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TRY: An oyster tour of the bay, from Portsea to Port Melbourne.

We’re calling it: oysters by the bay is not just a summer sport. And as we enter the chilly season, we’ve made it our mission to keep oyster consumption at an all time high – preferably eaten with a water view. To show our commitment, we’ve put together a handy little guide documenting the best oyster spots on the bay. Think bulk molluscs, fizzy wine, tantalising ingredients and some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria.

THE PENINSULA:

Portsea Hotel:
Let’s start with an oldie but a goodie. Portsea Hotel is one of Victoria’s most iconic waterfront venues, known for its historic charm and breathtaking views. Each day, the chef handpicks the finest oysters from their morning delivery, serving them up with a fragrant sherry and fennel vignette. Order half a dozen for $24 or a dozen for $48. 

Audrey’s at Continental Hotel Sorrento:
Sorrento’s grand old dame has finally reopened, boasting five new drinking and dining areas along with a luxe hotel and spa. The venue’s main restaurant, Audrey’s, is a haven for seafood lovers, featuring a menu by none other than Scott Pickett along with a hefty selection of oysters. 

Morgan’s:
Overlooking bay vistas and towering Norfolk Island pines, there’s something truly special about a visit to Morgans. Oyster fans are in luck with the choice between freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters or new style oysters ‘Kilpatrick’. Bloody Mary oysters have also been known to frequent the menu. 

The Rocks:
Located at Mornington’s peak, The Rocks is a destination for sustainably sourced seafood with a view. Oysters to start are a must, paired with a zesty lemon myrtle mignonette. Afterwards, we recommend a serve of Morton Bay Bugs and the linguini marinara. 

BAYSIDE SUBURBS & INNER-CITY:

The Cerberus Beach House:
Heading further up the coastline to the picturesque bayside suburbs, The Cerberus Beach House is a Black Rock institution on the waterfront in Half Moon Bay. Secure a spot by the window and order half a dozen freshly shucked oysters with either Mignonette or Salmon Roe for just $24. It’s worth mentioning the kiosk on the ground floor does a mean fish and chips. 

Baia Di Vino:
A slice of Europe in the heart of Sandringham, Baia Di Vino (which translates literally to ‘Wine Bay’) is quite possibly bayside’s most sophisticated watering hole. Take your oysters natural or with their signature Campari dressing (only $4 each) and wash them down with a glass of Taittinger Champagne. 

Elwood Bathers:
An Elwood hot spot, this dazzling beachfront venue does some of Melbourne’s best oysters for $6.50 a pop. Pair them with a citrusy Pizzini Prosecco or coastal spritz cocktail, made with sapphire gin, Vermouth Bianco, Prosseco, Soda and Lemon.

Captain Baxter: 
If you’re taking the term ‘Oyster Tour’ literally, you could walk along the bay trail from Elwood Bathers to this next beachfront pit stop. A St Kilda stalwart, Captain Baxter serves up appellation oysters with shiso mignonette – a Japanese ingredient known for its refreshing flavour – as well as vibrant atmosphere and live music. 

Pipi’s Kiosk: 
A newcomer on Albert Park Beach, Pipi’s Kiosk is a contemporary Australian seafood restaurant framed by sweeping views of the bay and city. While Pipi Shells are the main event here (the Pipis Pasta is a must-try!), we recommend starting the night with a round of Sydney Rock oysters, served with apple and celery mignonette. 

SIT: Back and relax in the Sense of Self bathhouse.

As the mercury drops ever so slightly, we find ourselves yearning for the cosiness of a winter’s day. And what better rainy day activity than a visit to Melbourne’s largest – and most beautiful – mineral bathhouse? Occupying a multi-storey converted warehouse in the industrial backstreets of Collingwood, Sense of Self is a contemporary day spa and bathhouse designed to provide a much needed escape from the busyness of daily life. The all-gendered bathhouse is the main attraction, where a large tiled pool infused with a host of revitalising minerals is heated to a steamy 39 degrees. Other facilities include a Finnish sauna, pail shower and cold plunge for the brave at heart, with a Hammam (Turkish Spa) set to open in winter.

Every detail at SOS has been carefully designed to invite an atmosphere of calm. Curated by Set Square Studio, the neutral yet texturally layered palette is composed predominantly of terracotta, travertine, sandstone and brass, with accents of forest green and decadent marble surfaces. What makes the design truly special, however, is its strong focus on body inclusivity; in addition to being all-gendered, the bathhouse features wheel-chair friendly floors, a pool hoist and DDA bathroom. Complement your bathing experience with one of their expert massage treatments such as ‘The Heavy Hand’, perfect for those with tight muscles, or ‘The Hiatus’, a relaxation-focused treatment incorporating meditation and aromatherapy.   

Book in here for a 2 hour session (we recommend going during the week) and discover the many benefits of this centuries-old tradition.

REMEMBER: Our beloved neighbour Bali.

Once upon a time, Bali felt almost like an extension of Australia. It was our go-to destination for holidays, weddings, wellness retreats and even long weekends – a place to stop and reset amongst incredible people, rich culture and magnificent natural scenery. For many, it was like a second home. Then, COVID hit, and the island’s tourism was one of the worst effected in the world. We come bearing good news, though: as of last month, Bali has reopened to Australian tourists, and while it’s still very much in the process of recovering, there’s so much to be enjoyed in this truly special pocket of the world.

To celebrate its reopening, we’ve created a helpful directory outlining some of Bali’s best sites and newly opened haunts.

STAY:

The Slow –
A sustainable, boutique hotel combined with a restaurant, gallery and concept store, The Slow’s “Tropical-Brutalist” suites are perfect for the creative at heart, as well as those seeking a unique accommodation experience. 

Villa Mango –
If you’re travelling with a group, Villa Mango is the place to be, a tranquil, three bedroom and three bathroom oasis complete with a private swimming pool, gazebo and luxuriant tropical garden. 

Desa Potato Head –
Designed by OMA Architects, Desa Potato Head is a 5-star beachfront resort offering ocean-facing suites, world-class dining, curated wellness treatments and live music events. You’ll also find its famous beach club here, boasting an infinity pool and daybeds overlooking the water.

Alila –
Bali’s quintessential 5-star hotel brand, Alila, has accomodation all over the island. We recommend the Seminyak location with its unrivalled beachfront position, insane views of the coastline and architecturally designed rooms. 

EAT & DRINK:

Sea Circus –
A brunch staple, Sea Circus offers some of Bali’s best frozen juice – the perfect way to refuel after a morning swim or night out in Seminyak. The avo on toast here gives Melbourne’s best cafes a run for their money. 

Mama San –
Offering mouth-watering dumplings and world-class cocktails in a beautifully designed space replete with striking Chinese artwork, Mama San has long been our favourite Bali restaurant. 

Luigis Hot Pizza-
A hip, bustling joint in the heart of Canguu, Luigis Hot Pizza does pizza by the metre along with pasta, cocktails and wine. Stay for dessert and you’ll see the restaurant transform into a more of a club vibe. 

Da Maria –
This glitzy modern Italian restaurant is the brainchild of legendary Australian restaurateur Maurice Terzin (Icebergs Dining Room, Cicciabella). Come for the potato gnocchi, stay for the Italian disco beats. 

The Lawn –
Everyone’s favourite beach club, The Lawn is the destination that put Canggu on the map. Secure a daybed, order a cocktail and/or burger and enjoy lazy afternoons overlooking the Indian Ocean. 

Skool –
From the team behind The Lawn, Skool provides a modern culinary experience championing wood-fired dishes, rich flavours and quality produce. Watch the waves crash along Batu Bolong Beach as you indulge the senses.

La Brisa –
Nestled on the Echo Beach foreshore, La Brisa (meaning sea breeze) has been sustainably crafted from old fisherman boats, giving it a rustic-bohemian kind of feel. Be sure to check out the organic farmer’s market here on Sundays.

Motel Mexicola –
Offering flavoursome Mexican share plates, expertly shaken Margaritas and colourful interiors to boot, Motel Mexicola is one of a kind. It’s one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their lives. 

Deux Temple –
Where motorcycles, surfboards and fashion meet food, drinks and live music, Deux Temple embodies Canggu’s quintessential hipster vibe. From brunch in the morning to DJs after dark, this lively spot has something for everyone. 

NATURE:

Leke Leke Waterfall –
About an hour’s drive from Canggu or Ubud, Leke Leke Waterfall is one of Bali’s best kept secrets. Watch as the narrow stream of water cascades down into a pristine blue lagoon, surrounded by incredibly lush jungle vegetation. 

Nungnung Waterfall –
Never overcrowded with visitors, this powerful 50m waterfall is a site to behold. Hike 509 steps down through exquisite rainforest before arriving at the base of the waterfall, where you can swim or just rejuvenate in total wilderness.

Bingin Beach –
If you’re a surfer, Bingin Beach is one of the most iconic surf spots in the world. If you’re not, it’s one of Bali’s most picturesque and peaceful beaches – the perfect place to while the day away or watch the sunset over the ocean. 

Pink Beach –
If you decide to venture out of Bali to the infamous Komodo Island as part of your trip, be sure to visit Pink Beach. One of only 10 pink beaches in the world, this striking natural wonder is rich with coral and marine life. 

SELF-CARE:

BodyWorks –
One of the Bali’s most beloved and long-standing day spas, Bodyworks offers everything from flower petal baths to ancient massage techniques in a luxurious temple-style setting. 

Spring Spa –
With three locations across Bali, Spring Spa is a haven for wellness and beauty, offering a curated list of treatments among stunningly soothing interior design. 

Away Spa –
Bringing a touch of glamour and innovation to the Bali spa experience, Away Spa is a place for sensory delight in its every form. 

Gold Dust –
Known for their signature liquid gold face masks and 24k facials, Gold Dust is for those in pursuit of pure indulgence. 

APPRECIATE: The groundbreaking work of Picasso.

When it comes to 20th century art, no one is more influential than Pablo Picasso. But who influenced the influencer? This winter, more than 70 of his works are coming to the NGV for ‘The Picasso Century’, an exploration of the artist’s remarkable career as well as the many relationships that shaped it. Placing his work within a cultural context, Picasso’s oeuvre will be shown alongside more than 100 works from his peers, many of which have never been exhibited in Australia before. Expect Cubism, Surrealism and selections from Picasso’s Blue Period. It’s simply not one to miss!

The exhibition has been curated by two French Art Institutions, Centre Pompidou and Musée National Picasso-Paris, with 20th century scholar Didier Ottinger at the helm. It has been split up into thirteen thematic sections tracing distinctive periods within Picasso’s career including his formative years, inter-war Paris, and the art world post 1945. Expect to see works from some of the world’s most celebrated artists, poets and intellectuals including Guillaume Apollinaire, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Dorothea Tanning, Natalia Goncharova, Julio González, Wifredo Lam, Suzanne Valadon, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and many more.

Pre-book your tickets here.