Love has always been a little bit rebellious. From secret letters and forbidden relationships, to modern-day DMs and fandom-fuelled devotion, the search for connection has rarely followed the rules. And a new exhibition at State Library Victoria is shining a light on those who dared to break them. Free to visit, Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations dives deep into Australia's romantic past, present and imagined futures. Drawing from the Library's vast archives of intimate diaries, handwritten letters and rare manuscripts, the exhibition traces centuries of passion and pain — amplified by newly commissioned music from some of Australia's most compelling artists. [caption id="attachment_1070885" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Angie McMahon[/caption] The stories at the heart of the exhibition span eras and circumstances. Visitors will meet figures like Anne Drysdale and Caroline Newcomb, the so-called 'gentlewoman farmers' who lived together in the 1840s, their bond preserved through Drysdale's diaries. Angie McMahon's new musical work will draw directly from those personal writings. Elsewhere, Wiradyuri-Filipinx artist Mo'Ju will respond to the letters Aileen McColl wrote to Immigration Minister Harold Holt, pleading for her Filipino husband to be allowed to return home to Melbourne. Music legends Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter will also feature, with their extraordinary love story — forged while sleeping rough as teenagers and sustained through decades of artistry — honoured in a new piece by their son, Amos Roach. [caption id="attachment_1070886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mindy Meng Wang[/caption] Another highlight will come from a letter of unrequited love discovered tucked behind a painting in the Library in 2009, reimagined through a commission by Mindy Meng Wang. Even bushranger lore gets a romantic reframe, with the story of Captain Moonlight and James Nesbitt, who met in Pentridge Prison and remained together until Nesbitt died in Moonlight's arms during a shoot-out. The exhibition doesn't stop at the past. Rebel Heart also explores how we connect now — and what love might look like in years to come — through mixtapes, fandoms, zines, fan fiction, AI relationships and digital intimacy. Visitors can look forward to more contemporary artefacts on show too, including Taylor Swift friendship bracelets from the Australian leg of the 2024 Eras Tour. [caption id="attachment_1070888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victorian Valentine's Day cards will feature in Rebel Heart[/caption] Timed to coincide with Valentine's Day, the Library is also hosting a slate of themed events. Highlights include Love Letters Live, featuring candid and comedic readings by beloved comedians hosted by Nina Oyama, and Love and Art, an intimate evening series exploring how love shapes creative practice, launching with Melbourne duo The Huxleys. Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations opens February 12th, 2026 at State Library Victoria. Images: Supplied
The Palace Hotel, a historic Camberwell pub, has reopened its doors following a major $7.5 million reno. Both the ground floor and upstairs of the Palace Hotel, which has been a cornerstone of the neighbourhood for over 130 years, have been transformed with a fresh design and a new culinary direction. Neil O'Connor, Venue Manager, says, "The Palace Hotel has always held a special place in Camberwell, and this renovation ensures it will continue to be a cherished gathering spot for generations to come. We've created a unique offering that caters to every mood and occasion, from a casual weeknight to a sophisticated evening out, all built around a serious dedication to quality [food and beverage]." Executive Chef Tony Moss has designed a new menu for downstairs, focusing on classic pub meals like chicken parma and fish and chips. There is also steak frites with béarnaise sauce, a wagyu steak sando with caramelised onion, mozzarella and onion rings, and a barramundi pie with lemon butter sauce and creamed parsnip. "Downstairs, it's your classic local, but elevated… It's the perfect spot for walk-ins looking for that classic Melbourne pub experience," says O'Connor. The small plates menu, with a noticeable focus on native ingredients, is perfect for leisurely group gatherings, post-work drinks, or a few pints while watching the footy or enjoying live music. Go for crispy haloumi with pepperberry honey, fried calamari with lemon myrtle and citrus mayo, or the lamb ribs with a coffee and wattleseed glaze. Upstairs has been restored into Josephine's Lounge, where Moss says, "you can't go past the smoked barramundi brioche" and the Roman-style pizzas. O'Connor adds, "Upstairs at Josephine's Lounge is where the night feels like it could go anywhere, whether it's a spontaneous date night, a pre-planned celebration, or that quick catch-up that turns into a long lunch." The massive investment by ALH Hotels, part of the Endevour Group, "is a tangible representation of [their] deep commitment to revitalising and celebrating the heart of Australian communities — our pubs," says Paul Carew, Managing Director of ALH. "We believe in honouring the rich history of these iconic venues while innovating, to deliver truly outstanding food and beverage experiences." Images: Supplied.
Wednesday nights in Melbourne mean one thing: hitting up the Queen Victoria Market's usual midweek — and after-dark — offering. During winter, it celebrates the frosty season with an appropriate spread. Across spring this year, it's been oozing Euro vibes. Now, with the warm weather upon us for another year, it's bringing back its legendary Summer Night Market. After last running earlier in 2022, from January–April, the event is returning every Wednesday from November 23–March 15. That means that Melburnians can look forward to a fresh 15-week run, and to a heap of places to browse, buy from, eat at and sip drinks from, with more than 125 different shops, stalls and bars on the lineup. Each week, the Summer Night Market will feature a mouthwatering lineup of food vendors slinging street eats from every corner of the globe. We're talking rigatoni al pesto with saffron and stracciatella from That's Amore Cheese, lobster rolls and popcorn prawns courtesy of George the Fishmonger, and The Cypriot Kitchen's famed halloumi chips. Mr Miyagi is also making its Summer Night Market debut, serving up peking duck, soft shell crab and salmon nori street tacos — and so is Ripe Cheese, doing flambéed Milawa camembert topped with biscotti crumble, spiced baby figs and drizzled with brand; and Mr Yes and Mr No, if you're fond of hummus bowls. Similarly on offer: all sorts of spherical sweet treats from the doughnut masters at Taki's Balls, Portuguese tarts via Casa Nata, and cartoon-themed snacks such as fairy floss and mini donuts from Son in Law. To wash it all down and quench your summer thirst, you'll find no less than four dedicated festival bars — one focusing on mojitos, another doing sangria, a dedicated general cocktail spot and a Brick Lane caravan — along with drinks stalls from the likes of Antagonist Spirits. As always, there'll be a program of live, local tunes to soundtrack your food-focused wanderings, including DJ sets and roving performers. And, for a little midweek shopping action, see the diverse range of artisan maker stalls, brimming with an array of handmade gifts, homewares, fashion and more. The Queen Victoria Market 2022–23 Summer Night Market will run from 5–10pm every Wednesday from November 23–March 15. Find it at the Queen Victoria Market, corner of Queen and Therry Streets, Melbourne.
Taking up the space beneath the century-old bones of Invicta House, II.II.VI (that's 'two two six', for those playing along at home) is a subterranean dining room built on serious firepower. Named for its Flinders Lane address in Roman numerals — itself a nod to ancient wood- and charcoal-fuelled cooking traditions — this moody, 115-seat dining room draws on cross-cultural fire-cooking rituals, reimagined through a produce-driven, modern Australian lens. The vibe is, in a word, dramatic — with custom art deco-inspired lighting, plush oxblood leather banquettes, deep blue accents and a glowing stone bar setting the tone. The dining room is anchored by an open kitchen, where a parrilla grill, robata and charcoal ovens bring the fire. [caption id="attachment_1008097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] The menu by Executive Chef Kerry Lam (Koko at Crown, Calia Group) and Head Chef Haitham Richani (Gradi Group, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door, Hopetoun Tea Rooms) borrows from Japanese, South American and Basque grilling traditions, all while spotlighting premium Australian produce. You can choose between a two- or three-course menu that might feature the likes of Abrolhos Island scallops and dry-aged Mayura MB9+ wagyu, while a dedicated bar menu features bites like charred skewers, blistered cast iron bread and prime cuts of steak. II.II.VI is by the same team behind Sri Lankan import Ministry of Crab, which is also located in Invicta House. Much like its stablemate, II.II.VI is showcasing a sense of sophistication worthy of its address. [caption id="attachment_1008094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] Top images: Tim Sonmez Photography.
Melbourne's free tram zone has just grown bigger, making it easier to move across the city without tapping your myki. From Wednesday, September 24, tram routes 48, 70 and 75 were added to the zone, meaning passengers can now ride fare-free from the CBD all the way to the MCG gates. The expansion was timed to coincide with the AFL Grand Final, when more than 100,000 fans descended on the stadium, but the benefits continue well beyond footy season. The change also supports the city's other major drawcards, including the Melbourne Royal Show, which attracts over 450,000 visitors each year. To help families get to and from the Showgrounds, more than 100 additional daily trains now run from Flinders Street, departing every 10–15 minutes from platforms 8, 9 and 10. The last service leaves at 10.40pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends, with extra trams boosting Route 57 between Elizabeth Street and the Showgrounds. Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the move was about keeping the city moving during its biggest weeks. "With so much on offer for families and footy fans, we're providing more services across the network to make sure families spend more time doing the things they love. We encourage everyone to plan ahead and take public transport to the 'G or the Show," she said. The change also supports the city's other major drawcards, including the Melbourne Royal Show, which attracts over 450,000 visitors each year. To help families get to and from the Showgrounds, more than 100 additional daily trains now run from Flinders Street, departing every 10–15 minutes from platforms 8, 9 and 10. The last service leaves at 10.40pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends, with extra trams boosting Route 57 between Elizabeth Street and the Showgrounds. Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the move was about keeping the city moving during its biggest weeks. "With so much on offer for families and footy fans, we're providing more services across the network to make sure families spend more time doing the things they love. We encourage everyone to plan ahead and take public transport to the 'G or the Show." Plan your journey at Public Transport Victoria or V/Line. Images: iStock
The saying 'good things come in small packages' rings especially true for the humble dumpling. The universally adored Asian dish is happily scoffed down during everything from weekend yum cha sessions to affordable group dinners out in Chinatown. Whether you're partial to some pan-fried pork and chive dumplings, scouting out some soupy xiaolongbao, or just want some peanut chilli wontons on your chopsticks — Melbourne's dumpling game is strong, and you'll never find yourself too far from a top-notch restaurant serving up some winners. From the traditional to the contemporary, we've rounded up a list of the best dumpling joints in Melbourne to put on high rotation. Here's where to get your steamer basket fix next time the craving hits. Recommended reads: The Best Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Hot Pots in Melbourne The Best BYO Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Bubble Tea in Melbourne Tao Tao House, Hawthorn Behind a traditionally decorated facade on Glenferrie Road, Tao Tao House has been serving up top-notch Chinese fare for over a decade. With a former Flower Drum chef heading up the kitchen, this one's the real deal. The dim sum offering is expansive, with all the favourites represented — pork and prawn siu mai, prawn and chive dumplings, and soft barbecue pork buns, included, of course. Or, you can mix things up a bit with serves of the pork and peanut variety, some chilli-spiked chicken dumplings, or parcels stuffed with roast duck. Best of all, the popular yum cha service runs every day of the week. Tim Ho Wan, CBD What started life as one hole-in-the-wall eatery in Hong Kong is now a globally recognised chain, complete with Michelin-star pedigree and outposts across Australia. Here at Tim Ho Wan Bourke Street, you can bank on some world-class dumplings, with all the usual dim sum suspects executed with finesse. Purists will appreciate the likes of translucent shrimp and spinach dumplings, steamer baskets filled with plump prawn har gow and the chicken broth studded with yellow wontons. Elsewhere, fill up on classics like the baked buns oozing barbecue pork, or venture left of field for a serve of the Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumplings — crisp seafood morsels crowned with a vibrant green dressing. Din Tai Fung, CBD Taiwan's Din Tai Fung has been a staple of the Melbourne dumpling scene since its opening back in 2015. The Emporium restaurant space is bright, modern and polished, with a glass-walled dumpling kitchen offering visuals of the masters at work, to enjoy while you dine. The vibe is buzzy and service is speedy, as smartly-dressed waitstaff drop baskets and plates of dumplings to your table.The menu here champions the classics, with options like chicken and mushroom potstickers, shrimp and pork siu mai, and soupy xiao long bao. Din Tai Fung is also famed for its special releases — from Easter's chocolate-filled hot cross bao, to the animal-shaped dumplings unveiled for Lunar New Year. Hutong Dumpling Bar, CBD and Prahran This long-standing Melbourne dumpling house has been winning over fans with its home-style Chinese cooking since 2008. Now with two restaurants in its stable, HuTong remains a go-to for authentic Shanghainese eats, including a stand-out line-up of handmade dumplings - making it an easy addition to this list of the best dumplings in Melbourne. Queues are pretty much a given, but the dishes are well worth the wait — translucent crystal prawn dumplings, xiao long bao, varieties stuffed with crab meat or roast duck, Sichuan-style wontons in hot chilli sauce, and more. The best part is, this one's affordable and generous, so you can feast without spending up too big. Winner winner, dumpling dinner. Shanghai Street, CBD and Windsor Now with four outposts under its belt, Shanghai Street is a go-to for many when dumplings are on the food agenda. Here, expect a fuss-free dining experience that doesn't skimp on flavour and that'll fill your belly without draining your wallet. Lovers of the xiao long bao will find four different variations to choose from, alongside handmade dumplings stuffed with the likes of kung pao chicken, beef and cheese, and a classic pork mix — either pan-fried, boiled or finished with a rich peanut butter sesame sauce. Other dim sum heroes include dainty siu mai, pork and prawn wontons, and fluffy char siu bao. Yep, the lineup is a hefty one — you'd best bring an appetite. China Red, CBD This contemporary dumpling house comes complete with modern interiors, a touchscreen ordering system, and a kitchen offering primo views of the chefs working their magic. But despite the new-school energy, China Red's food offering is also grounded in tradition, boasting plenty of familiar flavours and time-honoured techniques. A hefty lineup of dim sum touches on all the greatest hits — prawn and chive parcels, vibrant green veggie dumplings, slurpy xiaolongbao, and chicken and prawn siu mai— alongside underrated gems like the duck meat dumplings and dolphin-shaped beauties filled with prawn. All of them are perfectly folded, artfully presented and impressively quick to land at your table. It has been one of the best dumpling spots in Melbourne for many years now, showing no signs of slowing down. Shark Fin Inn, CBD and Keysborough An oldie, but a goodie, Shark Fin Inn now has restaurants both in the inner-city and suburbia, leaving you in very good hands when that dumpling craving hits. Expect white-clothed tables, dapperly-looking waitstaff and a yum cha service with a truly devoted following of regulars. The menu is a roll-call of classics, with pork siu mai, glossy har gow, xiao long bao and vegetarian dumplings all making an appearance. Elsewhere in the lineup, you'll find pan-fried pork dumplings with a golden crust, crispy deep-fried wontons, and juicy prawn dumplings bathed in ginger broth. And that's only about one-third of the options — if you're after choices, this Melbourne dumpling restaurant is the one for you. Bowl Bowl Sichuan, Collingwood Bringing a taste of Sichuan cuisine to the heart of Smith Street, this cheerful restaurant and dumpling house has extra broad appeal — along with meat- and seafood-based classics, it's plating up a solid spread of vegan and gluten-free options. Bowl Bowl's colourful interiors have a home-spun feel, while the generous menu pays equal respect to tradition and creativity. The aptly-named volcano wontons come bathed in a vivid red chilli broth; wagyu beef dumplings are matched tomato, onion and mushrooms; and the Chitalian parcels feature a region-hopping blend of fennel and chicken. You can even round out your feast with a couple of dessert dumplings, crafted with sweet rice, black sesame, fermented rice wine and honey. Oriental Teahouse, CBD, South Yarra and Brunswick A modern Chinese teahouse with outposts on Chapel Street and in the CBD (and a takeaway outpost in Brunswick with a small outdoor dining area), Oriental Teahouse is a total haven for the local dumpling-lover. Expect stylish, contemporary interiors, working as the backdrop to a refined, yet approachable menu of yum cha classics and Shanghainese favourites. Handmade dumplings are the stars of this show, with mostly authentic creations sitting alongside a few crafty new-school offerings. You'll find crisp ginger prawn dumplings, soup-filled xiao long bao, and pork and prawn siu mai, interspersed with the likes of pulled pork Flame Thrower dumplings, and a satay peanut chicken variety spiked with Asian herbs. The team here also runs David's in Prahran — home to some of Melbourne's best dumplings as well. Dumpling Empire, Glen Waverley A location of choice for big, hearty dumpling dinners with mates, Glen Waverley's Dumpling Empire takes dumplings just as seriously as its name suggests. The kitchen's known for its classically Shanghainese dumpling lineup, all handmade in-house daily. Get slurpy with some pork xiaolongbao, order up on the chicken and prawn parcels, or take your chopsticks to the glossy green vegetarian dumplings. There's also pan-fried steamed buns, and some fiery chilli wontons with homemade spicy sesame sauce. And if you're having trouble deciding, you'll find a combo pack featuring a variety of steamed options. It's a great way to eat your way through some of the best dumplings in Melbourne. Honourable Mentions New Shanghai, Chadstone and CBD Yulongfu, CBD Ruyi, CBD Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar, CBD Red Door Yum Cha, Windsor Borsch Vodka and Tears, Windsor Flower Drum, CBD Gingerboy, CBD Supernormal, CBD Spice Temple, Southbank Secret Kitchen, CBD Red Emperor Chinese Restaurant, CBD Top Image: David's
In Melbourne, brunch certainly isn't hard to find. No matter where you are — from Thornbury to Windsor to Kensington — a cafe serving up poached eggs, smashed avocado or a bowl of superfood granola probably isn't too far away. But, what's rare, is for a cafe to look beyond noon and have a lunch menu that's more than just an afterthought. Tucked down a CBD lane, Operator25 ensures that, no matter how you operate, you'll be completely satisfied — and will probably be left coming back for more. Opening quietly earlier this year, Operator25 has been slowly building an inner city following on, quite simply, really good food. In a stunning heritage-listed building on Wills Street (just off LaTrobe) in a pocket of the city that's usually reserved for business only, everything about Operator is unassuming. Yet, from the crisp design to the polished menu, it fits right into its environment and surpasses the likes of other so-so CBD cafes. What's apparent from first glance is that the menu has a real culinary feel — it could almost be restaurant dining if it wasn't for the price bracket. Created by chefs Valerie Fong and Felipe Pereira Guedes, the menu treats both pre and post noon options with equal amounts of creativity and flair. For the 'Early Operator', breakfast — which is served all day — includes the sweet corn fritters (with avocado mousse, an egg sunny side up and tomato and coriander salsa; $16) are some of the best around, and the ricotta pancakes ($15) are light and not overly sweet. For those who operate from noon, or just like to skip straight to the good stuff, the lunch menu is substantial and goes beyond the confines of typical cafe lunch fare. Excellently presented, the pan-fried potato gnocchi with heirloom tomatoes, black olive tapenade, goats curd and parmesan crisps ($16) triumphs on the gnocchi's lightness and golden consistency. However, a range of other options, from the braised lamb shoulder to the open steak sandwich, make choosing perhaps the biggest task. Sealing the deal is the coffee is from Brunswick's superb Code Black roastery, and a dessert that is worth the visit in itself: the parfait-like tonka bean and coconut sago with a tangy citrus curd, mango and pistachio salted caramel crumbs ($9). So, whether you're an early riser — someone who fits in a run, a latte and a bowl of Bircher before 9am — a late bruncher or someone who skips breakfast altogether, Operator25 can help. With an exceptional all-round menu, they make good use of heritage building with a sleek interior and, with some of the best coffee south of Queen Street, it's sure to be a CBD go-to. Appears in: The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne's CBD
These viewers are in love: by the time that the first episode of Invisible Boys ends, pressing play on the next is a necessity, not a choice. Readers fell for the story of small-town Australian LGBTQIA+ teens grappling with who they really are in a remote community where everyone thinks that they know everyone courtesy of Holden Sheppard's award-winning 2019 novel. Now, thanks to an adaption created and directed by filmmaker Nicholas Verso (Boys in the Trees), streaming audiences are there with them. As a ten-part Stan series, Invisible Boys sets its action in 2017, as the same-sex marriage plebiscite is occurring, and as four young men in Geraldton in Western Australia navigate their identities, hopes, dreams and desires — and who they keep being told that they're meant to be. Consider the show's cast in love with this tale of coming of age and coming out in rural Australia, too. Chatting with Joseph Zada (Total Control), Aydan Calafiore (The Voice) and Zach Blampied (New Gold Mountain) means hearing about the genuine rapport that they formed as three of the eponymous Invisible Boys. Speaking with Pia Miranda (Windcatcher), who portrays one of the high school-aged lead characters' disapproving mothers, means discovering how significant it is for the star to again be helping to give an underrepresented community an on-screen space, as she did when fellow beloved book Looking for Alibrandi made the leap to cinemas 25 years ago. Anyone watching is already all in by the time that Invisible Boys' sixth episode arrives; however, as the local debutant ball becomes the only thing that anyone in Geraldton is talking about, impacting Zada's Charlie, Calafiore's Zeke and Blampied's Hammer in different ways, it's one of the series' standout chapters. That's equally the case for Zada, Calafiore and Blampied, in no small part due to a deeply affecting sequence where their characters, plus Joe Klocek (Territory) as farm boy Matt, get a rare moment to hang out together at the town's lookout. The bond that's evident between the quartet is genuine. "We just hung out a lot. We spent a lot of time rehearsing, and then I feel like the beautiful thing is that you get to meet these new people and we were lucky enough to get along really well with each other, and you can really see when there's real chemistry between characters on-screen. You can really tell that there's real chemistry between characters," explains Zada. "So if you're really good friends, it shines through. And there's a real connection between all of us and we really get along. It was so lovely to have that lookout scene where we were all together." "We had a lot of fun that night," adds Blampied. "We all talk about it, that lookout scene, it was a highlight for me. I think it's the only moment — I could be wrong — but I think it's the only moment where the four of us get to share the screen together, and all be talking and communicating and having a laugh, and really feeling like we are the invisible boys. We really find our people in that moment," notes Calafiore. Her character Anna, Zeke's mum, isn't a part of it, but Miranda was also moved: "it's beautiful, that scene — it brought tears to my eyes," she tells Concrete Playground. As Charlie, Zada plays a yearning and hurting soul who lives for My Chemical Romance, and for his dream of getting out of town when his punk band hits it big. When the series starts, he isn't living for himself, though, as he struggles with the death of his father when he was a kid, and hides his sexuality from his friends and family while making the most of hookup apps. Zeke and Hammer attend the same school: the former is the studious youngest son of a conservative Italian Australian family, where nothing he ever does is good enough; the latter is the resident Aussie Rules gun with his entire future as the next Indigenous AFL superstar mapped out. While Charlie has come out by the time that episode two starts, and is starting to connect with Matt and experiencing the rollercoaster that is falling in love, his peers have their own paths to chart. Heartfelt, raw, resonant, committed to rejecting the Hollywood view of the gay experience: as it swings between aching pain and amusing chaos, plus complicated decisions and life's messes and joys alike, they all apply to Invisible Boys. Zada, Calafiore, Blampied and Miranda want viewers to find hope in the series, and to see themselves in it, no matter their own personal journey. "I hope it inspires young people, young queer people, to be themselves, and let people know that if you're feeling alone, you're not alone — there's still people out there," offers Blampied, who took inspiration from Moonlight for his part and, like Hammer here, is no stranger to footy. "I think it'll obviously find its community, but I want everyone from every background and community to watch the show and give it a go," adds Zada, who is next treading where James Dean once did, playing the same character as the late, great icon in a new version of East of Eden. "There's a lot of topics that we cover — I'm sure everyone will have their own takeaways from it". In his TV acting debut after previously gracing the stage in Fangirls and Jagged Little Pill the Musical, and with an aim to continue to pursue both music and acting, Calafiore shares similar sentiments. "My takeaways from the show, from my time shooting and then even watching a couple of the episodes, was naturally the representation. We want people to see themselves in all of the characters, take what they need from everybody and feel like they can see themselves on the screen," he notes. "But I found with Zeke, my big takeaway was that you're not alone. Even though these boys are in this small town, everyone knows everyone but they feel so, so alone and so marginalised and so in their own little bubbles that they can't be themselves, and I think the show really goes through that and shows that emotion really, really strongly — then coming again to that lookout scene, it's the real moment where you're like 'wow, I'm not alone, even though it can feel like it and it feels like the entire world is against me'. There is a light out there somewhere and you just have to find that. You find your people. It's not always who, not that you get stuck with, but it's not always who you surround yourself with. And once you find that it's such a breath of fresh air. So that was a huge takeaway for me, that you're not as alone as you might feel." We also chatted with Zada, Calafiore, Blampied and Miranda about what initially excited them about being part of Invisible Boys, digging into their characters and pushing back against Hollywood's take on the gay experience — and about Zada balancing Charlie's fierce spirit and vulnerability, the complexities of Blampied's task given that there's never been an out gay or bisexual men's AFL-level player, how Calafiore approached Zeke's conflict between being his authentic self and his family, and Miranda serving up another on-screen Tomato Day. On What Initially Excited Zada, Calafiore, Blampied and Miranda About Being Part of Invisible Boys Zach: "The thing that really jumped out at me was just when I got the brief and I saw who the character was portrayed to be, and he was a narcissist and a bully and a jock, and had a big ego. I loved that, so I wanted to play that. But he also has a very sweet side, so it was nice to dive into the two." Joseph: "I really love the character of Charlie. I read the book after the first audition, and fell in love with this story and the characters. And I think it's also it was just so unique to see a story like this as an Australian TV series. It has a really important message and covers a lot of really prominent topics." Pia: "I think for me, I love being a part of something. This is definitely going to be a show where young people will see themselves reflected back for the first time. There's going to be some young people in remote parts of Australia who've never really felt represented on-screen. And so when you get to be a part of that, that's very exciting. I got my start in a film where that had that effect. There were a lot of young migrant people that saw themselves reflected back on-screen for the first time, so it's nice to sort of carry on that tradition. It was really beautiful and exciting. I don't think we've had an LGBTQI story set in — I mean, I might be wrong — but set in a rural town." Aydan: "I think you're right. I'm pretty sure it's the first, especially to come out of WA, a Western Australian-born kind of story. It's also just nice to be a part of something that you know will be a little bit of a conversation point and a conversation starter. I think it's really important for shows like this to be given the platform that Stan's given us just to encourage conversation around some of the tougher topics that shows don't usually dive into." Pia: "A great moment Nic spoke of was when he sent the first draft to Stan, to Amanda at Stan, and then she came back and said 'I thought you told me it was going to was going to be edgy' — and he went 'oh, you never hear that. You usually hear to tone things down'. And so he had this ability to go away and really just experiment and take chances, and do something risky and exciting." On the Cast's First Reads on Their Characters — and What They Wanted to Help Bring to the Screen Joseph: "For me, it was Charlie's vulnerability. I spoke about that with Nic as well. He's very defiant by nature, but he's got a big heart. He's very rebellious, except he's just looking for love — he's just scared of rejection. So that was the take I took." Zach: "The tough bravado, but what's behind that? That was where all the juicy stuff was, and I got to flesh that out. So it was a privilege — but also vulnerability. I think all the boys in the show are very vulnerable at points." Aydan: "It's tough dynamic, when you think about the fact there are people out there that experience mother-son dynamics like this, where it's not the most supportive and loving. I can't say that I experienced that at home. I had very loving, supportive parents, so it was a big shock to see Pia Miranda being so mean to me." Pia: "It's difficult. It's exciting when you get a role like that, because it's very layered and it's a big challenge to work out how to navigate a role — because you can't go into it being judgmental when you're playing a person, because you need that to just unfold naturally. So it's a nice balance to go 'okay, I need to work out how this woman ticks and what's making her feel this way'. It's nice to be able to go deeper. And I never wanted her to be a cartoon villain, because you don't want people to feel ostracised by the character, even though she is somewhat — in the book she's described as a monster, but I think a lot of that was on the page and I tried to have a little bit of, in quotation marks, fun with it, because I thought that would lighten it a little bit. I think we found it. We had a really great groove together and just working opposite Aydan was just a beautiful experience." Aydan: "The give and take was really nice." Pia: "We found something. You can do a lot of work at home, but then it's when you get on set, if you work with a great young actor, things really can unfold in a beautiful way. If you can have a laugh in-between takes, that really lightens the mood, so you can definitely go deeper and go harder. With some of the stuff, some of the stuff I say is pretty challenging and some of it was challenging for it to come out of my mouth, but I think it's important that there's a character like that in there." Aydan: "Oh, definitely. Having the connection off screen also meant for someone like myself, who doesn't necessarily have too much experience in the screen world, I felt super comfortable going there and feeling like I was being pushed by Anna. I felt really quite comfortable to dive into those darker places of being picked on by my mum." Pia: "And Nic is very caring, the director. So he would constantly check in. So when you feel like everyone's feeling safe on set, you can go deeper and go darker and push it a little harder." On Zada's Balancing Act as Charlie, Swinging Between His Fierce Spirit and His Vulnerability Joseph: "Yeah, it was really crazy. And we didn't shoot and order either, not that really would've helped anything. It's still very much topsy-turvy. But yeah, it was crazy — I think I had something nuts like two or three crying scenes, or at least very emotional scenes, a week. It was a lot to prepare for and was a lot to map out. He's a very animated character, Charlie. And so there obviously was a lot to balance, but I had fun doing it, and it definitely, definitely challenged me as an actor. I don't think I'd be half the actor today if I hadn't been given that opportunity by Nic. You just rip in, as with any other character you play. You do all your backstory and you just work hard. I did a lot about learning about punk music. That was a fun way to me. I use a lot of music in general, but just a learned a lot about My Chemical Romance, which is Charlie's favourite band, and their lead singer. And then just the emotional stuff, I didn't feel like I was too ready for it, but then as soon as you get there on the day and you've done all your backstory, it comes." On Blampied's Task Playing a Gay Aussie Rules Footballer When No IRL Men's Player at AFL Level Has Ever Come Out as Gay or Bisexual Zach: "I really love that question. You're probably one of the first people to ask that. But me and Nic had big convos about that, and how there isn't an openly gay or bisexual AFL player. You look at the dynamics of what they go through and it's crazy to think about. I think my goal with that character, specifically towards the end when we were filming some of those scenes, was to hopefully inspire some people in the future who may be playing footy or maybe really successful at that, to not be ashamed to be themselves. So hopefully my work as an actor resonates with some young folk here out there, and even older fellas that are playing footy at the moment. So hopefully there's a change soon. I've been in change rooms before. I've played footy for most of my life. I know the dynamic in in those locker rooms. I think Hammer's just scared at the end of the day. He's scared of what will happen if he actually chooses to be himself, so he has to put on this act for the people around him and his footy mates, and everything like that." On How Calafiore Navigated Zeke's Struggle to Be His Authentic Self When His Family Have Such Strict Expectations Aydan: "There's a lot of background work that went into the complexities of Zeke. He is super layered and I love that about him, because I think as humans were all pretty layered, so it was nice to dive into something that was meaty and had some substance. So I did a lot of work. I made three character journals, where I just made those little journals as 17-year-old Zeke, but in different moments, different headspaces. So if I knew that I had to dive into a scene where I maybe felt like I was under the thumb of family or friends or school bullies or whatever, I would dive into the pages of feeling trapped and feeling like I couldn't express myself and I don't know what's going on. Then there was moments where I felt like I did get to be myself and I didn't want to keep the keep the energy like I'm feeling trapped — I wanted to let Zeke flow a little bit more — so then I would flip to the pages that it's me being myself, and being unapologetically young and free, and exploring sexuality and all of that. So it was definitely a challenge, but I think there's something nice about getting a challenge as an actor. It means that you really get to dive in and do all the work. Because, I was really worried — I didn't want to be embarrassed, I didn't want to watch it on the screen and be like 'oh, dude, why didn't you go deeper?'. I didn't want to leave anything there on set. So yeah, it was a challenge, but I enjoyed getting my teeth into it." On What It Means to Miranda to Be a Key Part of Another Pioneering Aussie Coming-of-Age Tale — and If Doing Another Tomato Day On-Screen Is a Full-Circle Moment Pia: "Weirdly yes, because I've done Tomato Day twice and they've both been on-screen. I've never done one in real life. So it does a little bit. I mean, I don't — full circle makes me feel like my career is over." Aydan: "Half circle." Pia: "But definitely, when you are in a coming-of-age film and it feels like yesterday that you were the young actor on set, it does bring back memories — and definitely brought up those memories of my first job, and how wonderful the older actors were to me. And so it's very nice to hopefully pass on that tradition of caring and making sure young actors feel safe and supported, because you only really do your best work when you're relaxed and supported. So in that sense, it's really wonderful. But it is strange, because it does come quick. As you age, it comes quick — one day you're the young actor and the next day you're the older matriarch of the set. But also it's not lost on me that there's a privilege in that as well. I feel very lucky that I'm still working 25 years after that film. I feel like sometimes as women, we feel like there's a bit of an expiration date with our careers. So I'm very grateful for the opportunity to still have a meaty role, and to be able to just flex my muscles, which is really wonderful. It means a lot to me to be a part of this story. I've had such a wonderful time working on it. And I also have teenagers myself. I've grown up in an era where young actors were told to stay in the closet because people wouldn't believe them as a romantic lead. And I've lived that experience of seeing my friends go through that. And so to be able to be a part of something groundbreaking and positive and wonderful while I'm watching my young children grow up means a lot. And I think whenever you get to be a part of something that is deep and wonderful and you know is putting good into the world, that's a privilege as well." On Invisible Boys' Aim to Correct the Way That Hollywood Usually Portrays Gay Men and Gay Relationships On-Screen Joseph: "It just meant being more real and being more raw. Everything is very mapped out. Everything you see on TV when it comes to sex, especially nowadays, is thankfully very much well-rehearsed and everybody feels comfortable. But it was long conversations about just how bullshit sex is in any shows, and especially gay sex. There's a lot more to it. It's just like: no. But it makes for this this beautiful raw quality. And humour even, as well." Pia: "I have a lot of friends that I've messaged and gone 'can't wait for you to see this show, you're really going to love it' — because for me, I don't want to speak for the gay experience, but for me, a lot of my friends didn't have that experience where they were in the city and had found their tribe. It was a tricky road to find out where they belonged. I do a lot of work with Dolly's Dream, which is a charity that really deals with the mental health of young people, but especially people who are in rural communities who are feeling isolated. I'm very passionate about that. And so it was nice for me to actually tell a story that did deal with young people and mental health in rural communities who do feel isolated. And I think it'll be so great, because sometimes we just think about kids in the city when we're making art in Australia, and we forget that there's a whole country of people who are living in country towns and are very remote." Aydan: "It's also really special that the project itself is just so unbelievably authentic, being that all of the entire team of writers are all queer, plus obviously Nic Verso as well, so it was very easy to bring the story to life in an authentic way — especially in terms of the intimacy. I think that was a big one for me, was just making sure that it wasn't Hollywoodised. Because I think most young people go into their first time or some kind of intimate moment thinking that there's just going to be fireworks and candles, and there's a little bit of that that gets shown where it's candles and rose petals and quiet music and just the dream experience, but it's really never that. It's always awkward and unsure. And 'is this okay? Is it that? Is it this?'. It's awkward. It's real. It's human. So I think that that's just really an overarching theme of the entire show — that it's human, it's real, it's raw and it's not Hollywoodised. And I think that is something that was evidently really important to all of the writers and Nic, and passed on to all of us. It was important to keep it very authentic." Invisible Boys streams via Stan. Invisible Boys images: David Dare Parker, Stan.
When it comes to chill-busting winter comfort food, a classic Melbourne Sunday roast has got to be up there with the best: succulent meat, crispy potatoes, seasonal veg and lashings of rich gravy to pull it all together. But making all of this yourself can take forever. Plus, it takes years of practice to perfect each element. Thankfully, you'll find plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes that'll happily hook you up with that homemade roast dinner fix you've been craving. Perhaps a British-style roast beef with Yorkshire pudding? Or a classic porchetta? Here are seven Melbourne Sunday roasts to add to your dining out hit list, ASAP. Recommended reads: The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best Steak in Melbourne Melbourne's Best Pubs and Bars with Fireplaces The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The Lord of the Rings is turning 25 in 2026 — and one of the many ways you can celebrate a quarter century since the destruction of the One Ring is by listening to a candlelit rendition of its legendary score. The soundtracks of the fantasy films to end all fantasy films will get a string quartet treatment in cities across Australia thanks to Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings. Presented by Fever and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, the intimate concert series will recreate the iconic scores composed by Howard Shore in a smaller scale, but just as emotionally sweeping, format. From the humble tunes of the Shire to the stirring sounds of the plains of Rohan, and beyond, it's a trip to Middle-earth that you won't be forgetting any time soon. Tickets are limited, but you can join the waitlist now. "We are proud to be partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to host this unforgettable Candlelight concert series celebrating such a significant milestone as the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings," said Isabel Solano, Global Vice President of Original Experiences at Fever. "With Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings, we're paying tribute to the epic music from the timeless classic that continues to inspire generations and reinforcing our mission to make classical music accessible to every audience while celebrating some of the world's greatest composers." Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings will be coming to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney throughout early 2026. Adelaide shows will take place across two nights in February at the Capri Theatre, with Perth to follow at shows in March and April at Perth Town Hall. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane dates are yet to be confirmed, but will take place at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Collingwood Town Hall and Saint John's Anglican Cathedral, respectively. For more information, or to join the waitlist for 'Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings', visit the Fever website.
Lygon Street and its surrounds might once have been wall-to-wall, old-school Italian joints — and famously so. But a new wave of residents are slowly but surely shaking up the demographic. Tortilla and tequila bar Taquito, famed ramen joint Hakata Gensuke and even all-vegan pub the Green Man's Arms have settled happily into the neighbourhood. And, next up, it's time for modern east Asian eats, courtesy of newcomer Lagoon Dining. This one's the debut joint venture from a trio of hospitality young guns and Ezard alumni – Chris Lerch, Ned Trumble and Keat Lee – along with business partner Susan Wyles. The 80-seat restaurant has made its home right in the heart of this iconic strip, taking over the space that once housed the Lygon Food Store. The menu is grounded in traditional Chinese sensibilities, though you'll also spy plenty of other Asian influences, as well a few clever riffs on Chinese food concepts plucked from further abroad. [caption id="attachment_749770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Pull up a seat at the bar and snack your way through options like popcorn chicken teamed with white pepper togarashi and curry leaf, pork and cabbage dumplings, and xinjiang-spiced lamb ribs. Raw dishes might include the likes of a 'hot and numbing' beef tartare, while a wok selection stars combinations like mapo tofu knots with mustard greens and shiitake. Larger offerings come in the form of charcoal-roasted char siu pork matched with tare sauce and spring onion relish, and steamed market fish paired with Hunan-style salted chilli. A banquet menu clocks in at $70 per person. Meanwhile, sommelier Ben Skipper has headed up the drinks lineup, designing a broad-ranging rotation of craft beers – from local Cavalier pilsner to NZ's Garage Project White Mischief — as well as spirits and aperitifs. The wine list is a considered trip across the globe and the cocktail offering's set to change up regularly. At time of writing, the house sour is a blend of Plantation rum, pineapple and sugar cane, while the spritz teams umeshu, yuzu soda and sparkling wine.
From web searches and browsers to email and document storage, Google has its fingers in plenty of different online pies. Many of its services have become such a part of our daily lives that we no longer give them much thought, but every now and then the company has fun with one of its platforms — bringing Pac-Man, Mario Kart and Where's Waldo? to Google Maps, for example. Earlier this year, in its latest entertaining attempt to direct everyone towards a specific product, Google brought back another retro title — combining Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? with Google Earth. Sparking immediate flashbacks to the best parts of primary school, the game sent users searching for the titular red-clad international thief as part of a jaunt called The Crown Jewels Caper. And now you can do so all over again, thanks to two new games: Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin. As always, something valuable has been stolen and its your job to find it. After the first game, however, you're not hunting down Sandiego. Instead, you're working with the now-reformed ex-thief to solve cases. In Tutankhamun's Mask, you're tasked with tracking down master climber Le Chevre, who has stolen the titular artifact. And in Recover the Keys to the Kremlin, master origamist Paperstar is the target, absconding with another treasure. Anyone keen to play simply needs to head to the Google Earth app on Android or iOs, or visit the desktop version in chrome, and look for the Pegman icon. From there, it's time to start sleuthing — by hopping between countries, visiting landmarks, talking to locals and sorting through clues such as "I heard she exchanged all of her money for yen", "all I know is that he said he wanted to buy a bagel with a schmear" and "the person you were looking for was here, and she wanted a ton of olive oil". In the process, you'll put your world trivia knowledge to the test and get a hefty dose of nostalgia. Now that all three games have been released, that's it for the Carmen Sandiego-Google Earth collaboration. Of course, this trio of time-fillers aren't going anywhere, so you can spend as much time as you like playing gumshoe and reliving your childhood across the series. Or, there's always Netflix's Carmen Sandiego, a new animated series following the beloved character (as voiced by Gina Rodriguez). Check out trailers for both new games below, and visit Google Earth's Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin entry points to start playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwohVk2TyaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCAeVF39H4 Via Google Earth.
If you need proof that a lot can change in a decade, look no further than DMA's. From writing indie tunes in a rundown Newtown flat to conquering the world's biggest stages, the band is officially returning home for a nostalgic one-off Sydney show. Held at The Metro Theatre on Friday, March 27, this special 10th anniversary performance celebrates where bandmates Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell's journey really began — the release of their debut album, Hills End. Performing the album in full, DMA's are also making this show an unforgettable experience for diehard fans. That means you can expect tracks they've never previously played live, alongside a selection of fan favourites from across their acclaimed catalogue. Coinciding with the release of the Hills End 10th Anniversary Edition, featuring previously unreleased original demos, you have the perfect excuse to jam to 'Delete', 'Lay Down' and 'Step Up The Morphine' while reminiscing about where you were and what you were doing ten years ago. Pre-sale tickets are available from 10am on Wednesday, February 4 to 9am on Thursday, February 5, or until allocation is exhausted. If you miss out, general public tickets are on sale from 10am on Thursday, February 5. Head to the website for more information. Top image: Mclean Stephenson.
Listen up and mark your calendars: Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has announced a stellar lineup of over 200 events and experiences for the 2026 program, which will run from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 29. The ten-day program includes events across regional Victoria, features famous international chefs through a Global Dining Series, and, as always, showcases Victorian restaurants, chefs, growers and makers. One of the big-ticket items announced for this year is the CAKE PICNIC, a global sensation hailing from San Francisco, which makes its southern hemisphere debut as part of the 2026 program. The proposition is simple: bring a cake, and eat a lot of cake. Fouder, Elisa Sunga, says, "I am so excited to bring CAKE PICNIC to Melbourne. I am looking forward to seeing what flavours and styles Australia's bakers bring to the table. I've heard only great things about Melbourne's food scene, so my excitement is at a high." The CAKE PICNIC will be held at Kings Domain on Saturday, March 21, however, you'll need to get in quick. The last San Francisco event sold out its 2000 tickets in under a minute. Another headline event, which has been running since 1993, is the annual World's Longest Lunch, set to capitalise on the wave of reinvigorated Greek dining that has swept across Melbourne over the last few years. The three-course meal, offered to 1600 guests, will be served by author Ella Mittas, Alex Xinis from Yarraville sensation Tzaki, and the crew from CBD hotspot Kafeneion. The Greek-themed lunch will be held at Kings Domain on Friday, March 20. "Here, try this. A Greek-themed World's Longest Lunch! The global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC! And everyone's favourite author and baker Helen Goh. There is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival," says Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria. "I'm thrilled that the…program features an incredible Special Events program with 170 events across Melbourne, alongside our Regional Special Events program…bringing 26 events to towns and regions across Victoria. [The] Global Dining Series, presented by Polestar, is back, with chefs from all corners of the globe heading to Melbourne to collaborate with our best restaurants. And our final weekend has us back at Fed Square, where Melbourne's best bakers and patissiers will be on show at our fourth and supersized Baker's Dozen, presented by McKenzie's. For 10 days in March, there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world. I'm looking forward to sharing a slice of cake with you in March". The Global Dining Series will showcase an incredible array of international talent, including a collaboration between Bridges, one of New York's most renowned restaurants, and Melbourne's beloved Cutler, an Italian social media star serving street fare at Sunhands, and the chef behind the viral Dubai chocolate popping up at Fable. "We've got guests making their way to Melbourne from Mexico City, Manila, Chiang Rai, Valetta, London, New York City, Singapore, Paris and beyond cooking food from Bundjalung, Shenyang, Larrakia, Abruzzese, Samoan, Maltese, Māori, Filipino, Malaysian and Finnish traditions, to name just a few," says Melbourne Food & Wine Creative Director Pat Nourse. "They're cooking in fine-dining restaurants and in pubs, serving food on china plates on damask cloths, and straight out of restaurant windows, doing it savoury, sweet, spicy and everywhere in between — if you're looking for flavour, it's right here in Victoria this March, and there's plenty of it." Of course, the festival would not be complete without the beloved Baker's Dozen that will feature guests from interstate and overseas, including Ottolenghi sweets boss Helen Goh. It's been a big year for bakeries in Melbourne, and your favourites from across town will make an appearance, including Amann Patisserie, Butter Days, Iris, Monforte Viennoiserie, Raya, Sebby's Scrolls, To Be Frank, and so many more. "The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival once again shows why we are the nation's food and wine capital and the 2026 program is sure to attract visitors from near and far — boosting local businesses and jobs," said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos. Further events have been announced for this year's massive program. As part of the Global Dining Series and Special Events, diners can expect limited-edition menus, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exciting collaborations, and rare pairings. "We're thrilled to welcome some of the world's most exciting hospitality talent to Melbourne for 2026," said Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria. "From Phil Khoury's plant-based croissants at Lune to Nat Thaipun's bold collaboration with Andy Hearnden and James Lowe's take on pizza, these events highlight the creativity, skill and diversity that make this Festival so special. There's truly something for every diner to discover." If you want a fiery festive evening, head to Smoke, Skewers and Som Tum: Grilling with Nat Thaipun and Andy Hearnden, which celebrates the universality of cooking over fire. "Andy and I both learned to cook over fire from our families," says Thaipun. "Getting to do this together, outside, with smoke in the air and a crowd with us, feels like it's going to be a good time. Come on down." For the first time ever, Lune goes vegan in collaboration with acclaimed pastry chef Phil Khoury, showcasing an olive oil-powdered croissant in a ticketed Lune Lab-style evening at the new Lonsdale Street mega store. These are just a few of the more than 200 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria scheduled for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival this year, so get your tickets now. Images: Supplied. Tickets for the 2026 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival go on sale at 10am on Thursday, November 27, with pre-sale tickets available from 10am Monday, November 24, for subscribers. If you miss out on tickets to the Greek Longest Lunch, you can still try the best Greek restaurants in town using our handy guide.
Ever been so caught up in work, sleep or staring blankly into space that you've missed a huge piece of breaking news, only to discover something big has happened when you later log onto Facebook and notice everyone's changed their profile picture and talking about something you definitely do not understand? Those are the times you wish a mate had just sent you a little nudge to say that, "hey, X world event is happening right now — you probs need to know about it" or "X is doing a free gig tonight" to save you looking like a fool at the water cooler the next morning at work. Well, ABC News is now that friend. All you have to do is start up a convo with them on Facebook Messenger and they'll keep you updated on the latest news through some sneaky text messages. It's called ABC News on Facebook Messenger (fitting, really), and it's the broadcaster's newest way to deliver personalised news to its audience on mobile. All you have to do is find ABC News on Messenger (you can just search for them) and start up a conversation. Then, they'll send you the latest news updates through short, snappy messages in a conversational format — just like a really, really informed friend. It's very similar to the Quartz's news service, which does basically the same thing but through their own dedicated app. The best thing about having a personal convo with the ABC — the news is put together by their digital editorial team and the service is powered by a third-party bot Chatfuel — is that you can choose what news you want to get notified about. If you want a summary of what's happened while you've been sleeping, you can choose to get one sent to you as your alarm goes off. Or, perhaps you just want to get alerts when the really big stuff happens? You can opt in for the too. You can also choose alerts for sport teams you follow, long-form news or stories that involve puppies. You can also just start up the convo at any time to see what's happening. The service was rolled out yesterday after a successful trial. You can find out more and sign up here.
The South Yarra skyline is about to score a soaring new addition, with the upcoming opening of a luxe $800 million development, dubbed Capitol Grand. Once complete, the site will boast Melbourne's tallest building outside of the CBD, which will be home to over 50 floors of six-star luxury residential apartments, gyms, pools, an elevated garden and even an in-house cinema. But what's even more exciting for locals, is that the building will also be home to a collection of exciting new restaurants, bars and cafes. Capitol Grand is promising options galore for all times of the day, from contemporary brunch spots through to late-night cocktail dens. And it'll be brought to life by a cast of big Melbourne hospitality names. While Capitol Grand itself is owned by prominent Australian property developer Larry Kestelman, the whole food precinct will be overseen by Scottish-born chef Stephen Nairn, whose impressive resume boasts stints at Estelle by Scott Pickett, Vue de Monde and New York's three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. He'll be leading a star lineup of yet-to-be-announced culinary talent (we're promised) — and he'll be launching his own kitchen and restaurant, which is set to open onsite early next year. While we'll have to wait until deep into 2020 to see most of the development come to fruition, the precinct's first restaurant is slated to be up and running by October this year. An all-day, 100-seat dining spot and "transformative multi-use community hub", it'll plate up a Euro-inspired menu featuring plenty of French and Italian classics. In the meantime, Melburnians will be able to get a sneak peek of the new food precinct at a pop-up restaurant. Omnia, which will open at 25 Toorak Road in mid-May, will be showcasing dishes that have already been given the tick of approval by the development kitchen — and Nairn himself. We'll update you as soon as we know more. Capitol Grand is slated for completion in 2020. Omnia will pop-up at 25 Toorak Road in mid-May. Image: Samara Clifford
It's been a few years since Brunetti split in two, becoming Brunetti Classico and Brunetti Oro — with brothers Fabio and Yuri Angele assuming sole ownership of each arm. Since then, both brands have maintained the same old-school Italian sensibilities that made the Brunetti name so beloved, while also expanding independently. Brunetti Oro now has sites in the CBD and Brunswick, and you can find Brunetti Classico in Carlton, Moonee Ponds, Melbourne Airport, and now Coburg. This two-storey Newlands Road concept store is home to the brand's classic mini cakes, paninis, arancini, calzones and signature coffee. But unlike the Carlton flagship that has ample seating, this new venture is mostly a takeaway situation. Rather than easing into a long coffee and cake session with mates, drop by the new northside spot to grab a quick lunch or a box of small cakes to take back to the office or home. Alternatively, you can take your pick of large, ornately decorated cakes from the fridges that line the walls, ideal for last-minute cake-requiring events. But those seeking something more special are in for a real treat at the new Brunetti Classico store. Here, you can skip the pre-made celebration cakes and book your own cake consultation upstairs. During your session, a personal cake consultant will talk you through all the options, whether you want to keep it simple or go rogue with design and flavour combos. "This is a VIP-style service, our cake consultants are experts in their field, and can create custom cakes for any special occasion, including weddings and significant birthdays," says Fabio. Either drop by to simply nab your favourite Brunetti torta, or team up with an expert cake consultant to dream up your own delicious masterpiece.
Everyone tackles 'wellness' in their own way. You might find calm after a chaotic day at work with a cathartic candlelit yin yoga class, while your best mate prefers an endorphin rush in a spin class before dawn. Or, perhaps you like to indulge in a little red light therapy, while your colleague reboots their nervous system with a regular cold plunge. However you bolster your wellbeing, there hasn't been a place that brings it all together under one roof—until now. Meet Melbourne's future of wellness: The Commons Health Club. A fitness, community and recovery mecca dedicated to holistic wellbeing, redefining the intersection of work and wellness. If you're familiar with The Commons, you know it has a knack for nailing the concept of urban work utopias across Melbourne and Sydney. From basketball games between client calls and movies before meetings to bowling alley brainstorms and indoor golf simulators to settle pre-pitch nerves, it's easy to see how The Commons collective has become one of Australia's leading coworking providers. Now, The Commons is branching out into wellness—a seemingly natural extension of the holistic and progressive approach to the Melburnian work week. Here, we break down what to expect when The Commons launches its first-ever Commons Health Club in Richmond this September, followed by a second Health Club in South Yarra in January—all with community at the core. The Space Staying true to The Commons' minimalist yet warm aesthetic, both Health Clubs are architecturally designed by DesignOffice, evoking a sense of calmness and clarity. Combining muted tones and a material palette of cork, timber, and concrete—balanced with pops of considered colour and intentional colour blocking—both spaces invite you to tune work out and welcome wellness in. Seamlessly blending style and space, both health clubs and workspaces span over 5,000 square metres and offer state-of-the-art, purpose-built, design-led equipment. The Treatments Tapping into the rise of longevity treatments, The Commons Health Club delivers an array of advanced therapies that focus on (seemingly) everyone's pursuit of healthy ageing, mental wellbeing, and feeling good. From red light therapy and lymphatic compression to private infrared saunas and body rolling, each treatment is integrated into the space, offering you an overall sense of peace amidst the work week. There's even a Theragun station to loosen up those muscles after a big workout before returning to your desk. The Bathhouse The luxurious bathhouse is one of the most harmonious additions to each Health Club, which truly sets them apart. Drawing inspiration from some of the best bathhouses around the globe—and Victoria—The Commons Health Club features 37°C and 39°C magnesium-infused baths, alongside a 8°C cold plunge for the brave. Leaning into Melbourne's growing shift toward holistic health, the bathhouse also boasts a traditional sauna, steam room, and heated stone benches, plus signature experiences like candlelit magnesium bath sessions, immersive sound baths, and community-led sauna and ice plunge rituals for euphoric, collective release. Keep an eye out for the exciting pre-launch activity The Commons Health Club has planned by following @thecommonshealthclub, and secure your Founding Membership early. There are a limited number of Founding Memberships available. Membership pricing will increase once the allocation of the Founding Memberships has been purchased. Members lucky enough to secure a Founding Membership will be able to access both the Richmond and South Yarra Health Clubs. Become a Founding Member. By Elise Cullen
After serving Japanese izakaya-style eats and incredible sushi by the beach for 15 years, Ichi Ni St Kilda is closing its doors for the final time on Sunday, February 18. This comes as a shock to many, as loyal fans only have a few days left to visit. Ichi Group Directors Paul Adamo and Vince Sofo made the tough decision to sell the waterfront site, and now plan to focus on the younger sibling Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya. "Our goal is to reunite the St Kilda team with our beloved sister venue at 127 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, which has been thriving for nine years and where your Ichi Ni favourite dishes will soon live," said Adamo. This is a silver lining of sorts, as some of the staff will keep their jobs and contribute to the Fitzroy site. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya is one of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants and home to some of the city's best sushi — and this can only improve with some of St Kilda's dishes and staff finding a new home up north. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, both past and present, who have contributed to shaping our legacy. To our supportive suppliers, who we have worked with through the good and the bad. And most importantly, to our cherished guests who have dined with us over the years, we offer our sincere thanks," the Ichi Ni team shared on Instagram. "Each of you have played a vital role in our journey, occupying our thoughts day in and day out. Your support has made us stronger, and we have learned invaluable lessons that we eagerly anticipate in carrying forward to Fitzroy," the post continued. "We invite you to join us in our final days, but if we miss the chance to bid you farewell, we warmly welcome you to visit us in Fitzroy... lots of love and arigatou!" Find Ichi Ni St Kilda at 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda until Sunday, February 18. For more information, head to the venue's website.
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
For most, thinking about surrealism means imagining melted clocks, sky-high elephants, cloud-filled eyes and giant apples. Thanks to Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, they're some of the art movement's most-enduring images. While Australia is no stranger to exhibitions about the former, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is currently hosting the nation's first-ever retrospective dedicated to the latter, complete with some of the Belgian artist's best-known pieces. Magritte opened on Saturday, October 26, 2024 as part of the 2024–25 Sydney International Art Series, and runs until Sunday, February 9, 2025 as a Harbour City exclusive. If you're keen to peruse this stunning collection of the surrealist's work, you'll need to see it in the New South Wales capital. More than 100 pieces feature, with 80-plus of them paintings — and if you need proof of why he's considered one of the most-influential figures in 20th-century surrealism, it's all over AGNSW's walls. Stare at The False Mirror at Magritte, for instance, and you'll see an instantly recognisable masterwork that's as dreamy as art gets — all while the masterpiece of a painting from 1929 peers right back. One of Magritte's most-famous creations, it features a massive eye looking at the viewer, while also filled with a cloudy blue sky. It's an unforgettable work, and it's one of the stars of AGNSW's exhibition. Another striking painting that can be gazed upon currently in Sydney: Golconda, Magritte's 1953 work that brings two other pieces of popular culture to mind. Just try not to think about Mary Poppins and The Weather Girls' song 'It's Raining Men' while you feast your eyes on the sight of bowler hat-wearing men streaming down from the heavens. Then there's 1952's The Listening Room (La Chambre d'Écoute), which shows an oversized apple, its green flesh filling an entire room. Fruit might be a regular still-life subject, but there's nothing standard about Magritte's use of apples throughout his art. Like bowler hats, they're among his favourite motifs. Archival materials, photographs and films also feature, in a showcase that's filled with the expected highlights — 1928's The Lovers, 1933's The Human Condition, 1947's The Liberator, 1951's The Kiss and 1954's The Dominion of Light among them — but also probes deeper than the works that everyone immediately knows by sight. Visitors embark on a chronological journey through Magritte's career, starting with his avant-garde early efforts in the 20s, then covering four decades from there. "Many years in the making and drawing upon our unsurpassed international network of collaborative partners, Magritte considers the towering artist's innovative contributions to the broader surrealism movement, while also highlighting the uniqueness and individuality of his artistic vision," explained Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Dr Michael Brand, when Magritte opened in October. "Fundamental to this exhibition is our anticipation to share not only the well-known paintings you would expect to see in a Magritte retrospective but also to shine a light on some surprising aspects of his artistic output, particularly from the period when the artist, working from occupied Belgium during and immediately after the Second World War, created some of the most intriguing and subversive paintings of his career," Brand continued. "Magritte was ahead of his time. He saw himself as a 'painter of ideas' and his legacy extends far beyond the world of art. Today we find his work echoed in diverse creative fields, from fiction and philosophy to cinema and advertising. We can imagine his delight at the ways in which his images continue to circulate and take on new meanings in the 21st century," added Nicholas Chambers, the exhibition's curator as well as Art Gallery of New South Wales' Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary International Art. [caption id="attachment_959955" align="alignnone" width="1920"] René Magritte 'Golconda (Golconde)' 1953, oil on canvas, 80 x 100.3 cm, The Menil Collection, Houston, V 414 © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024, photo: Paul Hester.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_959956" align="alignnone" width="1920"] René Magritte 'The listening room (La chambre d'écoute)' 1952, oil on canvas, 45.2 x 55.2 cm, The Menil Collection, Houston, gift of Fariha Friedrich, 1991-53 DJ © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024, photo: Adam Baker.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_959954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] René Magritte 'The false mirror (Le faux miroir)' 1929, oil on canvas, 54 x 80.9 cm, Museum of Modern Art, New York, 133.1936 © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024, photo © The Museum of Modern Art, New York/Scala, Florence 2024.[/caption] Magritte is on display at Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, Sydney, until Sunday, February 9, 2025. Head to the gallery website for tickets and further details. Installation images: installation of the Magritte exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 26 October 2024 – 9 February 2025, artworks © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mim Stirling.
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.
Oh we love cities. Make no mistake. But venture beyond the borders and go further out and you'll discover a haul of destinations rich with unique events and adventures worth road tripping for. Whether your interests are culinary, cultural or the creative arts, we've teamed up with Destination NSW to curate a guide to the biggest regional events and festivals to keep you entertained during the cooler months. From floral displays to food-packed fiestas, fruit picking and free live music performances, it's time to fuel up the car, fire up your Spotify playlist and settle in to discover the best that New South Wales has to offer. Explore the best of NSW's Regional Events and Festivals at the Destination NSW website.
Hidden behind the expensive bars and high fashion boutiques of one of Melbourne's most famous shopping strips, there's an entire world frozen in time. One of our city's longest-running vintage stores, Chapel Street Bazaar offers kooky old furniture, collectables and the best dress-up costumes you'll ever find. These goodies are lined up along labyrinthine pathways, stacked on shelves and left bustling up against one another in forgotten little side rooms and attics. It may look like junk to some, but to the discerning eye this stuff is all treasure. Images: Parker Blain.
The best steaks in Melbourne aren't only found in luxury steakhouses. French bistros cook up a mean steak frites. Argentinian grills know exactly how to treat all kinds of cuts before throwing them on the flames. And there are some great gastropubs serving up affordable steaks that rival many a fine-diner in the city. That being said, when you want to try the best steak in Melbourne, you should expect to pay handsomely for it. Many of these joints source only the best (and most expensive) cuts of meat from around Australia and abroad. Top-grade wagyu makes it onto a few Melbourne steak menus, perfectly marbled and cooked with love. Pair it all with the right wine (sommeliers abound at these steak restaurants, too) or change it up with sake and tequila instead. Whatever the best steak in Melbourne looks like to you, these spots will have you sorted. Recommended reads: The Best Burgers in Melbourne The Best Seafood in Melbourne The Best Sunday Roasts in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
What Bijou lacks in space it makes up for in sheer coolness. The tiny bottle shop and bar is walk-ins only – it's the perfect space to order a wine or two before a show, or have a night cap after dinner. Towering wine-lined shelves are the cosy backdrop to a drink at Bijou, which was founded by Ben Luzz — the same person behind much-loved Melbourne institution Gin Palace and Bar Ampere as well as the newer Black Kite Commune. Luzz knows what he's doing with this space that takes its name from a theatre that once graced Little Collins. [caption id="attachment_1016690" align="alignnone" width="1620"] Carmen Zammit[/caption] Bijou's selection of boutique wine and spirits perennially includes well-known local and international varietals as well as lesser-known ones. They open new wines by the glass every day, or you can select a bottle from any of the shelves looming over you and enjoy it in-store for an extra $25. But you don't only have to be a wine drinker to have a tipple at Bijou – the cocktail list has classics like the Old Fashioned. While Bijou isn't a dining destination per se, it does have snacks to complement its drinks menu. Expect small bites like a truffle and white bean tartinade, charcuterie boards perfect for sharing, or a croque fromage. [caption id="attachment_1016678" align="alignnone" width="1620"] Blake Alcock[/caption] Top images: Dean Schmideg, Carmen Zammit, Blake Alcock
Standing out as a pub in Richmond is no easy feat. But as there's no shortage of multi-level venues equipped with beer gardens, balconies and sports bars, perhaps it's time to mix up the mood with a drink at the inner east's smallest pub, Nixie Nox. But in a case of less being more, the tight space has seen Melbourne hospitality veterans Stu Bellis, Marilla Gair and Chris Dore cram enough personality into the venue to foster something akin to the neighbourhood pub experience of old. So, just how small are we talking? All up, the venue has capacity for 80 patrons, spread among the lively, 40-person public bar, the 25-capacity covered outdoor atrium, and an intimate upstairs dining room that seats just 25. While the kitchen fit-out required a little creativity, Nixie Nox's food punches above its weight, relative to the venue's size. Here, a menu by head chef Stacey Tuara (ex-Meatmaiden) showcases elevated pub classics, as well as dishes catering to vegetarians, vegans and diners with dietary restrictions — no easy feat on a list of just four share plates and four mains. Shares include six-hour beef burnt ends glazed with Wolf of the Willows Hazy Pale Ale and served with preserved chilli mustard and a refreshing green sauce and miso mushroom daikon cakes paired with crispy chickpeas and black vinegar reduction. Mains display similar thoughtfulness and reverence for classic pub fare — a silky and rich lamb ragu pappardelle is given some serious depth with the addition of smoked parmesan and basil oil, while the Hard Nox Parm sees crumbed sous vide chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella and smoked sugo. The drinks list is similarly considered. Craft beers and hard-nosed brews are poured from a duo of taps or plucked ice-cold from the fridge in tinnies, stubbies and longnecks. Sure, there are complex IPAs and XPAs to mull over — or you can grab a no-nonsense staple like a VB or XXXX Gold. There's also a curated wine list that explores Australian and overseas labels — with almost all available by the glass — alongside an extended cocktail list spanning classic, house and 'elevated' creations like a millilitre-perfect dry martini served in a chilled Nick & Nora glass. "Nixie Nox is more than just a pub — it's a place where locals can come together, connect over great food and drinks, and feel at home," says Bellis. "We've poured our hearts into creating a welcoming space that reflects the spirit of Richmond, and we can't wait to share a drink and a story with everyone who walks through our doors." Nixie Nox is open Wednesday–Thursday from 4pm–late and Friday–Sunday from 2pm–late at 141 Swan Street, Richmond. Head to the venue's website for more information.
Brimming with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, Collingwood and its surrounds has become one of Melbourne's most vibrant areas. From bustling Smith Street into Abbotsford and the leafy corridors around Victoria Park, there are so many different places to explore in these once overlooked neighbourhoods. To help you find your way around, we've teamed up with American Express to put together a guide to the best local shops and traders in the area. Whether you're after vintage threads, Scandinavian furniture, rare streetwear, or locally produced beer and wine, you can be sure that a visit to any of the shops on this list will have you supporting businesses in your community. Plus, all these spots will accept your American Express Card, so you'll be able to shop small without any hassle.
It's easy to get stuck in the daily grind of city life. Work, errands, coffee catch-ups, life admin, more work, forced exercise, more work. And while Melbourne is a pretty fantastic city to complete all of the above within, it is surrounded by often-forgotten, easy-to-reach day-trip destinations that help shake up the monotony of daily life. Life is short, so it's imperative that once in a while, you plan a day of adventuring just for the sake of it. Head out of town to feed the soul with fresh air and open landscapes, and while you're at it, feed your stomach by heading to one of Melbourne's many sensational, road trip-worthy regional restaurants. There is no shortage of options, but you're likely short on time, so to help, we've compiled a list of the best drinking and dining destinations that make the drive out of town well worthwhile. From breathtaking wineries to fine dining establishments, standout hotel restaurants to farm-to-table diners showcasing the best local produce, all you need is Google Maps, maybe a snack for the car (not too much, you don't ruin your meal ahead), and you're set for a day trip to remember. Recommended Reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025 The Best Seafood Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Ice Cream in Melbourne The Best Bakeries in Melbourne BRAE, BIRREGURRA Behind the illustrious Great Ocean Road is another landmark that's just as impressive on a culinary level: Dan Hunter's Brae. The restaurant has been making jaws drop and clutching awards since its opening in 2014, including being named on the World's 100 Best Restaurants list. Located in a farmhouse, the restaurant's interiors are simple, allowing the impeccable food to take centre stage. The menu changes daily, featuring ingredients grown in the lush outdoor garden. Depending on the season, the harvest may include the likes of nasturtium flowers, red mizuna, turnip leaves, Tahitian limes, Myer lemons, Geraldton wax tips, and sea parsley leaflets. Brae is a dining experience you'll never forget. LAURA, PT. LEO ESTATE It's hard not to be impressed when you visit Laura. Sweeping vistas, thoughtful food and matched wines, and front-row seats to the world-class, 16-acre sculpture park that attracts locals, out-of-towners and art fanatics from even further abroad. Head Chef Josep Espuga's ethos of cultivating authentic relationships with suppliers and producers aligns seamlessly with Laura's unwavering commitment to showcasing local ingredients and putting premium Peninsula produce on a pedestal. Here, the dedication to sustainability and bridging the gap between grower and table is evident in a kitchen garden that supplies the kitchen with many of its fresh ingredients. The eight-course seasonal menu, or the four-course signature menu, is peppered with impeccable produce grown on the property, and where possible, supplemented with premium ingredients found along the pristine Mornington Peninsula, or further afield in Victoria. ZONCELLO, YARRA VALLEY This Yarra Valley drinking and dining destination is the second outpost from the group behind Zonzo Estate, which has been in the works for over ten years. Zonzo Estate Director Rod Micallef says "Zoncello is a natural extension of the brand. It's about energy, connection and indulgence. Just like our spritzes, the venue is designed to be fun, vibrant, and a little bit brazen, while still deeply rooted in Italian tradition." The menu, designed by Executive Chef David Petrilli, was created to be savoured alongside a fresh spritz in hand. The approachable and easy-to-share Italian menu features an impressive selection of cold cuts, as well as cheesy things and pickled goodies from the in-house salumeria. There is everything from wagyu bresaola to truffle and squid ink salami, to local buffalo mozzarella, dry-cured black olives and Roman artichokes. TOTTI'S, LORNE The first Victorian outpost of this NSW export plates up the faithful interpretation of Italian fare that's earned Totti's its unwaveringly popular status interstate, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites are in strong supply, including the famous puffy woodfired bread, a range of antipasti and beloved freshly made pastas. The restaurant embraces its coastal setting, with a space well suited to long weekend lunches and thirsty walk-ins, strolling fresh off the beach. Expect foreshore views from every seat in the house. DU FERMIER, TRENTHAM Annie Smither's unassuming, humble dining room, situated unexpectedly on a country road in the heart of Trentham, offers a dining experience unlike any other in Victoria. An ever-changing menu of classic French farmhouse dishes showcases seasonal produce, most of which is grown at Annie's beloved farm, Babbington Park, located nearby. While an often overused adage, a meal at Du Fermier feels sincerely like being invited into Annie's warm, comfortable home, where you are treated more like an old friend than a paying customer. RARE HARE, MERRICKS NORTH Rare Hare is the less formal of the two restaurants at the design-forward, ultra-luxe Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula. The rustic space with exposed brick floors, open fireplaces and dark wooden furniture is juxtaposed beautifully against the sweeping, bright green vistas of the vineyards visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the restaurant. Unlike many regional fine diners, Rare Hare helpfully offers à la carte dining, meaning you can enjoy a more casual meal here. Menu mainstays include the potato bread, the chive waffle with horseradish cream and salmon roe, fried barra wings with skordalia, and the unmissable woodfired chocolate chip cookie (which in and of itself is worth the drive from Melbourne). PORT PHILLIP ESTATE, RED HILL SOUTH Port Phillip Estate's sculptural, limestone-rammed building is one of the most impressive structures gracing Red Hill. It proudly overlooks vineyards and Westernport Bay, creating an inspiring setting. Depending on the time of year, the seasonal menu may feature dishes such as woodfired quail with Estate leek cream and mushroom ketchup, duck breast with rhubarb mille-feuille and blueberry port jus, and a local lime meringue tart accompanied by macadamia and coconut mint sorbet. Produce from regional neighbours is also honoured, such as cheeses, wines and poultry. RE'EM, YARRA VALLEY Yarra Valley winery Helen & Joey Estate leapt into the world of dining and accommodation when they established Re'em, within its vast 200-acre property, in 2024. The site takes full advantage of the estate's rolling vineyard and ornamental lake, with the dining spaces and each of the 16 boutique rooms boasting views across the winery and the surrounding region. In the 80-seat restaurant, guests can cosy up in booths by floor-to-ceiling windows or head to the shaded terrace to sample an impressive selection of contemporary Chinese dishes, each of which has been designed to pair with the estate's wines. Helen & Joey's esteemed portfolio of wines spans four brands — Wayward Child, Re'em, Unicorn and Alicorn. THE WOODHOUSE, BENDIGO The Woodhouse is, as you may have guessed from the name, all about wood, smoke and fire — so, expect plenty of grilled and roasted meats and seafood, woodfired pizza and more. This beloved Bendigo eatery boasts several different types of grills, which burn through around 40 tonnes of local red gum per year and bestow distinctive flavours and heavenly caramelisation on everything they come into contact with. Priding itself on its veritably strong connection to the local land, The Woodhouse spotlights some of the area's most revered producers, farms and vineyards. Step into the warm brick dining room, brimming with happy locals and the aroma of woody smoke, and you'll feel right at home. KILLARA ESTATE, SEVILLE EAST Overlooking perfect rows of vines and hills, this winery churns out some quality food in the Yarra Valley. Italian classics make up the menu, such as pork and fennel Sicilian sausages with onion jam, bolognaise-filled arancini and freshly sliced mortadella. Traditional pizzas and pastas are also available. Pair your meal with one of the winery's home-produced shiraz, chardonnay, Moscato or pinot grigio, and you won't regret it. Feature image: Laura, Pt Leo Estate.
Australia may have the most glorious summers in the world but Melburnians know winter down south can really pack a cold, wet punch. If you're a swimmer, it can be tough to maintain the motivation to throw yourself into a freezing cold body of water when you could be curling up on the couch eating cookie dough. But the right pool — specifically one that won't freeze the flesh off your bones — can make all the difference. And while most of our pools close after autumn, there are a few that keep the fire burning. Check out our list of Melbourne's best heated swimming pools for winter and dive in head-first. Recommended reads: The Best Spas in Melbourne The Best Thermal Hot Springs Near Melbourne The Best Melbourne Pubs and Bars with Fireplaces The Best Day Trips From Melbourne to Take in Winter Fitzroy Swimming Pool As you may know, Fitzroy Pool is outdoors — but hear us out on this one. Yes, it might seem insane to swim outside in winter, but the pool is heated to a balmy 27 degrees during the cool months, which is frankly a lot warmer than most places in Melbourne. If you can stomach the mad dash from pool to towel, then you may actually really enjoy a refreshing outdoor swim. The 50-metre heated pool itself is beautiful, surrounded by a glorious modernist building with decent facilities (although you'll need to bring your own hairdryer to this one). Best of all, you're almost guaranteed to get a lane to yourself during winter. Fitzroy Swimming Pool, 160 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy. Open Monday to Friday 6am–8:45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6:45pm. Harold Holt Swim Centre It may be a little dark to name a swim centre after a man who drowned at sea, but, hey, everyone else seems to be okay with it. In fact, the Harold Holt Swim Centre is a pretty great memorial to the former Prime Minister. Not only does it have a 25-metre indoor pool, gym, spa, sauna, it also has an epic 50-metre outdoor pool which is heated and open late all through winter. This pool is a little oasis in the middle of the eastern 'burbs and a great way to get through winter. Harold Holt Swim Centre, corner Edgar and High Streets, Glen Iris. Open Monday to Thursday 5.45am–9pm, Friday 5.45am–8pm, Saturday 6am–7pm, and Sunday 7am–7pm. Melbourne City Baths Melbourne City Baths, standing in the cradle of Swanston, Franklin and Victoria Streets in the CBD is a triple threat. It may look like an old-timey gaol from the outside, but inside you'll find a gym with a comprehensive group fitness program as well as a heated indoor 30-metre lap pool. The pool is quite small and can get crowded during peak times (on weekends and after 5pm) but that comes with it the being most central heated indoor swimming pool in Melbourne. Plus, it welcomes casuals and the amenities are fantastic (including GHDs in the change room so you won't leave looking like a half-drowned rat). Melbourne City Baths, 90-120 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Open Monday to Thursday 6am–10pm, Friday 6am–8pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8am–6pm. Brunswick Baths Brunswick Baths on Dawson Street is the perfect place for swimmers of all levels. The indoor pool is in a beautiful tiled hall which has was redeveloped by Henderson + Lodge Architects — and while it's small at only 20 metres, it will keep you toasty warm all through winter. It's a good idea to check the lane availability before you rock up in your togs though, as the pool is often booked out for water workout classes. If you want to really go for it, there's a 50-metre heated outdoor pool in the same facility. The cost of entry covers both pools, but for a few dollars, you can treat yourself to the spa, sauna and steam rooms and enjoy a hard-earned relaxation sesh after your swim. Brunswick Baths, 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick. The indoor pool is open Monday to Friday 5:30am–9.45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–7.45pm. The outdoor pool is open Monday to Friday 5:30am–8pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6pm during winter. St Kilda Sea Baths We wouldn't send you to the sea baths in winter if they weren't warm, and, luckily, St Kilda's baths are heated to a sweet 25 degrees. The 25-metre pool is filled with heated seawater, meaning that it isn't as irritable as chlorine (but still hygienic), and is open until 9:30pm Monday to Thursday. And once you're done, you can reward yourself with a drink and some nosh up at Captain Baxter next door. St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. Open Monday to Thursday 5am–9:30pm, Friday 5am–8:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6:30pm. Richmond Recreation Centre The indoor pool at the Richmond Recreation Centre is one of the best Melbourne pools to frequent in winter. The cavernous facility houses a wide 50-metre heated swimming pool flanked by grandstands, as well as two gymnasiums, a group fitness studio, spa, sauna and steam room. While the pool is reasonably temperate, it doesn't feel soupy and over-chlorinated like so many indoor pools do. The changing rooms are clean and serviceable (if a little old) and the facility opens quite late all year-round so you can avoid the crowds if you need a solitary or relaxed swim. Richmond Recreation Centre, 11-15 Gleadell Street, Richmond. Open Monday to Friday 6am–8.45pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–6.45pm.
From the team behind A Minor Place, Wide Open Road on Brunswick's Barkly Street offers much more than the unassuming shop front suggests. With the subtle signage and brick finish, the place comes to life as soon as you enter the door. Wide Open Road certainly has space on its side. With a large bar area, white-painted brick walls, big communal tables and spacious thoroughfares, you won't feel like your neighbour is staring down at your breakfast. Designed by Nicky Adams, it keeps the minimalist vibe inside. On top of the cafe space, Wide Open Road has its own roastery, cupping room and green bean storage. While it focuses on creating beautiful roasts for its own cafe, it also sells retail to the general public and a handful of wholesale customers. It uses its Bathysphere blend as the everyday pour with single origin, drip, filter and iced varieties on offer. Coffee is a serious business, and it does it incredibly well. When it comes to the food menu, the venue puts its own stamp on popular brunch fare. Sugar seekers should go for the croissant french toast with cinnamon butter, stewed rhubarb, vanilla mascarpone, pecan crumble and cardamom maple, or perhaps the house banana bread. For something on the heartier side, go for the portobello mushrooms with garlic and herb butter, pine nuts, parmigiano reggiano and chargrilled sourdough, or the fried haloumi toastie with beetroot relish, avocado and pickled sumac onions. With coffee, breakfast and lunch sorted, Wide Open Road is a caffeinated oasis in suburban Brunswick. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
Each winter, inside a brick-walled suburban garage, hundreds of families brave the cold for the start of the salami season. All hands young and old, are on deck to clean and clear space, so that hundreds of kilos of meat, can be turned into neatly packed parcels of pork. For Frank Bressi, co-owner of North Melbourne's Saluministi, this is bigger than tradition. Salumi making is an art form — an epicurean labour of love. And as anyone who grew up in and around these garages would know, these recipes have origins deeply rooted in necessity. As Frank explains, the difference between a homemade and store-bought salami is starter culture. "All commercially made salami needs a starter culture," he says. "It's illegal to sell without it." But it's this starter culture that increases the acidity in the meat, causing it to change flavour and sometimes become tangy. Alternatively, the people making it without the culture have had to show that their process is equal, if not more effective than what a commercial starter culture might be able to do. This process is reliant on moisture instead of acidity, and depending on the variety, homemade salami may have to reduce in weight by half before it’s safe to eat. The result is a salami with a much more complex and delicate flavour profile. These days, homemade salami isn't an activity just for Italian families; with companies such as Home Make It selling specialist equipment to those new to the process, there's clearly a new wave of salami makers looking to try their hand at the homemade stuff. And this weekend's Melbourne Salami Festa (now in its fourth year), will be showcasing just how good homemade salami can be. The amateur salumi-making competition sees a wide range of entrants vying for the title of best salami maker — and with team Saluministi having placed in the top three two years running, we caught up with Frank to learn more about why people are so passionate about homemade salumi, and to get some tips on making your own. BREAKING DOWN THE PIG In the old days, a salami would’ve never been made in isolation. A whole pig would be broken down into its different parts and used to make prosciutto, porchetta and a range of other cuts. "Everything else, all the other bits of meat and fat, were chopped up, ground and turned into salami," says Frank. There are eight main cuts of pork used in the Italian school of curing, and each has a traditional purpose. A salami is ground meat, so it can come from any part of the pig — but female pork is a must. Male pigs will produce a 'boar' taste, which is undesirable in cured meat. "Once you get a cut of meat, it can be hard to tell whether it's male or female," he says. "But a female pig should smell perfectly clean." If you're not game enough to tackle an entire pig, find a butcher that you trust and go from there. According to Frank it's the shoulder, due to its sweetness and good, lean meat-to-fat ratio, that's the cut of choice for many. However, it all comes down to what you like. "Everyone has ideas about what part of the pig produces the best salami," Frank says. "But ultimately, as long as the meat is fresh, it's personal preference after that." THE EQUIPMENT For the best chance of getting your salami working, Frank recommends a good mincer. But if you can't afford one, there are definitely ways around it. Mincing by hand is still an option. It's also a good idea to sterilise and wash your tools, then stick them in the freezer before you use them. That means your bowls, knives and anything else that will come into contact with the meat. They should be so cold you shouldn’t be able to touch them. You'll need gloves. Good temperature control is what stops your salami from going bad. If you're mincing by hand, try to work quickly to limit the time the meat is out of the fridge. Although Frank has a trick: "Stack a steel bowl on top another bowl filled with ice," he says. "That way, whatever goes in is always going to stay cold until you can get it back in the fridge." If you're serious about your salami and want to buy some proper equipment, Home Make It is a good place to start. THE RECIPE The main ingredient in salami is salt. In fact, in the old days, salt and pepper would be nearly all you'd use. As both an ingredient, and as a core part of the curing process, it's important to use a good-quality (non-iodised) salt. You'll need to use 3% of the total weight of meat, but no more, as the salami begins to become too salty. With very fresh meat and a very clean process, lower dosages may work — but anything closer to 2.5% starts to become risky, and may not be salty enough for the salami to cure. Popular additions include chilli flakes, paprika and red wine. Fennel is the traditional ingredient of northern Italians, while pepper sauce (a wet, capsicum-based sauce), is more popular among southerners. But that’s not to say there aren’t younger salumi makers breaking trends and blurring lines. THE CASINGS While the sausage casing you choose won't impart much in flavour, your choice will have an impact on the process. There are both natural casings, which come from the hog, and artificial casings, which are made of a natural collagen. If you're hoping to make a very large-sized salami, you may have no choice but to choose an artificial casing, as hog casings lose up to anywhere between 30-50% of the weight in the curing process. Plus, artificial casings come pre-formed and pre-tied on one end — a real convenience if you're hanging several hundred kilograms of meat at a time. But if you're looking to let in more of the outside world — such as smoke or an aromatic profile from your curing room — the natural casing will absorb this better. Otherwise, stick to using them for your smaller sized salamis. DRYING TIMES Drying times will depend on your meat-to-fat ratio. For a homemade salami with a fat ratio of 20-30%, you will need to lose 30% of the total weight before it should be safe to eat. It's also dependant on the diameter of the salami, as it will take much longer for a thicker salami to cure. So how do you keep track of the shrinking? "If you have two or three different sizes to hang: take one of each, weigh them and start a diary," Frank says. From there, monitor their progress regularly — and once your salami has reached that 30% weight loss goal, it should be safe to eat. For a firmer salami, continue drying until it's reached a 40-50% reduction in weight. On the opposite end of the scale, 'nduja, which is a spreadable fermented sausage, only needs to lose 15-20% of its weight. Due to its 50-60% fat ratio, it requires little drying time and is normally cured in two weeks. As a rough guide, a small, cacciatore-sized salami may take three to four weeks, while a larger salami may take six to eight. If you're still curious, book yourself into one of the salami making courses at the festival. They're being held in a pop-up garage, with DIY salami specialists Home Make It, whose Team BGS were crowned the winners of the first Salami Festa (pictured above). STORING YOUR SALAMI If stored in the right environment, a salami can last indefinitely. Frank admits that the right conditions are hard to come by, so "unless you’ve got that, or a cave in the middle of the sea, the best way around it is to vacuum pack them." Vacuum sealing machines are relatively common and pretty affordable. By vacuum packing your salami, it can easily last for a year in the refrigerator. Unless, of course, you eat it. For those who seek instant gratification, this year's Salami Festa will also play host to a Salumi Market and a range of pop-up food stalls. You may fill your baskets with a range of cured meats from around the country, and fill your bellies with the best of D.O.C., Ombra Salumi Bar and Frank's own baby, Saluministi. Espresso will be served by none other than St. Ali, and sweet treats will be courtesy of Gelato Messina. View the full program at the Salami Festa website. Top and third images: Dollar Photo Club. Second and fourth images: Home Make It. Final image: Saluministi.
Nestled away in Collins Place, Kenzan has been one of Melbourne's favourite Japanese eateries for going on 35 years, and with damn good reason too. The tastefully decorated main dining room includes a side sushi bar where you can enjoy simple, tasty platters of thinly sliced sushi that rivals any upstart outfit in town. Indeed, several of Melbourne's best Japanese chefs owe a debt of gratitude to this particular restaurant, with Kappo's Kentaro Usami and Minamishima's Koichi Minamishima both honing their craft in the Kenzan kitchens. If that's not pedigree, then we don't know what is. For the full experience, we recommend getting a group together and booking a private room. Start with a misoshuri soup with soya bean and bean curd, seaweed and spring onions and a cold entree of sugaki, which is a serving of fresh oysters with citrus-flavoured ponzu vinegar. The hot entrees include delicately deep-fried prawns, fish and vegetables as well as fresh shiitake mushrooms stuffed with fried minced prawns. If you're after sushi, then look no further than the chirashi platter of assorted raw fish served on a bed of sushi rice or the California maki with avocado and prawn. Mains include a deliciously succulent pan-grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce and grilled eel in sweet soya sauce on a bed of rice. There is also the nabe ryori menu, which is for a minimum of two and cooked at the table by the chefs or yourselves. Kenzan has been around since 1981, a time when there were so few Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. And it has lasted the test of time, consistently serving up some of the best Japanese food in the city. If you love your Japanese eats, Kenzan really should be on your hit list.
The Commune Group has proved it's got the goods when it comes to contemporary Vietnamese and Japanese flavours — see Tokyo Tina, the Hanoi Hannah stable and Firebird. But the team has crossed the continent and embraced a modern Chinese angle for its Balaclava venture, Moonhouse. Residing in the heritage-listed art deco building formerly home to Ilona Staller, the 110-seater boasts a sophisticated look by renowned studio Ewert Leaf. Heritage features have been carefully refurbished, now complemented by colourful onyx marble counters, custom vinyl tabletops and pendant lights hung like tiny lunar spheres. An upper level houses a 30-seat private dining room, alongside a separate cocktail bar complete with roaring fireplace. The kitchen's playing to Melbourne culinary nostalgia by dishing up a contemporary reworking of some classic Chinese flavours — think, a roast duck pancakes, braised beef cheek in black bean sauce and lamb shoulder with spring onion pancake and black vinegar. The roasted duck pancake with peach hoisin and plum salt is the main event here. And expect to finish your meal at Moonhouse on a high note — perhaps with the five spiced pear tarte satin with black pepper ice cream. The mindfully-sourced, all-Aussie wine list is a standout, as the martini bar menu with Melbourne's dirtiest martini a surefire way to spark conversation. Images: Parker Blain, Jana Langhorst and Leah Traecey.
Alphonse Gangitano must have left abruptly when he abandoned his underground casino in the early 90s. The Melburnian crime boss — now immortalised as a character in Underbelly — may have met a grisly demise, but he left behind some sweet real estate on an unassuming Fitzroy North side street. Untouched for 20-odd years, it was only in 2013 that a trio of hospitality entrepreneurs stumbled across the venue and went about returning it to its former glory. But this time without the gambling. The original venue was so well preserved that there wasn't a lot to do in terms of renovation, other than wipe off the dust and restock the wine racks. The interior — with its rich textural palate of blood-red surfaces, antique wood finishes and brocade wall features — is rather lush. Rather than coming across as intimidating, however, it manages to create an atmosphere of intimacy and homeliness. "What we didn't want was a very stiff and formal wine bar," says owner Almay Jordaan. "So we tried to create to a place that feels like your local watering hole. Something family-friendly, but with a focus on wonderful wine and seasonal food." French trained, Jordaan says she draws inspiration from European peasant food, and has created a daily changing menu that's responsive to the seasons and to Melbourne's notoriously bi-polar weather. In the cooler months, expect dishes such as pork shoulder, prune and hazelnut terrine, caper mayonnaise and toast, or slow roast jumbuck, broad beans, watercress and hazelnut dressing. Your only challenge will be choosing a wine to match from the expansive offering; with a collection of over 300 bottles, and new additions each week, the neighbourhood Wine owners might need to start investing in some IKEA storage solutions. But don't fear if you're no professional sommelier — the slick, approachable staff are more than happy to talk you through the wine list and suggest an ideal match. For those going by the glass, there are six whites and six reds on offer, as well as a small selection of sparkling, rose, sherry and fortified. As the crowds bloom on a Friday night, things become even cosier at Neighbourhood Wine. Couples playing footsie over a glass of sherry happily coexist with a group of boisterous blokes who hog the enormous snooker table in one room; a table of Mum and Dad diners sit amongst the debris of half-empty wine bottles and plates of cured meats in the next (all indicators of a meal thoroughly enjoyed). The noise level's high, but so are spirits — and if you listen closely, you might just hear the clinking of cash and casino chips ... remnants of the gangster ghouls who once ran the neighbourhood. Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Sitting pretty on Chapel Street since 2006, the team at BVT know their drinks, and with not one, but five variations on the theme, you're sure to find a Mary that you like. The menu lists options like the Bloody Gringo featuring coriander vodka and a floating corn chip; the Zorba Mary with oregano, feta and a Kalamata olive; the Bloody Mary with rosemary, horseradish and caperberries; and the Chiang Mai(Ry) which is a spicy chilli brew laced with a coriander vodka. They also rock a classic BM with 'enough veg to skip breakfast' and even have a 'sides' option, where you can pimp your Bloody Mary with natural oysters, some truffled mushrooms or fried whitebait, among other goodies. All the Marys come in at the $14 mark and, with some damn fine breakfast offerings too, you'll find yourself in hangover heaven.
For many, pyjamas are defined by what they're not: not quite stylish enough to leave the house in but not quite ratty enough to toss out. After a bout of burnout, Sheet Society founder Hayley Worley took a six-month hiatus — it caused her to reconsider the practice of rest. Then, she started thinking about a wardrobe to match. "Things really fell into place when I started to really understand the power of rest. That whole girl boss culture totally consumed me," Hayley shares. "Rest synthesises everything that is going on in your world. It showed me that pausing is actually where a lot of the magic comes from. I want people to take ownership of this rest time and dress for that occasion." When it comes to sleep, Hayley is something of an expert: Sheet Society has been releasing chic bedding in natural fabrics for nearly a decade. That fabric-forward sensibility — paired with the designer's fashion production know-how from stints at Ted Baker and Tiger Mist — shines at Resting, her loungewear label that debuted last month. Hayley initially imagined a resort-ready take on sleepwear that wouldn't look out of place on The White Lotus. Set in a different ultra-luxury destination every season, the TV show is known for its elegant holiday wardrobe: think floaty designer dresses, printed silk shirts and linen pants. "We were going to lean into [the sort of] resting you do on a holiday," Haley says. "You spend a lot of money on swimwear and beachwear for a holiday, but you spend a lot of time in your pyjamas." Ideas were flying — palm prints and hotel merch were on the vision board — but the first drop was pared back to focus on Resting's three signature fabrics. Years of experimenting and engineering fabrics for a good night's sleep at Sheet Society had laid the groundwork for Resting. "We've got so much rigour around product testing because people wash their sheets so much. The fabrics and function are 100 per cent in our wheelhouse," she says. For example, breathability is a non-negotiable for sleep: it allows the body to regulate temperature overnight, which is why heat-trapping polyesters and other synthetic materials are ruled out. While the material science draws directly from Sheet Society's bestselling sheets, thoughtful adjustments were made for movement and comfort. Eden sheets were reworked with a lighter cotton, and elastane was added to the Miller Jersey to allow for stretch. It took almost three years to refine the bedding fabrics for wear and to "put the icing on the cake" with the design choices, Hayley says. Each of the three signature fabrics serves a different style across the 30-piece collection. A classic blue pinstriped combo is crafted from lightweight woven cotton that lends a tailored look, while the cloudknit jersey tanks, tees, and boxer shorts (watch out for the adorable polka dot print) lean into activewear territory. The most luxe-feeling pieces, like a chocolate-brown slip dress and a smart shirt-and-shorts set, come in a patented bamboo lyocell. Stunning drape aside, the fabric mimics a soft yet weighty satin, minus the staticky feel. Dress up Hayley's favourite Resting piece — a cherry-red jersey mini dress with cosy long sleeves called the Marnie — and it wouldn't look out of place at a wine bar. "I think there's a big trend at the moment, which is pyjama dressing. [You can wear] your pyjamas at night, but then also putting a heel on or building some necklaces and getting out of the home with that intimate dressing," she says. "It's so fun. It just feels like, fuck yeah, I'm doing this for me. You're not making yourself uncomfortable, you're not squeezing yourself into a tight dress." "We're so trend-driven — what you wear outside [the house] really shows who you are and what your personality is like," Hayley explains. "You can pinpoint different types of people and who they hang out with based on their apparel. I just want to express myself at home in the same way that I do when I leave the house." You can shop the Resting collection via Sheet Society now — available online or in-store. Images: Supplied
Friends, it's time to pay your respects to the king of all the food groups: the pizza. That holy fusion of carbs and cheese that's basically impossible not to love and will rarely let you down. Luckily, the best pizza stores in Melbourne cover all the variations; from chewy Neapolitan pizzas and giant New York-style slices to gut-friendly gluten-free bases and inventive vegan toppings. Yep, despite your cravings, intolerances and preferences, this city has a top-notch pizza to suit. Here are our 16 of the best places to get pizza in Melbourne, each of which keeps us coming back for stretchy buffalo mozzarella, pillowy dough and perfect toppings. Get out there and enjoy a slice of the action. Recommended reads: The Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Pasta in Melbourne The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The allure of a Mediterranean beach holiday might seem tempting, but you'll find a bounty of worthy vacation spots located right here in your own backyard. And if sun, sand and surf are on the agenda, there are plenty of idyllic island escapes up and down the coast of Queensland, just waiting to be explored. Indulge in a tropical getaway to Hamilton Island, or embrace the beachside life with a few days spent lounging in The Whitsundays. We've done the hard work for you and pulled together a list of the most idyllic island accommodations you can book in Queensland. Pick a favourite, pack your sunscreen and get ready to feel the sand between your toes. Recommended reads: The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Glamping Sites in Queensland The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Queensland The Best Islands in Australia to Visit Any Time of the Year Central Airlie Holiday Home, Airlie Beach This Airlie Beach gem has room for the whole gang, but it's the divine deck and pool overlooking the Whitsunday Islands that'll steal your heart. From $545 a night, sleeps 10. Luxury Private Retreat Villa, Urangan Your own tropical haven, just minutes from the beaches of Hervey Bay. This breezy villa boasts contemporary styling, gorgeous outdoor living and a private pool. From $235 a night, sleeps six. Yacht Club 33, Hamilton Island This newly built island escape is a study in luxury living, complete with high-end features, pool access and sweeping ocean views throughout. From $1715 a night, sleeps nine. The Little Bush Hut, Nelly Bay On a secluded patch of island paradise, this stylishly restored hut is couples' holiday perfection. Fall in love with the private setting and the covered outdoor tub. From $310 a night, sleeps two. Headland House, Picnic Bay This architectural stunner boasts a covetable location on Magnetic Island, with luxurious spaces indoors and out, and epic ocean vistas to match. From $1752 a night, sleeps ten. Point Blue, Hamilton Island With its sleek interiors, picture-perfect views and abundance of outdoor living, this island home is the answer to all types of tropical holiday cravings. From $2164 a night, sleeps eight Point Lookout Townhouse, Point Lookout This stylish townhouse comes complete with panoramic water views, a gorgeous indoor-outdoor set-up and access to the complex's infinity pool. From $580 a night, sleeps seven. Complete Straddie Beach Retreat, Point Lookout Blissful island days await at this vibrant villa, perched just metres from the beach. Enjoy the romantic loft bedroom, sun-drenched deck and shared pool. From $219 a night, sleeps three Ascension, Point Lookout Luxe out in this sprawling holiday mansion, set overlooking the waters off Point Lookout. There's a huge deck, spa room and telescope for whale-watching. From $1000 a night, sleeps 12. Romantic Dog-Friendly Cottage, Macleay Island With leafy surrounds and pristine water views, this high-set cottage makes for a dreamy island hideaway. Split time between the cosy fireplace, luxurious spa and sunny deck. From $295 a night, sleeps four. Elementa House 1, Airlie Beach Unwind in style with a stay at this Whitsundays stunner, complete with private garden, shared infinity pool and master tub with breathtaking views. From $637 a night, sleeps six. 14 The Cove, Airlie Beach This next-level waterfront stay is what holiday dreams are made of. Indulge in show-stopping views from the open-plan living zones, sprawling deck and pool. From $960 a night, sleeps six. La Boheme Studio, Jubliee Pocket Experience your own little slice of Whitsundays magic at this contemporary coastal cottage, flitting between porch hammock and incredible magnesium pool. From $155 a night, sleeps two. Shorelines 23, Hamilton Island You'll feel on top of the world at this soaring Hamilton Island apartment, featuring panoramic ocean views and a stunning shared pool located just metres away. From $495 a night, sleeps six. Hamptons House on the Hill, Airlie Beach Boasting incredible vistas across the Whitsundays, a private pool and lots of luxury features, this award-winning Hamptons-style home is total bliss. From $375 a night, sleeps four. The Moreton Mansion, Tangalooma This generous three-level abode makes for a lavish group getaway, overlooking the waters of Moreton Bay. Plus, enjoy full access to the nearby resort facilities. From $1050 a night, sleeps 16+. Bedarra Island Villa, Bedarra Island A glam island paradise surrounded by leafy palms and lapping blue ocean. This designer villa boasts a stunning deck and delightfully secluded beachside setting. From $1258 a night, sleeps eight. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Courtesy of Airbnb
Cleo, the new energetic rooftop offering at Hyde Melbourne Place, burst into the Melbourne hospitality scene in late 2025. Now, the dynamic venue is helping you stick to those New Year's health and wellness resolutions with its Saturday morning Sunrise Sessions. In partnership with Peaches Pilates, every Saturday morning from January 17 until February 28, Cleo will play host to a wellness session to kick off your weekend on a high. Starting at 8am, you'll power through a 45-minute Pilates class, enjoy a 15-minute guided meditation with SONNA LED Face Masks, then fill your tum with a curated breakfast menu. The rooftop drinking and dining destination underwent a three-month transformation last year to introduce warm tones, more greenery, long tables and relaxed spaces suitable for leisurely dining. Carmen Tomasic, Ennismore's Director of Brand Operations, Pacific, says, "A large focus for the design of Cleo was to create a space that felt grounded in Melbourne while embracing the ease and energy of Eastern Mediterranean hospitality. It's a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city that embraces its existing architecture while adding an earthy softness to the space." The special breakfast menu features the likes of tried-and-tested avocado toast and the Cleo breakfast plate with eggs, pickles, hummus, and feta, and is designed to nourish and energise after a morning workout. So treat yourself, or grab a mate, and start your weekend with a mindful practice with the added bonus of tranquil city skyline views. Images: Supplied. Tickets are priced at $79 per person and are now available for booking. If you prefer rooftop drinking, check out the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Picture this: it's the end of a busy first quarter, and you're unwinding at a dreamy Californian-inspired ranch in Byron Bay's hinterland among rolling hills and wellness workshops you can dip in and out of. Known for its infrared sauna studios at seven locations across Victoria and New South Wales, Nimbus Co is launching a four-day wellness retreat at the fabulous Sun Ranch. With nods to 1970s nostalgia, the sprawling accomodation layers in amenities like a floating sauna and ice bath, a pool straight out of a Palm Springs resort, and a riding club offering horseback trail tours. For Nimbus co-founder Neil O'Sullivan, PAUSE Retreat is a space designed to help people "step out of autopilot and burnout" culture. Wellness experiences are spread across 55 acres of rewilded farmland, inviting weekenders to reflect on their routines, rest with intention, and hopefully, pick up practical tools that can support their wellbeing long after the retreat. "Australia, whilst being the lucky country, is also now one of the most burnout-prone countries in the world due to high workloads, financial stress, and pressure for wellbeing. It's time we did something about that." After settling into one of the poolside suites, private one-bedders or boutique barns that fit up to four, expect workshops designed to soothe frazzled nerves. Boutique wellness studios like Peaches Pilates bring sound healing, pilates and yoga into the mix — and of course, Nimbus Co will be running infrared sauna and ice bath sessions. Zen guided meditations, nature walks or runs through the breathtaking countryside, and yoga and pilates classes fill the mornings, while afternoons are dedicated to inspiring mind-body masterclasses led by accredited experts, such as fertility educator and clinical nutritionist Ema Taylor. Communal mealtimes are a great way to connect with other guests — alongside hands-on cooking workshops by local plant-based caterer and cookbook author Cade McConnel — and evening reflection sessions around a large firepit under the stars. Images supplied
Between the cheesy margherita pizzas, parmesan-doused tagliatelle and ricotta-stuffed cannoli, you'd be forgiven for assuming Italian cuisine is forever doomed to be a vegan no-go zone. But Hardware Lane's newest resident is here to remind you that's not true. Introducing, Funghi e Tartufo — a laneway Italian restaurant with an entirely plant-based menu and wine list. Named after the Italian words for 'mushrooms and truffle' in a nod to the kitchen's signature dish, Funghi e Tartufo comes from the minds behind Clifton Hill's Osteria Italiano. And it's a dream for vegans, coeliacs and FODMAP folks alike. Following in the footsteps of dietary-friendly local Italian eateries like Farro and gluten-free pizzeria Shop 225, the newcomer is taking an inclusive approach to a cuisine that's traditionally not so vegan-friendly. On the menu, you'll find all the Italian classics, with a plant-based makeover. Kick off with antipasto bites like bolognese arancini, lemon pepper 'calamari', vegan meatballs and a Sicilian-style caponata paired with toasted bread. Pasta fiends can get their kicks with the likes of fresh pappardelle in rich truffle and mushroom sauce, a spicy penne puttanesca, and even a creamy carbonara situation. Or, try Funghi e Tartufo's take on the classic cotoletta, here matched with vegan cheese and a tomato sauce. Dessert's sorted, too, thanks to sweet creations like panna cotta and a silky chocolate cheesecake. But that's not all. The menu abounds in gluten-free options, and even the wine and cocktail list is an all-vegan affair. Pop by for aperitivo hour, and enjoy your Sicilian snacks and vegan cheese board matched with drops like a negroni or a 2018 chianti out of Tuscany. Find Funghi e Tartufo at 60 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD. It's open 5–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 5–11pm Friday and Saturday.
Suze might just be the ne plus ultra of Melbourne wine bars — the kind of place that balances quiet confidence with warm hospitality. This moody North Fitzroy hangout unfolds across two levels of a historic building on Newry Street, and makes smart use of its deceptively expansive space. Downstairs, you'll find seats at the concrete-topped bar and cosy banquettes as well as sun-washed al fresco spots, while a lively open kitchen overlooks the snug dining room upstairs. It's effortlessly stylish but never stiff. That's in no small part down to its owners. Giulia Giorgetti and Steve Harry — partners in life and now in business — have worked at some of the country's most beloved venues (like Gimlet, Marion, Auterra and Napier Quarter, among others), and their shared love of good food, great wine and unfussy service is the heartbeat of Suze. The wine program covers a fair amount of territory, with a thoughtful mix of Italian, French, Spanish, Australian and Victorian bottles. There's a strong pour-without-pretension energy here — staff are just as happy suggesting a punchy pét-nat as they are pouring something more traditional. A selection of vermouths, spritzes and aperitifs — including the French aperitif from which the venue gets its name — rounds out the drinks menu, while nodding to the venue's European sensibilities. In the kitchen, Steve and his team work closely with local suppliers like Day's Walk Farm and Somerset Heritage Produce to deliver produce-driven dishes. The seasonally evolving menu caters to both the sip-and-snack crowd and those who want to linger a little longer — it might feature creative small plates like crapaudine beetroot with hazelnut and wattleseeds or a daily house-made ricotta with persimmon and pepper berry, alongside larger serves like whole flounder with bone marrow and capers, and Aylesbury dry-aged duck, inca berry and erbette. Whether you're here for a pre-dinner drink or settling in for a long night with a mate (or a date), Suze feels like the kind of place Melbourne always does so well — grounded, generous and effortlessly cool.
It's long been a go-to both for live comedy and international beers. But now, the four-level Exhibition Street site formerly home to the European Bier Cafe is stepping things up a notch. It's set to score a top-to-toe multimillion-dollar revamp, reopening in autumn 2023 under the new moniker Morris House. With extensive renovations already under way, the building is being reborn as a 550-capacity venue at the hands of Australian Venue Co (State of Grace, Harlow, BrewDog Pentridge), complete with an NYC-inspired comedy club in the basement, plus upper restaurant and bar spaces. Expect a sprawling 180-person rooftop as the crowning glory, too. As for the new name, it's a nod to the site's original incarnation, which dates back to 1924. An exterior paint job is set to refresh the building's facade, while brand-new interiors are the work of local studio Red Design Group. The neon-lit subterranean level will play host to a hefty program of comedy performances and events, while the dining space above is getting a lighter, fresher aesthetic to match a brand-new menu of refined pub classics and share plates. Up on the first floor, you'll find a bar, entertainment space and terrace, serving up a live music program as well as offering space for private events. And the leafy rooftop bar crowns it all, decked out in neutral tones and features to protect punters from Melbourne's unpredictable weather. In a few months time, this'll be your spot for modern cocktails and shared platters overlooking the city. [caption id="attachment_680499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The European Bier Cafe, by Giulia Morlando[/caption] Morris House will open at 114-122 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, in autumn 2023. We'll share more details as they drop.
If you're looking to spend a night belting out some hits, shimmy on over to Kono Karaoke, Melbourne's first coin-booth-operated karaoke joint. Located on Little Lonsdale Street, this unsuspecting two-level location is filled with several disco-lit booths that each come stocked with two microphones and a range of songs to choose from. Each song will cost you $2, but of course there are packages available if you decide you want (or need) to sing more. There are props you can use, and if you don't want to stay contained in a booth take over the 'stage' area with other happy musos. With enough space for a small group, songs in a variety of languages and a $2-drink vending machine, you're set to have a ripper night out on a budget.
Throughout the pandemic, the Victorian Government has been providing the state's residents with an online map that tracks COVID-19 cases, including by postcode and Local Government Area. This handy resource has been updated every day throughout the state's response to the coronavirus, helpfully. Also now on offer on the Victorian Government website, and also just as useful: a map that shows vaccination rates in each postcode. Covering the entire state, the nifty resource outlines jabs by tracking the number of folks who are fully vaxxed in each postcode. So, you just need to zoom in to find out whichever area you're interested in, with the map's colour-coding identifying what percentage of that postcode is double-jabbed. And, you can also click on each postcode area for further details. In terms of hues, you'll see a dark purple colour for under 40 percent fully vaxxed, a medium purple for 40–50 percent and a lighter purple for 50–60 percent. Then, you'll spy a very light, almost grey-white shade for 60–70 percent, light green for 70–80 percent, a leafy green for 80–90 percent and dark green for over 90 percent. Need more details? When you click on a particular postcode, it'll break down those numbers further. So, you'll also see the percent for first doses, the eligible population in the area over the age of 12, the total population, and the timeline — at the moment, when that postcode reached 70-percent first doses, if it has. As announced by Premier Daniel Andrews back in September, the Victorian roadmap out of lockdown relies upon vaccination rates, with rules and restrictions loosening at set vax milestones. The key thresholds: 70-percent and 80-percent double doses. These points fall in line with Australia's overall 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July, too, which steps through how the country aims to move away from lockdowns, loosen restrictions for fully vaxxed folks and handle COVID-19 cases moving forward — including allowing international travel again at the 80-percent double-vaccinated point. Keen to keep an eye on overall vaccination rates, not just locally but state-by-state and nationally? We've also rounded up how you can do just that. To have a look at Victoria's COVID-19 vaccination map, head to the Victorian Government website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Victorian Department of Health website. Images: The Victorian Government COVID-19 vaccine map as at Wednesday, October 6.
Development of inner city suburbs means that the classic Aussie pub — much like the endangered corner store or a Paddle Pop in the sun — is at risk of disappearing. Like many Melbourne pubs, The Corner Hotel underwent a refurb a few years back — but, unlike some, it emerged all the better for it. The respectful renovation and careful design of the rooftop bar left local fans happy and no doubt introduced a new generation of pub-goers to one of the city's best live music venues. Overlooking the Richmond Station train lines, The Corner's indoor-outdoor rooftop bar has an air-conditioned area for hot days, a large smoking area and an even bigger heated non-smoker deck for any weather. It also boasts a private bar and function space and the rooftop is also completely wheelchair accessible, a rarity in Melbourne. With all this new space to play with, it's worth getting a pint of one of the many craft beers on tap and taking a moment to explore. To match the space, The Corner Hotel has created a fresh menu of premium pub food with a new focus on shared dishes. This sees pub classics rub shoulders with modern dishes — for example, a parma with chips and salad sits alongside pan-fried barramundi with pearl cous cous, eggplant kasundi and fried curry leaves. Our pick is the pumpkin and sage risotto with toasted walnuts, blue cheese and fried sage leaves — we were thinking about it days after the fact. Alternatively, there's a high chance you'll find yourself here looking for a pre-gig snack. If that's the case, the old-school five-spice fried chicken ribs with pickled cucumber and yuzu glaze or the sweetcorn arancini should do the trick. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, too. As well as great food and drinks, the Corner Hotel in Richmond has made a name for itself by hosting gigs since the 1940s. Artists who've appeared there include the likes of the Violent Femmes, The White Stripes, Public Enemy, Joan Jett, Joe Strummer, Crowded House and the Deftones. Even Mick Jagger and Pink Floyd have graced the stage, as well as a surprise gig by Billy Joel. They still put on great acts to this day, with plenty of big local names taking the mic.
Kewpie (formerly Bimbo) officially closed its doors for good earlier this year, with locals sadly bidding farewell to the site's legendary $4 pizzas and late-night parties. Fortunately, the site wasn't empty for long, as a new group of owners moved in to quickly gut the space and transform it back into The Punters Club — a pub and live music venue that previously occupied the building throughout the 90s. The new Punters Club isn't an exact replica, but more of an homage. Local musicians will once again take centre stage here, with a stacked lineup of DJs and bands already slated to perform free gigs well into October. Food, on the other hand, will be a significantly more elevated and playful affair. Head Chef Dylan Marshall is running the kitchen here, plating up classic pub fare with an Aussie twist. Get your tuna tartare served with a bag of Smith's Salt & Vinegar Chips, kangaroo schnittys with mashed potatoes and pepper sauce and a fillet of fish with brown butter and capers. South Melbourne market dim sims even make an appearance on the menu alongside a Lune croissant bread and butter pudding served with Pidapipo pistachio gelato. It doesn't get more local than that. Pair this all with tap wines (sold by the glass or in half-litre carafes), the venue's own draught beer, a selection of local and international brews, and classic cocktails. The team behind the bar says the renovation was a "labour of love," sourcing artwork, a pool table, vintage lighting, dart boards, an old-school jukebox and memorabilia from all over Melbourne to start a new era for the legendary venue. Let's just wait and see if it lives up to its former glory. You'll find The Punters Club at 376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, open 4–11pm from Tuesday–Thursday and 12pm–late from Friday–Sunday. For more information, you can check out the venue's website. Images: Liam Neal.
Great cinema often feels timely and topical. Even just from its two trailers so far — and even while remaking a South Korean sci-fi comedy from 2003 — Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone's next movie together already seems to fit that description. A battle between the one percent and the conspiracy-obsessed is at the heart of Bugonia, when a CEO is kidnapped by two young men who are convinced that she isn't from earth. Another year, another collaboration between two big names who keep teaming up to make stellar films, then. With Bugonia, Stone and Lanthimos combine for their fourth joint feature, following 2018's The Favourite, 2023's Poor Things and 2024's Kinds of Kindness. The first of the bunch earned them both Oscar nominations. The second scored Stone her second Academy Award and made Lanthimos a contender again. The latest? It's a remake of Save the Green Planet!. If you've seen that film, then you'll know the story. If you haven't, get ready for Lanthimos' take on it. Either way, the Greek filmmaker's newest movie is all about a CEO of a major company, two men obsessed with wild theories, the belief that said head honcho is an alien who'll destroy earth and, as a result, an abduction plot to attempt to hold her to account. In her second feature of 2025, and second this year to see her wrapped up with conspiracy-spouting folks after Ari Aster's Eddington, Stone is the CEO in Bugonia. Doing the abducting: Jesse Plemons — who also worked with Lanthimos on Kinds of Kindness, and won the Best Actor Award at Cannes for his efforts — plus feature first-timer Aidan Delbis. Bugonia's cast also spans Stavros Halkias (Tires) and Alicia Silverstone (Y2K). Behind the camera, while Lanthimos directs, Will Tracy (The Menu) adapted the screenplay from Jang Joon-hwan's film. Stone is one of Bugonia's producers, too — and so is Aster. The movie just premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where Poor Things did and won the Golden Lion. For audiences Down Under, Bugonia has a date with local cinemas from Thursday, October 30, 2025. Check out the full trailer for Bugonia below: Bugonia releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Images: Atsushi Nishijima/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Tres a Cinco, tucked away on Hosier Lane in the CBD, is a colourful, dynamic, and welcoming Mexican cantina that attracts locals, city workers, and those seeking a taste of elevated, contemporary Mexican cuisine. Like many entrepreneurially minded people, chef Sarai Castillo was motivated during the COVID lockdowns to do something meaningful. Through her take-away packs, known as Comida Corrida, Castillo shared a taste of home-style Mexican cooking, rooted in a strong sense of place and tradition, with customers who quickly became loyal followers. The remarkable response to her cooking led to Tres a Cinco becoming a permanent venue, sitting under the MoVida umbrella. The menu showcases classic dishes — cooked with love and care and packed full of flavour — that are generous, approachable and lend themselves to a laid-back, social way of dining. Agave is at the heart of the drinks offering, with a back bar boasting over 200 agave spirits. No surprise that there is also a stellar lineup of margaritas and Latin-inspired cocktails on offer. So pop in for a quick after-work charred pineapple mezcalita or hibiscus daiquiri, and snack on chorizo and corn croquettes and prawn empanadas, or settle in for a night of Jalisco negronis and coconut margaritas and work your way through the enticing menu. Perhaps a Bloody Mary oyster shot, followed by a crab tostada and chilaquiles rojos, before sampling calamari tacos with jalapeno yoghurt sauce, and filling up on chicken enchiladas or pork meatballs in chipotle sauce. Images: Supplied.
