Melbourne’s a cold, grey and reasonably damp sort of a place come winter, but all is not as it seems. There’s never a dull moment in the capital of Victoria which is as vibrant and exciting as any other in the world especially in the chilly months. Check out these 8 Great reasons to explore the laneways, food hotspots and catch all the latest entertainment in the heart of Melbourne town, starting with a foodie lover’s pop-up paradise at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne…
#1
Burn, baby, burn at Grand Hyatt Burn City
It’s not often one thinks of dining at a luxury hotel, but Grand Hyatt in Melbourne is an exception to the rule. Say hello to seriously smoked barbecue goodness as the Burn City Smokers again take the reins at the Grand Hyatt until the end of August.
This pop up in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is an event more so than an experience; no influencers required.
Their signature smoked brisket burger and jalapeno poppers are a highlight, but the Burn City Smokers crew have fired up to new levels with wood-fired pippies, a meat platter to rule them all, and an original take on the humble Chicko roll. If you’re looking for interesting combos they’re here, and damn tasty! Pop these on your list of must-tries: the 8 HR Smoked Short Rib with Chimmichurri, Sweet Potato Chips with heavenly dip, and a dazzling Pine-Needle Smoked Portobello.
For dessert there’s one you will never forget – the baked apple, with the most extraordinary ricotta ice-cream flavour you’ll ever taste!
Don’t hesitate and don’t be late, as this barbecue beauty is only here until the end of Winter. In addition to very reasonable prices, there’s a beautiful touch on the social conscience front, too, with a silent auction of an incredible hand-painted cow to raise money for a fantastic social enterprise called Wheelly Good Coffee. Look out for a multi-coloured cow on the way in.
Did you know?
Nature’s glamorous side is revealed throughout the mighty Grand Hyatt Melbourne in elements of gold, grecian marble, recycled Australian timber, carved cypress pine and fine art by painters John Firth-Smith, Paul Parton, David Rankin and sculptor Robert Bridgewater.
#2
Mamma Mia The Musical at the Princess Theatre
Doing the Dancing Queen at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne’s theatre district has a certain ring to it, don’t you think? Poptastic Swedish act ABBA ruled the Australian airways once upon a time and the fabulous tunes have remained in the ears, minds and hearts of many an Australian. What better way to celebrate their music than a night out on the town with this wonderful theatrical take on the classic movie of the same name. The tunes of Mamma Mia! The Musical Australia are, of course, delivered with mesmerising good-fun and quality as the hits keep coming over a two and a half hour period (with interval to catch your breath): Voulez Vous, S.O.S, Take a Chance On Me, Dancing Queen and so many more you know and love. It’s one for all ages. Set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s heart-warming tale centres around Sophie, a young bride-to-be. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Stars top talent including Natalie O’Donnell, Sarah Morrison, Jayde Westaby, Josef Ber, Ian Stenlake, Phillip Lowe and Alicia Gardiner.
#3
Little Lon Distilling Co opens its doors
Let the good times roll in this former Red Light District venue! It’s a much more reputable and refined establishment, of course, as Gin lovers will love the fact Melbourne’s CBD now has one helluva craft gin distillery, with single-storey Little Lon Distilling Co opening its doors to the public this year at 17 Casselden Place. The distillery is named after the infamous area of boozy shennanigans between Lonsdale, Spring, Exhibition and La Trobe Streets which was a hot spot about 150 years ago. Drinks such as the mulled apple and grapefruit flavourings of Ginger Mick, the lychee-infused gin of the Little Miss Yoko and other great cocktails are superb. For the rest of July the distillery is open Fridays from 5pm-9pm in conjunction with Madame Brussels’ European Night Market and from August opens Thursday to Saturday from 5pm-11pm.
#4
Pandas 3D at IMAX
Discover this compelling and cute documentary at IMAX Melbourne, where an American wildlife biologist hangs with a gorgeous Giant Panda called Qian Qian (pronounced “Chen Chen”) as he, with a team of scientists, set about reintroducing the endangered species back into the wild. At Chengdu Panda Base in China, scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas and increasing the number in the wild. This film follows one such researcher, whose passion leads her to initiate a new technique inspired by a black bear program in rural New Hampshire. What starts as a cross-culture collaboration becomes a life-changing journey for American biologist, Dr Jake Owens, who crosses an ocean to join her; a scientist from Inner Mongolia; and a very curious female cub. Check out our interview with Dr Jake about the connection he made with Qian Qian and what’s involved in his work in the Sichuan Provence.
#5
Melbourne International Film Festival (August 2-19)
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is a film-lover’s dream and throughout August is a chance to see international premieres, red carpet glamour and the best local, national and international cinema. Established in 1952, MIFF is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and the most significant screen event in Australia. An iconic Melbourne event, the festival takes place annually in the heart of the city, presenting an acclaimed screening program alongside industry and celebratory events. The 2018 Melbourne International Film Festival will launch with the Australian premiere of Paul Dano’s directorial debut, Wildlife, starring Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal and Australia’s Ed Oxenbould (so memorable from his roles in MIFF 2014’s Paper Planes, and last year’s MIFF Premiere Fund-supported The Butterfly Tree).
#6
Queen Vic Market (and Night Market)
You haven’t experienced Melbourne properly unless you’ve spent some time at the iconic Queen Vic Market which turns 140 this year. It’s the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. Home to over 600 small businesses, snap up bargains in fashion, jewellery and souvenirs and revel in the atmosphere of the heritage listed Meat, Fish and Dairy halls. Queen Victoria Market is also a great place to enjoy a meal or top notch coffee. Throughout the Winter Queen Vic Market plays host to Melbourne’s original night market. The popular Wednesday night event showcases a program of live entertainment, roving performers, artisan and hand-made shopping and a smorgasbord of global street food.
#7
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
ACCA’s new exhibition explores contemporary Aboriginal life infused with some fun, pop culture and country music stars. Part of the Yalingwa visual arts initiative, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art’s exhibition showcases new works by 10 top Aboriginal artists about everyday, contemporary Indigenous life. The exhibition is curated by Hannah Presley.
Naked in the Sky offers authentic Basque country scrummy treats, complete with amazing rooftop views of the city and Dandenong Ranges in the distance.
#8
Naked In The Sky in Fitzroy
Venture further afield on the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD and head to a Fitzroy favourite called Naked In The Sky, upstairs from Naked For Satan, for some authentic Basque country scrummy treats, complete with amazing rooftop views of the city and Dandenong Ranges in the distance. Take your pick from a selection of traditional entree, side and main meals, and weekday lunch time special. Loads of beers, vodkas and ciders to choose from, too, in what is a quirky venue with a point or two of difference.
Book your Accommodation with CT Connections
