the old Campari House on Hardware Lane, and having too many drinks at Mitre Tavern when I'd knock off from my first job. Wishbone is going to bring in the influence of Hong Kong street food, but ultimately it's about creating something that belongs to Melbourne's famed laneways." Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
It's been around a while now, but unassuming Fitzroy North Good Times is still pulling queues. And it's not hard to see why. The laidback St George's Road eatery is doing a bang-up job of living up to its name, with cheerful, honest dishes and a comfy, home-spun vibe ticking all the right boxes for northside's savvy dining set. For Bryce Ritchie — who started Good Times along with fellow hospitality veterans and mates Sean McMeekin, Colin Mala and Jeremy Hines — it's all about keeping things simple and, most importantly, fun. It's lit by candles stuffed into bottles, while butcher paper-covered tables and glasses filled with golf pencils inspire diners to unleash some creativity instead of whipping out their phones. The soundtrack's delightfully eclectic, and on chillier nights, you'll even find small bonfires warming up the back courtyard, with randoms getting acquainted over free marshmallows. Until now, the venue has been open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but to celebrate nine years in business, Good Times is now opening on Wednesday evenings too. That means one extra opportunity for mid-week good times. And to make the middle of the week a little more exciting, Good Times is offering up $9 Montenegro Spritzes and Peronis, only available on Wednesdays. [caption id="attachment_706136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] From the Good Times kitchen comes a cheerfully simple, produce-focused offering in which pasta is the star of the show. You might tuck into a classic puttanesca or a creamy carbonara. A vegan mushroom bolognese with lentils is a firm favourite, while platters of charcuterie and cheese are ideal for after-work drop-ins. Best of all, these good times are also easy on the wallet — you'll always find at least one cheap pasta in the mix, alongside cheap cocktails, craft beers and carafes of wine. For a change, you're likely to be surprised, in a good way, when you get your bill, which is a good thing, considering this is the kind of place that'll have you coming back again and again. Images: Kate Shanasy. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Anzac Day in Australia is a time of reflection, two-up and an ice-cold pint or two. Of course, whether you're raising a glass on your way home from a march or learning the rules of the national sport for the first time, you'll want to be mindful of the day's historical significance and commemorative nature between drinks at the bar. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Melbourne this Saturday, April 25, as we pause to remember the fallen. Expect the inner-city to be abuzz with activity, as locals celebrate mateship, remember Australia and New Zealand's war efforts and crack open a fresh packet of Anzac biscuits — just don't call them cookies. [caption id="attachment_818466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Larry Koester[/caption] Rise for the Anzac Day Dawn Service Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate both fallen and still-serving military personnel during the annual Dawn Service. And for 2026, the Shrine of Remembrance in the Royal Botanic Gardens will once again play host to its traditional early morning ceremony. It all kicks off at 5.30am, before the public is invited to head inside to lay a poppy, with the experience recommended for children aged ten and up. Then, the Anzac Day march begins on Swanston Street near Federation Square, bound for the Shrine of Remembrance. Thousands are expected to attend, so planning your visit is important. This year, public transport is free, plus the opening of Anzac Station could make your journey even more convenient. In past years, coffee spots like The Kettle Black and Duke's Coffee Roasters have served as the go-to early morning options. For a complete list of RSL club services on the day, head to the RSL website. Head to an Anzac Day March Medals are shone and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Melbourne's CBD for the annual Anzac Day Commemoration March. Commencing at 9am, the parade will begin at Princes Bridge, travel down St Kilda Road and finish at the Shrine of Remembrance in the Royal Botanic Gardens. With prime viewing spots every step of the way, all-comers are welcome to line the route and show their respectful appreciation. Play a National Sport: Two-Up Take advantage of one of the only days in the year when the national sport of Two-Up is legal, so squeeze into a Melbourne pub or RSL hosting this beloved Anzac Day tradition. Convert those notes into gold coins, place your bets and watch those sacred two-up coins fall. We recommend hitting up one of more than 100 RSLs across the city — or one of the pubs below — for a spirited crowd and maybe a few discounted brews. Abbotsford pub The Yarra Hotel kicks off its Anzac Day comp from 12pm, with local stand-up Nick Quon leading the festivities. In Footscray, The Vic Hotel has games of two-up running from 1-3pm, with all house winnings donated to the ANZAC Day Appeal. And over in Fitzroy North, the Terminus Hotel will be hosting two-up in the beer garden with the footy grudge match on the big screens. In Fitzroy proper, The Rochey has got a stacked day of festivities, kicking off at 12pm. Expect $10 Balter pints and $20 jugs, with Anzac pies up for grabs. In the beer garden, Clifton Hill's Local Brewing is hosting games of two-up all afternoon long, ramping up the fun with a raffle from 4pm, while you're more than welcome to kick back and watch the game. Then, DJs keep the party going late into the evening. Watch a National Sport One day in September might mark the AFL's biggest day, but for some, the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood is the best — and busiest — game on the AFL calendar. Some background for the uninitiated (or just some facts to throw at your mates during the ad breaks): the first Anzac Day clash happened back in 1995, and it ended in a draw with both teams on 111; Collingwood has since won 18 matches, while Essendon sits on ten. Even if you don't fancy venturing to the MCG, you'll be hard-pressed to find a pub in Melbourne that's not screening the game. We suggest heading to the Imperial Hotel, the Duke of Wellington or Garden State Hotel if you're keen to catch the game and enjoy some legit pub grub. However, for somewhere new-ish, keep Quarterhouse and Hickens Hotel in mind — the game will be live and loud on all screens with a solid beer tap list to match. [caption id="attachment_755969" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garry Moore/Visit Victoria[/caption] Enjoy a Much-Deserved Nature Fix Public holidays don't come around every week — and if you'd like to spend this one making the most of the great outdoors, Melbourne certainly isn't short on options. Soak up some nature while stretching your legs on one of these picturesque walking trails in metro Melbourne, or hit up one of the best coastal walks in Victoria. Or escape the city buzz altogether, pack some gear and tackle one of these top-notch overnight hikes found across Victoria. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
This June, the award-winning Bangarra Dance Theatre is performing three powerful works in one with Sheltering at the Sydney Opera House. Bangarra Dance Theatre — celebrated for its dynamic First Nations storytelling that blends breathtaking dance, music, and design — is taking over the Joan Sutherland Theatre for a limited two-week season from Wednesday, June 3 to Saturday, June 13. Audiences can expect a triple bill of three powerful contemporary works: Keeping Grounded choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell is an exploration of our energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land. Brown Boys is a groundbreaking dance film by Gomeroi and Tongan man, Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper that delves into the experiences of young Indigenous men, exploring identity, belonging, and cultural connection. The program ends with Sheoak, choreographed by Mirning woman and Bangarra's Artistic Director Frances Rings, with haunting music by Munaldjali and Nunukul man and renowned composer David Page. It explores themes of resilience, connection to country, and cultural identity, and draws inspiration from the sheoak tree, a powerful symbol of strength in First Nations culture. In this triple bill, the concept of shelter is reimagined as a sacred, transformative space: a haven of protection, connection, and the sharing of stories across generations. Each work is rooted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and culture, reminding us of the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit. Experience three poignant performances in one with Sheltering at the Sydney Opera House this June. Image Credit: Supplied
As winter descends on the Southern Hemisphere, many are preparing to rug up, stay home and get through the cold snap one indoor activity at a time. Others? They're booking a getaway somewhere sunnier. And no, we don't mean Europe. While sipping negronis and snapping breadsticks in a piazza sounds heavenly, when you're looking for family holidays, it may be more realistic to book something closer to home. Enter Perth. With mild winter temperatures, outdoor adventures for all ages, kid-friendly dining, and hotels designed to keep little explorers happy, the West Coast capital might just be the perfect winter family escape. Marriott Bonvoy is currently offering 10 percent off* stays at their Perth hotels now until Tuesday, June 30, making Perth an easy choice for school holidays or long weekends — especially with kids under 12 eating for free**. Members also earn points with every stay, which can be redeemed for future trips, upgrades or extra perks, meaning this getaway can help fund next year's. Here's how to plan a family-friendly trip to Perth this winter. Start With The Outdoors Winter might not scream 'head outside', but if you have a family who loves to run off some steam and is looking to get away from screens and gadgets, Perth could be a great choice. It offers plenty of sunny, crisp winter days as Perth is the sunniest Australian capital city. With an average temperature between 8 and 19 degrees, simply throw on a jumper and get exploring. Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a great winter school holiday adventure. With its turquoise water and famous quokkas, you can hire bikes or take a picnic for a temperate beach day, complete with a cheeky winter dip (we know the kids swim in any weather). Spots like the famous Cottesloe Beach are worth visiting for a brisk coastal walk, fish and chips and golden hour sunsets that will make the perfect family photo moment. In the heart of the city is Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where the kids can run in open, green space, enjoy the playgrounds and take in the views of the Swan River. Perth's lifestyle offers plenty of outdoor activities, so you and the family can get some fresh air and sunshine. [caption id="attachment_1088450" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Ritz-Carlton, Perth[/caption] Get Your Culture Fix Perth has a range of cultural experiences that suit all ages and family members. The Perth Cultural Centre is a great place to start, as it offers a number of cultural institutions right at your fingertips. The WA Museum Boola Bardip is the city's premier museum, educating visitors on the state's history and culture. It features interactive exhibitions and kid-focused activities, including a storytime for inquisitive kids and a dinosaur hunt through the museum. Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts urges people of all ages to get creative, making it perfect for switching off. There are school-holiday programs for budding artists and free exhibitions for parents to wander. In West Perth, Scitech features science exhibitions and workshops to spark curiosity, while Matagarup Perth Mini Golf is a great option for kids with energy to burn. [caption id="attachment_1088446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garum, The Westin Perth[/caption] Experience Perth's Dining Scene Western Australia is known for its incredible wine and produce, so booking in a few dining experiences has to be on the agenda. At Hearth Restaurant inside The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, the focus is on celebrating local flavours from WA's best producers, cooked over an open fire. Hearth offers an elegant setting, yet its warm ambience makes it the perfect dining choice for a memorable family holiday. [caption id="attachment_1093100" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 450 Pizza, Aloft Perth[/caption] Inside The Westin hotel sits Garum, an award-winning Roman Osteria. The restaurant is a collaboration between The Westin Perth and acclaimed Chef, Guy Grossi, showcasing the best in WA's food and wine via ancient Roman cooking techniques. If you're looking for something a bit simpler for an easy family meal out, 450 Pizza in Aloft Perth serves authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas. Featuring hand-stretched dough and traditional Italian flavours, you can choose to sit in or take away for a family movie night in your hotel room. [caption id="attachment_1088448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch[/caption] Where To Stay Where you stay can make or break a family trip, especially with kids. Perth's Marriott Bonvoy hotels each offer something slightly different depending on your holiday goals. For a more elevated stay, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth offers the city's gold standard in luxury. Sitting right on the waterfront at Elizabeth Quay, its rooms look out over the Swan River, while the infinity pool and spa help you to slow things down between outings. The hotel also offers Ritz Kids programming, so kids can stay entertained while the parents relax in style. In the heart of the CBD, The Westin Perth is designed around balance and wellbeing. Spacious, light-filled rooms make it easy to unwind, while the rooftop pool is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the Bodhi Spa lets grown-ups unwind. There's even a Run Concierge for those who like to explore the city on foot. It's a calm, considered base for exploring the city at your own pace. [caption id="attachment_1092734" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Four Points by Sheraton Perth[/caption] Aloft Perth is playful, modern, and conveniently close to the airport and other nearby attractions, including Optus Stadium. This makes it the perfect base if you're chasing a game. The hotel has plenty to keep the family entertained, and the outdoor pool and social spaces encourage kids to burn off energy. Designed for comfort and its bold design, Aloft Perth offers a fun urban getaway to help you recoup after a full day of activities. If your ideal family trip includes a mix of city time and adventure beyond the CBD, Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch is a smart pick. Modern, stylish rooms keep everyone comfortable, and its proximity to Fremantle and Adventure World means excursions don't require long drives. It's easy to combine downtime and discovery here. Finally, for a central, no-fuss option, Four Points by Sheraton Perth puts you right in the middle of the action. It's positioned opposite RAC Arena, making it an ideal option if your winter break includes a concert or event, while still keeping you close to shops, cafes and cultural spots. Its rooms are functional yet stylish, making it a no-brainer accommodation option for a family trip. Plus, it features a kids' Games Room with a PlayStation, foosball table, board games and more. Winter holidays don't have to mean expensive ski fields, running away to a Euro summer, or resigning yourself to the couch for three months. With a little planning, you and the family can jet off to the West Coast and enjoy a milder Perth winter that's packed with memory-making. *T&Cs apply. To save 10 percent on stays in Perth from now until June 30 2026. For more details, visit Stay With Marriott. ** T&Cs apply. Kids Eat Free Under 12. Image Credit: Supplied
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.
With so many incredible stays opening every year, it takes a surprising amount of work to stay on top of the very best new hotels. Having just published its 20th edition, Travel + Leisure's 'It List' is a helpful starting point, with 100 outstanding properties from around the globe making the final cut, giving you a head start on planning your next luxe getaway. But don't think you have to jet-set overseas to experience the world's best accommodation. In 2026, four Australian stays placed on the list, spanning creative inner-city hotels to far-flung island escapes. If the latter sounds more appealing, The Sundays demands your attention, offering a truly luxe retreat on Hamilton Island amid the Great Barrier Reef. Think sunrise yoga and award-winning dining — guided by Josh and Julie Niland, no less — overlooking the Coral Sea. [caption id="attachment_1095744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sundays, Hamilton Island. Credit: Supplied.[/caption] Yet this headline-grabbing destination wasn't the only new stay to land itself a sought-after recommendation. Back amongst the inner-city action, 1 Hotel Melbourne is housed inside (and on top of) the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, the last of the unrenovated 1800s goods sheds that once made up Melbourne's busiest port. Nature-led in design, this waterfront property is also home to From Here by Mike — chef Mike McEnearney's produce-driven, low-waste fine diner. In Sydney, staying in town has likely never been so good, with 25 Hours The Olympia making Travel + Leisure's list. Years in the making, the wait was worth it when the doors finally opened, with the Paddington hotel's eclectic design paying tribute to the halcyon days of cinema, inspired by the grand theatres that once stood on the same site. Meanwhile, four standout food and drink venues, organised by culinary director Mitch Orr, help shape an unforgettable visit. [caption id="attachment_1013302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1 Hotels Melbourne, Docklands. Credit: Mikkel Vang.[/caption] Edging back towards the tropics, Mondrian Gold Coast marked the global chain's first Australian property, finding a sun-drenched home in Burleigh Heads. Featuring 208 rooms, suites, beach houses and residences, this sprawling hotel invites guests to relish the idyllic scenery, then head to its assortment of food and beverage venues, spanning the Italian summer vibes of LiTO, the elevated coastal cuisine of Haven and the cocktail-forward Haven Pool Club. Across the ditch, two of New Zealand's recent hotel launches also received special nods. While Taupo's Huka Lodge opened in 1924, an expansive $22-million renovation has taken the property to a whole new level of luxury. Then, in Queenstown, Roki Collection offers an opulent stay perched on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, featuring 15 suites that provide sweeping glacier and alpine views — with the price to match. [caption id="attachment_1069491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 25hours Hotel The Olympia. Credit: Justin Nicholas.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1063390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mondrian Gold Coast. Credit: Mietta Eve.[/caption] For more information, head to the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Top image: The Sundays, Hamilton Island.
If life's chaos has made your world feel a little small of late, what better antidote than to head outdoors and catch a few of the world's biggest creatures frolicking majestically in the sprawling blue ocean? Watching whales swim around, complete with tail-slapping acrobatics and clouds of water sprayed from blowholes, is sure to instil a sense of wonder and release. When it comes to whale watching, us Aussies have it made. Not only are we surrounded entirely by water, but our east coast is a route favoured by many whales on their annual migration to and from Antarctica. And that means ample opportunity to spy these gentle giants in action — either from atop dry land, or right out there beside them on the water. From the scenic lookouts of Eden to a boat cruise around Wilsons Prom, we've rounded up nine of Australia's best spots for whale watching. Grab your binoculars and venture coastward for a whale spectacular. Recommended reads: The Best Whale Watching Spots Along the NSW Coast The Best Beaches in Australia Eight Epic Holidays for Animal Lovers You Can Book Now [caption id="attachment_772713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Melbourne[/caption] Bass Coast, Victoria From May to October, the waters of Gippsland's Bass Coast come alive with migrating marine mammals — mostly humpback and southern right whales, but also the odd orca flashing its distinctive black and white markings. And you'll find plenty of opportunities to catch them all in action by embarking on a jaunt along the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail. Running the perimeter of Phillip Island and around to Inverloch, this coastal stretch is peppered with primo whale viewing points, most decked out with informative signage so you can dabble in some history and knowledge along the way. Some of the most popular pit stops include Cape Woolamai and the soaring cliffs of Pyramid Rock. [caption id="attachment_772704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Warrnambool[/caption] Warrnambool, Victoria Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, the coastal hub of Warrnambool is a renowned spot for scoping out these majestic creatures, as scores of female southern right whales descend on the waters of Logans Beach to calve between June and September. A dedicated platform located in the dunes often offers the best vantage point for views of this 'whale nursery', and you can call ahead to the Visitor Information Centre to check up on any recent activity before you visit. Got some time up your sleeve? Make a road trip of it by following the Whale Trail west through more viewing spots near Port Fairy and Portland. [caption id="attachment_772711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildlife Coast Cruises[/caption] Wilsons Promontory, Victoria The secluded beaches and rugged wilderness of Wilsons Promontory have made it a favourite destination for hiking and camping, but the waters surrounding its scenic coastline also happen to pull their fair share of humpback whale visitors, stopping by on their southerly migration between late August and October each year. For a shot at seeing a few of these majestic travellers up close, opt for a day on the water with the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise, helmed by the team at Wildlife Coast Cruises. Departing from Port Welshpool Jetty, this informative six-hour boat trip takes you past stunning coastal hotspots like Refuge Cove, promising a high chance of spying at least one or two new whale friends. [caption id="attachment_772705" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis Bay Wild[/caption] Jervis Bay, New South Wales Sitting halfway along the whales' annual 5000-kilometre migration route, Jervis Bay on the New South Wales South Coast is known to be a favourite pit stop for humpback and southern right whales. Between May and November, the region's calm, still waters are an aquatic playground of choice for many of these supersized creatures, as they take some time out from their lengthy journey to rest up and play with their babies. For some great whale spotting, with views across the Jervis Bay Marine Park, try the Cape St George Lighthouse or the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse — where a lookout towers 90 metres above sea level. Otherwise, you can opt for an on-water whale experience with a renowned operator like Jervis Bay Wild. [caption id="attachment_772830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Park for Destination NSW[/caption] Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, New South Wales Promising striking sandstone clifftops, sweeping ocean views and an excellent vantage point for the passing pods of humpback whales each June and July, Cape Solander makes for a worthy winter day-trip destination. Located in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, this scenic coastal spot has been known to notch up over 100 whale sightings in one day, with the gentle giants frolicking as close as 200 metres from the shore. A dedicated viewing platform features plenty of whale-related information, and there are usually a couple of knowledgeable volunteers there sharing facts and tallying up the day's sighting count. Southern right whales also make an appearance here, along with the odd orca and minke whale. [caption id="attachment_772710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Eden[/caption] Eden, New South Wales The Sapphire Coast town of Eden is a whale-watcher's paradise. After all, the surrounding waters of Twofold Bay are known as the 'Humpback Highway' — so numbered are the humpback whales that swim through here en route home to Antarctica each year. You'll spy plenty of these mighty creatures between September and November, while pods of baleen and toothed whales make their own similar journeys in early spring. The town itself is chock-full of great vantage points for shore-based whale spotting, not least of which is the Rotary Park lookout, set right out on the point. And for those braving the water, there's no shortage of charter boats offering a variety of whale-watching tours. Also, head here in October and you can hit up the Eden Whale Festival, an annual event celebrating the whales' migration. [caption id="attachment_772707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stradbroke Island[/caption] Minjerribah, Queensland For some breathtaking whale-watching action just a quick ferry trip from Brisbane's bayside, lock in a trip to Minjerribah, aka North Stradbroke Island. Between late May and early November, the region welcomes scores of its most majestic annual visitors, with up to 200 humpback whales passing through each day on their journey between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Perched at around 35 metres above sea level, the headland at Point Lookout offers a top-notch view of these creatures breaching and tail-slapping in the balmy waters. Hervey Bay, Queensland Located across from K'gari, the protected waters of Queensland's Hervey Bay entice thousands of humpback whales each year, so your chances of scoring a sighting are solid. It is the world's first Whale Heritage Site, after all. The ocean giants are usually spotted here between mid-July and November, frolicking and launching themselves spectacularly into the air as they teach their young the tricks of the trade. For the ultimate close-up, your best bet is to head out on the water yourself, joining one of the many local whale-watching tours. If you're feeling brave, the crew at Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters even offers the chance to jump in and swim right alongside these mega-sized mammals. Bruny Island, Tasmania While our whale populations drift close to the cliffs up and down the mainland, they also give locals a chance to catch a glimpse as they scoot past Tasmania. Down here, humpbacks usually make the trip between May and July, and September and November, while Southern right whales arrive about a month later. Though the Tasman Peninsula and D'Entrecasteaux Channel are also stellar spots for whale watching, heading to Bruny Island might be even better. Bruny Island Cruises serves up a whale-watching experience, with smallish boats for about 40 passengers departing from Adventure Bay and offering an up-close encounter. Top image: Whales at Hervey Bay by Visit Fraser Coast. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Byron Bay isn't short on beachside hangouts, but a new arrival is raising the bar for long lunches, sun-drenched cocktails and a poolside view. Located just behind Main Beach, Roca first opened in December 2024, serving Latin-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner among colour-drenched interiors. Now, one year after the restaurant's Byron debut, the team has expanded with a new luxe pool club next door: Roca Cabana. Designed as an all-day destination, Roca Cabana blends Byron's relaxed coastal energy with a polished resort feel. Guests can expect expertly crafted drinks alongside fresh seafood, sandwiches, burgers and light daytime favourites from the club's Raw Bar and ceviche menu. Entry includes access to the venue's pool, which will be heated to a balmy 28 degrees in winter and comes complete with complimentary towels. With views of Byron Bay's famous lighthouse as the backdrop, the adults-only pool club invites guests to lounge poolside with full glasses and chilled house beats. Swim, sip and soak at Roca Cabana before towelling off and heading next door for a long lunch or dinner, Latin style. Designer Chris Schneider helped conceptualise the new space. "My partner is Chilean, and during our visits there, I was inspired by the colours, textures, and warmth of South American culture. Roca Cabana blends that inspiration with Byron's own laid-back elegance," says Chris. Terracotta hues, vibrant Spanish-blue mosaics by the pool, shimmering copper accents and rendered curves bring the concept to life. For Chris, the design was intended as a nod to the adobe architecture of South America. "The space feels both transportive and uniquely local. It's a fusion of cultures that reflects our food and our story." Roca's Food Roca Byron Bay has already made a name for itself as the town's only dedicated Latin American restaurant. Guests can enjoy dishes from Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil as Roca's Latin American flavours are fused with the best local produce on the Northern Rivers. The restaurant offers an extensive tapas menu as well as mouth-watering local meats grilled on Roca's authentic Argentinian Parilla BBQ. The grilled dishes are crafted to pair perfectly with Roca's extensive wine list, including Malbec and Carménère, directly imported from Argentina and Chile. Roca Byron Bay also offers a curated signature cocktail menu featuring fusion drinks such as the Chimitini (imagine a dirty martini with chimichurri), or the Ginebra Maté, a refreshing cocktail made with infused Argentinian Yerba Mate, gin and elderflower. With a menu designed to share "familia" style and an authentic Argentinian Parilla BBQ, Roca Byron Bay is an East Coast destination worth making a trip for. Why Byron Bay? With its famous beaches and buzzing bar scene, Byron Bay might already seem well catered for, but Chris says the idea was to offer a different kind of escape. "Whether you're visiting Byron or are lucky enough to call it home, I believe everyone deserves a touch of luxury, and we wanted to create an elevated poolside experience." Just a minute's walk from Main Beach, Roca Cabana also offers a stylish fallback for those days when the surf (or the weather) doesn't quite cooperate. Between its Latin-inspired design, poolside cocktails and seafood-driven menu, Roca Cabana adds a new kind of daytime escape to Byron Bay's social scene. Whether you're settling in for oysters and prosecco, dipping between sun loungers and the pool, or stretching a long lunch well into the afternoon, the new pool club is designed for exactly the kind of slow, sun-soaked afternoons the Northern Rivers does best. Book your luxe pool club day out now. Roca Cabana is running events across the Easter long weekend, including back-to-back DJs all day on Thursday, April 2, Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, plus cocktail specials including $15 aperol spritz and frozen coconut margs. On Easter Monday, April 6, Roca Cabana is hosting a Long Weekend Recovery with Caesar's Cocktails by the pool. Guests can either walk in on the day or book a daybed in advance by emailing lifeguard@rocacabana.com. Image Credit: Supplied
When fuel pump prices began climbing earlier this year, different Australian states were willing to come to different compromises. The most immediate and generous was in Victoria, a whole month of discounted transport to ease driving costs. Love it or hate it, it was locked in until the end of April and would not be extended. Until yesterday, when the Allan government announced a long-term plan for adjusted fares. As the economic crisis stemming from the Iran War only continues to grow, the Allan government announced that public transport will continue to be free until the end of May — and then from Monday, June 1, fares will be reduced by 50 percent until the end of the year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacinta Allan (@jacintaallanmp) The half-price fares are projected to save the average Victorian commuter $850 from June 1 to December 31, but will cost the state approximately $432 million, adding to concerns from economists about the risk of inflation this year. Premier Jacinta Allan said on social media, "I know this won't solve every problem, but it's another step I can take to help Victorians right now." Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said to the ABC, "We know that this is a really important measure to take pressure off household budgets, and it's also about taking pressure off the pump at a time when the situation in the Middle East is so precarious." [caption id="attachment_1094194" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images via Getty[/caption] Although fuel prices managed to creep back down when Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz last week, it's since been closed again. Additionally, experts are concerned that local fuel prices will be affected by a fire that broke out at a Geelong oil refinery late last week, a refinery that is responsible for ten percent of Australia's fuel supply and almost half of Victoria's. When the half-price discounts take effect, maximum fares of $11.40 will max out at $5.70, and if you've already put money on your Myki, you're eligible for a reimbursement. Fares will continue to be free for under-18s and special pass holders. For more information on the free public transport period, visit the Transport Victoria website.
Think of Brisbane coffee, and you may envision iced latte walks by the river or packed sidewalk cafes serving flat whites in trendy Tenerrife. But, in an industrial suburb in Brisbane's north sits Fox Coffee: a coffee roastery and family business that has evolved into one of the city's largest operators, using around 130 kilos of beans every week. Fox Coffee was born in 2016, after coffee roaster James May returned to Brisbane from Melbourne, where he had worked for Campos Coffee. After learning about the industry (in the peak of the specialty coffee boom), James asked his parents, Peter and Susan, to go into business together and do Brisbane coffee their way. The plan began modestly. The family decided to build a "small" roastery with an espresso bar attached to see if they could gain traction in the wholesale market. They initially looked across Brisbane's inner suburbs before landing on an out-of-the-box contender. A rough-around-the-edges warehouse in Geebung. "Geebung at the time was not a particularly popular suburb," Peter tells Concrete Playground. "But what we did realise is there were loads of people that lived in the area, and there wasn't much around." Located between Chermside's Westfield shopping centre and the major Sandgate Road, the May family opened the roastery Monday to Friday. That wouldn't last long. "Some of the customers that started coming in used to say, 'Gee, if only you were open at the weekend, we might come in'. The rest is history," says Peter. Fox Coffee began opening its doors on Saturdays (followed quickly by Sundays) until the weekend became the small roastery's busiest period. Families, cyclists, dog-walkers and tradies all flocked to the warehouse in Geebung to enjoy the specialty coffee that's usually reserved for the inner city. Brisbane-Style Coffee After experiencing Melbourne's fanatical coffee industry first-hand, James knew the Brisbane market deserved something different. Something uniquely Brisbane. Unpretentious, uncomplicated, and flavour that focuses on chocolate over exotic fruits and batch brews. "It wasn't that people didn't like coffee up here. It's just they didn't care what people were doing in Melbourne," says James. "When I was leaving Melbourne in 2015, I was tired of drinking milky sour water because it was all light roasted, funky, and that's just not what we want up here. The clientele was different." Fox Coffee were happy to fill the gap in the Brisbane market, and their wholesale blended beans now fly off the shelves. Crafted is their best-seller. It's a smooth, easy-drinking coffee with sweet notes of milk chocolate, toffee and hazelnut. Dusk is slightly heavier and bolder, and as James describes it, "big on the mud cakey kind of flavours". Finally, Hunter has a slight fruit edge, with milk chocolate and marmalade notes. Fox Coffee's wholesale beans are a staple of the family-run business, and after ten years of growth, with thousands of kilos of beans and shots served at its espresso bar, the team decided it was time for a renovation. Fox's New Era With the growth of Fox's reputation and the Geebung area itself, the warehouse couldn't keep up with demand. The May family wanted to improve the space without stripping away the industrial character that made it what it is. The result is a smarter, more functional layout: clearer ordering points, better flow, more room to wait, and faster service, all while keeping that raw, roastery feel intact. "When you're doing that sort of volume of coffee, then you need to get the flow going better," says Peter. The brand-new espresso bar has been designed by local interior designer Collectivus and features new espresso equipment, including two La Marzocco machines, six Markibar grinders, and two Übermilk frothers. The upgrade also includes upgraded retail shelving and an on-site kitchen that will serve Fox Coffee's existing menu of snacks, including focaccia toasties, brioche Vegemite scrolls, muffins, quiches and more. Remaining Local While Fox Coffee has grown exponentially from its humble Geebung warehouse beginnings, the team insists they're not chasing rapid expansion. "We don't want to be bigger just for the sake of being big," says Peter. "I don't see it going from 150 kilos to 250 kilos. That's not the sort of business we want to be." In a way, Fox Coffee tells the story of the Australian Dream. A family-run business that's seen local community success. It doesn't aim to be flashy or a leader in the hyper-competitive coffee industry. Instead, they want to continue focusing on their roastery and the local customers who've supported them from the start. The ones who helped turn a humble Geebung roastery into a community hub and cafe. "We're serious about the business, but we're not too serious about ourselves. We want to have a good business that makes customers happy." In a landscape that often leans toward the overly curated or overly complicated, that balance might just be Fox Coffee's biggest strength. Visit Fox Coffee at 3 Ellison Rd, Geebung, QLD 4034.
It's difficult to imagine that it's been ten years since two young lovers-to-be strapped on their tap shoes to dance in the light of the LA sunset, before falling into one of the most beloved love stories in modern cinematic history. But swallow the pill, even if it makes you feel old, La La Land was released a decade ago. Here's the good news though — the live screening-in-concert show you might have seen on TikTok is officially coming to Australia. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of watching, or need a quick refresher, La La Land is a love story that's also two parts musical and one part love letter to Los Angeles, both common ingredients in the filmography of director Damien Chazelle (Babylon). It follows aspiring actor and LA newcomer Mia (Emma Stone) and local small-time musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who, upon a chance meeting, discover they share a passion for their respective crafts. Eventually, coincidental encounters blossom into a bittersweet fling, strained by the demands of their individual dreams. It was a smash hit upon release, grossing millions and winning seven Golden Globes and six Academy Awards — including a legendary Oscars error that saw it mistakenly announced as that year's Best Picture over the real winner: Barry Jenkin's Moonlight. But the brightest star of La La Land is its score, composed by Damien Chazelle's longtime collaborator Justin Hurwitz, which won both Best Original Score and Best Original Song. That score is also front and centre now, ten years later, when it's touching down in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on its global live-in-concert tour. Conducted by Justin Hurwitz himself, a full jazz ensemble will perform along with a screening of the film, bringing iconic ballads like "Another Day of Sun", "City of Stars" and "A Lovely Night" to life — plus the film's soaring orchestral score throughout. It's coming to Sydney first, with two shows at the TikTok Entertainment Centre on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. Next up is Brisbane's BCEC for a lone show on Wednesday, June 3, then the grand finale split across two shows at Melbourne's Hamer Hall on Saturday, June 6 and Monday, June 8. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Visit the tour website for more information. Images: Lionsgate Films Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Alex Warren, the chart-topping, Grammy Award-nominated pop star, was just in Australia last year (and sold out eight shows in the process), but he's already announced that he'll be back in town for his Finding Family on the Road tour. Fresh off the release of his latest single, 'FEVER DREAM', which gathered five million streams in the first 24 hours of its release, Warren confirmed seven cities in Australia and New Zealand are on the spring tour schedule. Though Warren's discography has well over seven billion streams and garners over 54 million monthly listeners, you probably know him from his viral breakout single, 'Ordinary'. The track, which was released in February 2025, went nothing short of nuclear — being certified 3x platinum in the US, 7x platinum in Australia and 4x platinum in New Zealand. It's currently tied for the second-longest running No. 1 single in ARIA chart history after concluding a 17-week streak in the top ten last year. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fTSzq9jAh4c36UVb4V7CB?si=R3HA-1ZPRqq1W4vWiZZFqQ[/embed] You might have also seen Warren perform at a number of major music events in the last year, including the American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, plus TV appearances like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and festival slots at Coachella and Stagecoach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Warren (@alexwarren) Announcing the Australian shows, Warren released a trailer featuring himself and his wife alongside Aussie icon Robert Irwin. But where exactly is he performing? Fans in Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth rejoice — you're all on the list with the concerts taking place in massive arena venues between Friday, August 21 and Saturday, September 12. Tickets for Alex Warren's 'Finding Family on the Road' tour are on sale now. Visit the Frontier Touring website for more information. This article is produced by Concrete Playground in partnership with Frontier Touring. Image: Getty
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
Brisbane's hotel scene has evolved quickly over the past decade, moving well beyond business travel basics into something far more design-led, experience-driven and, in some cases, genuinely destination-worthy. From polished riverside luxury to character-filled boutique stays, the city now offers a broad mix of places to check in – whether you're visiting or planning a staycation. This round-up brings together ten of Brisbane's best hotels, spanning inner-city icons, high-glamour newcomers and heritage properties with serious personality. Some lean into resort-style indulgence, others focus on design or history, but each offers a compelling reason to book a night or two. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites Near Brisbane The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Queensland The Best Day Spas in Brisbane
Pre-loved fashion is big business these days, with sites like Depop and SwapUp frequented by fashion-lovers looking to sell and shop vintage and second-hand fits with sustainability in mind. Now, there's a new player for locals to get to know, with Tise entering the Aussie market. Launched in Norway in 2016, the mobile-first service amassed over 2.5 million users across the Nordics, listing magnitudes more clothing for sale. In September 2025, eBay continued its push into the pre-loved fashion game, acquiring Tise's widely used platform for US$130 million. So, what makes Tise stand out? Perhaps the biggest upside to the platform is that there are no seller fees, which makes decluttering your wardrobe and earning a bit of extra cash on the side even more appealing. View this post on Instagram Meanwhile, Tise is renowned for its social features, allowing users to follow their favourite sellers and like and comment on listings. Bringing a touch of community to a pre-loved transaction, this peer-to-peer marketplace is for more than just resellers. When you're ready to scroll, you've got options to filter by keywords, categories and brands, so finding the perfect outfit for the season is made easy. And for those looking to sell, you can create as many listings as you want. What's more, Tise isn't just for pre-loved fashion. It's also where you can buy and sell homewares, furniture, outdoor gear, art and design items, and anything related to your favourite hobbies, from books to board games. Tise is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
News just in that beloved Melbourne chef Rosheen Kaul, with bartender Joe Jones (no, not Joe Jonas), will open Little Rose in Fitzroy in May. However, the French-Asian Bistro, which is set to take over the former Alta Trattoria site, will be around for a good time, not a long time. While the menu is still tightly under wraps, word on the street is that Kaul will reimagine French bistro classics through a looser, more playful Asian-leaning lens. Where her last project, Bistro Marigold, was more structured, Little Rose is intended to feel more relaxed. Kaul says, "It's a bit more undone. Still thoughtful, but easier, something you can settle into." With Jones in charge of the drinks, expect a focus on the classics with subtle changes. There will be a tight cocktail list, designed to encourage patrons to find an easy favourite they can order on repeat. The residency will run for a limited time only, but in that period, expect long leisurely lunches, lively late dinners, and quick drinks that turn into many more than you intended. Bookings are now live. Images: Allegra Mazella Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
UPDATE: Artemis II has launched and is on trajectory as planned. Visit the NASA website for further updates. Few cultural moments are as ingrained in our collective memory as the handful of missions that have sent astronaut crews into space or celebrities into orbit. Thankfully, this time it's the former — more specifically, Artemis II, the first crewed mission being sent to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. In a world and newscycle that are constantly circulating bad news, this seems like an occasion worth celebrating, but nobody seems to be talking about it. So, here's everything you need to know about Artemis II. Important disclaimer: this isn't going to be a moon landing. But, it's still an exciting mission and the first time that human beings are entering the moon's celestial neighbourhood since the Apollo missions. Artemis II is scheduled for a promising two-hour launch window that starts at 9.30am AEST tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, from where its crew of four (Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen) will set out on the most exciting surveying job in decades. [caption id="attachment_1088418" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Chip Somodevilla[/caption] Artemis II is performing a 10-day flyby mission, circumnavigating the celestial body to survey it for potential landing sites for subsequent Artemis missions, where NASA aims to have humans return to the lunar surface by 2028. The crew will collect data from orbit of the lunar surface and the effects of deep space travel on the human body — all to inform missions to come and a culminating long-term goal of sending humans to Mars in the 2030s. It's a mission of multiple firsts, too. The crew includes the first woman (Koch), the first person of colour (Glover), the oldest person (Wiseman) and the first non US National (Hansen) to either leave low Earth orbit or travel around the moon. It's also expected to break speed records for crewed missions on its lunar transit and reentry over the Pacific Ocean. [caption id="attachment_1088419" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, left, Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist, right, stop for a group photograph as they visit NASA's Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)[/caption] The American-organised mission will be supported from Australia, too. NASA's Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla and the Australian National University's (ANU) Quantum Optical Ground Station at Mt Stromlo Observatory will provide tracking and communications support for the mission. Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg told the ABC,"In the Apollo era, Australia hosted the most amount of tracking stations outside of the US that supported Apollo. We were absolutely critical then; we are also absolutely critical now." [caption id="attachment_1088420" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Joe Raedle[/caption] But why is nobody talking about it? A lot of hype was built for the mission's original launch in February, only for it to be postponed by hydrogen leaks, so perhaps the rescheduled date has already been swallowed by the ruthless news cycle and the stories surrounding the fuel crisis, Iran War and any other myriad of upsetting current affairs. Plenty of people are talking about space via Project Hail Mary, but this is the real deal. But now you know. Tomorrow morning, you can tune in to the live broadcast of the launch window on NASA's YouTube channel. It currently has an 80% chance of being a successful launch, pending the weather holds. Should it be a success — humanity will be taking its biggest step towards a future in the stars since Apollo 11 landed all those decades ago. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Australia's cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, expanding into different areas of life and affecting needs and habits across the country and all walks of life. The latest victim is an Aussie tradition, as revealed by findings in The Great Aussie Debate, the pub shout has fallen on hard times as drink costs keep climbing. There might have been a time when shouting a round at the pub was done without question. But survey respondents are mixed on whether or not they would, or could, still commit. Of the 53,000 Australians who took part in this year's survey, only 22 percent said they shout without question. The majority response, at 44 percent, says yes, but only with close friends and loved ones. Then a notable 33.6 percent admitted they won't shout anymore, citing costs as the main issue. Of that group, most respondents fit into the Baby Boomer age bracket, with 44 percent of respondents aged 70 and older refusing the shout. Millennials were on the other end of the spectrum, 70 percent of whom replied yes to either shouting outright or with loved ones. [caption id="attachment_1018342" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Xavier[/caption] The prices listed on pub menus reflect strained supply chains in the alcohol industry. According to Yahoo! Finance, 85 percent of Australia's beverage market share is controlled by either Lion (owners of XXXX Gold, Hahn, James Boag and Stone & Wood, to name a few) or Asahi (brands like Victoria Bitter, Carlton Draught, Great Northern and Pure Blonde). Both companies have stated intent to raise prices by 3.4 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively, citing transport, labour and material costs as the main reasons for the hike. That price increase at the supplier level will affect consumers in different ways, but last month the Australian Hotels Association advised venues to raise schooner prices for VB, XXXX Gold and Carlton Draught by 40 cents. And as costs continue to climb at the venue level, hospitality groups and owners are forced to increase prices across the board to break even, with everyday costs almost negating the Federal Government's February freeze on tax excise on Draught Beer. [caption id="attachment_1009223" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Blute Bar[/caption] Despite that, a spokesperson for Lion told Yahoo! Finance, "the brewing and hospitality industries have continued to experience cost inflation over the last couple of years, and market conditions remain difficult." "Lion is committed to striking the right balance between competitive pricing and recovering some of the costs passed onto us from our suppliers in a stubbornly high inflation environment."
The steaks are high, as the list of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026 is revealed. Building on last year's already impressive stats, we can now reveal that 22 Australian restaurants have featured on the globally renowned list. Now that's something to celebrate. So did your favourite steak restaurant make the cut? While many Australian eateries across several states made the 2026 ranking, it was a Sydney favourite that made it (almost) all the way to the top. Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years and have somehow missed the remarkable success of Neil Perry's Margaret, it likely won't come as a surprise that it took out the coveted second spot on the list this year. Most of the Australian restaurants that made the cut last year did so this year — and, incredibly, Margaret has secured its second-place ranking for the second year in a row. Yes, the Double Bay venue has proved again that it is not only the best steak restaurant in Australia, but almost the best in the entire world. [caption id="attachment_1001992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] "We're absolutely thrilled that Margaret continues to be recognised as one of the world's best steak restaurants, and to see Gran Torino make the list in its debut year is very exciting for us," says Neil Perry. "This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication behind our family-run restaurants - from sourcing outstanding beef from outstanding producers like Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree Farms, to ensuring every cut served is meticulously dry-aged and perfectly cooked. It's also fantastic to see 22 Australian restaurants represented on the list this year, which highlights the exceptional quality and reputation of Australian beef on the world stage," says Perry. Taking out the number one spot was La Cúpula de El Capricho in Jiménez De Jamuz, Spain, and after Margaret comes another Spanish hotspot, Laia Erretegia in Hondarribia, Spain. London's Ibai came in at number seven, and Singapore's Burnt Ends came in at number nine. Remarkably, two more Sydney restaurants cracked the top 15, with Firedoor ranking 11th and Aalia 14th. Don't fret, it wasn't just Sydney who made headlines this year, with other Australian capital cities holding their own on the list. "Australia has firmly confirmed its position as a leading power in the global steak scene. With 22 restaurants featured in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026, Australia shines brighter than ever and demonstrates remarkable strength across the ranking. This achievement speaks not only to the exceptional quality and provenance of Australian beef, but also to the expertise, consistency and cultural confidence with which the country's leading steak restaurants operate. Australia is no longer simply setting benchmarks domestically — it is helping define excellence on a global stage." The list is the result of a meticulous evaluation of 1200 restaurants, judged against 29 detailed criteria including meat quality, cooking technique, sourcing, ageing, authenticity, ambience, service and wine list. Making the cut for Melbourne were the likes of Steer Dining Room at 29th, Victor Churchill at 31st, Gimlet at 62nd and Grill Americano at 95th. Brisbane impressively had two inclusions on the list, with Agnes coming in at number 20 and SK Steak & Oyster at 77th. Adelaide's fire-driven diner Arkhé must have made a striking impression, coming in at sweet 16t. Several other Sydney and Melbourne restaurants rounded out the 22 Australian restaurants that made the 2026 list. [caption id="attachment_1001993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_699842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] [caption id="attachment_956587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_675814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] For the full rundown of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026, head to the list's website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Feature image: Petrina Tinslay.
Three Australian venues have just landed on one of the world's most influential dining roundups, and it's a strong sign that the country's restaurant scene isn't just thriving, it's setting the pace. Each year, Condé Nast Traveler drops its Hot List, honouring the most exciting new restaurants across the planet. The 2026 edit leans into everything from intimate, boundary-pushing dining rooms to heavyweight hotel restaurants, and this time around, three standout Australian venues have cut through the noise. Feu, Byron Bay In Byron Bay, Feu is doing things more than a little differently, and clearly, it's getting the right kind of attention. Housed within the new Belongil precinct (and behind a 6,000 bottle wine room) from Shannon Bennett, this fine diner ditches the traditional menu entirely. Instead, diners choose their key ingredients (this could be anything from Moreton Bay bugs to premium chocolate), select from a tactile collection of ceramics, then leave the rest in the kitchen's hands. The result is a highly personalised degustation that's proven to be equal parts theatrics and precision. With alumni from Noma in the mix and even Chris Hemsworth reportedly a fan, Feu has quickly become one of the country's most talked-about bookings. Book now, the waitlist is about to get long. Yiaga, Melbourne Down in Victoria, Melbourne's most ambitious new restaurant, Yiaga has wasted no time cementing its status. Helmed by chef Hugh Allen, who's also leading Vue de Monde, the venue picked up a swag of accolades within months of opening. Set within the verdant surrounds of Fitzroy Gardens, Yiaga is as much about craftsmanship as it is cuisine. The kitchen turns out a hyper-detailed, distinctly Australian degustation, where ingredients like Blackmore wagyu and wild-foraged wakame meet intricate design touches, from custom tableware to hand-built interiors. It's high-concept dining, executed with exactitude. Golden Avenue, Brisbane In Brisbane, Golden Avenue is carving out its own lane as a lush, Middle Eastern-inspired dining destination in the highly competitive Edward Street eating district. Created by the team at Anyday (Agnes, hôntô, The French Exit) the venue blends bold architecture with vibrant, share-style dining. A menu of wood-grilled Spring Bay mussels, housemade labneh wrapped in vine leaves, and a dessert that fuses rose, pistachio and mochi, it's impressive without being overworked, and generous without losing its polish. Landing on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List isn't just a pat on the back, it's a global endorsement. And with three very different venues making the cut, it's clear Australia's dining scene is firing on all cylinders right now. But we already knew that, didn't we? Imagery: Supplied | Instagram
Adelaide is often sold on what sits just beyond it: The Barossa, The Adelaide Hills, The Fleurieu Peninsula — long lunches, wine tastings and the promise of a slow, restrained kind of indulgence. But during Mad March, the city makes a far louder case for itself, shrugging off some of that tidiness and slipping into something more expansive — busier, brighter and much more culturally alive than its reputation as the 'City of Churches' might suggest. In the early days of Autumn, Adelaide feels most switched on. The parklands fill, the East End hums, the bars spill out and even the shortest walk begins to feel faintly eventful, as though the whole CBD has agreed to operate at a slightly higher frequency for a few weeks. Much of that energy comes from Adelaide Fringe, which turns the city into a kind of open-access performance map each February and March, with comedy, cabaret, theatre, circus and music scattered across venues, lawns, tents and temporary precincts in a way that makes the whole place feel less like a host city and more like part of the show. [caption id="attachment_1090366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Adelaide Fringe Festival — Tourism Australia[/caption] Then there is WOMADelaide, which arrives with a different mood altogether. Set in Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, it offers a softer, broader counterpoint to Fringe's after-dark buzz — more immersive than frenetic, more transportive than chaotic, and the kind of festival that encourages lingering. Where Fringe gives Adelaide its late-night pulse, WOMADelaide brings depth and drift: global music, ideas, food and performance unfolding under the trees in a setting that feels removed enough to lose entire afternoons to. That is precisely why a specific itinerary helps at this time of year, because Mad March rewards proximity. Adelaide is never a particularly difficult city to move through, but in March, being in the right part of it makes all the difference. Keep yourself anchored around the CBD, East End and parklands, and the weekend begins to assemble itself with very little effort — breakfast bleeding into galleries, a late lunch into a show, a drink into dinner, another drink into something much later. [caption id="attachment_1090364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WOMADelaide — WOMADelaide Foundation[/caption] WOMADelaide is the one to book ahead for; Fringe, by contrast, benefits from a looser hand. Lock in a few things you really want to see, then leave enough room for instinct, overstimulation and the occasional excellent accident. Read on for our guide to the best ways to experience a weekend in Adelaide in Mad March. [caption id="attachment_1090357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Market & Meander at Hotel Indigo — Hotel Indigo Adelaide[/caption] STAY Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets Set in the Market Precinct, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is a cheerful boutique base that folds local references into its design language without feeling overly themed — drawing on the neighbourhood's industrial past while still delivering polish, amenities and a decided 'cool' factor. Don't let the word 'boutique' fool you, you'll find a downstairs restaurant, rooftop pool, gym and rooftop bar all within the building. Perfect for: travellers who don't want to sacrifice personality for amenities. Location: 23–29 Market Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Sofitel Adelaide The Sofitel Adelaide is a polished CBD stay that brings a little more occasion to the weekend without tipping into stiffness. The appeal here is not just the refinement of the rooms or the sense of classic city luxury, but the fact that it places you within easy reach of Rundle Mall, North Terrace's major institutions and a good portion of the city's Mad March foot traffic, plus all the creature comforts you'd expect at this price point. Perfect for: travellers after a more polished, occasion-worthy city stay. Location: 108 Currie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Part of the pleasure of being in Adelaide at this time of year is that you can spend entire days drifting between festival precincts, bars, food stalls and accidental snacks without ever feeling short of options. But if you want to build in a few more elevated meals — the kinds of venues worth pausing for — these spots succinctly slot into a day of Mad March adventuring. EAT: Breakfast [caption id="attachment_1090361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hey Jupiter — South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] Hey Jupiter This long-running French brasserie on Ebenezer Place has enough charm to make breakfast feel like a stop on the itinerary, rather than simply the first logistical task of the day. There is something about its Parisian lean, its terrace and its all-day sense of occasion that suits festival weekends especially well: come for something quick if you need to get moving, or settle in and let the morning stretch a little longer than planned. The petit dejeuner menu spans croissants and cultured butter to croque monsieur, brioche French toast and richer, more old-world options like oeuf meurette or a breakfast cassoulet laced with pork belly, smoked ham and duck confit. Must order: Oeuf Meurette Location: 11 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide SA 5000 Arlo's If the morning calls for something faster and more functional, Arlo's offers a nonchalant practicality in the form of coffee, fresh juices, cabinet-loaded breakfast and quick turnarounds. In an effort to not let convenience diminish qualtiy, the offerings are simple — but expertly executed. Smoked salmon bagels, chicken schnitzel rolls, ham-and-cheese croissants, quiche and the sort of pastries that quietly suggest breakfast is the perfect time to carb-load. Must order: Cinnamon Scroll Location: Shop 7, 82 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 EAT: Lunch [caption id="attachment_1090350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] OMADA Bar & Grill[/caption] OMADA OMADA is Currie Street's new Greek-inspired bar and grill. The easy-breezy interior faintly suggests a Cycladic shoreline, paired with a menu which primarily communicates via coal and fire — taking cues from Greek tradition without being overly reverent about it. Cloud-like pita dipped into salty tarama, chargrilled octopus, avgolemono-laced dolmades and larger-format meats and seafood designed to be passed around the table. The drinks list carries just as much identity, with locally-made aperitifs and spirits, and a whole page of the menu dedicated to ouzo and tsipouro as they're meant to be treated — slowly, properly and with enough time to turn a long lunch into something that starts to resemble a pleasantly hazy afternoon. Must order: Roast Pork Gyros Location: 46 Currie Street, Adelaide SA Kiin Kiin takes Thai-inspired cooking and runs it through a more polished, contemporary filter, resulting in a lunch offering that feels both high-impact and highly considered. The menu moves between bright, sharp and playful flavours — oysters with turmeric and ginger vinaigrette, prawn and lychee pop sticks, tuna crudo, red curry cheeseburger sliders — and richer, more substantial dishes like pad kee mao spaghetti, braised beef in green curry and roast coconut potatoes. The drinks program pulls in accompanying flavours of pandan, makrut lime, Thai tea, mango-coconut and spice for a twist on the usual house classics Must order: Red Curry Sliders Location: 73 Angas Street, Adelaide SA 5000 EAT: Dinner [caption id="attachment_1090352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tarantino's — The Big Easy Group[/caption] Tarantino's Tarantino's takes an old-school New York-Italian mood and gives it a more contemporary, slightly unrulier menu than you might expect. Executive chef Shane Wilson centres the open-hearth grill, but the food moves well beyond straightforward red-sauce nostalgia, folding in Asian accents through dishes like lobster with bonito butter and parmesan rind dashi or cucumber and fennel salad with basil, sesame and chilli crisp. It leans into a more atmospheric, occasion-driven style of dining, the sort of place that suits a city weekend built around late starts, late finishes and the idea that dinner should feel like part of the entertainment rather than simply a stop between other plans. Must order: Woodfired Scallops with Nduja Butter Location: 30 Vardon Ave, Adelaide SA 5000 Africola If you want one meal that captures Adelaide in full Mad March mode, Africola is it. The high-voltage menu (in flavour, not in spice) is African-inspired rather than narrowly regional, and thrives on smoke, spice, ferments and open-flame grills — with vegetables given as much swagger as the meats. One minute you are in kingfish sashimi and fermented chilli territory, the next in peri peri chicken, dahl, white bean and chilli crisp, or grilled and smoked cuts that feel built to meet the room's energy head-on. Housed in a colourful East End building, dinner here should be lively, a little unruly and ideally followed by a drink somewhere nearby. Must order: Chicken Skin Sandwich (and the off-menu 'Peri-Back' shot) Location: 4 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 DRINK [caption id="attachment_1090358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Stag Public House — Josh Geelan[/caption] Proof Proof earns its place in an Adelaide weekender, not because it is trying to overly dazzle, but because the drinks list is more interesting than most bars of its size have any right to be. Wine is taken seriously, cocktails lean inventive without becoming overwrought, and there is enough curiosity in the back bar — absinthes, Australian vermouths, brandies grouped by fruit origin — to reward anyone who wants something a little less obvious than a standard spritz. Even the food follows the same logic: toasties, cheeses, sardines and anchovies that feel chosen for what they do with a drink rather than tacked on as an afterthought. Location: 9a Anster Street, Adelaide SA 5000 The Stag The Stag brings a different kind of energy — more public-house than cocktail bar, but still with enough personality to earn a place in the itinerary. During Mad March, venues like this matter just as much as the more polished ones, because sometimes what the day calls for is not another high-concept drink but somewhere central, easy and pleasantly low-pressure to reset, regroup or let one round become two. Plus, it's as close as you can humanly be to The Fringe festivities without actually being inside The Garden [of Unearthly Delights]. Location: 299 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000 PLAY [caption id="attachment_1090365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2K.W. Bar and Restaurant — South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] 2K.W. Adelaide as a city rates pretty damn high on the prettiness scale. If you want to begin the evening somewhere you can really soak in all that Colonial-era architecture (while being far away from the Mad March riff-raff), 2K.W. is the move. Set high over King William Street, it turns a rooftop perch into something much more persuasive — all broad city views and the kind of cocktails-and-small-plates atmosphere that makes it very easy to stay longer than intended. Location: 2 King William Street, Adelaide Cry Baby If the night is still going, Cry Baby is a rough-edge (at least by Adelaide standards) option, ready to sweatily embrace you with open arms. It has the spirit of a dive, but with enough intention behind it to stop the whole thing from collapsing into cliché: strong spirits, loud music, a working jukebox, and a late-night temperament that makes it feel entirely plausible to stay far later than originally planned. Location: 11 Solomon Street, Adelaide SA 5000 [caption id="attachment_1090367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garden of Unearthly Delights — South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] WANDER Mad March may be the hook, but Adelaide is very easy to fill in around the edges, which is part of what makes it such a good city for this kind of weekend. The East End is the clearest place to start, not least because it already contains so many of the trip's natural overlaps: bars, boutiques, cafes, galleries, laneways and a longstanding relationship with Fringe that gives the whole precinct a built-in sense of movement during March. From there, it is easy to stitch together a day that includes Adelaide Central Market, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Botanic Garden, Rundle Street and Ebenezer Place, with very little sense that you are ever leaving the city's main current behind. [caption id="attachment_1090354" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kiin Restaurant[/caption] And if you want to stretch the trip beyond Mad March proper, that is when Adelaide's proximity to the regions comes back into focus. One of the city's more persuasive qualities is that it allows you to do both things well: immerse yourself in a festival-heavy city weekend, then tack on an extra day of wineries and slower lunches without much effort at all. Mad March may be the reason to book the trip, but it does not have to be the reason it ends there. Concrete Playground was a guest of the South Australian Tourism Commission. Images: South Australian Tourism Commission (see individual credits) Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
The wine bar occupies a liminal space between restaurant and watering hole — a place to pass time, a place to meet friends, a place to explore a menu of elevated small and share plates. In Melbourne, these venues often appear on the quieter streets of suburbs, with considered fitouts and distinct, individual personas. If you have a local, it's likely you already frequent it. But if you want to broaden your horizons, we've rounded up our favourite wine bars across the city. Don't be fooled by the moniker, these venues punch far above their weight in culinary offering, and each comes with a uniquely curated wine offering — from minimal intervention and locally grown, to rare European drops. Salut. Recommended reads: The Best Bars in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best Boutique Bottle Shops in Melbourne The Best Bars in the Melbourne CBD
While Mother's Day can be tough for some, for those lucky enough to be close to their mums or significant mother figures, it's an important opportunity to show them how much you love them. So put in a little extra effort this year to find an activity that's just right for them. You'll want something special but still in keeping with your mum's interests, you might be a little tight on budget, and you might be overwhelmed with the endless specials and deals going around. So, to help you find the perfect plan for Mother's Day, we've rounded up the best things to do this May. From stylish staycations to family-friendly feasts, flower workshops to pamper packages, and from caviar bumps to charity walks, with our handy guide, you'll find something special to treat mum with this year, and you may even win some extra brownie points while you're at it. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Most Romantic Bars and Restaurants in Melbourne For a Middle Eastern Feast: Maha, CBD If you're keen to leave the cooking to someone else this Mother's Day, head to Maha for a memorable Middle Eastern feast. Over Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th, Maha will celebrate mums with a lunch or dinner feast highlighting its signature dishes. Featured dishes on the share-style menu, priced at $155 for lunch and $195 for dinner, include wagyu shawarma skewers, Harvey Bay scallops, crab dumplings with burnt-lemon verbena butter, and crumbed lamb rack with harissa-burnt butter jus. If you're still looking for a gift, Maha's Shane Delia is hosting an intimate cooking experience on August 23rd, focused on the stories and traditions passed on by the women in his life. While it's a bit of a splurge at $295, it will certainly make for a memorable gift. For a Stylish Staycation: QT Hotel, CBD This is one for the mums who need a break. Sometimes you don't have to go far, but just need to escape the house, and QT Hotel is helping make this possible with a great Mother's Day deal. Between April 21st and May 10th, you can grab 10% off QT gift cards using the code FORYOU. So spoil the mother figure in your life this year with a little getaway, and while you're at it, why not try the newly opened Yamagen Japanese restaurant at the hotel? Smash sushi tacos while you sip on pretty cocktails, and enjoy the peace and quiet of being out of the house. For a Rooftop Floral Workshop: Hotel Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Sure, lunch is great, but pair it with a hands-on, feel-good activity, and you're sure to score extra brownie points this Mother's Day. On Friday, May 8th, Hotel Sorrento is hosting a Floral Workshop to encourage creativity and calm, priced at $119 per person. The easygoing afternoon will be led by Botanical Edition, and guests will be guided through creating a fabulous floral arrangement they can take home. Start with bubbles on arrival, snack on cheese and charcuterie throughout the workshop, before enjoying roaming pizzas on the rooftop. Sounds like an idyllic afternoon. For a Meat-Heavy Meal: Le Bon Ton, Collingwood If your mum is still on the keto trend, or just loves meat, you can't go past Collingwood favourite Le Bon Ton, serving up its signature slow-cooked meats this Mother's Day. The Mother's Day Special Smoked BBQ Platter is loaded with brisket, smoked chicken, Southern slaw, potato salad, pickles and barbecue sauce. The only disclaimer? This carnivorous feast may induce the meat sweats. For High Tea: Mary Eats Cake, Brunswick and Montrose Treating your mum to a luxe Melbourne high tea is a classic Mother's Day experience. It's easy, no matter the size of the group, and it doesn't have to be too expensive. There are also plenty of spots offering special deals for Mother's Day. One such place is Mary Eats Cake, which is running its renowned Mother's Day High Tea again (from $97 per adult) over the Mother's Day weekend, offering a tasty menu including four savoury bites, three sweet treats, bottomless scones with jam and cream, unlimited tea, a cocktail on arrival, a glass of champagne and more. For a Plentiful Pizza Party: Figlia, Brunswick East Neighbourhood favourite Figlia is putting together a generous sharing menu for your mum this May. Head Chef Alberto Fava's Mother's Day menu showcases some of the pizzeria's best dishes, celebrating fresh produce and modern interpretations of Italian classics, for $90 per person. If your mum is fond of Italian food, be sure to check out Figlia's menu. Expect the likes of gnocco fritto with pine mushrooms and taleggio, chargrilled bonito with pickled fennel, Moreton Bay bugs with caper leaf and witlof, and burratina with walnut pesto. Choose your own pizza flavour, which will be served with a fresh salad, and finish with a layered millefoglie with lemon custard and rhubarb. For a Good Cause: The Mother's Day Classic, The Botanical Gardens Sure, you could spend your day indulging in all sorts of high teas and treats across Melbourne, but the occasion marks a great opportunity to get moving for a damn good cause. The Mother's Day Classic is an annual Mother's Day marathon (or walkathon) that circumnavigates the Royal Botanic Gardens to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. Nearby to the course is an ideal recovery spot at one of Melbourne's most scenic cafes: The Terrace. You can recover with an à la carte booking or opt for the Mother's Day high tea package. With this combination of activities, you'll be proud of yourself for doing something good, while also satisfied with a tasty treat. For a Family-Friendly Feed: Marameo, CBD Well, what is Mother's Day really about if it's not all about family? This year, the team over at Marameo, the CBD's rollicking Italian diner, have kept the whole family in mind, coming up with a generous set menu for Mother's Day, with a dedicated kids menu. For just $65 per person, sample some of Marameo's best hits, including rosemary focaccia, mixed salumi with gnocco fritto, sweet peppers with straciatella, and fried calamari with school prawns. For mains, go for the luxe black truffle cacio e pepe spaghetti, squid ink linguine with crab and chilli, spatchcock with lemon and thyme, or an O'Connor rump cap with seeded mustard sauce. Just make sure you save room for the famous tiramisu. For a Pampering Package and Overnight Stay: Pan Pacific, South Wharf Is your mum a princess who deserves a little pampering? Check out Pan Pacific's Mother's Day exclusive deal this year. Pan Pacific Melbourne has partnered with Jo Loves to offer the Jo Loves Signature Stay. The package, starting at $414, includes an overnight experience for two and is available for stays between May 1st and July 30th (bookable until June 30th). The deal includes an overnight stay at the Pan Pacific, an extensive breakfast, a welcome drink, and a Jo Loves gift pack, which includes the brand's Mango Thai Lime products. For Bottomless Yum Cha: David's, Prahran If you prefer a more casual, all-you-can-eat feast for Mother's Day in Melbourne, then you've got to check out David's in Prahran. Over the Mother's Day weekend, the team will serve up their bottomless yum cha ($76 per person), with seatings throughout the day. It's highly advised you wear loose-fitting pants, because at David's, the food just keeps coming. You might start with a few xiao long bao and shu mai, before moving on to panfried barbecue pork baos and veggie spring rolls. There'll be Peking Duck and chicken ribs, roast pork fried rice and much more. We implore you to save a little room for the white chocolate dumplings. For a Sweet, Heart-Shaped Treat: Miilk Cake Studio's Here's one for the mums with a bit of a sweet tooth. Miilk Cake Studios is offering a limited-edition fresh mango and peach cake to really make your Mother's Day this May. Even better is that not only are the Miilk Cake Studios goodies available in store, but also online, so if you're planning on hosting brunch or lunch, this cake will be the perfect addition to make it something special. Expect light sponge layers, mango-infused cream, and pieces of fresh fruit. The only problem is that it's almost too pretty to eat. For a Relaxed Seaside Feast: Stokehouse Pasta & Bar, St Kilda Catch some stellar views and feel the fresh breeze this Mother's Day by heading to St Kilda's Stokehouse Pasta & Bar this Mother's Day. The more relaxed sibling of fine-diner Stokehouse just upstairs, the pasta bar down below offers the same seaside feel at a lower price tag. This Mother's Day, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar is offering a share-style feast for $100 per person. Snack on crudo and focaccia, enjoy rigatoni with mussels, and share smoked lamb shoulder and flaked barramundi with sides. For Oysters, Champagne and Caviar: Beverly Rooftop, South Yarra If your mum is into the finer things in life, then head to Beverly Rooftop this year for a boujie Mother's Day experience. Head Chef David Ball has curated a four-course menu for $120 per person that showcases luxe ingredients like tuna, lobster, prawns and poached pavlova. It is a day to celebrate, so why not go all in with the indulgent add-ons? Go for champagne on arrival, an oyster tasting flight, or caviar bumps, and the mother figure in your life is sure to be suitably impressed. For an Affordable Japanese Set Lunch: Warabi, CBD Two-hatted Japanese restaurant, Warabi, will launch its first-ever lunch service just in time for Mother's Day. The new set menus are designed to make midday dining more accessible and more affordable. For just $32, enjoy a Warabi Bowl Set with teriyaki chicken, miso katsu or vegetable poke, with tasty sides, and for $45, savour the Warabi Kaiseki Box Set. The beautiful, nine-dish box is filled with delicate bites such as sashimi and nasu dengaku, and is served with a main such as wagyu steak or salmon saikyo yaki. For a Crafty Cocktail Class: Hotel Railway, Brunswick Really get into the spirit of fun and celebration this Mother's Day with Hotel Railway's cocktail experience. Led by the venue's Bar Manager in the Corner Bar, guests will be guided through the art of crafting two signature drinks, the passionfruit and vanilla spritz, and the strawberry and vanilla sour. While you learn the bar's secrets, snack on canapés and enjoy some quality time in a relaxed, upbeat environment. For Affordable Snacks and Drinks: Ruzia's Wine, Caulfield North Balaclava Road's buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, Ruzia's Wine, is celebrating mums this year with a line-up of unmissable early evening specials. The deals are so good that the team are extending the offer beyond just one day: they will be available from Wednesday through Saturday, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Grab $10 wines, $15 pickle martinis, $8 fries, and $5 croquettes, as well as a $20 mini version of the bar's signature snack plate. For a Luxe, Indulgent Buffet: Conservatory, Crown Southbank If you want to go all out this Mother's Day, then look no further than Crown Conservatory's mega buffet. The indulgent all-you-can-eat offering spans seafood, international and western cuisine, and boasts one heck of a dessert station. The Mother's Day specials include chilled lobster and a glass of champagne, taking the already boujee experience up another notch. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? 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As work and wellness increasingly become intertwined, there are few better expressions of this shift than the newly opened The Commons Health Club South Yarra. Marking the brand's second sprawling social wellness destination — following its recent move into the space after years at the top of the coworking game — this new location is officially the largest setup of its kind in inner-city Melbourne. Spanning 5000 square metres across eight architecturally designed levels, this multi-faceted health club stacks five storeys of fitness and recovery on top of three more dedicated to work and community. Ideally positioned opposite South Yarra Station, the club's heritage home was built in 1887 as an ornate coffee palace — an alcohol-free alternative to Melbourne's corner pubs and boozy residential hotels. Now, nearing 150 years later, wellness is back in a big way at the same location. Behind the new look is the leading architectural and interior design practice DesignOffice, which has reimagined the space with a warm material palette of cork, blonde timber and concrete. Yet don't expect stoic minimalism throughout — a sense of playfulness was central to the revitalisation, featuring layered pops of lemon, mint, dusty blue and more, as well as lush pockets of greenery and abundant natural light. That makes the extensive amenities even more appealing, with The Commons Health Club South Yarra's bathhouse offering a 39-degree magnesium pool, a 6-degree cold plunge, a traditional sauna, a steam room, and heated stone benches. Meanwhile, recovery is a clear focus, with red light therapy, lymphatic compression and infrared saunas just some of the ways you can rejuvenate after a long day at the desk. Then, expect styling stations, a seasonal fragrance bar, a private laundry service and wellness concierge to elevatate each session further. There's also a range of signature experiences, such as candlelit magnesium soaks and community-led rituals, designed to foster connection and restoration. Then, you're invited to take part in cutting-edge health assessments and personal training programs, helping members stay on top of their performance and long-term wellbeing. All told, there are 200 classes each week, from hot mat pilates and strength training to breathwork, sound healing and aerobics. "The opening of The Commons South Yarra marks a defining moment for us," says co-founder and CEO Cliff Ho. "As the city's largest social wellness destination, we're proud to play a role in bringing people together and supporting a more connected, balanced way of living, while shaping a new chapter in how Melbourne engages with health and movement." The Commons Health Club South Yarra is now open at 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
Although we're now over a month into autumn, we're far from the classically autumnal weather. Temperatures remain stubbornly high around Australia, and new long-range forecasts have made this mild annoyance into an ominous portent for the weather we can expect later in the year. A number of signals are pointing to an El Niño event in the coming weeks that could be one of the strongest on record. If you're unfamiliar — El Niño and La Niña are the two halves of a natural weather cycle, akin to an invisible pendulum in the Pacific Ocean, conditions swinging from one side to the other on a regular basis and affecting global weather in a big way. El Niño emerges when ocean surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific are elevated by 0.5 degrees Celsius for an extended period, disrupting the high-altitude airflow that brings moisture across the Pacific from the Americas, leading to reduced cloud cover and rainfall across Australasia. It's not necessarily a period of heat, but of dryness. The ominous name "Super El Niño" is used when the ocean warms by two degrees Celsius or more. At the time of writing, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that the threshold will be crossed in August, and could exceed 2.5 degrees by spring, but cautions that long-range prediction models can change as time goes on. One factor under consideration is the recent frequency of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific this year, which could accelerate the oceanic warming process that ends the current La Niña period and kicks El Niño into gear. [caption id="attachment_1092698" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tropical Cyclone Zelia via Getty[/caption] There have been three periods of Super El Niños in the modern weather record: 1982, 1997 and 2015, each of which saw some of the driest winters and hottest summers on record (at the time). But how could this affect Australia in 2026? Generally speaking, El Niño strips cloud clover and the benefits it provides. That means colder, frosty nights and thin and underwhelming snowfall throughout winter, before elevated daytime temperatures in spring and summer and a longer, harsher fire season. Good news for northern Australia at least, the barrage of cyclones and monsoons in the tropics will relent. At this point, El Niño is likely, but a Super El Niño isn't a total guarantee. And even if it does enter the super range, that's not a guarantee of severe weather events. It just increases the likelihood of them. But when it comes to extreme weather, it's always best to be prepared. [caption id="attachment_1063729" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Credit: iStock/Beverley Van Praagh.[/caption] For dry summers, there are easy ways to be ready for the worst. If your property has grass, bushes or trees, keep them trimmed and clear away dead and dry plant matter. For the worst-case scenario, visit My Fire Plan to help prepare your property and family for a disaster. In NSW, you can download the Hazards Near Me app for alerts of fires or extreme weather near you, and Victorians can do the same on the VicEmergency app — otherwise the READI app offers disaster information near you, nationwide. Lead image: Getty Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
While Melbourne's obsession with weekend breakfasts is ingrained in its identity, the first meal of the day is sometimes overlooked during the week in favour of hitting the snooze button and a couple of extra minutes in a warm bed. We're all about those zzzs, but it's no excuse for skipping brekkie — especially if you work or study in the city, where excellent breakfast options abound. Melbourne CBD is home to numerous cafes that open early during the week, ready to serve great food and even better coffee to start your day right. So, for the sake of nutrition, productivity and your taste buds, we've put together a list of the best breakfast spots in Melbourne's CBD. From fluffy ricotta hotcakes to lobster benedicts, fresh baguettes with French butter to Reuben sandwiches, specialty pastries to moreish morning buns, perfectly brewed tea to two-tone cold-foam coffees, take a moment to sit down, read the news (or scroll on TikTok, no judgment here) and digest before you get locked into the daily grind. Recommended reads: The Best Breakfast in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne's CBD The Best Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne
You work hard, you play hard, and gosh, you should get to relax hard too —and what better way to do that than booking into one of the best spas in Melbourne? Dedicate a day to kicking around in a comfy robe, being royally pampered and having all the time in the world to enjoy it, stress-free. That idyllic image is easy to tap into since Melbourne is home to an array of top-notch spas (often in some of Melbourne's best hotels), all within the cooee of the city's inner suburbs. From cult-favourite saunas and soaks to full-scale spas with seriously skilled therapists, bliss out on massages, treatments, and wellness experiences at every price point. Here are the 17 best day spas in Melbourne. Thank us after you've gotten your glow on. Recommended reads: The Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne The Best Beach Camping Spots in Victoria The Best Bathhouses in Melbourne The Best Glamping Sites Around Australia Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra Soak Bathhouse isn't your traditional spa. Think of it as a more social alternative, where enthusiastic conversation and, yes, even loud laughter, are encouraged. The architectural bathhouse in South Yarra features 700 square metres of peace-inducing amenities adorned with leafy greenery. Slide into temperate magnesium pools, grab a pick-me-up facial or massage at the spa, or sweat it out in a dry cedarwood sauna and steam room. Then, sharpen the mind with a cold plunge before kicking back in a cosy lounge. Whatever encounter you're looking for, this urban retreat abides. Daydream Thai, South Yarra and South Melbourne One of Thailand's most familiar exports: fierce massages. If strong hands and a loud back crack are on the agenda, head straight to hole-in-the-wall parlour Daydream Thai. All hour-long sessions come in at under $120, and express 30-minute options are available too — a cozzie livs win. The signature massage combines Thai and Swedish techniques, and comes in three pressure levels. Or, trust the pros with the Royal Thai massage, a deep-tissue massage with assisted stretches that reaches muscles you didn't even know about. Also, a tight line-up of facial treatments for a skin refresh. Sauna Goose, Northcote This Gadd Street pop-up is bringing the sauna back to its Nordic roots. Sweat sessions in Sauna Goose are led by experienced saunagus (the Danish term for sauna master inspired the spot's name), who manipulate heat through the practice of waving towels. Don't underestimate the 10-seater mobile sauna. It delivers a mighty sensory experience, with an atmospheric soundscape and essential oils perfuming the steaming stones. Leaf whisks, which act as a dry brush of sorts, are on hand to improve circulation. Professionals recommend capping sauna time at 30 minutes, but a communal firepit and veggie patch might tempt you to linger. Tokyo Head Spa, Armadale The best part of a hair salon trip is when the hairdresser works the shampoo and other potions into your scalp as the week's worries (and clogged follicles) melt away. If you're lucky, they'll throw in a head-and-neck massage, too. Inspired by head spas in Japan, that glorious 10-minute wash stretches out over a full hour at Tokyo Head Spa. The idea is that your scalp leaves in better spirits than when it came in, so all seven treatments start with a scalp health check. Facial reflexology and upper-body massages unknot tension, while waterfall-like head baths lull your mind into tranquillity (or even a nap). Arima Spa, Melbourne CBD A trip to Chinatown guarantees a good feed, but a zen onsen is the last thing you'd expect amid the hubbub. Yet, enter Arima — a triple-decker wellness retreat inspired by Japanese bathhouses that just opened across laneway bar Union Electric. Wander the public baths for $79 on weekdays; look for the ladies' bathhouse and a Himalayan salt room. Salt is also infused into one of the thermal massages ($149 for 60 minutes), as is handcrafted herb-filled compresses ($229 for 90 minutes). Round out the day with a cuppa and snacks at the top-floor cafeteria. SOL Saunas, Prahran Inspired by the Nordics in aesthetic and philosophy, SOL exists in a space overlooked by many recent wellness arrivals. It unfolds at a mid-tempo pace, fostering a calm yet refined energy that's social but sans pressure to perform. While not technically a spa, SOL is a straightforward pick for a hot-cold therapy fix south of the river. Expect a series of connective wellness experiences like two traditional saunas heated to 75-85 degrees — one for quiet and another for chatting — and five individual stainless steel cold plunge pools offering an awakening jolt at 7-10 degrees. THERAPY, Eltham Gut health gets top billing at this 5000-square-foot wellness club in Eltham. The menu at THERAPY's cafe and restaurant ticks all the boxes of an average wholefood joint, but mealtime rituals keep things interesting. Between bites, sneak in treatments like hydrogen therapy and vagus nerve stimulation to leave the table not just well-fed, but also destressed and digested. The rest of the club is equally futuristic, with a suite of tech-y therapies including cryotherapy, hydrogen lounges and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Unwind at the plush lounge area post-treatment; memberships starting at $75 per week include exclusive access to a lush outdoor parlour, among other benefits. Little Company, Collingwood Byron-born Little Company's forte is skin treatments. At the Collingwood outpost, sculptural home pieces lay around in a contemplative, cave-like space, and the intentionally tiny catalogue of skin services ensures zero overwhelm. A pair of oldie-but-goldie facials come with massage time: Remedy targets specific concerns, while Ritual delivers a reset decided based on a body scan. Plus, five advanced treatments, ranging from ultrasound waves that treat certain skin conditions (it's a $99 add-on to the Remedy facial) to a face-sculpting massage executed with tension-melting osteopathic moves. Ma Saj, Carlton North Ma Saj ditches the typical clean, white-surfaced spa vibe for something more akin to a cosy wine bar or a chic 70s lounge room. Here, almost every massage starts at $135 for an hour. With 30 years of experience in natural medicine and osteopathy combined, founders Kate Cawley and Sonya Galenson ensure that they're more than just relaxing. 'Euphoria' ($135 for 60 minutes) blends reiki and meridian therapy, while the 'Deep Remedy' remedial massage targets tight spots, and 'TMJ Relief' makes jaw tension disappear. [caption id="attachment_1084711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lillie Thompson[/caption] Comma, Cremorne Following in the footsteps of its Byron Bay flagship, Comma has become one of Melbourne's favourite bathhouses since opening in 2024. As the name implies, it's a space for pausing — and you can do just that in the gorgeous bathhouse or in one of the intimate treatment rooms. The latter involves lymphatic, deep-tissue, and soothing massages, some of which utilise tools such as body clay and hot basalt stones. Head massages, eye spas and hair treatments are cheeky 'cherries' — what Comma calls its add-ons — on top of the day. Inner Studio, Collingwood Housed in a former factory, Inner Studio houses all the essential day spa facilities you need for a proper self-care sesh. Unwind in one of the lush magnesium plunge pools, sweat it out at the Southern hemisphere's largest sauna or sign up for a wellness class. You'd be surprised at the wonders breathwork and yoga — followed by plenty of spa time — can do for your energy levels. Classes and day passes cost $45 a pop, while weekly memberships range from $65–$75. The nature-filled oasis is calming, even without massages and treatments — remember to make time for sipping tea on a tree stump before heading back into the real world. EQ Wellbeing, South Melbourne Many spas in Melbourne set up spaces full of wellness technologies and then simply leave you to figure it out. This can be a haven for those who are familiar with the facilities, but the rest of us could do with some guidance. With wellness journeys tailored for different needs, EQ Wellbeing doesn't let you flounder. You'll be told how to use the hammam, sauna, rain room, lounge, plunge pools, and light and sound therapy dome — and the optimal order to use them — as you relax, reenergise or de-stress. While EQ prefers not to be labelled as a spa, it basically is. And it is a damn unique one at that. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne CBD Most Melbourne spas struggle to compete with the opulence offered at the Ritz-Carlton, and none come close to having such spectacular views — the spa is located all the way up on the 64th floor. All treatment rooms are decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, although you'll mostly be face-down on the massage table. Hour-long massages start at $230 and facials at $240, plus a stack of packages and add-ons dial up the luxe factor. Luckily, the architects thought of everything: the skyline can be viewed in its full glory from all the spa's amenities, including a massive heated infinity pool, a hydrotherapy spa and a decked-out gym. Park Club Health and Day Spa at The Park Hyatt, East Melbourne The five-star Park Hyatt is a study in luxury, and its on-site day spa follows suit. This one offers a whole range of therapeutic massages and facials, alongside rejuvenating body treatments designed to blast away toxins and leave the skin in ship-shape condition. Get your glow on with a gold-infused body treatment ($240) or get a head-to-toe lemon myrtle clay body wrap ($320), which begins with a foot cleanse and ends with a scalp massage. Feel free to linger — spa treatments lasting over an hour include complimentary valet parking and access to all wet areas. About Time Bathhouse, Torquay Mornington Peninsula is home to stacks of world-class day spas and bathing spots, but the Surfcoast has long lagged behind. Fortunately, things are looking up for this side of Victoria's coastline, thanks to the late-2024 opening of About Time — a luxe day spa and bathhouse located in Torquay from the Little Company team. The brutalist building is fully equipped for all your bathing needs. Find a magnesium pool, cold plunge pool, traditional sauna and steam room, plus private infrared saunas and ice baths that can be booked for groups of eight. Step outside to the garden surrounded by towering gum trees, and you'll find hot and cold magnesium pools that are tailor-made for social bathing with mates. [caption id="attachment_747192" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhiannon Taylor[/caption] Lancemore Mansion Hotel Spa, Werribee Park A trip to the stunning Lancemore Mansion Hotel Spa might change your definition of a spa day. Just 30 minutes from the CBD, the grand 19th-century property brims with old-world charm. Duck through arched corridors to find a day spa with a quiet air of seclusion, where ambient soundscapes meet a menu of primo massages and spa packages fit for a royal. Expect tempting treatments like Moroccan Melt ($460): a Hammam session, followed by a 90-minute hot-stone massage and a 60-minute rose-infused facial and hair mask. Conclude your day of indulgence with a sweet treat, a cheeky glass of bubbly and a relaxing stroll through the acres of English gardens on the old-world property. [caption id="attachment_803436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Tremp[/caption] Sense of Self, Collingwood Housed in a stunningly converted Collingwood warehouse, Sense of Self takes cues from the bathhouses of Europe, Africa and Japan. Filled to the brim with greenery, the soaring space delivers a "no BS" offering that's serious about community and restoration. This means that naps are not only allowed, but encouraged in the lounge. And there's a Scrub Station at the door, where you can pick your own scrubs and masks for some Hammam time. With a $65 weekday day pass, get acquainted with the range of bathhouse facilities, including a Finnish sauna, a 39-degree mineral bath and a cold plunge pool. Upstairs, a massage and mindfulness studio offers relaxation and remedial treatments like Swedish massages ($190 for 60 minutes). It's widely considered one of the best day spas in Melbourne — with a Sydney location already in the works. Chuan Spa at The Langham, Southbank Book in for a treatment at the upscale Chuan Spa in The Langham and you'll also score access to its lavish bathing facilities. That includes a stunning saltwater pool, complete with an outdoor deck and skyline views. The massage menu heroes traditional Chinese techniques that target acupuncture points, while multi-treatment options combine elements such as full-body scrubs, plumping facials and mud masks. Bring your kids along — there's a dedicated spa menu for under-16s, starting at $45 for hand or foot treatments. Sakura Lounge, CBD Sakura Lounge is a Japanese-style day spa (sans onsen) tucked away down Warburton Lane. With an array of all-day packages that won't break the bank, it's a winning option for those looking to go all out. Think traditional Japanese massages and invigorating foot treatments and hydrating facials, rolled out one after the other until you've well and truly found your inner zen. Try the 2.5-hour Decadent Detox package — a foot treatment, a heady chocolate-and-coffee body treatment and hot-stone massage — which clocks in at a reasonable $230. Tea and sweets are served throughout, though sushi and champagne are available as delicious upgrades. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Fingal If you like the idea of rounding out a wine-filled Mornington Peninsula getaway with some pampering, add this world-class spa and thermal springs destination to your coastal itinerary. Fingal's Alba Thermal Springs & Spa comprises a contemporary hillside spa set amid a sprawling series of 25 geothermal springs and pools. Sneak in a heated volcanic stone massage or cryotherapy facial in between soaks — bathing access is complimentary with every treatment booked — or set aside a few hours to indulge in one of the top-to-toe spa rituals. Botanica Day Spa, CBD A serene urban oasis within the InterContinental, Botanica Day Spa's minimalist fit-out will do just as much for your mood as any muscle-melting hot stone massage. But in case that doesn't do the trick, it's also got a menu of treatments for every conundrum. Seasonal depression? Seasonal therapies are on hand to help your body adjust to the weather shifts, including skin repair treatments, detoxes that support circulation and muscle-healing massages. Work stress? Try the Botanica De-Stress ($250), featuring a full-body and aromatherapy foot massage — a duo we could probably all do with every now and then. Saltair Spa, Port Melbourne First launched in Torquay, Saltair Spa has made its way to the cosy coastal suburb of Port Melbourne. Over two floors, skilled therapists provide face and body treatments using Babor skincare products, alongside beauty treatments like skin needling, sugaring and more. There are also real treat-yourself packages for couples and groups, as well as individual day passes and facial programs — ideal if you're in the market for some primo pampering. [caption id="attachment_583596" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Endota Spa[/caption] Endota Spa, Various Locations With over 20 sites in Melbourne alone, Endota Spa has spawned all over Australia and New Zealand. Despite its status as a mega chain, quality is not lost here. You won't find pools, saunas and other day spa facilities at any of the outposts — but what Endota is known for is a host of treatments at fairly affordable prices. Just prepare for the spa therapist to lightly spruik Endota's own wellness products at the end of your treatment (they actually feel pretty nice, to be honest). Skin Day Spa, St Kilda Amidst the high energy of Chapel Street, Skin Day Spa is a welcome sanctuary of calm. While the fit-out here might lean minimalist, the menu is anything but. Discover a range of beauty treatments — we're talking lash and brow tints, waxing and spray tanning — and when some full-body pampering is on the cards, we recommend settling into the hour-long deep relaxation massage for the face and body ($240). Plus, fun facials like a hyrating guasha treatment to remove tension ($275), collagen-boosting LED light therapy ($95) and chemical peels will have your skin glowing. Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, Sorrento A new flagship for the award-winning Aurora Spa Group, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse lives in the Continental Sorrento. Offering a modern take on traditional bathing practices, the 500-square-metre bathhouse is kitted out with cutting-edge facilities and experiences — all in one indoor wellness precinct. Alongside a Nordic-style sauna and numerous mineral pools, expect features like an icy plunge pool, an aromatherapy steam room, the 36-degree skylit Daydream Pool, a reflexology pool and a suite dedicated to halotherapy — a treatment that involves breathing in salty air. Meanwhile, the adjoining spa offers treatments ranging from holistic facial therapies and massages to algae body wraps and botanically-charged scrubs. Natskin, North Ringwood Hidden out in North Ringwood, Natskin might just be one of Melbourne's best-kept wellness secrets. At the suburban spa oasis, find stimulating skin therapies and stress-relieving massages alongside beauty treats — you can even squeeze a cheeky mani-pedi into your spa day. Pick from one of the many packages, ranging from a classic massage-facial combo to a couples' retreat offering in one of the spa's duo suites. We recommend booking in the 2.5-hour Rejuvenator package and escape reality with skin-boosting exfoliation, a bespoke body wrap, a scalp massage and an hour-long body massage, plus fresh juice to rehydrate after all that relaxation ($325). Japanese Mountain Retreat, Montrose At the end of a busy week, forget the hassle that comes with a jaunt out to the Yarra Ranges. Just over an hour away from the city lies Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose, a luxurious mineral hot springs haven boasting a series of fully private outdoor mineral pools, meaning you won't have to share your soak with any strangers. There's also an opulent Roman-style bathhouse for those who prefer an indoor dip, with fine dining options abound to turn your trip into a romantic getaway. You can even stay the night in a luxurious tatami-matted ryokan (traditional Japanese-style room) or a Balinese-inspired villa, whichever is up your alley. Top image: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa courtesy of Visit Victoria Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
