logo
  • header_melbourne

Melbourne News

General News

10 Best Team Building Activities In Melbourne

Struggling to spice up teams day with a new entertaining team bonding experience? Hidden City Secrets has you covered! We’ve compiled a list of fun corporate team events for your team to build connections and increase the chemistry you need for the perfect team synergy. Leave the old traditional trust...

Lock In Your End-Of-Year Event At This Iconic Carlton Venue

The holiday season is approaching fast and now is the perfect time to lock in your end-of-the-year events, and do we have the venue for you! Drum roll please…. [insert drum roll sound effect here] It’s The Iconic. The Legendary… The Queensberry Hotel. Built in 1980, this heritage listed, family...

Inaugural Night Poodle Markets, Dog Parade & Family Day

This year’s Melbourne Night Noodle Markets, co-presented by Citi and Optus, will make a special debut event on Sunday 13th November. This debut is not like any other, it’s The Night Poodle Markets and is presented by Scratch. The event will begin at 5pm and is for one night ONLY....

Curtis Stone’s First Melbourne Chic Contemporary Function Space

Curtis Stone, Australia’s iconic celebrity chef. The star of the show. We all know and love him. We always see him on our TV as the fresh food and recipes ambassador for Coles. The LA-living Melbourne boy has come back home to GRACE Melburnians with his first bricks-and-mortar venue in...

Melbourne Night Noodle Markets Returns In 2022

Guess who’s back? Back again! Melbourne Night Noodle Markets’ back. Tell a friend! That’s right! It has been officially announced that one of Melbourne’s most iconic foodie events brought to you by Citi and Optus, is returning after a two-year hiatus. The Night Noodle Market will commence on Thursday 10th...

Mexican And Mezcals – A Combo That Can’t Be Beaten

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of escapism? Teleport yourself to somewhere far from home to the city filled with a rich, vibrant, and colourful culture. The country I’m thinking about is known for its spicy cuisine and festive drinks to match. Can you guess where? Round up your amigos and...

Southside Trivia Nights To Get You Through The Week

Are you looking for something to do with your gang? How about Trivia Night every night of the week? Why not keep yourself entertained and make each weeknight a challenge. I dare you! (Fridays are not included because that’s when your weekend starts!) Here are five practice questions to get your...

10 After 10: Restaurants Open For Late Night Dining

It’s 9pm. You’ve just come out of a movie, post-work karaoke, or a networking event that did not provide enough canapés. Your stomach screams for a feed… but every restaurant on Google Maps says ‘closing soon’. Close that search bar – we’ve got you! 1. Otōto Open till late Tues...

Father’s Day 2022 – For Dads Who Are SHRIMP-LY The Best!

The year has flown by and September is right around the corner (let’s be real, it will be September tomorrow!). And… do you know what that means… does the first Sunday of September ring a bell? Let me give you a big hint… Father’s Day is fast approaching. (Oops did...

Ready To Play? Find Fun, Food and Friends At Fortress, Melbourne’s Best Gaming Hub

“The experience every gamer deserves.” …is their tagline, but we’d argue it’s more than that. Fortress Melbourne, Australia’s biggest video games venue, is open to all – and they’ve certainly got the goods to please anyone. As soon as you set foot into their elusive basement space (yep, that’s what’s...

Ready To See Some Movie Magic? Not Your Average Venue Hire

Have you ever heard of having a cinema all to yourself? Well, I am here to tell you a small Hidden City Secret. Although after this, I doubt it will remain a closely-guarded secret but here it is… Introducing Australia’s first private cinema, The Backlot Studios. How cool! Imagine a...

Dine, Dance and Chill – Forget Your Worries At This All Purpose Venue

Thought the disco era was dead? Think again. Dr Morse keeps the party going in Abbotsford, 7 nights a week. The ultimate all-rounder, it’s the local go-to spot to let loose, any time of day. And they’re committed to the old school vibe, from the bare brick walls to the...

It’s Funky, Quirky and Anything Goes! Strut On Down To This Eclectic Bar for Your Next Function

“Find what you LOVE and let it KILL you.” In the heart of Windsor, Montrose Social is a hidden gem located on Chapel Street and decked out in groovy mix-match décor, walls splashed with funky graffiti, and a mural of the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Snoop Dogg himself. Fitting...

Live Out Your Bridgerton Fantasy At This Opulent Parisian Salon in Prahran

You will definitely been keeping on trend by having your next small function at this opulent Parisian salon in Prahran. So what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with the Modiste and live out your glorious Bridgeton fantasy… Oh how I burn for this function space… [MORE]

Versatile, Blank Canvas Space For Your Next Event

In 2017 the Cru team were on the hunt for a bigger venue; a perfect space to fulfil the demands and requests they were receiving. A 1950’s mattress factory in a laneway caught the creative eye of the partners of Cru Wine Bar and it was then and there where...

LISTEN UP… This Hidden Modern Windsor Bar Is Next On Your Going Out List

Check out this modern hidden gem in Windsor for your next adventure – they will make you feel like you are in another world. Their Devil’s Tear drink will kick start your night into gear … [MORE]

Brown Brothers X Gelato Messina’s Prosecco Rosé Gelato – Scoop Giveaway

After seeing our Instagram post, did I hear you exclaim, “A Prosecco Rosé flavoured gelato!? Where can I get one?” Well my beautiful friend do I have all the deets for you about the perfect summer treat. The Brown Brothers and Gelato Messina have collaborated on a limited edition Prosecco...

Melbourne Street Eatz Is Back Baby!

Have you noticed the string of food trucks and smelt the deliciousness that fills the air on the Yarra front!?! Do you know what this means!?! Melbourne Street Eatz is back!!!  And oh my goodness do we need to get out of the house!!! (I think I may have already...

Moon Dog Ballroom Oasis
Warehouse Function Venues

Tucked into the backstreets of inner Melbourne’s Abbotsford, this Brewery Ballroom Oasis is fully equipped with a private bar and the entire ballroom that is yours for the taking! It is housed in a converted red brick warehouse featuring chandeliers, fairy lights, palm trees and a retractable roof. There’s also...

Melbourne Has A New Playground, And It Comes In The Form Of Virtual Escapism

BARS ARE OPEN, RESTAURANTS ARE BOOKED, It seems Melbourne has prevailed yet again. We can’t wait to explore our old favs, but why stop there? It’s the 21st Century and we want full-blown escapism. Unlike old mate Jeff Bezos, we can’t simply build a spaceship and transport out of here…...

Longsong
An events space above Longrain

Picture this – You are sitting next to large concertina windows that over-look Little Bourke Street whilst sipping on a stunning cocktail. Clearly, this is the perfect, sophisticated space for your next out or event… [more]

You’re invited to Witness this Record-Breaking Attempt for World Cocktail Day

On the eve of World Cocktail Day bartenders and patrons alike are waiting with baited breath for cocktail-making history. On May 13th 2021, Monkey Shoulder Whisky is taking over Welcome to Thornbury, one of Melbourne’s iconic drinking holes, and attempting to break the Guinness World Record for most cocktails mixed in...

This Melbourne Institution is Back and Fresher Than Ever.

Ponyfish Island – the elusive venue under the bridge in Melbourne CBD has recently gotten a revamp. What started as a pop up bar nearly a decade ago has long become a Melbourne Institution, known to locals and tourists alike as “the bar under the bridge”. They probably won’t ever...

DIY Tacos & Nachos + Bottomless Margaritas Nights Are Coming to Chapel Street

Forget bottomless brunches (which operate with the audacity of requiring you to be a functioning member of society before midday) because Temperance Hotel is clobbering you with an absolute game changer. We’re talking evenings spent surrounded by DIY tacos & nachos, Mexican share plates and 2 hours of bottomless coronas,...

Melbourne’s Largest Game Bar is Here to Help Settle Scores

If, like us, you ever pass a group of carefree children at the park and sigh wistfully whilst reminiscing on the joys of yesteryear – no bills, no responsibilities, no adulting, then have we got the venue for you. A playground for adults has recently opened its doors to the public...

Top 60+ Function Venues in Melbourne

Looking for the perfect Melbourne venue to host your next wedding, engagement party, birthday or corporate event? We’ve rounded up the best function venues in Melbourne to have you covered for whatever your upcoming occasion may be. Bar Clara – Melbourne CBD This intimate yet indulgent event space is located...

The Best Date Bar In South Yarra?

So you’ve done the impossible. You’ve moved past the awkward small talk, coordinated schedules and now you’ve got that first date coming up. Great; except you have to pick the bar, not so great. It has to be cool and fun, yet somehow still relaxed? So much pressure! Don’t stress,...

Victoria’s Best Cheese Festival Will Brie Here Soon

Our state’s best artisan cheese producers and cheesemongers are descending upon Werribee Park Mansion, and you’d brie crazy to miss it. The annual Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival returns on Sunday 22 March as part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2020, a ten-day celebration of the foodie culture for...

Nightclub Downstairs, Band Room Upstairs. Cool Grungy Nightclub in Carlton

Once an old church which was initially built back in 1835, Queensberry St now holds itself to an exciting dance club, Colour. The cool and grungy landscape has been home to many cool clubs in the past, lastly being known as Yours&Mine. It has now been taken over by former...

VAMFF 101 – Pairing Food and Fashion

Ready to turn heads as you strut to Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival 2020, but not sure what is your style? VAMFF has teamed up with some of Melbourne’s best bars and restaurants to bring you some incredible deals inspired by the festival. We know you’re all lazy so we’ve put...

Introducing Monthly Vegan Food Truck Nights

Who would have thought vegans knew how to partayyy?! Vegan Nights Melbourne is back again at The Ascot Lot but bigger and better! Haven’t had the chance to visit this monthly event? The team here at HCS think it’s time you did. If you’re a street lover, we’re calling your name!...

Is This Bayside’s Best Bar and Beer Garden?

With Sonder’s sleek modern interior and queues out the door, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s located on Flinders Lane rather than in the heart of Melbourne’s Bayside. The Bentleigh bar opened in 2018 to a captive audience of south-eastern locals fed-up with travelling into the CBD to find somewhere...

Brunswick Street Eats For Every Day Of The Week

Spending the day on Brunswick street? In the mood for treating yourself (again)? No matter what day you’re there, we’ve got you covered on the must have spots that won’t break the bank. Monday > The Fitz  347 Brunswick St, Fitzroy The Fitz softens the blow of your Monday morning whether...

Melbourne BeerFest 2020 Hits St Kilda This Weekend

Do you know your IPAs from your pilsners, your lagers from your stouts? Are you looking for an Insta-worthy excuse to lounge in the St Kilda sun this weekend? Then look no further than Melbourne’s BeerFest 2020. This Saturday 29th February, fifty of the country’s most exciting established and upcoming...

Limited Pop Up Bar, Electronic Dance Festival + Many More!

With so much going on in Melbourne, it is sometimes hard to know how you can spend your time. Here is a short list of special activities on right now in the Melbourne Arts Precinct that you should not miss!   Speakeasy at the Barre – Arts Centre Melbourne If...

Cool new music/arts festival happening in Thornbury in Feb

Welcome to Thornbury will have its entire landscape transformed in to a music and arts event called Daybreak Festival, for a full day on February 29. Widely known for its food trucks and food festivals, Welcome to Thornbury will invite attendees into a day of fun dance music curated across 2 main...

West Side’s Best Kept Secret – a Vintage Beer Garden, Op Shop Bar and Social Enterprise in One

Tucked off Footscray’s Moreland Street is the secluded garden oasis that is Lickety Split. Blink and you’ll miss it, this west side hidden gem is home to Melbourne’s first op-shop bar, a vintage inspired alfresco beer garden, a vegan food truck, Shuffle boards, a pop-up bike workshop and some esteemed...

5 Must-Attend Boozy/Foodie Events Before Summer is Over

As we roll into the last couple of months of sunshine and glorious weather made for day drinking, it would be a crime not to take advantage of Melbourne’s jam packed events calendar. We’ve rounded up the last few events of the summer that are guaranteed to be a fitting...

Australia’s Biggest Gin-Fest is Back!

Cancel your Valentine’s plans, whatever they may be, because the weekend of the 15th and 16th of February 2020 has offically been renamed Juniperlooza, ie Melbourne’s premium Gin festival. For lovers of Gin, and for lovers of summer activities, this one is for you! Trapeze down to The Boat Builders...

Melbourne Zoo’s Twilight Picnics return with Meg Mac, The Cat Empire and Good Times Galore

Zoo Twilights are back at Melbourne Zoo serving up live music, decadent picnics and wholesome surroundings all in the one place. From January 24th, spend your summer weekends sprawled on Melbourne Zoo’s lush lawns as they open their gates after hours for their renowned twilight picnics. Boasting headliners like Missy...

latest News VIEW ALL NEWS

The Most Colourful Mexican Fix In Melbourne!

Nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls… oh my! Among the bars and restaurants of Melbourne sits the hot spot for local foodies, and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Smith St. If you’re craving a fix of Mexican cuisine, look no further than the heart of a beloved Austral

READ MORE

“Gringlish” Food Is Taking Melbourne By Storm… Only At This Venue!

The following is a public service announcement for all Melbourne foodies: You have to dive into the delectable menu of Bahari: The Helenic Palate right now. Like, immediately! Serving up unique “gringlish” dishes, this little pocket of casual elegance in the Richmond bar and restaurant scene is th

READ MORE

Oh My GIN! Here Is Your Gintastic Tasting Guide!

We are nearing the end of the year and we bet you are in desperate need of a night out with your friends! You need strong alcohol, tasty food and good vibes so you can finally let loose. Most bars can get repetitive, serving boring wine lists, the same tap beers and a generic list […]

READ MORE