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What’s On Guide: Queen’s Birthday Edition

Everyone’s favourite Queen is having her birthday this weekend, and what’s not to love about a long weekend? But what if you don’t know what to do with this newfound free time? Don’t worry about that – whether you’re in the mood for a winery walkabout, rooftop parties or a...

The Most Picturesque Brunch Spots Along The Mornington Peninsula

We all know the Mornington Peninsula for it’s never ending beaches, hidden swimming spots and picturesque views. But, there’s actually another major reason why you should take the trip down – BRUNCH! The coastline towns are bursting with funky, hipster and mouth-watering cafes everyone should be trying out! Winey Cow...

A Pop-up Gin Party is Arriving in Melbourne!

World Gin Day is coming to Melbourne! Luckily for us, Wilson and Market are transforming their suave terrace bar into a pop-up Gin Alley!! On June 9 from 2pm – 6pm you can expect a mini gin festival with an extensive range of international and local gins. Seriously, could we...

PSA: We’ve Found The Best Gluten-Free Pizza Joints In Melbourne

When you’re gluten-intolerant, a pizza baby is the least of your concerns after a bit of pizza indulgence. What’s more pressing are the cramps, the knowledge that you have partially killed your intestine, and the crazy itchy hives. Or you just don’t eat pizza which is pretty torturous as well....

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

The first days of winter fall right in the middle of this upcoming week and we understand that the winter blues have officially been set in motion. But that’s ok! Because with sublime cocktails, live music – including a bit of smooth jazz – and an injection of Winona Ryder...

Book Your Function For A Chance To Win Lunch And A Gin Tasting!

Sand Hill Road are celebrating EOFY by giving away 3 double passes for a free lunch at the Garden State Hotel followed by a tour and tasting at Healesville’s Four Pillars Distillery. To be in the running, book a private function at any of their venues listed in this article...

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

It is officially getting very chilly and gloomy in Melbourne. But don’t worry, this week is jam packed with many opportunities to get your hands on a bev, some food, movies and even dogs! Yes, we said dogs! From mulled wine and cheese to a dog festival and exciting vegan...

What’s on: A 2 Day Long Wine Festival Along The Murray River

A weekend of wine and sweet serenity is almost upon us, as the masterful Winemakers of Rutherglen prepare for the return of the annual Winery Walkabout. Spanning the Queen’s birthday long weekend on the 9th and 10th of June, the event promises a jam-packed experience of the region, where festival-goers...

Weekly What’s On Guide: Good Beer Week & World Whisky Day

How do you keep the winter blues at bay? Alcohol (Please consult a medical or legal practitioner before taking any advice from us). May is bringing doom, gloom, and lethargy, but Melbourne is fighting to keep the (literal) spirits up – or rather, downed. Arm yourself from the choices below....

WIN A Double Pass To The Underground Cinema Opening Night!

*GIVEAWAY TIME! WE HAVE A DOUBLE PASS TO PRESENT TO A LUCKY WINNER TO ATTEND UNDERGROUND CINEMA’S OPENING NIGHT IN MELBOURNE* Head to the Hidden City Secrets Facebook page, like our page and tag who you would take in the comments below for your chance to win.     Click...

Top 5 Aesthetically Pleasing Brunch Cafes You Need To Visit ASAP

Brunch is a sacred time. With so many spots to choose from, making the wrong choice can prove fatal (maybe not fatal, but a little depressing). Featuring interesting interiors, quirky furnishings and unique design elements, these aesthetically pleasing brunch cafes dish up much more than just food. Industry Beans 3/62...

The Best Cafes To Get Work Done In Melbourne

Pack up your books and laptops, Melbournians, we’re perking up (or should I say, quirking up) your workspace. To all the hard-working 9-5ers out there, to the students cramming to master those mid-terms, and to anyone who seeks an escape from the literary death-trap that is writer’s block: we’ve compiled...

5 Drool-worthy Vegan Dessert Joints on the South Side

Long gone are the days where ‘vegan’ meant bulk lentils, pureed spinach and tofu for days. Now, just about everything has a decadent plant-based alternative, from jam donuts and cookie dough ice cream to custard tarts and caramel slice. Melbourne’s northern suburbs have well and truly embraced the #veganlife, but...

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

Melbournians, rejoice. While we have entered into the deep chills of the Autumn season, our city’s events for this week will make those warm blankets and hot chocolates seem like old news. From a Marvel-inspired food truck festival to the annual Makers and Shakers Festival (come hungry), we’ve got your guide to a...

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

As Autumn creeps around the corner and the sunny days go fewer and far between, we’ve rounded up some of April’s best events that’ll keep your summer spirit alive. From street food parties to urban art shows, the next few weeks are rich in flavour and culture, leaving you feeling...

10 Hidden Happy Hours You Didn’t Know About

While happy hours are arguably the greatest thing to ever grace the earth, they can get a little overcrowded. No one likes waiting so long at the bar that by the time they get a drink, happy hour has been and gone. We’ve put together a list of some of...

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

Many of us are still coming out of the Easter egg coma this week, making it extremely tempting to stay in. We’re here to tell you to step away from your eighth Lindt Bunny, wipe that bit of melted chocolate off your face and get out of the house. There’s a...

Brunswick’s Newest Vegan Rooftop Bar

The Cornish Arms Hotel has opened its arms to the heavens, boasting a new addition of a rooftop bar and garden. Renowned as an all-inclusive vegan dining destination on Sydney Road, the third floor of the Brunswick mainstay now promises sweeping panoramic views of the CBD with a drink in...

Your Guide To What’s On This Week

It’s that time of the week. You’re running on 99% coffee, 1% dry shampoo and are 100% considering trying to make a decent living off of selling those Beanie Babies stored in your parents house. Well, we hear ya! Take a break, look to the weekend and check out some fun-filled...

Melbourne’s Most Unusual Martinis

It all began with the espresso martini. That perfect blend of coffee, alcohol and sugar that once took the cocktail world by storm. Thankfully, this decadent creation was only the beginning of the dessert martini (dessertini?) reign. We now have everything from milo to fairy floss martinis, proving alcohol and...

Melbourne’s most Iconic Live Music Institutions

Wherever you lie on the musical spectrum, you’ll agree that there’s nothing quite like the Melbourne music scene; dynamic, inclusive and at times, down-right dirty. Well, we’ve got your top venues to experience the best live music Melbourne has to offer. Howler Bar 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056 Tucked...

Holy Truck! Food Trucks Are Taking Over The Gaso

Our beloved local bluestone, The Gasometer Hotel, has just added another layer to their already delicious onion of live music, cheap eats and good vibes.As of April 4th, The Gaso will be teaming up with Cluster Truck to provide a rotating array of the best food trucks in town for...

What’s On Guide: Thursday 29th March 2018

Are you sitting at home, bored? Listless? Wondering what to do this week? My, oh my, have we got a treat for you. Suffer a laugh-induced coma at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival or gain some knowledge at Melbourne Museum’s insane Vikings Exhibit. The week is positively brimming with events for you...

The Waterside Hotel – An Old Favourite Revamped

Your favourite corner pub, The Waterside Hotel, has had a little makeover. Hidden City Secrets had the privilege of attending their Welcome Back Party and we can confirm: she’s looking fabulous. All the best bits of the vintage pub remain, including its old-school feel and friendly atmosphere, though some definite...

The National Hotel is Throwing a Hawker Street Food Party

The Easter long weekend is fast approaching and The National Hotel in Richmond is hosting a holiday eve, Asian-inspired bonanza! The outdoor party in the beer garden will feature Hawker-style street food and will kick off at 6pm on the 29th of March, serving up a selection of pan-Asian inspired...

What’s on Guide: Easter Weekend

The Easter weekend is on its way! It’s a jam-packed few days in Melbourne, so prepare for the big event with our comprehensive guide of what’s on. If you don’t yet have plans, gather the mates, the kids, or anyone ready to party, because you will after this. The Food...

Secret Warehouse Music Gig: Solomun

Firstly, three time ‘Best DJ in the world’ Solomun is headed to Australia. Secondly, his Melbourne show is at an exclusive, secret-as-anything warehouse venue. Thirdly, this has got to be an epic event based on the first and second points alone. Solomun will be performing an extended set in one...

Melbourne’s Most Droolworthy Snacks

Picture this – you’re on your second kale-spinach-coconut-chia smoothie of the week. Empty tuna cans are building up in your bin, and broccoli is starting to taste like cardboard. Yep, it’s time for a little pick-me-up. You deserve a snack (or seven), and why not go all-out with one of...

Melbourne’s Best Spots for Dinner & a Movie

Foodies and Cinephiles, unite. The time has come to amp up your dinner-and-a-movie game. The game that has existed for generations, the game that has entertained countless first dates, and while having adjusted to the technology of the 21st century, it’s the game that we will continue to play for...

This Fun-sized Bar may just be the Smallest in the World

There’s only one thing that Melbournian’s value over their coffee, and that’s their exclusivity. From hidden bars, strict guest lists and top-secret laneway events, we can all attest to the pleasure of attending the forbidden fruit of V.I.P venues. Luckily, Le Bar Europeen has all your preferential needs sorted with...

4 Eco-friendly Restaurants in Melbourne

If you haven’t heard, green is the new black. From solar panels to worm farms, more and more Melbourne eateries are getting on board the eco-train. This means sustainable smashed avo and conscious cocktails for all. Here are 4 of the best spots to eat, guilt-free. Mesa Verde 252 Swanston...

A Spicy Latin Street Party is Taking Over Vic Markets

The hump day slump can be rough, so why not Flamenco dance your way through it? Queen Victoria’s Night Market is throwing a Latin Street Party on Wednesday 14th March and you’re invited. With live entertainment, mouth-watering paella and dance lessons at your beck and call, you won’t want to miss...

Top 10 Summer Beer Gardens

It’s March, which means winter is well on it’s way. Soon it’ll be seeya sunshine and hello dreary, depressing Melbourne weather. Chuck on your best hat and lap it up in the outdoors while you still can. Here are five of Melbourne’s sunniest beer gardens to enjoy a drink. Terminus...

5 Exotic Cuisines You Haven’t Tried Yet

Melbourne’s restaurant scene breeds a rich cultural diversity that simply can’t be topped. With a unique cuisine available on every street, graphited laneway or shopping strip, the options can prove to be overwhelming. Hidden City Secrets has discovered some exotic cuisines that might not be your typical picks, but are...

Brunswick Music Festival’s 30th Anniversary

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Brunswick Music Festival is once again lighting up the streets and bringing the beats to one of Melbourne’s most alternative, creative and multicultural suburbs. In the two-week-long, much-loved annual event, the very best music talent – both local and international – are showcased on...

A Garden State of Mind

Sitting in the cosmopolitan heart of Flinders Lane, Garden State Hotel presents us with a majestic four-level wonderland, held together by an aesthetically pleasing (insta-worthy) naturistic twist. Hidden City Secrets visited the green scenes of Garden State for their 2018 Welcome Back Party and took part in an evening of...

WIN 2 x Double Passes to the Gourmet Cinema

All the foodies, put your hands up. All the cinephiles, make some noise…? Well if you’re inclined to do both, then you can do so at this year’s Gourmet Cinema. And luckily, we’re giving away 2 x double passes to attend any of the below sessions this March as a...

Spend Chinese NY with Melbourne’s Best Dumplings

Good things really do come in small packages, and what better way to celebrate the lunar New Year than by chowing down on nature’s hot pocket, the dumpling! Whether you’re spending the Chinese New Year ridding yourself of bad fortune, taking in the glow of some lanterns or celebrating the light...

Riverside Bars You Can’t Miss This Summer

Before the summer ends, be sure to hit up one of Melbourne’s riverside bars and enjoy some drinks with friends whilst indulging in the 360-degree views of the sunny CBD.  Arbory Afloat 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne CBD Spanning over 50 metres of the Yarra River, Arbory Afloat is a floating bar,...

What’s On Guide: Thursday 15th February 2018

The city lights up in February with White Night Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, an open-air cinema at the MCG & more. Hit up these events and bedazzle your mates with your awesome plans, check out our top picks! White Night  Melbourne CBD Returning to Melbourne on the 17th of...

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Have You Planned Your X-Mas Party Yet?!

The festive season is fast approaching and venues have already started booking key dates in their event calendars. So, if you haven’t book your venue already it’s time to put the kettle on grab a bicky, and look through all the amazing bars, restaurants, cafe’s, function venues and e

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We’re Uncovering Melbourne’s Best Hidden Bars!

Ever wonder if there’s more to Melbourne’s bar and restaurant scene? Something you might be missing? The answer is yes! The beauty of our city is that it is stacked with hidden gems – whether they’re through alleyways, up hidden elevators, or down secret staircases – and we’re peeling

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Treat Dad At These Melbourne Spots This Father’s Day

A celebration of perhaps the hardest-to-buy-for creature on the planet (Father’s Day) is coming up, and we’re feeling just as daunted as you are. So we’re doing dad’s day a little different this year, and we’ve scoured the bars and restaurants of Melbourne to compile the

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