A brand new Californian-inspired restaurant and bar is now open at Crown Melbourne. The restaurant, Marmont, is spearheaded by Australian DJ and restaurateur Grant Smillie and occupies the former Rosetta site along the river walk, seamlessly blending dining, music, and ambiance. Smillie, renowned for his international DJ career and ownership of venues like Ponyfish Island, has returned to Melbourne after 12 years in Los Angeles. At Marmont, he collaborates with head chef Mark Tagnipez, formerly of Supernormal and EP & LP, to deliver a modern dining experience. The menu features a “deep snack menu” and “all-day grazing,” allowing patrons to…
Author: Melbourning
Get ready, Melbourne—Sumo Fight Club is crashing into town, and it’s bringing big laughs, big moves, and even bigger suits! This isn’t your traditional sumo wrestling; it’s a hilarious twist where participants don inflatable sumo suits and go head-to-head in riotous, family-friendly battles. Set to unfold at a yet-to-be-revealed venue, this quirky and action-packed event promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about experiences. Sumo Fight Club combines the rich cultural tradition of sumo wrestling with a playful, modern edge. Whether you’re strapping on a sumo suit to join the action or grabbing a seat ringside to cheer on…
Elite basketball is coming to Traralgon as one of the nation’s most beloved sporting teams, the Australian Boomers, will host two thrilling games in Gippsland next year. The Boomers will square off against Thailand and Indonesia as part of the FIBA Men’s Asia Cup Qualifiers, returning international basketball to Gippsland for the first time in more than a decade. The Gippsland Regional Indoor Basketball Stadium will be the venue for both games, hosting Indonesia on Thursday, 20 February, and Thailand on Sunday, 23 February. Victoria has previously held sold-out Asia Cup Qualifiers in Melbourne, and as Australian basketball continues to…
The National Wool Museum in Geelong is set to host the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 exhibition, showcasing the world’s finest nature photography. This renowned exhibition, curated by the Natural History Museum in London, will open its doors to the public on 20 December 2024, offering visitors a visual journey into the wonders of the natural world. To celebrate the exhibition’s arrival, the museum is hosting an exclusive Christmas preview on 19 December at 5:00 PM. This special event provides attendees with an early glimpse of the captivating images that highlight the beauty and diversity of wildlife across…
Frankston City Council’s iconic Waterfront Festival returns on Friday 7 February and Saturday 8 February, featuring a music line-up of some of Australia’s best artists, delicious food and plenty of activities for all-ages both in and out of the water.A highlight of the summer season, Waterfront Festival returns bigger and better than ever, with a new format and some exciting new additions coming in 2025. For the first time, Waterfront Festival will kick off on Friday evening, offering the perfect way to unwind and ease into the weekend. Headlining the mainstage will be legendary Aussie duo Sneaky Sound System, who will bring their…
Joanna Murray-Smith’s critically acclaimed play, Julia, is making return to Melbourne in 2025 for a strictly limited run. After a triumphant national tour, which saw more than 100,000 people captivated by Justine Clarke’s transformative portrayal of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, the production is back for a limited season at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from 25 June 2025 Directed by Helpmann Award-winner Sarah Goodes, Julia offers a nuanced and powerful look at Julia Gillard’s rise to leadership and the cultural moment that immortalised her: the iconic 2012 ‘misogyny speech.’ Clarke’s performance has been lauded as “electrifying” and “astonishingly restrained” delivering…
The Australian Open is taking fan experiences to the next level with the debut of TOPCOURT, a cutting-edge precinct set to energise Birrarung Marr this summer. Running every day during the main draw, TOPCOURT blends tennis, tech, pop culture, and premium entertainment into a one-of-a-kind destination that will redefine the AO fan experience, aimed at Gen Z tennis fans. Game On powered by Fortress headlines the precinct, offering a gaming wonderland that includes VR Tennis, a fresh spin on 4-Square, Console Corner, and a Retro Arcade. From Fortnite and Rocket League to Topspin 2K25, fans can challenge friends or immerse…
Melbourne’s cultural calendar is welcoming a stunning new addition, with the highly anticipated global exclusive Yayoi Kusama exhibition opening this Sunday. 95-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is an icon of contemporary art and recognised globally for her distinctive bold and colourful work. Across eight decades Kusama has created immersive, thought-provoking and personal art that transcends cultures. The exhibition features 200 works and has been curated especially for Australian audiences. Spanning her incredible career, the exhibition includes sculpture, painting, collage, fashion and films alongside immersive artworks, including the global premiere of Kusama’s new awe-inspiring infinity mirror room. The exhibition also includes the Australian…
Sarah Blasko is set to embark on an Australian tour from February to April 2025, celebrating her newest album, I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain. The tour promises a captivating blend of her latest work and beloved hits from her extensive back catalogue, performed with her live band. Known for her evocative songwriting and magnetic stage presence, Blasko’s performances resonate with profound emotion and artistry. Her seventh studio album, released in late 2024, showcases themes of personal reflection, resilience, and reinvention. Tracks like “Bothering Me” and “The Way” explore the delicate interplay between grief, goodbyes, and fresh starts. Recorded…
This January, Theatre Works in St Kilda will host the premiere of Bearded, a new musical by Sean Donehue and Nick Waxman. Set during Australia’s 2017 marriage equality debate, the show explores the journey of Bet and Ace, two close friends navigating the complexities of family expectations and societal pressures. The musical tells the heartfelt story of Bet, whose father is a conservative political candidate, and her best friend Ace, as they navigate family expectations, societal scrutiny, and the courage to be themselves. Set against the backdrop of fierce public debate, the musical explores the intimate struggles of two young…
Melbourne’s entertainment scene is about to hit new heights with the arrival of 123BOOM! – the adrenaline-charged in-real-life arcade experience debuting at 530 Collins Street in January 2025. This immersive adventure invites thrill seekers of all ages to dive headfirst into a world brimming with challenges, puzzles, and high-stakes fun, propelling Melburnians into a nostalgic yet futuristic playground. Designed for teams of 4-8 players, 123BOOM! features six distinct rooms where participants can earn points through unique themes and gameplay. Each room preps the team for the ultimate test: THE BOMB! Teams must race against time to disarm a paint-filled explosive…