When it was first announced that Pirate Life was heading to Victoria, the brewery's South Melbourne venue was slated to open in mid-2023. Sadly, that time came and went, and we were left sans Pirate Life. Argh. But craft beer fans didn't have too long. In March, the South Australian brewing legends officially welcomed guests into the new site. Set within a former mechanic's garage, Pirate Life South Melbourne is about a whole lot more than just beer. Maria Delengas and Nicolas Lopez work together as co-head chefs, infusing their Greek and South American heritages throughout the food menu. Proximity to the South Melbourne Market also means they get the bulk of their produce from local traders, using it to create a bunch of sharing-friendly eats. There is a selection of small snacking dishes, bigger plates and trays to share, sides and desserts. Pair your beers with cold dishes like fresh oysters and the pickled octopus carpaccio. Or go for something hot, like the smoked goat spring rolls, asado beef ribs and barbecued leeks. Beers are all shipped in from South Australia, including Pirate Life's core range of brews, limited-edition releases and The Market Street Lager, which is only poured at the South Melbourne venue. Brewery bars know that they can't just serve beers though, so Pirate Life has tasked sommelier Foni Pollitt with creating a top-notch wine list. Punters can expect a mostly organic and sustainable lineup of wines from Australia and across Europe. The wines are clearly far more than a mere afterthought and worth perusing as much as the extensive beer options. South Australian-based architecture and design firm Studio Gram has done up the space without removing its industrial charm. It's not trying to look too flashy, featuring plenty of exposed brickwork, polished concrete, plants, murals and roaming exhibitions. Find Pirate Life South Melbourne at 139–145 Market Street, open from 11am–10pm Monday–Thursday and 11am–late on Friday and Saturday. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Usually, heading to Bondi Beach means keeping your kit on. Visitors can expect to see swimwear as far as the eye can see, but no stark-naked bodies. The morning of Saturday, November 26 wasn't a usual morning at the famous Sydney spot, however, with more than 2500 folks baring all — for art, and for an excellent cause. Back in October, acclaimed New York artist and photographer Spencer Tunick announced that he'd be staging another of his mass nude shoots in Australia, this time heading to a Harbour City beach. That destination: Bondi, which has welcomed everything from a Stranger Things rift to a WorldPride rainbow already this year, and now went naked ever so fleetingly. Kicking off before sunrise and snapping to capture the early-morning light, the art installation marked the first and only time that Bondi has become a nude beach. That said, getting starkers was only permitted for the shoot. Dubbed Strip Off for Skin Cancer, Tunick's latest work was timed to coincide with National Skin Cancer Action Week, which started on Monday, November 21 and runs till Sunday, November 27. More than making history, raising awareness about — and funds for — fighting the disease was the main aim. "Skin unites us and protects us. It's an honour to be a part of an art mission to raise awareness of the importance of skin checks. I use the amazing array of body types and skin tones to create my work, so it feels perfectly appropriate to take part in this effort in that my medium is the nude human form," said Tunick back in October, when the installation was announced. "It is only fitting that I use my platform to urge people to get regular check-ups to prevent skin cancer. I have not had a skin check in ten years, so I am one of the many who have wrongly ignored getting them regularly. One can say I am traveling all the way to Australia to get one!", Tunick continued at the time. For more than two decades, Tunick has been staging mass nude photographs in Australia. In fact, it's been 21 years since the country's first taste of the internationally famed talent's work, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a snap near Federation Square in Melbourne as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Tunick then photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, headed back to Victoria in 2018 shoot over 800 Melburnians in the rooftop carpark of a Prahran Woolworths, and went to the Whitsundays with almost 100 Aussies in 2019. Elsewhere, he's photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. The list goes on. Wondering why Tunick amassed at least 2500 volunteers this time? That exact number of participants reflects the 2500-plus Aussies who pass away each year due to skin cancer. "With Australia recording the highest number of deadly skin cancers in the world every year, it made sense to host this monumental public awareness campaign in a city that has so many people at risk," said Scott Maggs, CEO and founder of Skin Check Champions. "Beach life is synonymous with Australian culture, but it's also where a lot of skin cancers can start... We need to send a clear message that skin cancer is real, and it can be stopped in its tracks if more people get their skin checked." Strip Off for Skin Cancer took place on Saturday, November 26 at Bondi Beach. Head to the installation's website for further information. Images: Drew Lambert.
Sometimes life challenges your worldview. Normally, if I saw someone eating McDonald's while in line for ramen, I'd be inclined to think this person has no respect for the edible artform they are about to indulge in — save some room you maniac. But in the case of Mensho Tokyo, whose two-hour-plus line snakes all the way down Russell Street, wrapping around Bourke Street and past Bourke Street McDonald's, such an act of blasphemy makes sense. Hell, it's kind of genius. Mensho Tokyo is the new kid on the Melbourne ramen block, and as far as debuts go it's made quite the splash. Two-hour lines are not hyperbole, they're par for the course if you want to nab one of the 28 seats available inside. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mensho Melbourne (@menshotokyo.au) Still, people are happy to wait to get their hands on a bowl from the renowned ramen chain. Mensho opened its first store in Tokyo in 2005, and has since gone on to open 15 more locations spanning the US, Thailand, and India — with Melbourne being its first venture in Australia. Once inside, expect to be greeted with the warming collective greeting of "Irasshaimase!" — synonymous with any ramen joint worth its miso. Every seat in the house is a front-row ticket to an exclusive ramen-making masterclass as the kitchen is completely visible to all patrons — unless you happen to be assigned a seat upstairs. Seating is luck of the draw, and while the handful of tables upstairs aren't bad, the atmosphere is not on par with downstairs. If you're willing to wait longer for a spot downstairs, staff are willing to accommodate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mensho Melbourne (@menshotokyo.au) SO WHAT'S ON THE MENU? The menu features six types of ramen, including the elusive and premium wagyu ramen (limited to 20 bowls per day), the powerful GKO (garlic knockout ramen) which features three types of fried garlic, and, finally, the aesthetically stunning matcha ramen. The menu also features an assortment of classic ramen sides (the karaage chicken and spicy corn 'wings' are to die for). It was hard to choose — it all sounded enticing. But in the end I went with the signature bowl: the toripaitan ramen. It's a creamy chicken broth that's let to simmer for six hours before another 24 hours in the fridge to develop depth of flavour. This is then topped with duck char siu and served with fresh noodles that are made right upstairs. THE VERDICT Overall it was a nice experience. But is a Michelin star on the resume really worth the cold and tedium of spending two hours shuffling outside a city block on a mid-winter Melbourne night? The short answer is no. Look, it's good ramen. But it's not dunking over the heads of what's already on offer in Melbourne. Then again, it's not exactly easy to open a new location in a brand new market, build a new team, and have them open to the baptism of fire that is a ramen-hungry Melbourne public, willing to wait in rain and cold for hours ensuring an unrelenting onslaught of customers from door open to door close every night. It's an impressive feat, and one the team at Mensho Tokyo manages to achieve with a smile. I'm looking forward to coming back in a couple of months, once the lines (hopefully) die down, and the undeniable might that is the Mensho Tokyo machine is well and truly oiled. Mensho Tokyo Ramen Melbourne is open Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm–10pm Images: David Allegretti
Following the success of Don's, a laidback, not-so-serious wine bar in Prahran, with fun gimmicks — such as a rotating 'pasta on a spoon' special and a chicken sandwich that attracts people from near and far — Alex Gavioli and his team set their sights Northside, opening their next venture, Cordelia. Housed in a corner building on Rathdowne Street, Cordelia's focus is on sustainable seafood, with wines to match. Gavioli's wife, Sarah Freudendal, is responsible for the sleek, Scandi-inspired space, which carries the same easygoing and unpretentious vibes that have made Don's such a popular hang-out spot. The kitchen team worked closely with GoodFish, an organisation that helps restaurants source sustainable seafood, to develop more eco-friendly menu items. Notable restaurants that work with GoodFish include the likes of Attica, Cumulus Inc., Farmer's Daughters and Hazel. The menu includes fresh fishy bites such as Merimbula Sydney Rock Oysters with blackened lime vinegar, octopus and merguez skewers with espellette and saffron aioli, and marinated sardines with soured cucumber. The dishes are built around whichever fish is fresh, in season, and, where possible, feature lesser-known species. Gold Band Snapper is served with fermented lemon verbena honey, Rainbow Trout is cooked over coal and dressed with capers and chives, and John Dory may be pan-seared with mussels. However, Cordelia isn't siloed into a seafood-only corner; there's also pasta, perhaps a casarecce alla Nerano, Falco milk buns with kombu agro dolce, and other considered protein dishes such as a charcoal half chicken with kasundi and Desert Lime. Hot tip: the fish burger, served Wednesday to Friday for lunch, rivals Don's chicken version in crisp and tasty levels. Images: Supplied.
Wake up, Melbourne. To celebrate the launch of its new Sparkling Raspberry Peach flavour, energy drink brand CELSIUS is teaming up with 7-Eleven for Australia's first-ever convenience store rave. From 9am to 1pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, CELSIUS Session is taking over 7-Eleven's Brunswick store (located on the corner of Sydney and Brunswick Road). You can expect a high-energy DJ lineup including Ben Silver, YA GIRL PARTY B, Brown Suga Princess, and a performance from Australian DJ, CYRIL (who has garnered over 900 million streams in the past year). The one-morning rave combines slushie machines and sound systems to give you a kickstart to the day. CELSIUS Sparkling Raspberry Peach is also taking centre stage, of course. The new drop (which you can try on the day) is refreshing, delicious and designed to keep Aussies moving, making it the drink for summer adventures—like a morning rave. Intrigued? Tickets are just $7.11 per person. So, if you're keen to start your Saturday dancing with your mates, this is one to lock into your summer calendar now. Grab tickets from 3pm on Monday, 12 January here. Image credit: Getty Images
Pipi's Kiosk is a hidden gem along Melbourne's generally underutilised foreshore. The picturesque restaurant, which sits unassumingly on the Albert Park waterfront adjacent to Kerferd Road Pier, is changing the way Melburnians perceive seaside dining — for the better. Self-described as a contemporary Australian Kiosk, this refined beachside diner is the work of Jordan Clay and Tom Hunter, both of whom have decades of experience in hospitality. Tom was an integral part of the original management team at Coda, which he ran for eight years, before venturing out on his own with Ôter. More recently, he was engaged as a project manager to establish Bistro Omnia, while also dedicating time to his Master of Wine studies. Jordan worked under Mark Best at Pei Modern as Sous Chef, at Ôter as Executive Chef, and as Head Chef for Andrew McConnell at Cumulus Up. Impressively, he was awarded Chef's Hats at each establishment. Jordan and Tom have distilled their years of experience and knowledge into creating the beautiful Pipi's Kiosk, named for the pipi shells that crunch beneath your feet as you walk along the white sand below. For them, it's a dining space "that looks to encapsulate the Melbourne Bistro…while sitting at the bay…A place to rest, reflect and watch the boats go by." While not strictly a seafood restaurant, given the uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea and the smell of salty ocean wafting by, it's no surprise that seafood features strongly on the menu. Snack on the likes of Sydney Rock Oysters with rhubarb mignonette, grilled calamari skewers with ink sauce, salted cod croquettes and seaweed sourdough. Pending what's seasonably available, you might try snapper crudo with Tokyo turnips, octopus with romesco sauce or John Dory, pan-seared and served with grilled sprouts and champagne cream sauce. Sip on a Pipi's Spritz, with St Felix Bitter Citrus, rhubarb, salted coconut and pét-nat, and you might forget you're not actually on vacation. Images: Supplied.
A new year always brings new reasons to eat out, and Melbourne's restaurants are answering the call with a stack of limited-time deals worth getting around. This month's specials board runs from sharp midweek bargains to celebratory Lunar New Year feasts, with menus designed to reward repeat visits and last-minute detours alike. Here's what's on offer in Melbourne right now — get in while it's good. Recommended reads: Coming Soon: Here's a Sneak Peek at the Hot Spots Slated to Open in 2026 $20 Summer Series at Ophelia Ophelia, Westgarth's breezy all-day diner, has rolled out a lineup of weeknight specials, all priced at $20. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for a rotating pasta special, Wednesdays bring a half roast chook with changing seasonal sides, and Fridays finish things off with a generous half-kilo serve of mussels in a hearty arrabiatta and white bean broth, served with toasted house focaccia. While the $20 deals are here to stay, the menu will evolve with the seasons, so keep an eye out for what's next. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HER Melbourne (@her_melbourne) $25 steak frites Tuesdays at HER Bar While there's never a shortage of reasons to slip into vibey Londsdale Street spot HER Bar, this month brings an extra incentive. Usually reserved for after dark, the venue's popular Tuesday steak frites special is now available all day. That means lunch or dinner plates of O'Connor beef sirloin with golden shoestring fries, cos salad and your choice of pepper or béarnaise sauce, all for $25. While walk-ins are available, bookings are recommended — find out more here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HER Melbourne (@her_melbourne) $20 charcoal chicken Wednesdays at BKK HER Bar's steak frites isn't the only hot deal in the multi-venue destination. Upstairs, buzzy Thai canteen BKK is firing up its custom-built five-metre Zesti charcoal grill for a Wednesday night chicken special. For $20, you can score a gai yang-inspired half chicken brined in lemongrass, galangal and coriander, served with salad, house sweet chilli sauce and your choice of jasmine rice or Thai-spiced fries. Find out more and book your spot here. Pidapipo x Morning Market Pop Sticks Two much-loved Melbourne brands have teamed up for a delicious new collaboration. Gelato gurus Pidapipo and Euro-style corner store Morning Market have unveiled a trio of Pop Sticks — a luxe, handmade take on the classic Paddle Pop. Flavours include the Almond Classic, the dark chocolate-coated Boysenberry Swirl and the Honeycomb Crunch, featuring vanilla bean gelato encased in milk chocolate and honeycomb. The range is now permanently available at all Pidapipo stores and Morning Market Fitzroy. A month-long Margarita Happy Hour at Curious Curious, W Melbourne's eye-catching underground cocktail bar, is celebrating World Margarita Month this February in an all-too-appropriate way: with a month-long happy hour. Slip in between 5–6pm for a Teremana tequila-based classic or spicy marg for $18, with limited-run paired tacos available to add on. The deal is available Tuesday through Saturday until February 28. Book your table here. [caption id="attachment_898772" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean McDonald[/caption] $35 lunch specials at Beverly High-rise Chapel Street hotspot Beverly has launched Weekday Wonders, a tight rotation of lunch specials priced at $35 each. Head up to the sun-washed 24th-floor space for a hearty midweek meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and local suppliers, from fresh salads and handmade pastas to hefty burgers. Curated by Head Chef David Ball, the menu changes fortnightly, an easy excuse for repeat visits. Find out more and book your spot here. Filthy martinis and original-recipe Cheds at 98 Lygon Arnott's caused a stir earlier this year when it confirmed a recipe change to its much-loved Cheds — but Carlton bistro 98 Lygon managed to secure a stash of boxes made with the original formula. They're now being served as a limited-edition snack pairing with the venue's filthy martinis, with the briny, ice-cold serving as an excellent foil for the pecorino crackers topped with ricotta and cod roe. Don't delay if you're keen for a last hurrah with the cheesy cracker — once they're gone, they're gone for good. $35 steak frites lunch special at Studio Amaro Steak frites has officially joined the weekday lunch lineup at Studio Amaro. Available Monday to Friday at the cavernous Chapel Street venue, the $35 plate features MB2 flank steak served with crisp fries, rosemary salt and your choice of parsley and anchovy butter or an amaro and pink peppercorn jus. [caption id="attachment_1068246" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Lunar New Year at Spice Temple Spice Temple is ringing in the Year of the Horse with a generous family-style Lunar New Year banquet. Priced at $159 per person, the multi-course menu features celebratory dishes like greenlip abalone with Black Oscietra caviar, smoky Shanghainese longevity noodles with charcoal-grilled prawns, a 40-day dry-aged Rangers Valley scotch fillet with Kampot pepper and curry leaves, and a Chinese date-studded crème caramel to finish. The menu is available at the Southbank restaurant from February 9 to March 3.
Alpha Ouzeri is a family-run, warm and lively venue that embodies the true spirit of an ouzeri — a Greek establishment that specialises in serving ouzo, Greece's distinctive and much-loved anise-flavoured spirit, alongside meze. The restaurant, a mezeklikia venue — with small snacks and meze plates — has made a triumphant return to Victoria Street, Brunswick. Alpha Ouzeri carries on the decades-old tradition of serving sharing plates as accompaniment to ouzo and other drinks (to help absorb the alcohol), which started back with the Greek blues bars, or Rembetiko clubs, back in the 1920s. Owners Harry and Rosie Tsuikardanis first opened Alpha Ouzeri in 2008, when it was located on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, where it operated until 2016. Harry Tsiukardanis brings over 30 years of experience as a head chef to Alpha Ouzeri, having worked at many renowned restaurants such as Cafe Di Stasio, Epocha, Babajan and Philhellene, which he co-owned with his family. The home-style food is influenced by the flavours and techniques of Northern Greece, and pays homage to Harry's hometown of Kastoria. The extensive menu includes the usual suspects of dips, saganaki, grilled haloumi, Greek salad, lamb shoulder and fried calamari. However, it also includes less expected dishes such as Harry's signature triple-cooked pork belly with peppered Iranian figs, dates stuffed with labneh and served with cured beef, grilled spiced sausage with harissa, feta and caramelised onions, and ouzo-cured salmon with pickled rhubarb. The range of menu specials means you can keep coming back to the restaurant over and over again and try something new each time. You might sample baked goat with labneh and broad beans, a Greek seafood paella, potato and feta croquettes with muhammara, swordfish with beetroot salad, or a spinach and rice Greek risotto. While Harry is known for his syrupy loukomades, the dessert menu also includes a yoghurt tart with poached pear or an orange cake with curd for those looking for something less sweet. What sets Alpha Ouzeri apart is its admirable focus on inclusivity and accessibility. The concept behind the menu is to offer affordable sharing plates to cater for all budgets. You could pop in for a quick ouzo and snack, or settle in and go for the hearty set menu. The venue itself is also accessible, featuring an entrance ramp and other inclusive amenities. The welcoming atmosphere, flowing ouzo and generous food make Alpha Ouzeri a spirited yet easy-going location to celebrate with family or friends. The enclosed courtyard has a capacity of up to 50 people for functions and special events. Images: supplied.
Jim's Greek is home to authentic, traditional, fresh and downright delicious Greek cuisine. Opened by husband and wife team, Leonidas and Aphrodite Panagopolous, way back in 1980, it has been delighting residents of Melbourne (which has the largest Greek diaspora in Australia and one of the largest in the world) for decades. From the whitewashed walls and unpretentious wooden tables to the smorgasbords of meat and seafood, this endearingly rowdy restaurant is the way to go for no-frills, good food eating. You won't find menus here, but don't worry — its Australian-Greek waiters will run you through the options, which include homemade dips, saganaki and all the protein you can think of. The night we swung by, we were treated to traditional bread with a side of dips, halibut fillets with prawns, as well as saganaki, salad and calamari. BYO is welcome, and corkage is free. Otherwise, there's a great range of beers to choose from. There's little more to say other than we highly recommend you give Jim's Greek Tavern a visit next time you have a hankering for great Greek eats. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
During one of Jason M Jones' trips to Paris, he discovered three rules of Parisian dining worth following. Keep it simple. Serve it till late. Never shirk on the fries. And so was born Entrecôte. Jones' famed restaurant is modelled closely on the Parisian restaurant L'Entrecôte. It was originally located on Domain Road in South Yarra, but moved to new digs in Prahran in 2021. Since then, it has reestablished itself as one of Melbourne's most beloved glitzy diners primed for long, late nights filled with champagne and caviar. This year, the French brasserie achieves a tremendous trifecta: celebrating ten years on the plate, the release of a tell-all book, and the 50th birthday of its founder. Jones says, "At ten years in, it felt like the right moment to pause and reflect. After ten amazing, chaotic, joy-filled years of Entrecôte, and turning fifty myself, it finally felt like time to tell the Entrecôte story." Entrecôte-Depuis 2015 is part memoir, part recipe book, part portrait of a decade spent at the heart of Melbourne hospitality. It's a richly layered story that captures the essence of the restaurant, from champagne mornings to countless servings of steak frites to caviar bumps and fluffy soufflés. Speaking of steak frites, the signature dish remains popular as ever, never having lost any of its lustre. Steak and fries, with a side of salad in vinaigrette with walnuts, is finished with the Secret Herb Butter Sauce, giving the dish its instantly recognisable velvety green look. The famous sauce will not remain a secret for much longer. The celebratory book will reveal the closely guarded secrets behind Entrecôte's elusive herb butter sauce for the first time. That's reason in and of itself to get your hands on a copy fast. Crowd favourites like escargot, beef tartare with egg yolk and mustard leaf, and chicken liver parfait continue to hold their place on the menu. And if you're not going for the steak frites, it's likely that's because you're drooling over the Entrecôte Cheeseburger Royale with truffled brie and frites. A place for special occasions or bougie nights out that give the credit card a workout, Entrecôte offers many special dishes and drinks that'll make you feel fancy and fun. Go for caviar bumps with a One Sip Vodka Martini, or a glass of NW Taittinger Cuvée Prestige, or go all-in with the caviar service featuring pommes Anna, crème fraiche, capers, shallots, egg, and chives. There's a gourmet seafood platter, oysters served with champagne mignonette, and an array of creative cocktails, including the Elderflower Gimlet and the Parisienne Paloma. Reflecting on the ten-year anniversary and his new book, Jones says, "It's not quite a cookbook, and it's certainly not a novel. I imagine this as the kind of book where you really do scan the music playlists QR code I have curated on each seasonal menu, settle into your favourite chair with a cuppa tea or a good G&T and step into my world. It's a world I haven't spoken about before as the biggest introverted extrovert in the world, shaped by 39 years in hospitality and 50 years on this great big ball called earth. I wouldn't recommend reading it in bed though — it's rather heavy, and nodding off mid-chapter could be mildly to seriously dangerous…!" Images: Supplied.
Gracie's idyllic courtyard is one of the more picturesque drinking spots in Melbourne, but the interiors of the Edwardian building it sits in, with its timber bar and hand-painted cartoon flowers, are equally charming. Twenty-five-year-old Gracie's founder Kelsie Gaffey, who went viral on TikTok after documenting the process leading up to the opening of her South Yarra bar, named it after her beloved nana, and it shows in the care and detail. The food at Gracie's leans towards the snacky end. Avail yourself of some freshly shucked oysters or order the fresh house-baked focaccia that comes with stracciatella, bresaola and hot honey to soak up all that alcohol. Gracie's snack plate has a bit of everything — cured meats, cheese, seasonal pickles, lavosh and patatas fritas — while the meatball sub is perhaps the one thing on the menu designed not to share. Gracie's beverages feature mostly Australian wines, tap beers and a selection of cocktails, including a house spritz and a limoncello spritz. If you're after a more intimate soiree, Gracie's has a private dining room that can host up to 30 people. It's easy to forget you're on Toorak Road in an inner-city suburb once you're inside Gracie's. Images: Jordan Price.
Nobody's Baby made its quiet yet confident arrival on Toorak Road in South Yarra back in April 2025. The dimly lit, alluring venue from Tim Badura (who came across from Young Hearts) and Gustavo Prince (of Pizza Meine Leibe and Joe's Shoe Store) is a neighbourhood favourite that feels both sophisticated, with complex cocktails, and laidback, with easy-listening vinyls spinning in the background. Nobody's Baby is part of a pioneering group of venues trialling a residency-type program in which rotating chefs take over the kitchen for a period of time (such as the innovative Residence at the Potter). Badura says this model "keeps things fresh, gives our guests new flavours to explore and lets us collaborate with restaurants we really admire." First up in the kitchen were the crew from Very Good Falafel, who brought Middle Eastern-influenced snacks and plates all the way from Brunswick. There were sumac-cured sardines, Hawaij-spiced chicken and olive skewers from the hibachi and pita pockets stuffed with lamb meatballs, grilled onions, sundried tomatoes, and pickled mango condiment. Of course, they also showcased their eponymous very good falafel balls with pickles, tahini and zhough. Up next were the easygoing and flavour-focused pair from Rocco's Bologna Discoteca, Zoe and Emilio. When the Fitzroy fave took up their residence at Nobody's Baby, Southsiders were thrilled that they could finally get their hands on the crowd-pleasing, stomach-filling, juicy meatball sub on the south side of the river. Their snacky menu lent itself to a footloose and fancy-free night of drinks and nibbles. Think whipped goat's curd with agrodolce, roasted bullhorn peppers with hazelnut vinaigrette, marinated anchovies with nduja mayo, and beef tartare with tonnato sauce, all mopped up nicely with pillowy focaccia. As with previous residencies, Nobody's Baby stayed only three short months. In that time, diners enjoyed playful cocktails designed to complement the Italian fare. There was the Baby Misu — tiramisu in drinkable form — and the Emerald Green, a blend of basil, honey, Montenegro and gin. Now, Nobody's Baby has welcomed their next guest chef to the kitchen. From Friday, January 23, Chef Aitor Jeronimo Olive brings Basque Txoko (pronounced "chock-o") to the South Yarra bustling bar. Growing up between Southern Europe and Melbourne, Aitor has developed an avant-garde approach to cooking that he has taken to all corners of the globe, including opening Singapore's first Basque-inspired restaurant. Now, Melburnians are in for a taste of Aitor's authentic, Basque Country cooking. Badura and Prince say, "We're so excited to have Aitor at Nobody's Baby for the next three months. A number of cuisines and pop-ups have rotated through our kitchen – from Italian, to Middle Eastern, to the Basque Country –, and no matter the style of food, we love being a vessel for anyone to showcase their cuisine, and our hospitality remains the same – warm, welcoming, and ensuring every guest leaves feeling like they've made a friend in us. The convivial nature of Aitor's rustic Basque cuisine fits so perfectly with what Nobody's Baby is about, and we're stoked to be his first home in Australia." While working your way through Badura's Basque-inspired drinks list, snack on gildas and oysters with pickled Basque chillis, rye bread with smoked whipped butter, and pickled white anchovies with garlic and olives. More substantial plates include charcoal-grilled eye fillet with veal jus and a fish of the day with salsa verde and clams, served alongside Basque favourite confit piquillo peppers and papas fritas. Finish on a sweet note with Frank Camorra's creme caramel, or a classic burnt basque cheesecake. Aitor says, "After a career of cooking all over the world, I'm so looking forward to settling back into Melbourne, and sharing the food from the other country I call home. Nobody's Baby feels like a natural fit for Basque Txoko, which literally translates as "nook" or "cozy corner" in the Basque language, but more generally in the Basque region, it's a space where food, friendship and tradition converge. Tim and Gustavo have been so generous with their space whilst I look for a permanent home for my next restaurant in Melbourne, and I couldn't think of a more perfect place for the pop-up." Images: Basque Txoko images, Mads Rehorek.
Bringing plenty of heat to your Thursday night, Pidapipó Laboratorio Fitzroy is hosting a special event in partnership with skincare brand Kiehl's. Serving up free gelato, a stacked DJ lineup and loads of giveaways, this complimentary experience is sure to make for an epic mid-week night on the town. Free to attend with an RSVP, the culinary wizards at Pidapipó have whipped up a brand-new custom flavour just for the occasion. Playing on the newly released Kiehl's Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream, this tailor-made treat offers an inspired combo of olive oil gelato topped with an oat crumble. The music lineup is just as impressive, with four DJs spinning tunes throughout the night. Running from 5.30–10pm on Thursday, February 12, Darcy Moore kicks things off before Darcy OB delivers a booming set filled with disco accents and global club sounds. Then it's over to crowd-pleasing trio not without friends and local legends Wax'o Paradiso to see the night out with banger after banger. Your average gelato store encounter? Far from it. But who can say no to free ice cream paired with skincare samples and non-stop dancing?
Need some perspective? Grab your hiking boots. There's no better way to get yourself out of your head (and your altitude) than a good old mountain climb. Australia's ranges might not have the height and ruggedness of the Himalayas, but they do have snow gums, wildflowers, seemingly infinite space and wallabies. Autumn is a great season for conquering a peak or two. Depending on where you live, you can knock them out on a day trip, conquer one on a weekend away or plan a whole holiday around a climb. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. [caption id="attachment_750964" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO, NSW Start at the top. Mighty Mount Kosciuszko is the highest peak in Australia. You'll find its towering 2228 metres in the Kosciuszko National Park, around 500 kilometres southwest of Sydney. The most popular route follows the Old Summit Road for 18 kilometres, beginning at Charlotte's Pass. For a longer adventure, take the Main Range Walk, a 22-kilometre loop that takes in several impossibly blue glacial lakes. Either way, you'll find yourself surrounded by spectacular wilderness — and you'll end your journey looking down on Australia. [caption id="attachment_688566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor King/Destination NSW[/caption] MOUNT GOWER ON LORD HOWE ISLAND, NSW Perched 875 metres above the Tasman Sea on Lord Howe Island, the Mount Gower summit walk isn't just a mountain climb — it's a serious adrenalin rush. You'll need a guide in order to tackle this 14-kilometre trail through the island's most inaccessible — and most beautiful — terrain, where you can expect to meet endangered creatures and unusual plants. The peak is covered in a seemingly enchanted forest, filled with mosses and ferns, soundtracked by the sounds of waves crashing nearly a kilometre below. Lord Howe Island is just under two hours' flight east of Sydney and is one of Australia's best islands for a holiday. [caption id="attachment_690974" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill/Tourism Tasmania[/caption] CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TASMANIA From a distance, Cradle Mountain, which is perched on the shores of Dove Lake, looks like a challenge fit for Frodo Baggins. And it pretty much is. The 13-kilometre circuit includes quite a bit of rock scrambling and boulder hopping among ancient rainforest, rushing streams and wild creatures. Get to the summit and your efforts will be well rewarded with absolutely magical vistas of Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Finish off your holiday with a food-centric road trip or continue hiking along the iconic Overland Track, a 65-kilometre, six-day adventure. [caption id="attachment_690956" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Rains/Tourism WA[/caption] BURRINGURRAH (MOUNT AUGUSTUS), WESTERN AUSTRALIA Burringurrah (also known as Mount Augustus) isn't just a mountain, but an island too. Like Uluru, it's an inselberg — that is, an island mountain, a single rock formation that rises dramatically from surrounding plains. But you can climb it. The tough 12-kilometre return trail spends most of its time among native shrubs and flowers, including wattle, cassias and figworts, and the views are panoramic. As the day passes, you'll notice the changing light bringing various colours out of the landscape. If this walk sounds too difficult, there are plenty of shorter trails to choose from. However, you can only climb during the day, as the Wajarri community — Burringurrah's traditional custodians — request that no one climb the inselberg after dark. [caption id="attachment_690946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World Expeditions/Tourism Australia[/caption] MOUNT SONDER, NORTHERN TERRITORY There are two ways to master Mount Sonder: as the finale of the 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail, or as a day trip. Its rich red peak, at 1380 metres, is the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges and the fourth highest mountain in the Northern Territory. The trail is a steady climb, leading eventually to high slopes dotted with round-leafed mallee and native pines. Keep your eyes down for grey-headed honeyeaters and desert mice and up for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons. [caption id="attachment_724172" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn courtesy of Visit Victoria[/caption] MOUNT DUWUL (WILLIAM), VICTORIA Another peak that's good for newbie mountain goats is Mount Duwul, also called Mount William. At 1167 metres, it's the highest peak in the Grampians, which lie around 270 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. You can drive much of the way to the base, so the walk is just 45 minutes. For minimum effort, the rewards are major: the summit affords mind blowing views of the Grampians' many plateaus, rocks formations and swathes of wilderness. [caption id="attachment_690954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rawnsley Park Station/South Australia Tourism Commission[/caption] RAWNSLEY BLUFF, SOUTH AUSTRALIA There are numerous peaks to conquer in the Flinders Ranges, a mountain range 200 kilometres north of Adelaide. St Mary's Peak is the highest, but since the Adnyamathanha People have requested that walkers keep away from the summit, considerate hikers have been pursuing other possibilities. One of these is Rawnsley Bluff. The 11-kilometre return trail immerses you in a spectacular arid landscape, dotted with wildflowers, roos and emus. At the top, prepare for breathtaking panoramas of Wilpena Pound (Ikara), the Elder Range and the Flinders Ranges. [caption id="attachment_614775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tamyka Bell/Flickr[/caption] MOUNT BOGONG, VICTORIA Mount Bogong, at 1986 metres high, is the highest mountain in Victoria. It's in the Alpine National Park, around four hours' drive northeast of Melbourne. The one of the more challenging routes is the Staircase Spur: a steep, 16-kilometre climb to the summit. You'll pass through a forest of peppermint gums before reaching Bivouac Hut, which marks the halfway point. Beyond, snow gums line the way, opening onto a rocky ridge and then Bogong's summit: an open plateau that affords 360-degree views of the High Country. If you're looking for a cosy campsite, head to Cleve Cole Hut. [caption id="attachment_690972" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gray/Wikimedia Commons[/caption] DIDTHUL (PIGEON HOUSE MOUNTAIN), NSW If you're keen to climb, but don't have the skills and fitness of a pro mountaineer, make tracks to Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain), which lies around four hours south of Sydney in the Budawang National Park. Unlike many of the other peaks on this list, it's a relatively easy trail. The five-kilometre return walk is clearly marked and ends in awe-inspiring views of wilderness plus coast: on a good day, you'll see as far north as Jervis Bay and as far south as Bermagui. [caption id="attachment_690952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] MOUNT BARNEY, QUEENSLAND Twenty-four million years ago, the Focal Peak Shield Volcano erupted leaving behind a collection of craggy peaks, including Mount Barney, which, at 1359 metres, is the second highest mountain in South East Queensland. You'll find it within the Scenic Rim, a land of ancient rainforest, rugged scenery and little villages in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Fair warning: the trail is challenging and tricky to navigate at times, so you'll want some bush walking experience under your belt. Should you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with uninterrupted views of nearby volcanic peaks Mount Maroon, Mount Ernest and Mount Lindesay. Top image: Cradle Mountain by Jason Charles Hill/Tourism Tasmania.
Remember UNO — it's lotsa fun, it's number one? Well, this hugely popular card game that never seems to go out of vogue is levelling things up with a playful activation that's touring pubs across the country. Presented in collaboration with hospo giants Australian Venue Co., the UNO Social Club's next stop is St Kilda's waterfront institution, Hotel Esplanade. Fresh from a Las Vegas residency and activations across the UK, the UNO Social Club recently kicked off in Australia at Riverland in Brisbane. Making its way south for the first time, The Espy is hosting this UNO-themed extravaganza from Monday, February 2–Monday, March 2, featuring special gameplay nights, themed cocktails, free UNO decks and heaps more. "UNO Social Clubs have been thriving across the United States, from the Las Vegas launch to pop- ups in New York, Chicago and UK — we have seen how strongly people connect with the UNO experience and are thrilled bring it to a cultural Melbourne landmark like The Espy," says Paul Faulkner, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Mattel Asia Pacific. Keen to pull the UNO reverse of the century? This month-long experience brings more than a little friendly competition to your sun-drenched summer sessions. Just make sure you and your mates agree on the rules before you start slamming down Draw Four and Wild cards.
Sometimes, you just want to stretch those legs and grab some fresh air without having to road-trip to your starting destination. Luckily, Melbourne is brimming with scenic walking trails tucked away just a few kilometres from the dense urban hustle and bustle of the CBD. Expect picturesque routes that'll actually make clocking up those daily steps an enjoyable pursuit. Whether you fancy a stroll by the water, or you're keen to explore some leafy parkland, you don't have to trek too far at all to find yourself some wide-open walking track just waiting to be trodden. Lace up those kicks and smash out a few brisk inner-city kilometres on one of these great walks around metro Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Walks Near Melbourne The Best Bike Rides in and Around Melbourne The Best One-Day Hikes in Victoria The Best Multi-Day Hikes in Victoria Royal Park, Parkville At over 180 hectares, Royal Park is the biggest park in the City of Melbourne, offering a giant expanse of green to offset the busyness of nearby Royal Parade and Flemington Road. You can loop the eastern half in around 90 minutes, or bump up that step count by adding a spin around adjoining Princes Park or Melbourne Zoo. Or, take advantage of the winding trails that weave through the park's interior, traversing bushland, lakes, sporting grounds, grasslands and plenty of wide open spaces. Keep an eye out for the Australian Native Garden, the Burke and Wills memorial, and lots of native flora and fauna along the way. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail (Williamstown to Altona Pier) For a bayside jaunt that remains pretty flat the whole way through, venture west and jump aboard the section of the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail linking Altona Pier to Williamstown. It's a low-impact trek boasting sparkling water views along much of its length, with natural wetlands shaking up the scenery as it curves through parts of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, and Altona Coastal Park. Keep an eye out, too, for some of the trail's famed outdoor artworks, including Pauline Fraser's Seaborn — a collection of bronze and steel structures standing guard over Altona Pier. The best part? No matter which end you finish at, you can reward yourself with a post-walk dip — weather permitting, of course. [caption id="attachment_825150" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Philip Mallis via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Darebin Parklands Trick your brain into thinking you're miles away from the big smoke by embarking on a nature-filled trek through the Darebin Parklands. Nestled in amongst the residential streets of Alphington, this bushland park serves up 33 hectares of tranquil public green space, providing a picturesque, leafy escape. A loop of the perimeter clocks in at around three kilometres, moving you amongst native vegetation and past the cheekily named Mount Puffalo — a hill built out of dirt from the Domain Tunnel. The park's brimming with wildlife, including 70 different bird species and the odd kangaroo. It's also got a large off-leash dog area if you find yourself with a four-legged walking buddy in tow. Bushrangers Trail, Mornington Peninsula If you're keen on a dose of striking coastline, wild bushland and secluded beach, the Bushrangers Bay Trail is sure to impress. Located on the lower tip of the Mornington Peninsula, this 2.6-kilometre jaunt kicks off from the historic Cape Schanck lighthouse, winding alongside basalt cliff tops and through wildlife-filled banksia groves. You're in for million-dollar ocean views from the top, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to soak it all up. A final steep descent then deposits you onto Bushrangers Bay beach, where there are lots of rugged rock pools to explore. The journey back up is a little less forgiving, though the scenery is definitely worth any muscle burn. It's clear to see why this is one of our favourite coastal walking paths around Melbourne, too. [caption id="attachment_801213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Port Melbourne to St Kilda Pier This inner-city coastal trail is one of Melbourne's most popular; free of hills, but always buzzy and offering ample opportunity for people-watching. Between the iconic St Kilda Pier and the western stretch of Port Melbourne, you'll cruise along an easy, flat foreshore track providing non-stop water views as the backdrop. There are some brilliant venues peppered all along the foreshore should you need to refuel with a coffee or snack, and if you time your walk after sunset, you might even catch a glimpse of St Kilda Pier's resident Little Penguins. For extra feel-good vibes, take a breather at the Port Melbourne dog beach and make some new four-legged mates. [caption id="attachment_794627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Maribyrnong River Trail Weaving through picturesque suburban parkland between Brimbank Park and Southbank, the Maribyrnong River Trail stretches 28 kilometres in full — which means options galore for anyone wanting to hit the pavement west of the CBD. As the name suggests, this one offers some top-notch river views as it meanders through a variety of bushland, grasslands and serene open reserves. It's mostly flat and very accessible, making it the ideal low-effort trek. Be sure to stop at the Lily Street Lookout for a great glimpse of the city skyline, and to pay a visit to the Living Museum of the West when you reach the leafy grounds of Pipemakers Park. Albert Park An easy three kilometres from the CBD, the spacious precinct of Albert Park is packed with flat walking trails, picnic areas, open spaces, drinking fountains and of course, that iconic namesake lake. All of that makes it a popular choice for local walkers and joggers, while the dog-friendly tracks mean there's always plenty of furry pals to be seen, too. The park's main loop trail circles the whole thing in just under five kilometres, with distance markers located at every 500 metres — if you're counting. As for the outlook, it's a scenic mix of grassy spaces, tree-lined lake and city skyline. [caption id="attachment_711646" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers for Visit Victoria[/caption] Capital City Trail One of Melbourne's best-known urban walking tracks, the Capital City Trail takes you on a 29-kilometre loop around the CBD and inner-northeast suburbs, linking to plenty of other popular routes along the way. For a tourist-style adventure, start at Federation Square and trek east along Birrarung Marr, before passing the iconic MCG. You'll cruise by the Yarra River through Burnley, curve north to swing past the historic Abbotsford Convent and then take a jaunt through suburbia across to Melbourne Zoo. The final leg of the trail heads south through Docklands and back along Southbank. It's a mostly flat and easy walk, plus there are scores of great coffee stops to be found along its length. And, if you want to get on the bike, it is also one of the best cycling trails in Melbourne for people of any skill level. [caption id="attachment_622411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] Merri Creek Travel For a relaxed trip through the best of inner-north suburbia, get your kicks on the well-trodden Merri Creek Trail. This one stretches 21 kilometres between Dights Falls and the Western Ring Road at Fawkner, with a variety of bush, creek and parkland sights to spy along the way. You'll walk past horse paddocks, scenic lookouts, tree-filled reserves and wide open spaces galore. There are stacks of rewarding pit stops to take note of during this walk. Pooches are also allowed to join in the fun, as long as they stay on-leash. If the weather's decent, pack a picnic — there are scores of leafy locations to throw down a rug and give those feet a rest. And if it's open, a stop-in at CERES Community Environmental Park is always a top idea, for chook sightings, plant purchases and a feed. Top Image: Merri Creek Trail by Brook James
Lunar New Year is famously a food-focused holiday. With celebrations traditionally stretching over about a two-week period, Lunar New Year dinner is one of the holiday's highlights. The dinner, which typically happens on the eve of Lunar New Year, is more accurately described as a feast — one where families gather, and the table teems with mouth-watering, home-cooked dishes. [caption id="attachment_987282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mullins[/caption] We love a celebration at home centred around good food, so, in partnership with Oriental Merchant, we sought out expert advice from chef Jason Chan on what essentials to stock our pantries with for Lunar New Year and beyond. Not only is Chan the owner of Rice Kid, a newly opened pan-Asian restaurant inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine, but he's also clocked up well over a decade as a chef in leading Chinese restaurants in Sydney. He snuck us into his pantry to show us exactly what he'll be cooking with come this Lunar New Year. Our best discovery? His go-to essentials aren't reserved exclusively for Lunar New Year — they're versatile ingredients that are just as invaluable for special celebrations as they are for midweek meals. [caption id="attachment_987274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mullins[/caption] Surprisingly, Chan reveals that despite going all out on premium ingredients for Lunar New Year, he'll season them during the cooking process with everyday pantry staples. "Lunar New Year is more about the family gathering. You'll splurge and have things you don't normally have everyday, I think that's what makes it special. For our Lunar New Year feast, we usually have e-fu noodles, mudcrab, pipis — we go all out." On Capturing the Essence of Asian Cuisine The flavours of Asian cuisine though, are achieved with familiar products like "soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing [wine]." "Asian — Chinese — flavours [are] bold. I wouldn't use the word heavy, but it's flavoursome. It's every bite that you take. There's sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami, you get the taste of all that." "I think that's what Asian cooking is all about, especially Chinese cooking, where there are so many different ingredients and so much variety [to choose between]. It's just packed with flavour." "In my pantry at the moment, I've got the Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce, the Lee Kum Kee Dark Soy Sauce, the Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce." [caption id="attachment_987275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mullins[/caption] He also showed us his stash of Hakubaku noodles and Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Chilli Oil. "It's about what you can do with the ingredients out of the pantry to create something amazing," explains Chan. Some staples are genuine must-haves for Chan. "You can't cook without soy sauce, that's what I say. I think every household should have [it]." Meanwhile, others he believes are slept on. "I think oyster sauce is amazing ... it gives more body and more depth [to dishes]." [caption id="attachment_987280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mullins[/caption] Ultimately though, it's not about a single ingredient. "It's more about how you incorporate everything together. I think every dish has a different element to it and every ingredient in our pantry, I think, works with a certain dish to enhance its flavour." On Making the Most of Pantry Essentials Chan says the special dishes of Lunar New Year can easily be translated into everyday dishes too." Let's say we did a lobster, for example, for Lunar New Year. How do you tone it down and still use all the pantry ingredients that you have? You choose a different protein. You might use fish, you might use prawns." The same applies to the e-fu Lunar New Year noodles he calls out. [caption id="attachment_987276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mullins[/caption] "[You could substitute] egg noodles — thin egg noodles, thick egg noodles. If you're [feeling] brave, you can use ramen noodles, soba noodles, udon noodles. It's how far you want to explore, but they're all good." Experience the flavours of Lunar New Year everyday with Oriental Merchant authentic Asian ingredients.
If you enjoy getaways of the pampering, wellness-oriented and soaking kind — you're in luck. Victoria is quickly becoming a hot spring haven, with future plans including a 900-kilometre trail of bathing spots dubbed The Great Bathing Trail to span along the Victorian coast. In the meantime, there are plenty of newly-opened and established favourites to explore. Regional Victoria boasts some of the best hot springs in the country, from geothermal pools overlooking stunning views to majestic spa precincts complete with restaurants. If you're looking to escape the city for some well-earned self-care, here are the natural hot springs and wellness destinations to put on your must-visit list. Recommended reads: The Best Spas in Melbourne The Best Heated Pools in Melbourne A Weekender's Guide to the Mornington Peninsula The Best Winter Day Trips From Melbourne
When you've been sipping on blue milk, how ready will you be to battle the Galactic Empire? Will tucking into green burgers and dessert space stations get you fuelled to rebel against oppression? There's only one way to find out the answers to these questions: by visiting the brand-new Star Wars Galactic Cafe, an Australian-first eatery that's now open at Melbourne Museum. After the Victorian venue became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego courtesy of the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — and the only place to check out life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact — the same site has welcomed another Aussie debut. As first announced back in May, never before has an official Star Wars cafe popped up Down Under. This one is only here for a limited season. Yes, blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. You can enjoy it chilled or as part of a slushie. And the source of that all-important hue? Butterfly pea flower powder. The cafe's full food and drink range features other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise — and while there's no green milk or fish eggs, green-hued burgs and a Death Star by chocolate sweet treat are ready to tempt your tastebuds. Fittingly, the bites and drinks have names like Canto Bight Burger, Naboo Garden Vermicelli, Outer Rim Chicken Katsu and Tatooine Sunset. Also on offer: a Chewie gingerbread cookie that adorably resembles its namesake. A range of kids meal packs are available, too, with monikers such as Endo Explorer (featuring chicken nuggets) and Padawan Power (with a hummus and salad sandwich). Open since Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is the result of Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. The decor matches the menu, with the pop-up delivering an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming by taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting. If this sounds like the kind of spot that'll be popular, that's because it already is — so bookings are encouraged, with walk-in availability limited. As for the Aussie-exclusive exhibition that goes with it and opened back in May, it's the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled and the biggest touring Lego showcase ever. The Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon: they're all featured in Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, which hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman. Find the Star Wars Galactic Cafe at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, operating from 10.30am–3.30pm daily for a limited season. Head to the museum's website for bookings and more details. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs until Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Images: Carmen Zammit, courtesy of Museums Victoria.
Located at the Southern Cross end of Little Bourke Street, Higher Ground is from the team behind quintessential Melbourne cafes Top Paddock and The Kettle Black — and boy is it a beauty. The huge, high-ceilinged 160-seat venue sits on the corner of Little Bourke and Spencer Streets in a former warehouse. The interior is impressive, to say the least; a palette of exposed brick and green marble is spread across a multi-level space, which includes a raised area, an open kitchen, and a large mezzanine that holds couches, tables and its own bar. The Higher Ground venue is serving up the superb cafe fare that its two siblings are known for, with the all-day menu including the likes of the avocado pretzel, always popular spanner crab Benedict, and a particularly good chilli scrambled eggs. The famous Top Paddock ricotta hotcake made the menu since the beginning and has reserved a spot on the call sheet ever since. With Higher Ground, the hospitality legends of the Darling Group have done it again and elevated Melbourne's cafe scene to — dare we say it — higher ground. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne for 2023
Bar Ampere is serving up back-alley Parisian bar vibes, in all the best ways. Head down Russel Place in Melbourne's CBD any night of the week to find this small but mighty late-night drinking and dining spot filled with those in the know. The whole space is incredibly unassuming, with smashed-out concrete walls and chain links lining the entrance. At first glance, it feels a little run down. But a polished and carefully curated late-night bar lies within. Grab a seat on the terrace, at one of the few indoor tables or right at the bar — and let the expert front of house staff take care of you for the night. These folks are ever-professional, yet casual and friendly at the same time. It's an effortlessly cool spot. The European centric food is ace — think cheesy raclettes, steak tartare, ham and cheese croquettes and chicken and pork meat balls. The obligatory cheese and charcuterie boards also make an appearance. And for heartier options, you've got classic burgers and sandos. But it's the drinks list that makes Bar Ampere stand out. The cocktail menu is vast, and we suggest you get one of the waiters to recommend your first drink. Tell them your tastes and they'll bring you one of their own creations. As you sip on cocktail number one — there ought to be many — read through the rest of the drinking options to choose your next poison. But you don't have to go down the cocktail route. Wines and a huge selection of whiskies, amaros and other spirits are also available to the late-night revellers staying right up until close at 3am. If you find yourself wandering the CBD streets in search of nightcap, consider swinging by Bar Ampere. [caption id="attachment_903477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Gone are the days of dull, bitter matcha lattes. In recent years, the game has shifted — access to premium matcha has skyrocketed, and matcha drinkers in Australia are more informed and discerning than ever. Now, you'll find dedicated matcha spots all over Melbourne serving up top-notch green tea sourced straight from Japan and, more recently, China. Whether you're a matcha purist or into its playful variations, there's a drink for you. Here are the city's best spots to get your caffeine fix without the crash. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naau.Cafe (@naau.coffee) Naau — CBD Hidden on the northeast end of the CBD, Naau has quietly developed a cult following for its innovative matcha lattes swirled with raspberry jam or spiked with Italian pistachios. The peanut cream-topped matcha is also a fan favourite. For a dairy-free option, try the refreshing sparkling yuzu matcha. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lunar by Hikari (@lunar_by_hikari) Hikari — CBD This Swanston Street cafe doesn't whisk matcha to order like some specialty spots, yet it still delivers that rich, smooth flavour you're after. Unsweetened by default, it's easy to customise with sugar or honey. Look out for their rotating specials like the Coconut Bloom — a layered drink of coconut water, jasmine tea and matcha cream. Nimbo — CBD If matcha's your thing, you'll love Nimbo, an all-day cafe and dessert bar created in collaboration with local brand Matcha Mate. Tea is sourced from Yame, a well-known Japanese growing region, and offered in countless variations. Find matcha lattes with ube cream, panna cotta-topped strawberry matcha and matcha milkshakes, plus matcha cookies and other sweet treats. Moment Coffee — CBD It's off the beaten path, but Moment Coffee is worth a special visit for their "China Matcha", a richer, stronger alternative to Japanese matcha (which you'll also find here). Best paired with soy milk, it offers robust tea flavour with just the right touch of sweetness. If you arrive early, you might also catch their matcha Basque cheesecake in the cabinet. Operator San — CBD Operator San is best known for its Japanese-inspired breakfast plates, but their matcha deserves the spotlight. Available in both standard and ceremonial grades, it's fresh and perfectly grassy, hand-whisked, and served with your choice of milk. For something different, try the layered matcha lattes topped with lavender or coconut and kinako (roasted soybean powder) cream. Can't get enough? You can even take home a canister. Osoi — Brunswick Long queues are a regular sight at Osoi, but loyalists agree it's worth the wait. Matcha is whisked to order, and you can sip it on the stairs beside the shop. Don't miss the Soleil Levant, a blend of green tea, matcha and muscat grape, or the Ichigo Matcha with housemade strawberry and brown sugar milk. But the classic matcha latte, made with a three-tea blend, is still the hero. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meet Forest Cafe (@meetforest_mel) Meet Forest — South Yarra This South Yarra shop is beloved for its thick slices of matcha Basque cheesecake and layered matcha crepe cakes, but its drinks are just as strong a pull. Try the blueberry jam matcha for a fun spin on the more common strawberry version. Bonus: the cafe is halal-friendly, with no alcohol or gelatin used in any products. Kuuki Cafe — Sunshine Nestled in a Sunshine shopping arcade, Kuuki is a tiny matcha spot serving both classic and specialty drinks made with tea from Shizuoka, at the base of Mt Fuji. Their Sakura Matcha — pairing unsweetened matcha with a creamy, pink cherry blossom-flavoured cream — is a must-try. There's also a rotating array of matcha biscuits, brownies and cupcakes to pair with your drink. For more of Melbourne's best food and drink, check out the guides below. Best Cafes in Melbourne Best Coffee in Melbourne Best Breakfast in Melbourne By Quincy Malesovas Images supplied
Melbourne is a city of literary diehards. Maybe it's because we produced Helen Garner, Peter Carey and publications like The Monthly, Lifted Brow and Meanjin. Or maybe because our climate provides some excellent indoors weather, primed for plenty of snug afternoons curled up by the fire with a good book for company. Maybe it's because our reading pairs perfectly with a coffee, of which we truly excel at producing. But it's probably because of the many resilient, independent Melbourne bookstores that bustle with readers who understand the magic of paperbacks. To help hook you up with your next great read, we've rounded up some of Melbourne's best bookshops. Next time you're on the hunt for a good page-turner, hit one of these favourites and support a local business. Your next literary adventure awaits, now go find it. Recommended reads: The Best Plant Shops in Melbourne Where to Shop Like a Local In and Around Melbourne CBD The Best Hair Salons in Melbourne
It's summer in Melbourne — and you would pity the fool who wasted these glorious days. While in winter we may huddle in dark corners, cradling a glass of wine and some form of hot comfort food, summer nights are about seasides and sunsets, cocktails and cool breezes. Whether you want to sip a spritz next to the beach or get into a bottle of something crisp on the banks of the Yarra, here are the best waterside bars to grab a cold one and settle in for a splendid summer afternoon or evening.
The Waiters Restaurant (formerly The Waiters Club) has been around since 1947 and still resembles an old Coles canteen from the '70s. But despite missing out on the neighbouring Meyers Place revolution, the The Waiters Restaurant remains a city stalwart. Originally a members-only, after-work venue for Melbourne's new-Australian waiters, the restaurant now hosts a cross-generational legion of foodie fans. Tuck in to a welcoming bowl of pasta or a generous slice of tiramisu; fine dining it's not, but it's homely and dependable. And while its no-frills service has remained but the place has been offered up a fresh coat of paint and a new set of tables and chairs. The Waiters Restaurant might have changed a little on the surface, but the vibe of the place remains, and it will always have an air of nan's kitchen about it. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pasta in Melbourne for 2023
Offering a hearty dose of Mother Nature's magic, there's something pretty special about a cave, all rocky and majestic. There are few better antidotes to that hectic city life than a visit to an impressive natural rock formation. Without trekking too far out of Melbourne, you'll find a handful of captivating grottos to light your adventurous spark — from lofty hilltop caves to underground marvels and huge limestone beauties filled with stalactites. Here are seven caves worth the visit. Recommended reads: The Best One-Day Hikes Near Melbourne The Best Waterfalls You Can Swim Under Near Melbourne The Best Bike Rides In and Around Melbourne The Best Country Towns to Visit on a Day Trip From Melbourne [caption id="attachment_923781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Savage for Visit Victoria[/caption] Buchan Caves, Gippsland Formed almost 400 million years ago, Gippsland's breathtaking Buchan Caves are the result of ancient underground rivers carving their way into limestone rock. Word is, the calcium carbonate that helped create the limestone is made from coral and shellfish skeletons left over from ancient times, when Gippsland was submerged beneath ocean. Today, the system is well set up for visitors, with lights and hallways throughout, as well as expert-led tours running daily, which you'll need to book online in advance. The charmingly named Fairy Cave is packed full of striking stalactites and stalagmites surrounding pools of water, while the nearby Royal Cave boasts some pretty incredible calcite-rimmed pools. The site is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners, and you can find out more about its Aboriginal cultural heritage over here. [caption id="attachment_703046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr[/caption] Byaduk Caves, Mount Napier State Park Back in the day, Mount Napier volcano blew its top and unleashed a huge lava flow, which solidified and created what we now know as the Byaduk Caves in Mount Napier State Park. Together, they're Victoria's most significant lava caves, though only the one dubbed Harmans 1 is open to the public. It's a sprawling underground chamber set about 20 metres below the earth's surface, filled with stalactites, stalagmites and scores of bent-wing bats. Access this subterranean wonderland via a rocky walking track and through the entrance shrouded in ferns. Just remember to take a good torch and wear some decent clothes — it can get pretty chilly down in these depths. [caption id="attachment_818003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn for Visit Victoria[/caption] Hollow Mountain, Grampians National Park Towering high above the Grampians National Park, the aptly named Hollow Mountain is home to a series of spacious caverns that have gradually been carved out of the rock by wind. To experience them up close — and soak up those sweeping vistas of Mount Stapylton and the Wimmera — you'll need to tackle the reasonably adventurous, two-hour return trek along the Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-guyan) walk. It's a steep, rocky trail, requiring a fair bit of scrambling, but you're sure to be impressed by the big chambers you'll find yourself enveloped in once you reach the top. Not to mention the outlook — these caves boast some of the best views around. [caption id="attachment_792008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Tarragal Caves, Cape Bridgewater A collection of lofty limestone caves overlooking Bridgewater Lakes in Southwest Victoria, the Tarragal Caves remain a significant Aboriginal camping site. Set a good 50-metre hike uphill, the six caves rock some top-notch views, but they're also stunning within, covered in stalactites and home to a colony of bats. One of the caves, which runs over 400 metres into the ground, has a mysterious sinkhole opening which air breezes through — it's said that this was once believed to be the entrance to another cave inhabited by supernatural beings. Britannia Creek Caves, Wesburn If you don't mind a few tight squeezes, Britannia Creek Caves, just under two hours east of the city centre, will be very much your jam. The labyrinthine network of granite caves is dark and rocky enough to require a helmet and a headlamp, though it makes for some pretty special caving adventures. Navigate the array of narrow tunnels, slippery rocks and flooded spots, and you'll be rewarded with a captivating show put on by the resident glow worms. Various groups run adventure caving tours through the system, though if you've got the necessary skills, you can tackle it guideless. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lewis (@lewis_travels_runs) Wells Cave, Cathedral Ranges National Park As far as caves go, this one's not the most claustrophobe-friendly, though avid climbers will find it a real fingertip-burning treat. Wells Cave is a narrow natural passageway flanked by steep rock faces, located along the Wells Cave Track Loop in Cathedral Ranges National Park. It's a squeezy space that's only recommended for those making their ascent up the mountain, but it certainly makes for some memorable hiking. And once you've scrambled your way through and emerged from the cave's close quarters, you'll be well rewarded with incredible 360-degree views from atop the majestic Sugarloaf Peak. And while you're here, don't miss some of the other breathtaking hiking trails located in the area. [caption id="attachment_703043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Mumbannar Venture about five hours west of Melbourne and you'll be rewarded with the dazzling natural beauty of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave, which makes its home within Lower Glenelg National Park. The limestone formation was carved out by the Glenelg River, and first explored back in 1936. As well as a pretty posh name, the cave boasts a colourful array of calcite crystals, stalactites, stalagmites and the more head-scratching helictites — a formation that grows in all different directions. A series of rimstone pools and cave coral have also been produced by the cave's calcite crystal, to stunning effect. See the underground wonder at its best on a 45-minute guided tour. Note: The Princess Margaret Rose Caves are currently closed for upgrades. While no reopening date is confirmed yet, the works are expected to be completed in late 2025. Top image: Hollow Mountain Cave by Robert Blackburn for Visit Victoria.
Rustica Sourdough, the Melbourne institution and baker of all things sour and delicious, has opened a new bakery and cafe in Melbourne's central business district. Located on the corner of Little Collins and Queen Street and adjacent to the famous Gothic Bank building, this new 70-seat outpost of Melbourne's iconic bakery-brunch hybrid has both easy grab-and-go options for busy inner-city workers in need of a brew and a bite, as well as a dine-in menu for those wanting to leisurely take their time over lunch. Developed by head chef and long-running team member Chatelle Saba, the menu features delights like a breakfast surf-and-turf lineup of lobster and prawn eggs benedict, accompanied by crispy potatoes and salmon roe. For those who can't go past a pasta, there's a prawn, clam and mussel linguine with white wine, chilli and garlic, and if you're in desperate need of a burg, wrap your laughing gear around a buttermilk fried chicken burger, complete with Korean hot sauce, aioli, pickles and slaw — all stuffed inside a milk bun. As for the pastries, expect to see all the goodies Rustica is known for holding court in the cabinet, including almond and chocolate croissants, brioche doughnuts, cronuts, and other sweet treats. Because no pastry is complete without a good brew to accompany it, the team are serving up their signature coffee blend First Love Coffee, a roast that has become synonymous with Rustica cafes city-wide and now even has its own signature flagship cafe in Collins Arch. Rustica Little Collins and Queen Street is open seven days a week, from 7am-4pm Monday to Friday and 8am-4pm on weekends.
As your parents undoubtedly used to tell you, all you really need is the great outdoors and your own two legs to amuse yourself. And being able to bring your dog along doesn't hurt either. Now that the weather is warming up, it's time for you and your pooch to get back to the outside world. To help you get started, we've compiled this list of camping, hiking and swimming spots in Victoria to journey to with your pup. We bet your doggo has been missing being in nature even more than you have. So plan your holiday, hop in the car and tell your doggo it's W-A-L-K time. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Victoria The Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Camping: Horseshoe Lagoon On the banks of the Goulburn River between Trawool and Kerrisdale, Horseshoe Lagoon is as much of a go-to for water-based activities as it is for settling down for a long weekend of relaxed camping. A flora and fauna reserve, the lagoon is home to many a fine feathered (and furred) friend — so go gently with your doggo. Get ready to see the full shebang of Australiana fauna, including kangaroos, koalas and wombats — and if you're lucky, you may even spot a platypus. Camping is dog-friendly and free along eight kilometres of the bank, with no bookings required. Camping: Johanna Beach Three hours southwest of Melbourne, the campsite at Johanna Beach in the Otways is a triple threat; it has plenty of walks, it's not too busy and it has a beaut surf beach to boot. Off Old Coach Road and set among the dunes, the site only has 25 spots for people to set up camp, so there will never be too many people at one time. But make sure you book in advance book in advance to avoid any disappointment. There are non-flush toilets in the area, but fires are not allowed and you'll need to BYO drinking water, so this is for human and furry campers who are prepped for a more rugged experience. But the stellar views and the sound of the ocean to wake you in the morning make this trek well worth it. [caption id="attachment_669768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takver via Flickr[/caption] Camping: Hepburn Regional Park Sitting in Victoria's northwest around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Hepburn Regional Park is a top-notch camping option near the city. Surrounded by picturesque place names like Porcupine Ridge, Wombat Hill and Musk Vale, the Daylesford region already beckons to you on the page. Plus there's the additional draw-card of the spectacular scenery, including natural mineral springs, an extinct volcanic crater and relics from the gold rush set among the bush. During the day, enjoy a walk or two with your pup on-lead. In the evening, settle in by the provided fire pits at the Lalgamhttps://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/travel-leisure/eleven-of-the-best-places-to-stay-along-the-great-ocean-roadbook (Mount Franklin) Reserve campsite with your doggo by your side. Swimming: Fossil Beach The Mornington Peninsula offers heaps of scenic beaches easily accessible in an hour or so from Melbourne — and Fossil Beach should be at the top of your list. It's lovely, dog-friendly and educational; the rocky beach gets its name from all of the fossils found on its shores. Dating back over ten million years, these Australian sea-life fossils were first discovered in the 1800s, but you can still find plenty to this day. Along with the relics of past aquatic flora and fauna, plenty of present-day wildlife visits the shore, including the yellow wattlebird. Whether you're a rock lover or nature fan — and perhaps keen for a little dip — stroll along the shore and see what you and your clever pooch might dig up while they're off-leash. Swimming: Lilydale Lake It isn't just beaches that have the goods when it comes to finding a swimming hole that suits both humans and their fur babies. Don't forget about Victoria's many lakes, and in particular, Lilydale Lake. In the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the lake reflects the type of green beauty that can still be found in spades out in Melbourne's hilly east. The man-made body of water is perfect for walking around — it spans 28 hectares, with an additional ten kilometres of shared trails surrounding the area too. Though the lake may not the best of the best for people-swimming, your dog will be roaring for a dip along with the other pooches. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the barbecue area and be sure to bring along snacks for your pup. [caption id="attachment_703431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] Swimming: Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest If you've been hankering for something a little special, it might be time to make the pilgrimage to Briagolong State Forest. Three hours east of the CBD, Blue Pool in Briagolong is worth any distance of travel, and it's a great stop during a coastal road trip or weekend getaway. Here, the water is as clear as glass and tends to stay relatively warm all year round. You and your pooch are sure to have a splendid time frolicking and splashing about all day. Plus, there are several nice walk options around the peaceful billabong surroundings, as well as a campsite nearby, which was recently upgraded with fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. There's no reason not to make a whole weekend of it. Be sure to come prepared with sandals or water shoes to help you reach the water, as the terrain is very rocky. [caption id="attachment_716099" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] Swimming: Fishermans Beach, Torquay Torquay has become a hugely popular day trip destination, filling up with surfers, casual swimmers and general beachgoers every weekend throughout summer. Dog owners also frolic here, heading to the town's Fishermans Beach which has a huge off-leash area. Let your pup run free on the sands and swim in the sea before popping the leash back on and heading to one of the brilliant seaside cafes and bars on The Esplanade. If you're keen to spend a few days here, be sure to check out our guide to the best places to stay in Torquay — plenty are located right near Fishermans Beach. Hiking: Kurth Kiln Regional Park Set in the Dandenong Ranges, Kurth Kiln Regional Park in Gembrook is mostly known for its kiln, used in WWII to make charcoal. It's also home to a water wheel, lots of ferns and the occasional koala. Popular with a whole range of active sorts — hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers — it's a particularly good day trip spot for you and your dog to take. The lush park has a number of walks, varying in length and difficulty, as well as some more Aussie animals such as sugar gliders, wombats, swamp wallabies and the aforementioned koala if you're lucky. There'll be lots of fun new smells for your dog to discover, so just make sure they're on a lead. Hiking: You Yangs Regional Park The peaks of the You Yangs mountain range can be seen from quite a distance, protruding from the otherwise flat landscape surrounding them. So, set your sights on the mountains and head southeast. The regional park that makes up part of the area is ideal for hikes and shorter walks, as well as rock climbing for the especially adventurous. Plus there are barbecues and picnic areas dotted throughout to keep you refreshed and truckin' along. For those looking to get their legs burning, climb up to Flinders Peak and have a baby Simba moment with your pooch as you survey everything the light touches. Or for something less intensive, take the longer, undulating Branding Yard Walk. Just make sure you bring enough water for both you and your furry pal. Hiking: Macedon Regional Park The Macedon Ranges are a hallmark of Victoria's native forestry, and the region's fame is in part due to the mysterious Hanging Rock — plus the immense natural beauty (and many wineries) found nearby. The Macedon Regional Park boasts a hefty 2380 hectares and is chockablock with hiking trails that make up the 30-kilometre Macedon Ranges Walking Trail. With a variety of activities, the Macedon Ranges prove to be a destination, rather than a one-day pit stop. Two of the best dog-friendly hike options are the Camels Hump to Picnic Ground walk — which includes a walk over Macedon's highest peak — and a 2.5-kilometre trot around Sanatorium Lake.
One day, the Yarra might be swimmable. But, until then, you need other swimming spots to explore. So far, we've brought you unusual swimming holes, waterfalls and beaches. Now, we're looking at rivers. Here are five near Melbourne where you can cool off — be it in a dramatic gorge on the Werribee River or in a rock pool carved into a creek bed. Just always remember to take care when swimming: currents are often stronger than they appear, and obstacles might be hidden beneath the water. Other than that, just remember your towel, some snacks and to take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Recommended reads: The Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Melbourne The Best Day Trips From Melbourne to Take in Summer The Best Natural Hot Springs in Victoria The Best One-Day Hikes Near Melbourne [caption id="attachment_703509" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steve Collis via Flickr[/caption] Werribee River, Werribee Gorge State Park If you're keen to immerse yourself in the wilderness — and go for a dip — without going more than an hour out of the city, Werribee Gorge should be top of your list. To reach the water, you'll need to follow the Werribee Gorge Circuit Track — it's a steep, rocky 8.5-kilometre walk, which is challenging and dangerous at times, but comes with rather breathtaking scenery. Have a dip at Needles Beach or keep going until you reach the biggest rock pool, Blackwood. You could find yourself swimming with platypuses — if you do, grab a snap and let Parks Victoria know. The platypus is a threatened species, so Parks keeps a record of all sightings. If you'd like to go canoeing or kayaking, there are designated launch facilities at the Werribee South Boat Ramp and Riverbend Historical Park. How far? Werribee Gorge is an hour northwest of Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_703507" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Strathbogie City Council[/caption] Polly McQuinns, Strathbogie Polly McQuinns — a deep pool on the Seven Creeks just east of Euroa — isn't just a swimming hole. It's a part of Australian folklore. The legend goes that a local man, nicknamed Polly because of his inability to grow facial hair, drowned one night while crossing the river on horseback. His body was never found because, some say, the pool is bottomless, and so, today, Polly continues to haunt its watery depths. As long as you don't spook yourself out with ghost stories, hang about for a dip and a picnic. How far? Polly McQuinns is two hours northeast of Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_703439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Carson via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Pound Bend Reserve, Warrandyte State Park Even though the Yarra River isn't swimmable in the city, there are cleaner spots upstream. Among them is Pound Bend Reserve in Warrandyte State Park, which is only around 30 kilometres northeast of the CBD — making it the closest swimming spot to the city. It's also a great spot to go canoeing or kayaking. Here, you spread out on the rocks with a picnic and wade in the swimming hole encircled by bushland. Then, wander along Pound Bend River Walk, a 1.5-kilometre saunter upstream into koala territory. Just be sure to check the water quality before you go — it's not recommended you swim after rain. And be aware that the currents can get quite strong here. While it's one of our favourite swim spots in Melbourne, there have been quite a few water rescues and drowning incidents here. Never swim alone, and always keep an eye out for your mates who aren't strong swimmers. How far? Pound Bend Reserve is 40 minutes northeast of Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_755716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brianna Laugher via Flickr[/caption] Mackenzie's Flat, Lerderberg State Park The 40-kilometre-long Lerderderg River begins in the Great Dividing Range, before winding its way southeast to join the Werribee River. Its most spectacular feature is the Lerderderg Gorge, a 300-metre-deep gorge, whose sandstone and slate reveal 500 million years of geological history. There are several swimming holes along it, one of the nicest being MacKenzie's Flat, where the gorge flows into a gentle creek. You'll find barbecues, toilets and grassy picnic spots. How far? Mackenzie's Flat is near Melton, just an hour northwest of Melbourne. Laughing Waters, Eltham Only 45 minutes out of the city, hidden by rambling native bushland, this section of the Yarra River is perfect for lilo-drifting – where one lies on an inflatable and lets the gentle current move you along the deep river banks — and kayaking or canoeing. The small rapids and rock pools are also worth exploring – just watch out for the yabbies! There are no facilities at Laughing Waters (including loos), so make sure you bring everything you need: food, water and the faithful shovel. How far? Laughing Waters is just outside Eltham, about 45 minutes' drive northwest of Melbourne.
Melbourne is set to get its own dedicated steak frites restaurant this October. 7 Alfred will open at, you guessed it, 7 Alfred Place in the CBD, drawing on the traditions of steak frites restaurants globally, which do one thing, and one thing well, creating an efficient, streamlined and fuss-free dining experience. You won't have to waste time pondering over the menu at 7 Alfred, as you will be there solely for the $48 steak frites showcasing Gippsland's O'Connor scotch fillet. The kitchen trialled many other cuts from various suppliers before concluding that the 220 gram MB2+ O'Connor, grass-fed Black angus beef fillet gave the best flavour and marbling. Santi Aristizabal, the culinary director of Hunter St. Hospitality, explains, "When we were tasting different cuts, O'Connor's beef stood out straight away. It has the balance of fat and flavour that works beautifully on the grill. With a single dish, there's nowhere to hide — every steak has to be spot on, every fry crisp, every sauce just right. That discipline is what makes the format work." The scotch fillet is served sliced, with its charry crust topped with a complimentary sauce of your choosing. The hardest (and only) decision of the night will be to decide whether you go for the umami butter, chimichurri, peppercorn sauce or veal jus. The accompanying thin-cut fries are cooked in beef tallow, and you can add on a salad to freshen things up. The new one-dish restaurant is from Hunter St. Hospitality, the group behind some of Australia's most acclaimed restaurants, including Rockpool Bar & Grill, The Cut Bar & Grill, Spice Temple, Saké and Fratelli Fresh. The group launched 24 York in Sydney earlier this year, based around the same concept of serving just one meaty meal. Frank Tucker, the CEO of the group, says, "This is a classic idea that works the world over. Every city interprets it in its own way — 7 Alfred is ours for Melbourne and we're putting a Victorian icon centre stage." "Melbourne diners know good produce, and they don't want it overcomplicated. With a menu this streamlined, we can put the focus squarely on a standout Victorian beef producer, while still delivering an experience that feels easy, reliable and worth going out for," says Tucker. The kitchen has its work cut out, as the restaurant has the capacity to seat over 150 diners across two levels — that's a lot of steaks needing to be cooked perfectly per service. However, that is the benefit of keeping things one-dimensional, with the restaurant designed to focus on both efficiency and quality. Diners can supposedly be in and out within 25 minutes, which is sure to see 7 Alfred become a go-to for quick weekday business lunches or pre-theatre meals. The drinks list and dessert menu follow suit in keeping things concise. There are seven classic cocktails to choose from, and a few house wines and beers on tap. The restaurant doesn't close between lunch and dinner service, so pop in between 4 and 6pm for $7 schooners, house wines and spirits, and $12 cocktails. For dessert, there's only New York cheesecake with vanilla ice cream, so if you're lactose-free, you may have to skip this one. Images: Steven Woodburn. 7 Alfred Place is set to open on October 22, open 7 days, from lunch through to dinner. If you're craving a meaty meal now, check out the best steaks in Melbourne.
If there's one way to get cosy, it's a sleepover in a tiny house. Over the past few years, the Tiny House movement has gone wild, bringing incy wincy dwellings to valleys, fields, forests, river banks and beaches all over the Earth — from Mudgee, NSW, to Orléans, France. While much of the craze is the work of start-ups, like Unyoked, Tiny Away and Into the Wild Escapes, locals have been getting on the bandwagon, too, offering their pint-sized stays via Airbnb and the like. The result is you have plenty of choice, whether you're looking for a one-night getaway in Castlemaine or a tiny house festival with friends in the Goldfields. Little Sprout, Gippsland Sometimes, staying at a tiny house is all about experiencing the house itself. But, at others, it's about where the tiny house is. Little Sprout by Tiny Away is a case in point. This gem lives in Gippsland, in the middle of a 60-acre olive grove, surrounded by regenerated eucalyptus forest. Just a stumble away is The Grove, where, on Sundays, you can join a long afternoon feast of smoky meats and seasonal sides. All that said about the location, the dwelling itself is lovely and eco-friendly, offering a comfy queen bed next to picture windows, a cute kitchenette with mod cons and good air con for all seasons. Tiny Home, Gruyere For an escape that isn't too far from Melbourne but still feels like a proper getaway, book the Tiny Home in Gruyere, just an hour's drive northwest of the CBD. This storybook spot is ideal for relaxing. Start with a coffee around the redwood table (made from a local sequoia tree), before sinking into a beanbag or hammock for a glass of wine. Come evening, make your own pizza and watch it bubble in a woodfired pizza oven. Up for some stargazing? While you're at it, keep warm and comfy by the campfire in an Adirondack chair. Marcel, Castlemaine Another baby home that isn't too far from Melbourne is Marcel in Castlemaine. It's a cute cabin deep in a gumtree forest, on the banks of your very own swimming hole, brought to you by Unyoked. Like all the company's tiny houses — there are many in Victoria — this one is solar-powered, and on a private property where you can neither see nor hear any human-made sights or sounds. Leave your phone in your bag (it probably won't connect anyway), and get lost in books, card games, cassette tapes and yoga mats (all provided) by the warmth of your woodfired heater. Handcrafted Shack, Halls Gap The Handcrafted Shack is a good example of what you can do with pre-loved goods. Every part of this tiny house features recycled materials — from the wood heater inside to the handcrafted red gum deck outside. Big, timber-framed windows give you beautiful views over the owner's regenerative farm, backdropped by mountains. Spend all day staring at them from bed, or brave the outdoor bath, cleverly built into the deck. If you're after a little action, head to Halls Gap for coffee, beers and bites, or into Gariwerd (The Grampians) for stunning walks. Tiny Away Escape, The Grampians Keen to get away but don't want to leave your crew behind? Tiny Away Escape in Geriward (The Grampians) is for you. It gives you not one, but ten mini holiday homes, on one property. So you can invite all your family and friends. When you're not hiding away at your place, meet them in the rec room or swimming pool, or by the fire pit. Every dwelling is built sustainably, and the houses come with kitchenettes, air-con and ensuites with gas-heated showers. In case you want to go even further off the grid, or invite even more people, there are powered and unpowered sites nearby. Skypod, Cape Otway For incredible water views, stay at a Skypod on Cape Otway. This collection of architecturally designed hideaways lives on a 200-acre private property on the coast, overlooking the Great Southern Ocean. Big glass walls let you soak up the vistas in all their glory, without leaving your queen bed. Or, if you want to feel the breeze on your face, kick back on your spacious deck. Every skypod is solar powered, and comes with an equipped kitchen, reverse cycle aircon, wifi and, for movie nights, a 100-inch projector screen. Visiting Cape Otway as part of a road trip? Get help from our 48 hours on the Great Ocean Road guide, and consider these seven lesser-known stops. Pepe, Yarra Valley Another tiny house from Unyoked is Pepe in the Yarra Valley. This one is on a delightful rural property, surrounded by green grass, pine forest and rolling hills. There's also a river right on your doorstep. When you're not snuggling up in bed or kicking back beside the wood-powered heater, head outdoors to freshen up under the shower before plunging into the hot tub. Whatever you get up to, you'll be miles away from other humans. On the way out, or in, you might want to explore the Yarra Valley, which offers wineries, breweries, pubs, eateries, art and cycling trails galore. Rainforest Getaway, Sassafras Disappear deep into the rainforest at this tiny home in Sassafras. It's in the Dandenongs, just 40 minutes' drive from Melbourne, so it's perfect for an overnighter if you're short on time. You'll have three acres of rainforest, interwoven with century-old gardens, to roam through. To cool off, follow the mossy path to babbling Sassafras Creek, where you'll find a "tranquillity platform". Or stay home the whole time, alternating between your Tylo cedar dry sauna and your spa bath, surrounded by scented candles and essential oils. Once you're fully relaxed, you'll be ready to spend a day or two exploring the Dandenongs. Jumanji, Elevated Plains For location, Jumanji is hard to beat. It's right on the edge of a cliff face, overlooking a rugged valley. Soak up the views from the comfort of your king bed, or jump into the outdoor bath — made with 20-million-year-old petrified stone and framed with fairy lights. Wherever you are, keep an eye out for kangaroos, and count on spectacular sunsets. The interior design, dotted with lanterns, sculptures and elephants, takes its cues from the African continent. The Elevated Plains are a brief drive from Daylesford. On your way home, check out these seven things you didn't realise you could do in the region — from trekking with a llama to having a spa bath in a treehouse. Harper, Macedon Ranges Another tiny home in the Daylesford region to check out is Harper, brought to you by Into the Wild Escapes. Just 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne, it's surrounded by native bush and magical rock formations. Swing by Kyneton on the way to pick up some local wine and produce, so you'll have everything you need to stay in bed for days. Or, if that sounds like too much effort, add a gourmet brekkie hamper or a charcuterie board to your booking. Keen to stretch your legs? Stroll around the property and along nearby walking trails, and maybe take a dip in a swimming hole — or head to Mount Macedon National Park for more serious hiking. Helen, Lenore & Justyn, Goldfields Another option from Into the Wild Escapes is this trio of tiny houses in the Goldfields region. Helen, Lenore and Justin are all on Mooramong Estate, a 1930s National Trust property that once belonged to silent movie star Claire Adams and her husband, millionaire heir Donald 'Scobie' Mackinnon. But they're less than two kilometres apart. There's space for four in each — so you can take up to 11 friends with you. When you're not visiting the nearby lake or enjoying the views of Mount Elephant, challenge your mates to a tennis match on the sand court. Racquets and outdoor games are provided. Images: supplied
For two years now, Africa Film Festival Australia (AFFA) has been bringing a lineup of African-made films exclusively to audiences in Sydney. But in 2026, the festival is shifting its focus to Melbourne, where it will run across a short but sweet three-day program from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29 at Cinema Nova. The program showcases the latest and greatest films from across the African continent and its diaspora, with a fine lineup to look forward to in 2026. Leading the program on the opening night is The Fisherman, the first-ever Ghanaian film to be selected for the Venice International Film Festival, in which a retired fisherman finds his quiet life disrupted by an unlikely friendship with a talking fish. Next is Nawi: Dear Future Me, a Kenyan film that won Best International Feature and Best Debut Performance at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival, in which a young girl escapes an arranged child marriage to pursue an education in rural Kenya. [caption id="attachment_1069418" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Nawi: Dear Future Me', directed by Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine and Kevin Schmutzler.[/caption] The French-Algerian Fanon is a political drama entry that follows Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and philosopher in colonial Algeria, whose radical mental health care techniques intersect with the country's growing independence. The screening will be joined by director Jean-Claude Flamand-Barny, who will lead a Q&A afterwards. On the documentary side is FestIn 2025's Best Documentary winner, Nteregu, a documentary tracing the origins and global impact of Guinean music, a screening co-presented with African Music and Cultural Festival. Then another winner from the festival circuit, My Father's Shadow, winner of a coveted Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which follows a father as he takes his two sons across Lagos during a period of political unrest, exposing the responsibilities of parenthood in times of social upheaval. [caption id="attachment_1069419" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'The Fisherman', directed by Zoey Martinson[/caption] Finally, there's This Jungo Life, which won Best Documentary and Best International Documentary at the 2025 Bantu Film Festival in Botswana and Festival Filmowy NNW, respectively. This Sudanese documentary portrays young Sudanese asylum seekers who must struggle to survive and thrive on the margins in Morocco amid displacement, poverty and conflict. Director David Fedele will also attend the screening and host a Q&A after its conclusion. Festival Co-Director Mumbi Hinga said, "Bringing the Festival to the Cinema Nova allows us to share these powerful stories with new communities and continue building space for African voices on Australian screens. It cements our role as a national platform for African cinema, cultural exchange and diverse storytelling." [caption id="attachment_1069424" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'This Jungo Life', directed by David Fedele[/caption] AFFA Melbourne is presented by Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) and Cinema Nova, supported by Weir Anderson Foundation, Ubuntu Project, Kenya Community Victoria, SF3, and the African Music and Cultural Festival. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the AFFA website. Lead image: 'My Father's Shadow', directed by Akinola Davies Jr.
For a month in 2026, The Phantom of the Opera will be there, on a floating stage on top of Sydney Harbour. Each year, Australia's most-stunning performance venue welcomes a big-name Opera Australia show to unleash its wonders with a spectacular backdrop. Just like in 2022, 2026's production involves the music of the night echoing over the ocean. The extremely popular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has repeated titles before, but there's a particular reason for Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera haunting its scenic setup again so soon. 2026 also marks the stage musical's global 40th anniversary. There's phenomenal ways to commemorate a milestone and the there's this. When it takes to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's picturesque waterfront digs at Mrs Macquaries Point for 2026 — across Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26 — this run of The Phantom of the Opera will kick off a worldwide program of events planned for the year to celebrate four decades of the show. The production will also increase the huge audience numbers that've spent time with The Phantom and Christine, given that it has already been seen by 160-million-plus people in 205 cities across 58 territories across its lifespan so far. Simon Phillips, who recently helped bring Round the Twist from the screen to the stage, initially directed the 2022 Handa season — and is back for 2026, too. Also a highlight: the eye-catching production design that includes a giant chandelier. "We're honoured to be playing such a prominent role in the 40th-anniversary global celebrations for this iconic musical, in the same year that OA is marking its own significant milestone with its 70th anniversary," said Opera Australia Acting CEO Simon Militano. "Our spectacular staging of The Phantom of the Opera, with its magical setting on Sydney Harbour, and the sweeping gothic romance and unforgettable music, all combines to create a fantastic showcase of OA's artistic excellence, and an event not to be missed." As always, included in the new The Phantom of the Opera Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour experience is not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. The Phantom of the Opera at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26, 2026 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available from Tuesday, August 5, 2025; single-performance presales on offer from Tuesday, August 26, 2025; and general tickets available from Tuesday, September 2, 2026. Images: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's 2022 production of The Phantom of the Opera © Prudence Upton / Hamilton Lund.
It's ten years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Since then, a relatively unknown Gotye played in a basement, Chk Chk Chk ran across the Sydney College of the Arts rooftop, Lorde happened and Laneway became the very first Australian festival to migrate overseas. This year, the once quiet achiever of the Australian festival scene, Laneway Festival blows out the candles with one of its biggest (but not necessarily commercial) lineups yet. Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 24 in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will run through seven dates, including Sydney's Sydney College of the Arts on February 1 and Melbourne's Footscray Community Arts Centre and River's Edge on February 7, finishing up at its new home in Fremantle's Esplanade Reserve and West End on Sunday, February 8. But where did Laneway all start (in case you're in the dark)? What did The Avalanches and a dare have to do with it? How did they manage to survive the festival circuit in the face of common Australian festival crash-and-burnery? Let's take a little saunter through the alleyways, warehouse lots and overseas ventures of Laneway — the Australian festival who settled into the country's infrastructure from the smallest of veins. Where it all hatched. St. Jerome's Laneway Festival was born in 2005, when Danny Rogers helped Jerome Borazio book music for his Melbourne laneway bar, St. Jerome's. The every-Sunday 'Summer Series' was born (where The Presets and Architecture in Helsinki played small sets) and the two decided to expand the idea into a Saturday night residency for their mates, The Avalanches. Said Avalanches challenged Rogers and Borazio to make a big ol' birthday shindig for St. Jerome's bar, which would have to close the whole lane. "We said ‘Why not throw a first birthday party for the bar?’ We got excited and then thought ‘Well why don’t we try and close this Laneway down?" recounts Borazio on the Laneway site. "After a few drinks with The Avalanches one night we asked, ‘If we closed this lane down would you guys play? They said ‘You won’t be able to close this lane. So if you do, we’ll play.’ About 1400 showed up and watched Architecture In Helsinki, Art of Fighting, Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set, The Dears, Eskimo Joe, Gersey and Ground Components and those jokey dare-makers The Avalanches play the very first Laneway. Sydney's turn. Keeping the fire stoked in Melbourne, the Laneway crew decided to expand the concept to Sydney after a chance meeting with super promoter Michael Chugg. "I bumped into Michael Chugg at a health retreat and said to him, 'We have this festival in Melbourne. Check it out, see what you think. He called the next day and got us up to Sydney," says Jerome Borazio on the Laneway website. Thanks to Chugg and his team, Sydney got the green light. Snuggled amongst Circular Quay's Macquarie Square, Reiby Place and The Basement, Laneway saw a rainy but successful run in Sydney that year. Headliners Broken Social Scene were the squealworthy element of the time, alongside Art of Fighting, Augie March, Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set, Cut Copy, Dane Tucquet, Darren Hanlon, Decoder Ring, Faker, Gersey, Jens Lekman, Les Savy Fav, Mercy Arms, Mountains in the Sky, New Buffalo, Pivot, Pretty Girls Make Graves, The Pop Frenzy Sound Unit, The Posies, The Raveonettes, The Temper Trap, Wolf & Cub and Youth Group over the two cities. Brisbane joins the crew. With Melbourne and Sydney's Laneway chapters under control, Brisbane's first Laneway was held in '07 behind the city's beloved venue, The Zoo. The lineup saw the likes of The Walkmen, Yo La Tengo, Camera Obscura, Peter Bjorn and John, Snowman, Archie Bronson Outfit, Bumblebeez, Casino Twilight Dogs, Dan Kelly, Dappled Cities Fly, Expatriate, Fionn Regan, Gerling, Gersey, Ground Components, Holly Throsby, Love Is All, Macromantics, Midnight Juggernauts, My Disco, The BellRays, The Crayon Fields, The Shaky Hands, The Sleepy Jackson, The Temper Trap and Youth Group play in the teeny laneway out the back — as well as Sydney and Melbourne's laneway set-ups. The Laneway Empire was growing. Oh hey, Adelaide. Heading south-west, Laneway 2008 saw Feist, Gotye, Dan Deacon, The Presets, Stars, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Panics, The Vasco Era and Okkervil River all smooshed themselves into Fowler's Live, all up in the North Terrace. They were joined by Violent Soho, The Cool Kids, The Holidays, Via Tania, Batrider, Bridezilla, Devastations, Little Red, Rudley Interrupted and The Brunettes. Meanwhile, the Melbourne festival expanded — out of Caledonian Lane to Drewery Lane and Londsdale Street. The times were a-changin'. Perth, you're up. Heading to Western Australia for the first time, Laneway 2009 found a new, additional home in the Perth Cultural Centre. Beats were the dominant force this year, with Girl Talk, Stereolab, Buraka Som Sistema, Pivot (with the vowels intact) and Four Tet sharing the stage with Tame Impala, Architecture In Helsinki, Born Ruffians, Canyons, Cut Off Your Hands, Daedelus, El Guincho, Holly Throsby, Jay Reatard, John Steel Singers, Mountains In The Sky, No Age, Port O’Brien, Still Flyin, Tame Impala, Tim Fite, The Drones, The Hold Steady and The Temper Trap. The Laneway crew talk of 2009 as the year of visible expansion in Perth of course, but particularly in the other citie. According to the Laneway website, "a rapidly expanded site, shifting regulations, wild hype and high temperatures contributed to the Melbourne show very suddenly (and publicly) outgrowing itself. Overcrowding and long queues soured an otherwise strong musical showing. And while a realignment of stages in Adelaide was deemed a success by the growing crowds, Sydney’s Macquarie Park location also began showing signs of its limitations." Woah, things got a little turbo-charged in 2010. With one of its biggest lineups yet, Laneway expanded their venues in several cities. Melbourne moved from its hallowed home to the riverside Footscray Community Arts Centre, while Sydney farewelled Circular Quay for Rozelle’s historic Sydney College of the Arts. With Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, and The xx all making their Australian debut at Laneway (not too shabby), the venues were upsized to accommodate Bachelorette, Black Lips, Chris Knox and The Nothing, Cut Off Your Hands, Daniel Johnston, Dappled Cities, Dirty Three, Echo & the Bunnymen, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Hockey, Kid Sam, N.A.S.A., Midnight Juggernauts, Radioclit, Sarah Blasko, Street Chant, The 3Ds, The Middle East, The Naked and Famous, The Very Best, Warpaint, Whitley and Wild Beasts. But Laneway also made its first venture overseas, launching its first instalment in Auckland. According to Laneway, the crew teamed up with Chugg and New Zealand locals Ben Howe, Manolo Echave and Mark Kneebone to create the first Kiwi chapter of Laneway in Auckland's warehouse-dotted Britomart Quarter. And I mean, look at that bloody lineup, no wonder they had to find a bigger boat. Singapore, what's up. Held at Fort Canning Park, the first Singapore Laneway Festival was drenched in torrential rain — but that didn't douse the spirits of thousands of punters. Lineup-wise, goals were kicked yet again by the Laneway team: !!!, The Antlers, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Beach House, Bear in Heaven, Blonde Redhead, Cloud Control, Cut Copy, Deerhunter, Foals, Gotye, The Holidays, Holy Fuck, Jenny & Johnny, Les Savy Fav, Local Natives, Menomena, PVT, Rat Vs Possum, Stornoway, Two Door Cinema Club, Violent Soho, Warpaint, World's End Press and Yeasayer made their way to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Singapore and Auckland (who moved their camp from the Britomart Quarter to Aotea Square in 2011). Auckland finally bunkers down in Silo Park in the Wynard Quarter — its present home. This was a pretty big year for Laneway, steering the lineup toward top-of-the-alternative headliners: M83, SBTRKT live, John Talabot, Feist, Active Child and Jonti joined Anna Calvi, Austra, Bullion, Chairlift, Cults, The Drums, DZ Deathrays, EMA, Geoffrey O’Connor, Girls, Givers, Glasser, The Horrors, Husky, Laura Marling, Oneman, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Pajama Club, The Panics, Portugal. The Man, Toro y Moi, Total Control, Twin Shadow, Washed Out and Yuck. Detroit ahoy. Heading over to the US for their very first Detroit Laneway at Oakland University, the team capitalised on previously successful showcases as the likes of SXSW to bring in an American audience — making them the first Australian festival to migrate to the US. The likes of ADULT., AlunaGeorge, Beacon, Chet Faker, CHVRCHES, Deerhunter, The Dismemberment Plan, Flume, Frightened Rabbit, HAERTS, Heathered Pearls, Icona Pop, Matthew Dear, My Brightest Diamond, The National, Phosphorescent, Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike), Savages, Shigeto, Sigur Ros, Solange, Warpaint, Washed Out and Youth Lagoon cranked out sets in Detroit — a huge undertaking for the Laneway crew. In Australalasia, the likes of alt-J, Flume, Jessie Ware, Chet Faker, Bat For Lashes, Divine Fits, El-P, Japandroids and Nicolas Jaar played alongside Alpine, Cloud Nothings, Henry Wagons & The Unwelcome Company, High Highs, Holy Other, Julia Holter, Kings of Convenience, MS MR, Nite Jewel, Of Monsters and Men, Perfume Genius, Poliça, Pond, Real Estate, Shlohmo, Snakadaktal, The Men, The Neighbourhood, The Rubens, Twerps and Yeasayer. A big ol' year. The year of our Lorde. Hitting #1 in the US, the NZ teenager cranked out memorable Pure Heroine sets at Laneway's most veering-toward-commercial year yet. The soon-to-be Grammy winner was joined by the likes of HAIM, Earl Sweatshirt, James Blake, King Krule, Warpaint, Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike), Jaguar Ma and Vance Joy alongside Adalita, Autre Ne Veut, Cashmere Cat, Cass McCombs, CHVRCHES, Cloud Control, Danny Brown, Daughter, Dick Diver, Doprah, Drenge, Four Tet, Frightened Rabbit, GEMA, Ghost Wave, Jamie xx, Kirin J Callinan, Kurt Vile, Mount Kimbie, MT WARNING, Parquet Courts, PCP Eagles, Rackets, Savages, Scenic, The Growl, The Jezabels, The Observatory, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Vandetta, Watercolours, XXYYXX and Youth Lagoon. Epic. Here we are, ten years later and Laneway's making big moves to remain closer to the up-and-coming pulse than the superheadliners. As of this week, Laneway 2015 is upon us and the lineup is predictably kickass. Returning to the Australian touring circuit is UK on-repeat outfit Jungle, festival jaw-droppers Future Islands and Melbourne's lives-up-to-the-hype queen Courtney Barnett. Two of the biggest hypecards of the bunch, FKA Twigs and BANKS, will fight for the midnight hushed vocal crown. Then there's the ever-epic St. Vincent, punk-as-fuck UK band Eagulls, smooooooth king Flying Lotus, Harlem's top-of-the-game hip hop outfit Ratking and the triumphant returns of Rustie, Jon Hopkins, POND and crisp-as-blazes Caribou, alongside Andy Bull, Angel Olsen, Benjamin Booker, Caribou, Connan Mockasin, Dune Rats, Eves, Flight Facilities, Highasakite, Jesse Davidson, Jon Hopkins, Little Dragon, Mansionair, Perfect Pussy, Peter Bibby, Raury, Royal Blood, Seekae, Sohn, St Vincent and Vic Mensa. And last but not least, Mac DeMarco and his mum, Agnes. What a legend. Happy tenner, Laneway. Cheers to showing punters where the Good Music at, avoiding slapdash, off-brand superheadliners, keeping a finger on many overseas pulses and making onsite attention to detail a colossal priority. We're raising a plastic cup to another ten. Images: Laneway Festival - Simon Fergusson, Daniel Boud, Adrianna Polcyn, Alvin Ho, Nina Sandejas, Chris Schwegler, Annette Geneva, Yael Yaya Stempler.
As far as next-level design goes, the humble bowling alley has quite the tendency to err on the side of OTT. They either take us back in time to the '50s, milkshakes and the halcyon days when bowling was literally the most fun you could have, or they blast us forward in time to a super luxurious, neon space rave. Sometimes they let you play in an underwater grotto. Wherever they take us, bowling alleys are always an adventure. They're the perfect setting for novelty dates or big group outings because they allow everyone, from graceful sports stars to kidults who need bumper bars, to look cute in bowling shoes. We're getting into the Lebowski-loved art that is bowling this winter (even if we have to use bumpers), so we thought we'd take a little desk trip to some of the most unique bowling alleys around the world. If you've a hankering to drink, bowl and party closer to home, check out your local bowling alley's seasonal deals (like these clangers Kingpin are offering right now). It might just be one of the best date ideas under $50 this city's ever seen. [caption id="attachment_578915" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] WHITE HOUSE BOWLING ALLEY, WASHINGTON The President of the United States may spend his days running the country but you know he spends his nights obliterating pins in his swagged out bowling alleys. That's right, plural. There are two bowling alleys in the White House and one is, naturally, decorated in blue and red (patriotism never sleeps). You can access the bowling alley during your overnight stay at the White House (which will set you back a surprisingly doable US$400 a night). ALL STAR LANES, LONDON Now, All Star Lanes may be a franchised restaurant/bar/bowling alley, but they really turn up the charm. Their Brick Lane location in London is dripping in old-school glam, the Holgate iteration takes it back to retro middle America in the '70s while the Bayswater venue is, rather inexplicably, retro-Western. All the venues include break-away dining and bar areas with a killer menu. Come for the bowling, stay for the grilled cheese (with a stacked shake on the side to make your retro experience more authentic and belt-loosening). UNCLE BUCK'S FISH BOWL AND GRILL, TACOMA Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill, a family restaurant in Tacoma, may boast one of the weirdest bowling alleys in the world. The whole venue is styled in an under-the-sea theme (because, y'know, they serve seafood) but they've reeeally pushed the boat out (yeah we did) on this concept. Nowhere is this more acute, or disturbing, than in the 16-lane bowling alley. The room shimmers like it truly is underwater and large colourful fish hang from the wavy ceiling. Your bowling balls are spat back to you from the terrifying maws of crocodiles, sharks and octopus. In summary: it's amazing, tacky and we want to go to there. BROOKLYN BOWL, NEW YORK Rolling Stone called it "One of the most incredible places on earth" and we can kinda see why. One of New York's best loved establishments any night of the week, Brooklyn Bowl in New York is a hybrid rock 'n' roll music venue and bowling alley. The alley is decked out with Chesterfield lounges and boasts a menu by the world famous fried chicken institution, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken. And on the other side of the venue, the stage has hosted bands like Gun N Roses, Elvis Costello and the Roots and frequently throw rockin' tribute and DJ nights. Also, it's co-owned by André 3000. So, we're in. PINEWOOD SOCIAL, NASHVILLE The Pinewood Social bowling alley is a retro, yet minimalist, bowling alley in Nashville and it might be the cutest place on earth. It's not like most bowling alleys with its high ceiling, exposed trusses and complete lack of neon lights, the complex also includes a café, dining area, bar, lounge and outdoor area with bocce ball court and a pool — all gloriously retro without crossing into tacky territory. You'll also find a mural alongside the lanes made up of specially printed cans. We'll call it, Pinewood Social may be the hippest place in America. SPLITSVILLE, TAMPA Splitsville is not just a place you temporarily populate after being dumped in primary school. It's also a retro-fantastic bowling alley and funtorium in Tampa, Florida, that looks like it's remained exactly the same since its conception in the '70s. In fact Splitsville has had an upgrade (they serve sushi now!) but despite this, it's still a pretty retro joint. You'll be able to see it from a mile away if you look for the two-storey pin (purportedly the largest in the world) on the front door. THE SPARE ROOM You might not think squeaking across a polished wooden floor hurling hefty balls about as a classy activity, but at The Spare Room it can be. Rich mahogany wood finishes, chandeliers and arched windows pair nicely with the bar's ridiculous, but classic, cocktail list. They've complemented their highly resplendent cocktail bowling facilities with other sophisticated pursuits like chess, dominoes, old school bingo, a wooden Connect Four set and an amazing, old school menu. XLANES LA If you're after an integrated, flashy bowling experience, XLanes in Downtown Los Angeles might be just what you need. It's a big (we mean big) bowling alley with 16 lanes and all the flashing neon lights you could ever dream of. But its real value is in the extras, like the full bar, massive gaming arcade (hello Fruit Ninja, we meet again), darts, karaoke and pool and billiards room. It's like a hedonistic adult playground of excess and bowling. Take our money. THE BROADMOOR, COLORADO The Broadmoor in Colorado is a bonkers holiday destination for the insanely wealthy. It's really damn decadent. It's so fancy the bowling alley doesn't even look like a bowling alley — it's decked out in leather couches, chandeliers, gold gilt and affluent smuggery. You will not be ordering a margarita slushie here or entering your name as ASS on in the scoreboard, no. Instead you can partake of adult shaved ice topped with locally made liqueurs and parmesan white-truffle popcorn (seriously, these are things they serve). You might have to sell a kidney to get onto their six lanes or stay the night in their digs, but you can guarantee you'll have the swankiest bowl of your life. SILVER DOLLAR SALOON, MONTANA If you've found another bar in this crazy world of ours boasting stools that are saddles, please let us know. As well as being a rootin' tootin' bar, the Silver Dollar Saloon also boasts a Western-themed, four-lane bowling alley. This kitted-out saloon also features a billiards table, a private theatre, shuffleboard table and darts. It's part of the Rock Creek Ranch in Montana and while a night there will set you back a minimum of US$800, it does include all alcohol and unlimited bowling time so you might just break even. Inspired? If all this reading about bowling has given you a hankering to knock down some pins, let's get you a lane. Kingpin is doing unlimited bowling and laser tag for a cheeky $30pp from 7pm till close. That's quite simply one of the best affordable (and actually fun) date ideas we've seen in this fine city of ours.
Melbourne is chock-full of rooftop bars, but there's always room for more. Especially when they come in the form of Melbourne Place's Mid Air. Completed at the end of 2024, this hotel rooftop bar is an absolute stunner, from its mid-century modern design and city views to the next-level Med-inspired eats and cocktails. It's hitting all the right spots, much thanks to Hatted Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis (ex-Audrey's). He's running the food program for the whole hotel — excluding Marmelo and Mr Mills — but Mid Air gets most of his love. Being a rooftop digs, there's a strong focus on small bites — perfect for those spending long lunches sipping and snacking in the sun. Start with fresh oysters and scallops with urfa and kelp butter before moving on to some damn tasty skewers. These will change somewhat regularly, but if you make it for the wagyu and quail renditions, be sure to add a few to the table. Those looking to remove all decision-making from the rooftop dining process can also opt for the $95 per person tasting menu. Cocktails, like the food, will change seasonally, with plenty of signature sips adorning the list. They cover all bases, from the fruity and sour side of the spectrum right through to rich and bitter amaro-heavy tipples. The bloody mary is also a must-try, especially if you're dropping by for a boozy weekend brunch. Yup, these folks are also opening up the rooftop to non-hotel guests every day of the week, making the most of the space. Get around shakshuka, eggs royal, house granola and damn good breakfast roll packed with bacon, hashbrowns, cheddar, tomato jam and a fried egg. This spot is picture-perfect, especially if you can nab a seat by the large cut-out circles in the open-air part of the rooftop bar. Here, you get uninterrupted views of the city, plus all of the sunshine. But most of Mid Air lies beneath a retractable roof, so you can enjoy a moody rainy Melbourne day up here without a worry. It's an absolute banger of a Melbourne rooftop bar — open from breakfast right through to late-night cocktails. And it just so happens to be perched right on top of one of Melbourne's best hotels. If you really want to treat yourself, consider booking a stay in one of the top-class rooms so you can take in more of these views and stunning interiors. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Under the supervision of acclaimed chef Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co.), the Builders Arms Hotel's restaurant offering has been an oft-evolving one, debuting as fine diner Moon Under Water in 2012, then dishing up modern Chinese as Ricky & Pinky since 2016. And back in 2018, the public bar and restaurant was given its latest makeover, turning it into a quintessential locals' pub that has enough style to impress your mum. British Michelin-trained head chef Andy Barkham has designed one venue-wide menu: a contemporary, UK-accented lineup with something for after-work snack sessions in the bar, lazy weekend lunches in the dining room and everything in between. It's menu changes regularly, but you should expect to find dishes like Barkham's signature scotch eggs, mussels cooked with fermented chilli and pork sausage, and a proper Brit-style fish pie, loaded with rockling, prawn and smoked ocean trout. Public bar favourites like the legendary cod roe dip and the Builders Arms cheeseburger have stuck around, while the courtyard rotisserie spins a daily changing meat offering to really get excited about. Like all good neighbourhood pubs, this one's also plating up a solid crop of weekly specials, from the locally loved Monday steak night, to Sunday's generous roast offering, cooked over charcoal and served with all the trimmings. To match, there's a 12-strong tap beer rotation filled with favourites, and a considered crop of wines to suit just about every palate. Take yours out back to the leafy, secluded courtyard for the ultimate summer arvo pub sesh. [caption id="attachment_872111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roberto Pettinau[/caption] Top image: Harvard Wang. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
One of Australia's most beloved craft breweries has arrived in Melbourne. Mountain Culture Beer Co. — the trailblazing Blue Mountains outfit behind the three-time GABS Hottest 100-winning Status Quo Pale Ale — has opened a handsome brewpub in Richmond, marking its first foray south of the Murray (with a Hobart outpost not too far behind, either). Set in a striking space that the team calls "one of the most beautiful venues in Melbourne", the new brewpub brings together everything Mountain Culture is known for — fresh, hop-forward beers, a food menu that delivers bold flavours without taking itself too seriously, and the same laidback vibe that have made each of its three Sydney venues a hit. And if the Murphy Street space feels familiar, you're not mistaken — it was most recently home to Fox Friday Brewing, which Mountain Culture acquired earlier this year. Beer is naturally the focus here, and you'll find Mountain Culture's full lineup pouring from the taps. Repeat visitors will be rewarded with rotating limited releases and two brand-new brews dropped every Thursday, and there's a display of takeaway tinnies to stock your home bar. If you're not on the beers, there's a tight list of wine, sparkling, classic cocktails and non-alc serves. The drinks list is complemented by a food menu of remixed pub classics, including a range of hefty sandwiches, as well as plenty of options for vegetarians, gluten-free diners and a dedicated kids' menu. The venue also boasts a hulking on-site smoker that pumps out American-style barbecue — from 16-hour brisket to lemon tahini and chimichurri-basted cauliflower — served with your choice of sides. "This was a big move for Mountain Culture," says Co-Founder and CEO DJ McCready. "We started as a humble brewpub in the Blue Mountains and expanded to Sydney, but Melbourne is quickly catching up as our biggest market. It's never lost on us that the fans we first met in Katoomba are what built this brand into what it is today, and we hope to build a community that's just as strong in Melbourne."
Scott Pickett, one of Australia's leading chefs and most well-known restaurateurs, has appointed administrators for two companies associated with his hospitality empire. However, Pickett has insisted that the appointment does not impact his restaurants and that they will continue trading as usual. The Scott Pickett Group operates a diverse range of award-winning restaurants across Melbourne. Pickett set up Estelle in 2011 and went on to establish a string of restaurants, including Matilda in 2018, Chancery Lane in 2020, and Smith St Bistro and Audrey's at The Continental Sorrento in 2022. Just days before news of the administration broke, the group announced that Audrey's was set to close, to be replaced with Ember, a new fire-driven coastal diner. While Pickett will continue to oversee the food and beverage direction across The Continental, Jake Furst, the Chief Officer of Kickon Group, was announced to be taking the reins in the kitchen. As reported by The Age, Pickett released a statement saying that while he needed to find an investor or strategic buyer, he wanted "to make it clear to everyone that the remaining companies in the group, which include my restaurants, are not affected. Our restaurants will continue to trade as usual and all bookings and vouchers will be honoured. All staff remain employed. Their wages, superannuation contributions and entitlements are fully up-to-date and will continue to be paid on time." Images: Tim Grey, feature image, Simon Shiff. The Scott Pickett Group Restaurants continue to trade as usual at the time of writing. Book a table now at Matilda for contemporary Australian food cooked over flames, or at Smith St Bistro for classic French fare.
Finding other serious gastronomes to share your passion with isn't always easy. However, the arrival of 67 Pall Mall Melbourne means you'll have the chance to join an exclusive club dedicated to fine wine, exceptional food and uncompromising service. Set to open in mid-2026 on Spring Street, this lavish guild will be led by Managing Culinary Partners Martin Benn and Vicki Wild. Putting their wealth of expertise to work, Benn and Wild will be responsible for merging Melbourne's vibrant dining culture with 67 Pall Mall's global brand of culinary excellence. The duo is well-prepared for the task, having led Sydney's renowned Japanese-inspired restaurant Sepia until 2018. More recently, they've collaborated with the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Open on luxe dining encounters. For those unfamiliar with 67 Pall Mall, the club was founded in London a decade ago when wine enthusiast Grant Ashton wanted to share his vast collection with like-minded gourmands. Now these members-only clubs have expanded to Verbier and Singapore, while Bordeaux and Beaune are planned to open alongside the Melbourne outpost in 2026. Boasting in-house sommeliers and low-margin wine lists, members can access any location around the globe, while taking part in artisanal events and even storing their personal wine collection using specialised facilities. "We are honoured to join 67 Pall Mall Melbourne and to share our passion for food with their members. We have found a dynamic partner who will allow us to achieve our vision and enter the next chapter in our new Melbourne home," says Benn, while Ashton adds, "We're thrilled to welcome Martin and Vicki to the team in Melbourne. Their reputation for precision, authenticity and warmth speaks for itself. Martin's culinary vision, paired with Vicki's commitment to creating thoughtful, memorable hospitality, aligns seamlessly with our values." Ashton says, "67 Pall Mall Melbourne has the biggest footprint of all our Clubs globally and each of its four floors is designed for a different experience. Members can drop in for a coffee, a Grand Cru Burgundy, a long lunch, late-night drinks or a masterclass — and it will never feel the same twice. The Club is built with versatility in mind, taking you seamlessly from day to night and fitting naturally into our members' lifestyles." Prospective members can expect four levels of hospitality, each with its own distinct restaurants and bars, set within a former bank headquarters. On level 14, The Clubroom offers all-day dining and drinking with classic bar food such as charcuterie and steak sandwiches. On level 15, The Restaurant offers private dining spaces and seating for 80, which Benn says will "reflect the identity of Melbourne. My menu will take a less formal, more evolved approach to the cuisine I'm known for, reimagining classic dishes with nods to Japan, but always with a distinctly Australian outlook." The Champagne Lounge on level 16 houses a glamorous oyster and seafood bar, and the whisky-centric cocktail bar on the rooftop offers rare, high-end whiskies, as well as stunning views. Plus, members will have access to 5,000 wines from 42 countries, poured from dawn to dusk, including up to 1,000 by the glass. Existing outside the usual constraints of a commercial restaurant, Benn and Wild will have the chance to bring increasingly innovative ideas to the table at 67 Pall Mall Melbourne. Images: Supplied. 67 Pall Mall Melbourne is expected to launch in mid-2026, with applications to join the club now open. Head to the website for more information.
SailGP is returning to Auckland's Waitematā Harbour on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2026, bringing world-class racing right to the heart of the city. The global championship features identical high-performance F50 foiling catamarans racing in short, fast fleet races designed for stadium-style spectating. It's the perfect excuse to make a trip to New Zealand and use the vibrant city of Auckland as your North Island base. The Race Stadium, located at Wynyard Quarter on Waitematā Harbour, puts you at the centre of the action. There'll be a front-row view of boats skimming past the shoreline as well as a buzzy festival atmosphere around the harbour precincts and businesses. Both race days kick off when gates open at 1.30pm NZDT, with the race window taking place from 4.00pm to 5.30pm NZDT*. In between, the waterfront comes alive with an official Race Stadium fan village featuring food, drinks, sponsor activations and entertainment. This gives you plenty of time to settle in, explore and enjoy Auckland's exciting atmosphere well into the evening. Tickets range from $110 to $350, with seating options that allow you to tailor the day to your preferences. The Waterfront Grandstand is the go-to for fans who love to be in the heart of the action and enjoy elevated and allocated seating as the F50 catamarans tear past. Looking to level up? The Waterfront Premium Lounge is a new premium grandstand experience that offers prime views, access to exclusive areas, and an all-inclusive food and drinks offering. The Waterfront Platinum is a VIP experience for groups of 10, with reserved seating, a premium menu, an open bar and a dedicated live broadcast of the races. SailGP Auckland also offers official on-water viewing options, including Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB) and licensed spectator boat experiences, so you can feel as close to the action as possible. February is coming up fast, so if you're booking the ITMSailGP tickets, here's where to stay to not miss a moment of the weekend and the best of Auckland's CBD for the ultimate New Zealand North Island shore break. Where to stay in Auckland Mövenpick Hotel Auckland Just minutes from the Viaduct Harbour and Race Stadium, Mövenpick Auckland puts you within easy reach of SailGP, Commercial Bay shopping (Auckland's premium precinct for fashion and beauty), Britomart dining and the city's best waterfront bars and restaurants. On-site, BODA Restaurant serves modern Korean fusion with harbour views, making it a perfect choice for long lunches and post-race-day dinners close to your hotel base. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour For travellers who love a little taste of luxury, Sofitel's waterfront hotel is hard to beat. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a calm and elevated retreat that's just steps away from the race action. Spend your mornings wandering through cafes and the cove that's inspired by La Rochelle in southern France. Before the race gates open, head to the Sofitel Spa for a restorative wellness pause between races and dine at the gourmet La Marée restaurant. If you're looking for a proper city break alongside SailGP action, book your stay now. Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel Just steps from Auckland's airport terminals, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is the perfect accommodation choice for international travellers who want to land, rest, and head into the CBD to soak up the race weekend. And, you don't have to compromise on taste, culture and experience just to be near the airport. Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is Auckland's premium five-star airport hotel and blends convenience with cultural design. If you're jetting in and out for the weekend or are heading elsewhere on the North Island post-Sail GP, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is your go-to. *Please note, start times are subject to change. Discover Auckland Image credit: Supplied
Australians are eating out less often as cost-of-living pressures bite, but younger diners are helping to keep the country's hospitality industry buzzing. New research released by the Foodservice Association of Australia (FSAA) and consumer insights platform Vypr shows that while three in ten people are cutting back on restaurant visits — and one in ten have stopped altogether — Millennials and older Gen Zs continue to dine out several times a week, or even daily. The 25–34 age group is one-and-a-half times more likely to head to a cafe or restaurant compared to the population average (79 percent versus 57 percent), with many weaving breakfasts, coffee breaks and light lunches into their daily routines. "Our data shows that while Australians are being more careful with their spending, they continue to see dining out as essential to their social lives," said Vypr's International Chief Revenue Officer, Sam Gilding. He noted that socialising with family and friends (60 percent) and celebrating occasions (44 percent) remain the top reasons to head out. [caption id="attachment_1023279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Diners line up for viral burgers at Brunswick East's Charrd[/caption] Still, diners are more cost-conscious than ever. Nearly four in five spend under $60 per week on eating out, with value for money their biggest priority. More than half (52 percent) want better portion sizes, and almost two-thirds (63 percent) prefer discounts over loyalty schemes. Consistency across venues also matters, with 45 percent of respondents ranking it as a key improvement restaurants could make. Quick-service restaurants are the most frequented (62 percent), followed by casual dining venues (47 percent) and cafes (33 percent). Delivery apps are also especially popular among younger Australians, with 25–34-year-olds twice as likely as average to order via an app. Health and sustainability are increasingly influencing decisions, too — 71 percent of respondents said they seek healthier options, while 42 percent consider sustainability when choosing meals and venues. [caption id="attachment_1018380" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney's popular new Enmore bar, Deadwax.[/caption] FSAA CEO Minnie Constan said the report highlights important shifts. "We're thrilled to partner on this independent report at a time of real change in our industry. We pride ourselves on delivering accurate information that helps our members understand shifting consumer expectations and adapt to ensure foodservice remains strong into the future." Read the full Consumer Preferences & Dining Habits 2025 report here. Images: Supplied | Top image: Johnny's Green Room
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Chapel Street was a rather long way away while spending some time in Leonard's House of Love. The offering from the folks responsible for one Melbourne's preeminent watering holes The Sweetwater Inn, is placed a mere block away from its predecessor. And while Sweetwater serves up drinks and food with a distinctly Australian twang, Leonard's offering is done in good ol' fashioned American-style, without being either chintzy or contrived. Leonard's vibe is log cabin-meets-houseparty, and even though there's a fair serving of wood in the decor, it's more saloon than sauna, so plonk yourself down at a table (inside or out) and peruse the drinks list. Choose from an array of tap beers or plump for a cocktail and sip it down while you decide on some nosh. The menu consists mainly of dude-food, and while there aren't pages and pages of options, the selection is focused without being limited. If you're not so hungry, you could go for the hot honey slaw or the iceberg salad, but hell, you're not here for a damn salad. Begin like Leonard would want you to with the epic chicken tenders or fried popcorn chicken bites. Unsurprisingly, burgers are top-notch, so grab a cheeseburger or the smoked mushroom option — or stick to the chook, getting the classic fried chicken sandwich. While you're here you may as well take up any spare table real estate with some poutine or vegan chill fries. Besides, you can always burn off any spare energy with a turn about the dancefloor once you've emerged from your postprandial somnolence (aka, food coma). There's plenty to do after you've lined your stomach and crammed your face with food; there's a pool table tucked away in the back and a TV lounge that phoenixes into dance floor – a great spot to shuffle the night away with DJs until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. The amiable staff will wander over for a chat and are quick to help you figure out the best options for drinking and dining. You'd be onto a good thing if you chose Leonard's for a chilled date (first, second or anywhere beyond). With a large courtyard area and abundance of spots for you and your nearest and dearest, this sorta-secret South Yarra spot is also a real hit come the long hot days of summer. Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Nothing counteracts Melbourne's icy winter weather like drinking a glass of red or a negroni by a roaring open fire. But most pubs — and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade — don't take too kindly to people lighting up their furniture, so you'll have to stick to drinking dens with built-in fireplaces. And we've rounded up some of Melbourne's toastiest options. These venues will let you fill your belly and defrost your toes by a roaring fire — and help you avoid those pesky arson charges. There are comfy wine bars, craft beer pubs, a speakeasy-style spot and a microbrewery, all of which have at least one fireplace for you to settle in next to. Trust us, cosy up beside one of these beauties and winter won't seem so dreary after all. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne
Jackalope Hotel's dreamy surroundings on the Mornington Peninsula are so inspiring that you might just want to pen a post-stay memoir about the experience. But while you're working on your masterpiece, Jackalope Cinema, presented by Lexus, is returning to the hotel's vineyard with a second program of acclaimed films and cinematic classics showcasing the very best of storytelling. Exclusive to all in-house guests, this upgrade is included in every stay from Sunday, March 1–Tuesday, March 31. Set against Jackalope's tranquil infinity pool, this open-air experience is perfect for hotel guests looking to soak up the magic of cinema beneath the stars. Complemented by a curated menu and elevated cocktails, these alfresco sessions also come with bottomless popcorn and house-made ice cream. So, settle in for a Hollywood-esque encounter on the pool deck, or from your very own private terrace if you've booked a vineyard-facing room. Paired with this impressive setting, Jackalope Cinema's lineup is one hit after another, screening classics new and old, action-packed thrillers and tear-jerking dramas. Curated by Jackalope Founder Louis Li, highlights include Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a nostalgic ode to 1960s Los Angeles; Conclave, a gripping political thriller set within the secretive world of the Vatican; and Ang Lee's striking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. "Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do at Jackalope, whether through design or hospitality, and Jackalope Cinema is the perfect extension of this ethos," says Li. "Film is something I am passionate about, having studied it before venturing into design and hospitality, and I'm delighted to share some of my favourite films with our guests." Images: Griffin Simm.
The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants have just announced the top 25 burgers in the world, and three of Australia's most popular burgers have featured impressively in the list. A huge congratulations is in order for Melbourne's own Charrd, with the Brunswick East hole-in-the-wall takeout joint being ranked number 14 in the world. At Charrd, there are just two burgers on the menu, available in single or double, and there are no additions. The charry patties are slathered in truffle mayo and chilli jam and sandwiched between pillowy buns. The concise menu also features fries, charcoal wings, and homemade iced tea. This is a remarkable achievement for owner Ogulcan 'OJ' Atay and head chef Cagri Ergin (of Yakamoz) when you consider the pedigree of restaurants being considered for the list. One of New York City's most famous restaurants, 4 Charles Prime Rib, which boasts one of the most globally recognised burgers (no doubt you've seen viral videos of waiters dripping the gooey yolk of a fried egg over the burger loaded with thick-cut bacon), was only ranked 23rd on the list. Neil Perry's Sydney restaurant Next Door came in at number 10, and The Gidley's burger came in at number 12, making it the only Australian burger to be featured on the list for two years running. Earlier this year, the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants were announced, with Australia taking out 17 of the top spots. Neil Perry's famed Double Bay restaurant, Margaret, came in second on that list. While we don't need international rankings to tell us our food is world-class, it's still impressive to receive global acclaim. So, burger for lunch then? Images: Supplied | Dominic Loneragan. If you're craving a burger today, check out the best burgers in Melbourne. If you're after a steak, here are some of the best around town.
Ministry of Crab began in 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as an ode to the country's legendary mud crab. The brand was so successful that it subsequently opened seven additional outposts across Asia. Now, the internationally renowned restaurant can be found at 226 Flinders Lane. The Sri Lankan restaurant found its Melbourne Home inside the historical Invicta House, bringing an exciting new chapter to the building. The team have also taken over the subterranean space of the building, opening II.II.VI (or 'two two six' for those less well-versed in Roman numerals), a charcoal-fuelled, fiery diner, which also happens to sport an impressive seafood selection. Ministry of Crab, co-founded by Dharshan Munidasa and cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, is loved across continents, for you guessed it, its crab. First, sample crab across an array of starters such as baked crab, crab liver pate, avocado crab salad, and kaphrao crab, a signature dish of mud crab stir-fried with garlic, chilli and Thai basil. For the main event, you choose your size of crab — ranging from medium (700-799 grams) all the way up to Crabzilla (two kilograms) — and which fragrant sauce to accompany it. Options include pepper crab, garlic chilli crab, and Sri Lankan curry crab. While eating crab is messy work, this is no finger-lickin' beachside shack. The globally acclaimed restaurant has been included in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants List for delivering a multi-sensory, impeccable dining experience with quality ingredients, bold flavours and excellent hospitality. Images: Supplied.
