Photography Night Walks

A new creatively-focused Melbourne walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city at night and learn about night-time photography at the same time.

Established and run by working photographer Jessica Edgar, the Photography Night Walks are held Thursday and Sunday from 5.30pm - 7.30pm within the Melbourne CBD. The walking route changes each week, with interested parties being notified of the next meeting place by email, SMS or facebook. Locations are selected for their inherent visual quality and have so far included several Melbourne laneways, the Docklands, Chinatown, Art walk and Queen Victoria market.

On Thursday nights, the group convenes for a post-walk drink and discussion at Loop Bar (23 Meyers Place) and view the evening’s work projected on a large digital screen.

The hands-on walks are open to any skill level and are devised to help participants developing their skills through tips from Edgar and interaction with fellow photography enthusiasts. Cost is $15.

Edgar started the night walks as a way of making the learning of photography a more accessible and social process. “There is something inherently beautiful with photographing at night” she says.

For more information:  www.looponline.com.au or call 0407 555 168
Media contacts: Jessica Edgar Ph: 0407 555 168 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Under the Radar

Our new monthly round up of 'hidden gems' - quirky and interesting new discoveries, creative people, products and events which might have escaped your notice.

Macedon Ranges foodie goodness expands beyond Kyneton - Two fabulous new eateries have opened up in the Macedon Ranges towns of Trentham and Woodend. First up is The Village Larder, a new licensed cafe and food store in Woodend opened by Marika Oost, former head chef at the former Melbourne Wine Room. Its menu features hearty but modern country fare showcasing local produce. The interior is comfortably retro and the word is that it’s very family friendly.

Macedon Ranges foodie goodness #2 - The historic Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham has opened a restaurant has opened in its recently restored stables (built in 1866). Destroyed by fire in 2005, the hotel is being gradually restored thanks to the efforts of hardworking locals. While a café has been operating in the hotel’s gardens over summer, the new restaurant provides year-round dining. The menu showcases the best regional produce. Live music meet-the-winemaker events are also part of the mix.

 

Design-led walk through Melbourne - Part of the 2010 State of Design Festival, Look.Stop.Shop is a self-guided design-led walk through Melbourne’s CBD featuring a select group of up to thirty retailers that have created special window displays and in-store installations exploring sustainable design. The walk is designed to be experienced 24 hours a day with a diverse group of retailers participating from department stores to tiny boutiques, vertical retailers, designer-owned and operated spaces and popup shops for fashion, books, furniture, flowers and other objects.

La Latteria - Urban Farmgate and Mozarella Laboratory - Regional cheesier That’s Amore Cheese has set up a farmgate shop in inner city Melbourne. That’s Amore owner Giorgio Linguanti, in partnership with chef Kirsty Laird (formerly of Tutto Bene), opened La Latteria in Carlton four months ago to operate as a combined direct-to-public retail outlet and a new sub-branch of its cheese-making operation. Mouth-watering Italian-style cheeses – including provolina, scamorza, burrino and buffalo mozzarella - are delivered fresh from the That’s Amore factory in Donnybrook, while Laird works the shop and stretches fresh mozzarella (fior di latte, bocconcini, burrata) every morning in the custom made ‘mozzarella laboratory’ at the back of their Elgin Street premises.

Dessert-only restaurant in Fitzroy - Pastry chef extraordinaire and ‘dessert jedi-master’ Pierre Roelofs has set up a weekly dessert-only dining night on Thursdays at Café Rosamund, off Smith Street in Fitzroy. Patrons can choose between one to three courses from a menu that will change weekly. Given that Roelof’s background has included serving as Head Pastry Chef at Interlude, Hotel Sofitel and two Michelin starred restaurant The Vineyard (Berkshire, UK), this is guaranteed to be one sweet (and delicious) night out!

Melbourne’s hidden galleries expand

The galleries, studios and art-run spaces tucked away in Melbourne’s laneways, derelict buildings and vacant commercial spaces are becoming almost as famous as the laneway bars and this looks set to continue with spate of recent openings and new collaborations.

One of the most high profile additions to the city gallery scene is Utopian Slumps, (formerly a not-for-profit artist-run space in Collingwood) which decamped to the CBD in April relaunching itself as a hip commercial space in Guildford Lane. Gallery founder Melissa Loughnan represents nine up-and-coming artists including Amber Wallis, Dylan Martorell and Starlie Geikie, whose work is currently being featured in the Lost and Found Hotel. Loughnan programs the exhibitions with a curatorial eye and, in addition to showcasing the artists in her stable, holds special project exhibitions by non-represented artists in the new exhibition space.

Two well known not-for-profit galleries, No Vacancy and West Space, have joined forces with major city retail complex Melbourne Central to create a two brand new artist spaces in addition to their existing premises. West Space Gallery has launched a second satellite exhibition space, the West Wing, on the second level of Melbourne Central while No Vacancy Gallery is behind the recent launch of No Studio, a shared studio space for artists in formerly empty hidden corridors of the same building. No Studio has 210 square metres of working space and is intended to provide a solution for the challenges faced by Melbourne artists such as long leases, high rents and difficult locations.

Also newly opened is Melbourne International Fine Art Gallery (MIFA), a contemporary space in Collins Street hosting internationally acclaimed artists from the Asia Pacific including China, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and India. Previously an Allens music practice room, a shoe stockroom and a darkened storage area, MIFA breathes life into a space that was almost forgotten.

The Rooftop Bar at the top of Curtin House is the location for another relatively new arrival: nineonseven gallery, an illustration/design focused art space comprising of nine cubed designer spaces.

Artist-run exhibition space Bus Projects, which recently closed their Little Lonsdale Street premises, has announced that it will be opening two new exhibition spaces – a new permanent gallery at an undisclosed location in the CBD, and - more intriguingly – a mobile exhibition space in a bus! Launch date for the bus is envisaged to be late 2010. Subscribe to the Bus Projects newsletter (www.busprojects.com.au) to stay updated.

For more information: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au or www.visitvictoria.com
Media contact: Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria Ph: (03) 9653 9773 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Bellarine Peninsula news - Queenscliff Harbour opens

A new modern marina precinct has opened at Queenscliff’s working harbour with plenty to entice visitors. Queenscliff Harbour, which officially opened in March 2010, includes a floating marina with 280 state-of-the-art berths, a new observation tower offering 360 degree views and a retail precinct with tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses.

One of the latest businesses to open in the new precinct is 360Q, a restaurant and café established by Rathbone Wine Group, owners of Mount Langi Ghiran and Yering Station. Offering both casual and upmarket dining options, 360Q comprises a downstairs daytime café with seating indoors and outside on the terrace and piazza as well as a 150-seat upstairs restaurant that provides a bird's eye view of the harbour. Colin Swalwell, formerly head chef at Yering Station, heads up the kitchen.

Also new is specialist coffee operation Halyard café, Queenscliff's signature coffee specialist from roasting to brewing, based at the water’s edge with inside or alfresco dining options.

The emerging precinct also includes new shopfronts for leading marine tourism operators Dive Victoria, Sea All Dolphin Swims, Queenscliff Scenic Tours and Gamerec Charters.

In other Bellarine news:

• The award-winning Pettavel Winery and Restaurant (Geelong) has released its 2010 winter cooking class program. Run by executive chef Lyndon Betts, the classes are suited to all skill levels and offer eager food lovers a ‘hands-on’ experience behind the scenes in the Pettavel kitchen.
• Another newcomer to the Bellarine food and wine scene is the Beacon Brewing Co, which has taken up residence on the site of Scottish Chiefs Hotel in Geelong. Its first two releases are Beacon Bitter, a rich malt driven ale balanced by a powerful bitterness, and Beacon Pale Ale, an intensely hopped, dry refreshing beer. Both brews are available from the bar at the Scottish Chief’s Hotel as well as other restaurants in the area. Formal tastings and tours of the brewery are also available by appointment.
• New luxury cabins at BIG4 Beacon Resort (added as part of recent refurbishment) are looking to set a new benchmark for upmarket holiday park accommodation. Facilities in the new ‘Lonsdale’ and ‘Port Phillip’ cabins include stone bench tops, Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, automatic gas log fires, iPod docks and 80cm LCD televisions. Big 4 Beacon Resort also celebrates it 40th anniversary in 2010.
• The Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) has just unveiled its new state-of the-art performance venue, the newly renovated Playhouse Theatre (formerly the Ford Theatre). It’s tipped that the refurbishment - which was funded with $3 million contribution from state government - will consolidate GPAC’s reputation as the major cultural hub in Geelong region.
• Another addition to the Geelong arts and culture scene is the Glendinning House Gallery (www.glendinninggallery.com.au), a new fine art gallery representing 20 artists across a range of mediums including Australian paintings, studio glass, jewellery and garden art. The gallery also runs an artist-in-residence studio program.

Two new luxury accommodation options in Daylesford: Comma / Cinque

Two notable, boutique accommodation properties have been recently opened in the Daylesford / Hepburn area.

Comma: Daylesford is a stunning new luxury property designed by Matt Martino (The Block).

Positioned around the natural slope of the land towards Lake Daylesford and just two minutes walk to Vincent Street, the four bedroom house comes complete with an eat-in, country style kitchen, large living and dining area, open fireplace and return verandah looking onto half an acre of land and rocky creek bed.

Located along the circular driveway and separate from the main residence, a second building ‘The Stables’, provides additional private accommodation (complete with a King size, four poster bed and free standing bath) is ideal for an intimate couple’s retreat or a luxury honeymoon suite.

In designing the interior, Martino drew inspiration from the interiors of country homes and boutique hotels around the world, however many of the furnishings for Comma: Daylesford were sourced from local second hand dealers and flea markets providing a less contrived, eclectic feel to the interior; to give the feeling of a home that has ‘evolved over a lifetime’.

Original artworks also adorn the interiors of both the Residence and Stables.

Comma: Daylesford is able to accommodate groups of up to 11, as well as more intimate couple retreats. Rates start at $550 per night (Residence) and $250 per night (Stables – weekdays only), with a two night minimum stay on weekends.

Another new luxury property to open in the region recently is Cinque, a meticulously planned retreat offering the latest in architectural excellence from an award winning team of designers. Described as ‘the epitome of style, designed to capture the essence and beauty of the bush land”, this quintessential luxury getaway offers two uniquely styled bedrooms each with ensuites, one offering rain shower and bath, the second with full shower. $25 for each weekend booking will be donated to the Hepburn wildlife shelter. 

For further information:
www.thecommagroup.com
www.cinquehepburn.com.au

Media contacts:
Comma: Daylesford Jane Martino Ph: 0418 323 140
Cinque: Claudette Earl Ph: 04000 66963 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

New wining and dining hotspots

The Estelle, 243 High Street, Northcote Ph: (03) 9489 4609

Although its only been open for a few months, new Northcote venue Estelle has already generated quite a buzz, scoring a coveted place in Gourmet Traveller’s Hot 100 list, which described it as "one of the most unique dining spaces in Melbourne" while a recent review in The Age commented 'It has helped to push High Street another step closer to destination status.'

Established by owners of Rrose (North Melbourne) and Lily Blacks (city), Estelle’s stylish but casual interior has an air of a ‘50s diner. From the sleek deco-style tiles, the immaculate bar with its 10-15 retro bar stools, the old school crockery and the table tops made from wood that used to line the alleys of Northcote Bowl, everything is carefully coordinated shades of white, slate, black and iconic deco pink.

A quirky touch is the strange assortment of knitted meat goods (sausages, chops, leg of lamb..in wool!) hanging from the ceiling. It’s a telling sign of Estelle’s culinary allegiance, for although there are a few well placed vegetarian dishes on the menu, this is really a place for meat lovers.

The striking array of meat choices and cuts and the sophisticated way they are cooked and presented indicates a chef who has travelled widely, especially across Europe.

For those who want to venture beyond a steak, there is plenty to try such as the cotechino (an Italian specialty sausage), the braised whole rabbit, slow-cooked beef short ribs and black pudding omelette. Fresh and seasonal fare is very much part of the kitchen’s ethos as evidenced by its larger-than-usual list of daily specials, including Thornbury smoked meat of the day, potted meat of the day and, on Sundays, a mouth-watering spit roast (meats change weekly) for $15.

Estelle also has a great cocktail list and with its charming rear courtyard and compact record collection behind the bar, its clear that this is a flexible space that can feed the hoards during the day and rock out (ever so gently) in the evening.

Come for a drink, linger for dinner, roll out of bed to a hearty breakfast or (if you are a late riser) the $15 Sunday spit roast – or all of the above.

Next Door, 204 St Georges Road, Northcote Ph: (03) 9939 1350

Another restaurant gathering momentum in the emerging food/wine destination of Northcote is Next Door, a joint venture that was opened in February by assured hospitality folk Katie Bottomley (whose neighbouring premises, The Breakfast Club, has been delighting locals since 2007), Emily Pullen (St Judes), music industry veteran Chris Arkley Smith and chef Leilani Wolfenden (whose impressive background includes stints at Comme, Bistro Guillaume, Est Est Est and Ondine).

Located in a long and narrow shopfront on St Georges Road, Next Door’s down-to-earth interior has a modern rustic flavour with a wooden bar for perching on as well as a mix of communal and smaller tables.

The menu is unfussy but mouth-watering, focusing on superb slow–cooked food made with seasonal/local ingredients such as pork cheek “stewed so long and carefully that it fell apart on the tip of a fork without sacrificing flavour “*, hearty pea and ham hock soup and wild barramundi with borlotti beans and fennel.

Like Estelle, the dishes at Next Door are inexpensive by restaurant standards with the menu comprising a range of smaller share plates, medium sized dishes and mains, priced between $8 to- $24.

While the cooking at Next Door is deservedly a drawcard for foodies, the drinks list also makes it an ideal drop-in venue for casual drinkers, especially those with interstate friends in tow. It’s a compact celebration of all things Victorian with everything available by the glass including Brown Brothers Prosecco (King Valley), McIvor Estate Sangiovese (Heathcote), Stanton and Killeen Muscat and Tokay (Rutherglen), beer from 3 Ravens brewery (located in neighbouring suburb Thornbury) and Kelly Brothers Sparkling Cider (Yarra Valley).

* Steven Downes, Herald Sun

The Galley Room , Level 1, 510 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 96291350
www.thegalleyroom.com.au

Located at the Spencer Street Station end of the city - a part of the Melbourne CBD not normally known for its stylish watering holes - new cocktail bar The Galley Room offers a fresh chic décor and a serious drinks menu that will satisfy even the most fussy barfly.

Galley Room features a stunning drinks list created by experienced barman Jason Williams,  whose background includes being named Bartender of the Year at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards and stints at Melbourne bars Seamstress and Sweatshop, Ginger and Sarti restaurant.

Williams’ innovative cocktails feature homemade ingredients such as raspberry syrup, green apple sherbet, grilled pineapple foam and peach tea air, while the back bar is home to well-sourced and hard-to-find spirits. Try The Galley Room’s Willy Wonka inspired Golden Ticket, complete with Snozberry Syrup.

The Galley Room’s excellent food also holds its own, under the direction of chef Darren Mckinlay, who most recently worked with Stephanie Alexander at had Richmond Hill Café & Larder. McKinlay has created a menu with a myriad of tapas plates and gourmet pizza options.

The interior carries the nautical theme from neighboring venues The Deck and The Waterside Hotel, with stained dark oak timber flooring, walls and ceiling and an inviting, dark marble bar.

Biero Melbourne, 525 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9600 0940

Exotic international and boutique beers are a popular part of the drinks list at a growing number of Melbourne’s bars but for those wishing to try something new, it can make it a pretty expensive exercise. However the owners of new city watering hole Biero, a group of young entrepreneurial university graduates, may have just found the answer.

Take a look around Biero and you’ll find 10 ‘Beervaults’ – clear cylindrical dispensers created by Footscray design company JonesChijoff. As well as being an impressive feature of the venue’s architecture, the vaults also allow customers to buy a beer sample or use a spare vault to store a full bottle of beer they want to savour over a few nights at the bar.

In their Beervaults you’ll find a variety of weird and wonderful beers including Stone Brewery Smoked Porter from San Diego and Mikkeller White Wax Black from Scandinavia.

Furnished with leather couches and several chandeliers, Biero has a chic and comfortable front room, leading back to an equally stylish back dining area, where meals have been specifically designed and matched to complement the beers.

Philippa Sibley joins Il Fornaio (St Kilda)
Philippa Sibley, one of the countries finest dessert chefs, has joined the iconic St Kilda café restaurant Il Fornaio as an Executive Chef.

Previously appointed Head Pastry Chef at Melbourne’s Bistro Guillaume and Circa, The Prince, Sibley was also recognized for her acclaimed dessert menu at three of Melbourne’s notable restaurants, (est est est, Luxe and Ondine).

She also was recently featured on high rating television program Masterchef, and won Chef of the Year in 2004 (Age Good Food Guide) for her culinary experience.

In collaboration with Salvatore Malatesta, owner of St Ali, Sibley has introduced a menu at Il Fornaio, that is both visually stimulating and satisfying; at a price that accommodates for all.

Some of the featured dishes include: corn fritters with poached eggs with roasted vine tomatoes and crème fraiche; hand rolled potato gnocchi with melted heirloom tomatoes, basil and goat’s fetta; white chocolate panna cotta and mandarin cheesecake.

Il Fornaio has also introduced a new dessert bar that operates nightly that will allow Philippa to showcase her talents to the public.

Unparalleled in Melbourne, possibly Australia, desserts will include the famous “snickers”, as well as freshly churned ice creams and sorbets, Lemon tart, and Pistachio and black berry clafoutis with pistachio ice cream just as an example.

The cakes and desserts will also be available in the pastry case and will change daily.

From the menu to the dusted floorboards, this reminiscent industrial workshop bakehouse is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort for each customer that passes through.

Other food news – interesting new restaurants just opened:
We haven’t had a chance to visit these hotspots as they have only just opened but we wanted to tell you about them! Stay tuned for proper write up soon in a future issue of Pieces of Victoria.  

Jorg (North Fitzroy) - from Michael Smith (ex head chef at restaurant Jacques Reymond) and Bryce Bernhardt (ex sous chef at Church St Enoteca)
Ladro (Prahran) - the Fitzroy restaurant that elevated the pizza to serious gourmet proposition has opened a second location across the river in Greville Street, Prahran.
Metropolis Eating House (Brunswick) - new restaurant from acclaimed French chef Gabriel Martin (Maisonette, The French Brasserie, Le Restaurant)

Mornington Peninsula update: New spa retreats at Lindenderry / Winter Indulgence program 2010

Lindenderry at Red Hill and Endota Day Spa are joining forces to offer three-day lifestyle retreat packages for visitors.

The new spa retreats include a myriad of experiences including yoga, body and facial treatments, naturopathy, skin analysis, crystal therapy, meditation, cooking classes and wine appreciation - all within the luxurious vineyard setting of Lindenderry at Red Hill

Leaders and facilitators who are at the forefront of their field - skin therapists, naturopath and alternative therapies coaches – will be on hand to provide retreat participants with treatments and advice including skin therapists, naturopath and alternative therapies coaches.

The first of the retreats series runs from 18 to 21 July. Spaces are limited to 20 people and bookings will close two weeks prior or when spaces are filled.

In other Peninsula news, the region has just launched its 2010 Winter Indulgence program featuring great offers and special packages designed to entice visitors to visit in the winter months (June – August).

Highlights include a ‘Par and Spar’ package at Sandy Ridge Retreats including accommodation, golf and mineral springs bathing pass for $169 per person; a $35 winter golf and lunch package at Eagles Ridge; a ‘Moonlit Winter Warmer’ experience at Moonlit Sanctuary that comprises a bowl of piping hot soup and evening tour and a ‘Moonlit Flit’ package at Moonlit Bay resort including two nights accommodation, two bottles of local wine and Peninsula Hot Springs bathing passes for $300 mid-week.

For more information (Lindenderry): www.lindenderry.com.au
or Ph: (03) 5989 2933   

For More information: (Mornington Peninsula Winter Indulgence): www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

Media contact (Lindenderry): Georgie Westley, Ph: (03) 8616 0534
or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Media contact (Winter Indulgence): Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria
Ph: (03) 9653 9773 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Pizzini Wines in King Valley opens new Cellar door and Cooking School

Pizzini Wines has expanded its family business, opening a new cellar door and new cooking school.

Made with old materials taken from Trades Hall in Melbourne and floorboards from the old Wangaratta Town Hall, the new cellar door is a mix of old meets new, enlightening each customer who passes through. Couches and tables encourage visitors to enjoy a relaxed tasting while appreciating the fascinating display of personal stories and photographs about the cultural history of the King Valley region. The display is a labour of love for Natalie Pizzini, who spent three months researching the history and stories of the region dating back to the late 1900s including those of the Chinese, Italian and English settlers, bushrangers and early tobacco growers and the Whitfield to Wangaratta Narrow Gauge railway line, one of the first to be built in Victoria.

Glancing through the internal windows, visitors can also glimpse the preparation of Katrina Pizzini’s mouth-watering dishes at the new A Tavola! cooking school.

The kitchen is equipped for up to eight participants per class with the class options ranging from Antipasti and Tapas; Pasta, Ravioli and Gnocchi to Pastries (savoury and sweet), Desserts and Cakes, and The Dinner Party.

Cooking classes will run from January through to October annually (excluding June), and will span for three - four hours each. Prices vary from $130 - $185 per person, timetable available on website.

All visitors booking into a class at the cooking school are provided with a list of nearby accommodation options. If you’re quick, bed and breakfast accommodation is also n owavailable on-site at Pizzini Wines.

A Tavola! is the latest cooking school to open in regional Victoria. Other options include:
 
Spice Island Cooking School in Phillip Island which teaches its students about the local produce of Gippsland and how to incorporate these ingredients into their lifestyle. The cooking school accommodates up to 12 students and regularly holds themed nights to spice it up.
www.spiceisland.com.au

Peaceful Gardens Organic Cooking School, situated in the foodie town of Koonwarra in Gippsland, is renowned for educating students about organic and sustainable food principals. Kid’s classes are also available and use story telling and song to make their culinary experience enjoyable.
www.peacefulgardens.com.au

George’s boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat in Arthur’s Seat on the Mornington Peninsula, is designed to complement Australia’s maturing palate with its gourmet menus. The standard retreat runs over three days and two nights and often showcases themed nights to bring together the cultural mix of the region.
www.georgesonarthurs.com.au

For more information (Pizzini Wines):
Phone: (03) 5729 8278 or www.pizzini.com.au
Media contact (Pizzini Wines) Natalie Pizzini Ph: 0419 408 587

New Melbourne accommodation: Citadines Apart’hotel

Australia’s first ever Citadines Apart’hotel will open in Melbourne on 1 July, 2010. A well known brand throughout Europe and Asia, the new Citadines Melbourne on Bourke residence will be the first Citadines in Australia and the largest Citadines in the world for the Ascott property chain.

A vibrant serviced residence, the new Citadines will have 380 beds available with flexible floor plan offering a choice of studio, one and two bedroom apartments.

Offering an à la carte menu of services to choose from, the ‘Apart’hotel’ concept combines the freedom and privacy of an apartment with the convenience of a hotel, with spaces are cleverly configured so visitors can customise your their stay according to personal needs and budget.

Apartments provide the privacy and practical features of serviced apartments, such as fully-equipped kitchen with appliances, wireless internet, IDD access and iPod docks, as well as premium hotel amenities such as housekeeping and facilities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, guest lounge with the latest iMacs and conference/meeting spaces.

Located in the centre of Melbourne on Bourke Street, arguably Victoria’s most famous street, Citadines Melbourne on Bourke is perfectly positioned for both the business and leisure traveller being close to the MCG, Spring Street and the Bourke Street Mall as well as to Parliament House, Collins Street and Flinders Lane.

A member of CapitaLand, Ascott is the largest global serviced residence owner-operator in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf region.  It manages the Ascott, Somerset and Citadines brands throughout 60 cities and 22 countries. In Australia Ascott manages Somerset’s in Sydney, Hobart, Perth and Melbourne.

For more information: www.citadines.com.au
Media contact: Joanne Gallpen, Marketing Manager, The Ascott Limited Ph: (03) 9660 5483 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Melbourne Bike Share launched

Melbourne’s first ever public bike hire scheme was launched on May 31 with the roll out of ten operational bike stations along the Swanston Street/St Kilda Road corridor providing 100 bicycles for public use.

The new initiative is the first stage of a city-wide system that will eventually comprise 50 bike stations and 600 bikes.

Interested users can sign up for yearly subscriptions on-line ($50*) or simply purchase a daily ($2.50*) or weekly ($8*) subscription from kiosks located at the bike stations. At the cost of $2.50 for a daily subscription*, the new bike share system is rivals the daily tram/train ticket ($5.70) as the cheapest form of public transport available in Melbourne.

Helmets are available as part of corporate memberships and individual annual subscriptions as well as at selected local CBD retail outlets located near the bike stations for the more spontaneous user.  

It is hoped the Melbourne Bike Share will transform the way Melburnians travelled around the city, offering an affordable and convenient transport option for city employees, students and people visiting the city.

The first ten station locations are at: Melbourne Arts Centre Precinct, Hamer Hall, Southgate; Federation Square; corner Flinders Street and Swanston Street; City Square, Swanston Street; Bourke Street Mall, 205 Bourke Street; Bourke Street Mall – GPO, Elizabeth Street; The State Library of Victoria; RMIT University, Franklin Street; Melbourne University, Swanston Street;  and Melbourne University, Tin Alley.

* Usage fees are additional to subscription cost and start from $2 for 30 minutes. See full pricing at www.melbournebikeshare.com.au

For more information about Melbourne Bike Share: www.melbournebikeshare.com.au

Villages of Victoria: a Guide to Olinda

Just a short drive into the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne, Olinda is a picturesque village abundant with attractions, including lush gardens, distinctive shops and contemporary cafés.

Parks and Gardens
Olinda and its immediate surrounds feature some of the most beautiful and unique public and private gardens in Victoria, from the arts and crafts-inspired Cloudehill, to the peaceful native setting of William Ricketts Sanctuary and the splendour of the National Rhododendron Gardens. Completely surrounding Olinda is the Dandenong Ranges National Park, covering more than 3000 hectares, criss-crossed by walking tracks. Visit the lookout at the RJ Hamer Forest Aboretum and see where Arthur Streeton painted Golden Afternoon, Olinda and View from Farmer’s, Olinda in the 1920s.

Art, Antiques, Shopping
Olinda has a diverse, contemporary range of art galleries, gift and homewares stores and boutiques. Browse locally produced lingerie and sleepwear at Lyrebird Linens, handmade toys and puppets at Geppetto’s Workshop, and the jewels of the South Pacific at Tiare Black Pearls. Shop for antiques and art at Metisse, which has gorgeous vintage treasures from France; Mangana a sprawling store where selling everything carved boxes to brass navigational equipment and Touchstone Craft Gallery which features work by local artisans, from glass sculptors to jewellery makers.

Food and wine
Olinda has many impressive eateries. One highlight is Cloudehill’s Seasons Restaurant, where the tables overlook the changing landscape of the garden and the menu of simple European-inspired dishes is based on produce from a large kitchen garden. Nearby at Wild Oak in Lower Olinda, chef Ben Higgs at Wild Oak in Lower Olinda uses local seasonal produce and sustainably produced food from the Yarra Valley on his modern Australian menu and also runs a popular cooking school. Enjoy excellent mod-Oz café-style dishes at Ranges or in front of an open fire. Visit Olinda Cellars to learn more about wines in the area.

For further information: www.visitvictoria.com/villages

Victoria’s Events August 2010

Melbourne

Mary Poppins, Her Majesty’s Theatre, throughout August
Brilliantly adapted from the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins has dazzled millions of people around the globe and now it is your chance to experience the magic! This spectacular musical production includes all of the best loved songs from the film including Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, Step in Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
For more information: visit www.marypoppinsthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Suzie Howie .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 0416 066 507

European Masters: Städel Museum 19th – 20th Centuries, NGV International,
19 June – 10 October
In a Melbourne exclusive, European Masters: Städel Museum, 19th-20th Century brings to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) more than 100 works from 70 of the world’s most influential artistic luminaries, including Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas and Picasso, as well as some – such as Munch, Beckmann and Klinger – whose work is rarely seen in Australia. This is the first time the extraordinary collection from Frankfurt’s Städel Museum is to be displayed outside Europe giving Australian audiences a rare opportunity to engage with truly revolutionary examples of modern art from seven of Europe’s major art movements.
For more information: visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au or call 03 8620 2222
Media contact: Sue Coffey .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 0417 558 511

Tim Burton: The Exhibition, ACMI, 24 June – 10 October
Direct from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Tim Burton: The Exhibition, invites you to step into Burton’s magical worlds and experience an unprecedented glimpse into the fanciful mind of the auteur, whose vision has been admired in movies including Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Sweeny Todd and more recently Alice in Wonderland. The retrospective showcases 700 examples of rare and many never-before-seen photographs, paintings, drawings, puppets, storyboards and costumes as well as short films and animations.
For more information: visit www.acmi.net.au or call 03 8663 2200
Media contact: Claire Butler .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 03 86632415

Closeness: Carol Jerrems and her contemporaries, Heide Museum of Modern Art, 31 July – 31 October
The late Melbourne-based photographer Carol Jerrems documented the counter-culture of the 1970s. This young and talented photographer’s work reflects the world of filmmakers, photographers and other creative individuals living in share houses during this period.
Fore more information: visit www.heide.com.au or call 03 9850 1500
Media contact: Jade Enge .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 03 9850 1500

Melbourne Art Week, Royal Exhibition Building and throughout Melbourne, 2 - 8 August
Dip your brush in all the art that Melbourne can offer! A week of visual art, film, music and radio events all gravitate around the Melbourne Art Fair at the Royal Exhibition Building. Rarely is such a diverse collection of local and international artists presented under one roof, incorporating contemporary art work from more than 900 artists, represented by over 80 leading galleries.
For more information: visit www.artfair.com.au or call 03 9416 2050

Fed Square Wine Awards Showcase, 4 - 5 August
The culmination of Federation Square’s monthly showcases featuring wineries from around Victoria. Take this chance to rub shoulders with the winemakers as you enjoy the state’s most quaffable wines and a selection of fine food and live jazz in the heart of Melbourne. Swirl, sniff and slurp your way to wine heaven!
For more information: visit www.fedsquare.com/wine or
call 03 9655 1900

Craft Cubed Festival: Childhood, Craft Victoria, 5 August – 4 September
The Craft Cubed festival encourages engagement in contemporary issues through the medium of craft, with this year’s theme being ‘Childhood’. Artists have long engaged with issues associated with childhood, asking what constitutes childhood? How do the different forms and phases of childhood affect the arts? What is the importance of play? Events include exhibitions, seminars, open studios and more.
For more information: visit www.craftvic.org.au or call 03 9650 7775
Media contact: Pip Carroll 03 9650 7775

Glenn Murcutt: Architecture for Place, Melbourne Museum, 15 July – 3 October
The exhibition Glenn Murcutt: Architecture for Place, explores the buildings and creative practices of Glenn Murcutt, one of Australia’s most internationally recognised architects. Murcutt’s designs, which focus on sustainability and the natural environment, are at the forefront of contemporary architecture. Murcutt’s projects draw on Australia’s culture, diverse climate and topography, bringing the qualities of the surrounding natural and cultural landscape into the experience of his buildings. Melbourne Museum is committed to celebrating the work of Australian designers both emerging and established.
Further information: www.museumvictoria.com.au
Media contact: Lynnette Foo on (03) 83341 7726, 0422 115 391 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Super Science Month, Scienceworks, August 2010
National Science Week run from August 14 to 22 and to celebrate Scienceworks is holding its first ever Super Science Month! Every week is a science week at Scienceworks and August is no exception with an activity for every curious mind no matter what age. With exhibitions, science programs and daily Lightning Room and Planetarium shows, you can discover how everyday science lets us do amazing things. Come and experience Super Science Month at Scienceworks!
Further information: www.museumvictoria.com.au

John Davis, NGV Australia, 6 August – 24 October
This exhibition celebrates the work of influential Australian artist, John Davis. The collection charts Davis’ development as an artist, with particular focus on his interest in found and fragile organic materials and the powerful evocation of landscape.
For more information: visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au or call 03 8620 2222
Media contact: Sue Coffey .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 0417 558 511

Chocolate Rush Festival, Melbourne Showgrounds, 14 - 15 August
Step into a wonderful world of chocolate and experience a weekend of pure indulgence at the Chocolate Rush Festival. Enjoy hands-on chocolate workshops, chocolate and wine matching classes, tasting and master classes, demonstrations, live entertainment, kid’s activities and a chocolate market. Chocolate Rush brings the Australian chocolate industry together to educate, indulge and challenge your palate.
For more information: visit www.chocolaterush.com.au
Media contact: Long Grass Projects 03 5425 3257

West Side Story, Regent Theatre, from 19 August
This smash hit Broadway musical transports the story of Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent streets of New York City in the 1950s, where star-crossed lovers are caught between rival street gangs. Having already sold-out in Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and London, West Side Story remains a poignant, provocative and emotionally devastating piece of theatre.
For more information: visit www.westsidestorythemusical.com.au
Media contact: Celia Pavelieff 03 9681 7526

Endless Present, NGV International, 20 August 2010 – 13 February
Endless Present explores conceptual photographs, printed matter and artists’ books produced during the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring the work of Robert Rooney, Ed Ruscha and Sol LeWitt amongst others, Endless Present reveals an interest in ideas or concepts rather than the physical form of work.
For more information: visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au or call 03 8620 2222
Media contact: Sue Coffey .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 0417 558 511

Melbourne Writer’s Festival, Federation Square, 27 August – 5 September
Now in its 25th year, the festival presents 250 writers from overseas and Australia, for ten exciting days of readings, discussions, debates and interviews. Based primarily at Federation Square, festival sessions provide an opportunity to relax and mingle with writers and engage in Melbourne’s rich literary scene.
For more information: visit www.mwf.com.au or call 03 9094 7859
Media contact: Magda Petkoff .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 0409 436 473

Regional Victoria

Ned Kelly Weekend, Beechworth, 6 - 8 August
Beechworth's Ned Kelly Weekend is a celebration of Beechworth’s connection with Australia's most infamous bushranger. The lively program features re-enactments, theatre, art, music, displays, market stalls, competitions and talks by leading authorities on the subject of the life and times of Ned Kelly.
For more information: visit www.beechworthonline.com.au
Media contact: Sue Couttie 03 5728 8061

Words in Winter Celebrations, Daylesford, 6 - 15 August
If there’s a word for it, it will be celebrated with poetry readings, plays, films, cryptic crosswords, novellas, workshops, music and song at the Words in Winter Celebrations. Now in its ninth year, this annual festival is a joyous gathering of poets, authors, artists, musicians and wordsmiths in the Shire of Hepburn.
For more information: please visit www.daylesfordonline.com/wordsinwinter

Tre Gusti Sessions at T’Gallant, Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula, 7, 14, and 28 August
Tre Gusti is a regular cooking class series with a modern Italian skew, run by Louise Lechte (ex: Vogue Entertaining and Travel). Each session includes a cooking demonstration, grazing lunch, wine and recipes to take home. Every month a different food is showcased, with ‘Italian Cheese’ being the main ingredient for the month of August.
For more information: Ph: (03) 5989 6565 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Seduction by Tastebuds - Blue Pyrenees Winery, 14 August
In August Simon Humbel will use choice Italian produce and the very best Australian Raw products to design a menu to compliment the famous Blue Pyrenees wines. Humbel has been labelled the 'best risotto chef outside Italy' and has travelled to Italy every year for the past nine years to spend time with producers and work in restaurants. Humbel’s accomplishments include winning the silver award at the World Intercontinental Risotto competition in 1999 in Italy and cooking for the Italian President, the only Australian chef privileged to do so.
For more information: visit www.pyreneestourism.com.au or call 03 5465 1000

Kangaroo Hoppet, Falls Creek, 28 August
Held at Falls Creek, the Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance (42km) cross-country ski race and is the only Southern Hemisphere event in the prestigious World Hoppet series of international long distance cross-country ski events. Other races on the day include the Australian Birkebeiner (21km) and the Joey Hoppet (7km) events.
For more information: visit www.hoppet.com.au or call 03 5754 1045

Frankston and South Eastern Wine Show and Amateur Winemaking Competition, 29 August
Held at the Briars Historic Park in Mt Martha, this event showcases a wide range of home-made wines produced from fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs as well as grapes. Enjoy wine tastings, meet the winemakers and learn the skills required to create your own wine. Cost is $10 and includes a souvenir wine glass.
For more information: visit www.fawg.org.au or call 03 5975 5757

Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, 29 August
Embrace the heritage, community and country atmosphere of the Nillumbik area at the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival. Enjoy an extensive array of food, wine, entertainment and activities set in historic Hurstbridge.
For more information: visit www.wattlefestival.org.au or call 1300 660 072

Tour of the Murray River, 29 August – 5 September, 2010
Now in its 35th year, the Tour of the Murray is Australia's longest road cycling event. The 2010 event start on Sunday 29 August with the acclaimed 154.5km stage from Echuca to Rochester, starting at the Beechworth Bakery and passing through 10 towns in the Shire of Campaspe and finishing on the Mildura riverfront kermesse circuit on Sunday, September 5. Eight of the tour's 14 exciting stages will be raced on spectacular criterium circuits - at Echuca, Swan Hill, Lake Boga, Robinvale, Euston, Ouyen, Merbein and Mildura.
For further information: www.caribou.net.au/tour_of_murray.html

Hot Deals July 2010

Melbourne $195 per night *
Royce Hotel is recognised as one of Melbourne’s finest designer five-star boutique hotels. With stylish rooms and suites, the award winning Dish Restaurant and chic bar, the Amberoom, the Royce offers a unique experience for the discerning traveller.

• Accommodation in a Deluxe Room at Royce Hotel
• Buffet breakfast for two in Dish restaurant
• Drink voucher upon arrival to use in Amberoom bar

To book email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 03 9677 9900

*Mention 'Destination Melbourne Winter Campaign' when booking to redeem this offer. Valid weekends only and excludes event dates. Subject to availability and rate is based on 1-2 people. Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 31/08/2010.

Dunkeld $155 per night *
Escape to Australia’s Regional Restaurant of the Year (2009 and 2010) this winter. Restaurant diners receive 50% off a one-night stay in the Royal Mail Hotel’s Luxury King Apartment, Tuesday to Thursday. Includes continental breakfast and morning newspaper delivery for two guests.

• A night in a Luxury King Apartment at Royal Mail Hotel
• Continental breakfast
• Morning newspaper delivery

To book email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 03 5577 2241
*Mention visitvictoria.com deals and packages when booking to redeem this offer. Available to restaurant diners only from Tuesday to Thursday. Valid until 31/08/2010.

Dine and drink for $15 at Docklands Slow Sundays
Slow Sundays showcases 20 of Docklands’ finest venues, offering plenty of delectable dishes accompanied by either a glass of wine or beer for the small price of $15.  It’s a great opportunity to explore Docklands’ eateries without spending a fortune.  The Slow Sundays offer is available between 2pm and 6pm on Sundays only, until the end of August 2010. Venues and dishes include:

• Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria (Waterfront City Promenade) - serving spaghetti tossed in roasted pepper pesto with spinach, olives and parmesan served with a crisp glass of Castello di Gabbiano Chianti.
• Fish Seafood and Grill (Waterfront City Piazza) - serving Chermoula crusted Atlantic salmon goujons served on tabouleh salad on the menu, with a glass of Kissing Bridge Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
• Bopha Devi (27 Rakaia Way, NewQuay) – serving Prahok Ktih, a spicy Cambodian dip of minced chicken, coconut milk and prahok with crispy vegetables with a pint of Singha beer.

For more information and a full list of participating venues, visit: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au.

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces / Mercure Package – 2 nights from $220*

• 2 nights accommodation in a Standard room at Mercure Welcome Melbourne
• Adult ticket to see European Masters: Städel Museum, 19th-20th Century exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria
• Adult ticket to see Tim Burton: The Exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image

*travel 24 Jun to 10 Oct 10, Offer ends 3 Oct 10, from $220† per person twin share
 

© 2012 Tourism Victoria