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What Your Coffee Says About You

We all have our stock standard coffee order. And to the delight of baristas around the world, there are hundreds of ways we choose to enjoy our cups of sunshine. But did you know that your morning cuppa speaks volumes about the type of person you are? Caffeine is the...

Top 10 Brewery Bars in Melbourne

As the weather starts to heat up, there is nothing us Melburnians like more than a cold pint in the sun. However, a standard draught just doesn’t seem to make the cut sometimes… Craft beer is the new frosé and is slowly taking over the taps of Melbourne, as are microbreweries which...

Oktoberfest In The Gardens Is Back

Are you a beer enthusiast? Do you love all things Bavarian? Or do you just love an excuse to dress up and have a drink with friends? Well either way, ‘Oktoberfest in the Gardens’ is returning to Melbourne, so break out your Lederhosen and Dirndl and become part of Australia’s...

Where to be this AFL Grand Final Day

The wait is almost over! That one, sweet day in September is almost here, the AFL Grand Final (and a much needed public holiday). Now a well-loved Melburnian ‘tradition’, the AFL long weekend means you can kick the celebrations off early and let’s be honest, Monday is probably a write-off...

End Of Year Party Venues To Make A Statement

The end of the year is slowly approaching which means one thing; the silly season is on its way. The only way to end an arduous working year is with a bang, and Hidden City Secrets are here to help make that happen. Whether you want to treat your employees to...

Melbourne’s Best Trivia Nights

Are you the one in your group who has all this extra knowledge about anything and everything? Don’t let it go to waste! Drag your friends down to a riveting trivia night and show off all your knowledge about the hundreds of movies and TV shows you’ve watched over the years....

The Best Of The Most Liveable City In The World

Surprise, surprise! Melbourne has been awarded the most livable city in the world for the 7th year running! Are we surprised though? We’re not; the amount Melbourne has to offer, we can’t imagine any other city taking its place. Melbourne has pretty much everything you need for a happy life; a city that...

Father’s Day: Where To Go For Lunch

Wait…is it August already? No wait, it’s September. I think so anyway. I remember celebrating New Year’s like it was yesterday (well, some of it anyway). It’s hard to keep track of every special occasion. We would just like to remind you that Father’s Day is fast approaching and this...

Melbourne’s Best First Date Bars

Whether you believe in love at first sight or in order to meet your match you swipe right, EVERYONE gets nervous meeting someone new. On top of this, you have the added pressure of finding the perfect place that will set the tone for the entire evening and and means the difference...

The Best Food Trucks Around Town

When it comes to dining trends the one thing on everyone’s minds right now (and stomachs) are food trucks and their ability to keep you coming back for more (seriously though, why are they so damn addictive). What has quickly become the ‘new black’ of the food world, food trucks...

The Best Drive-Ins Around Melbourne

It’s a tale as old as time itself. You meet someone you like and want to impress them, and yet the only date idea you can think of is the most generically cliched idea that’s ever walked the face of this earth – that of going to see a movie....

9 Dog Friendly Venues For You And Your Pooch

Let’s be honest, the worst part about going out to socialize is having to leave your perfect pooch at home. Stress no more, we have four vibrant venues which welcome your little bundle of joy with open paws. In fact, a lot of these venues are more accommodating to the furry...

Best Lazy Sunday Ideas

Friday nights are for mentally checking out at 4:30pm (but sadly not physically leaving work until 5) where you can then rush off to your favourite restaurant and relax with a big glass of wine. Saturday’s are for further relaxation before getting ready for a big night out perhaps, continuing...

Our Pick Of The Best Brunch Spots

Coffees and donuts and avocado, oh my! That’s right, it’s Brunch time. Yes, that is a capital B and yes, it deserves it because Brunch makes, not only the world go ’round, but also allows us to sleep in and still have time to have a good, hearty breakfast. What...

Our Top 5 Stalls At The Winter Night Market

Not entirely sure where to go on a cold winters night? Your choices include cuddling on the couch with a block of chocolate (or whichever type of sweets you seem to enjoy) or weathering Melbourne’s gloomy nights. Tough choice…but we have found just the place for you. How could we...

Top 10 Hidden Bars in Melbourne

So you’re going out Friday night for drinks but you’re stuck going to the same spot every week… Your bartender knows your order where you sit in the same booth with the same conversation on how great the parma is here? I think it’s safe to say it’s time to...

Light Up Your Next Event At Luminare

Luminare is located in the heart of South Melbourne with magnificent rooftop views. A contemporary New York styled apartment with a chic and sophisticated décor. As translated to describe a light or an opening that lets light in, Luminare is the place to host your next special occasion. At night,...

The Non-Touristy Tourist Guide To Melbourne

Do you walk around the city with your head down paying more attention to how many likes your latest Instagram photo has than to your current concrete surroundings? Having a friend from Sydney down for the weekend that wants to go to all the trendiest places without looking too, like,...

The Woolshed – A New and Improved Piece of History

Nestled in Docklands among the surrounding concrete playground and the breathtaking harbour views, sits The Woolshed – the newly refurbished fine dining and function experience. Starting its journey in 1916 as a part of Australia’s busiest port, The Woolshed now plays home to a restaurant, a live entertainment spot and...

Bastille Day French Festival

Melbourne is in its 3rd year celebrating La Fête Nationale (National French Day) and a huge French festival is happening this 15-16 July at the Meat Market in North Melbourne where entry to all things Francais is only $2! From delicious croissants and pastries to countless cheeses and wines to enjoy,...

Fine Dining That Won’t Break The Bank

Wondering how you’re going to juggle your social life when you’re supposed to be saving for that European holiday you said you’d go on last year and now last year is this year and you’re still not any closer so you’ll tell yourself it’ll be next year? Trying to impress...

Baroq Is Back

Sheer opulence is what you can expect come August, when after 2 years of extensive renovations, Baroq reopens its doors and revolutionises Melbourne’s nightlife scene. Located down Drewery Lane in the CBD, you will find a mansion style venue that proves it really is what’s on the inside that counts. Collective...

Melbourne’s Best Function Venues With A View

Are you after a lavish night filled with spectacular views with a hint of sophistication to celebrate a special event? Can’t find a perfect venue to meet all your expectations? Well, look no further! Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or wedding or just looking for a private dining...

Melbourne’s Cosiest Bars To Escape Winter

We are all starting to feel the struggles of winter; where lounging on a sofa in front of a Netflix series sounds more appealing than venturing out in to the cold. However, there are plenty of venues accommodating those bitter nights waiting for you to explore. On those evenings you...

Top 10 Quirky Bars in Melbourne

Feeling a bit adventurous? Or enjoy the thrill of finding one-of-a kind bars? Well, HCS have done some digging to find the quirkiest bars of them all. Quirky bars may not be the hottest go-to spots, but isn’t that the way they get discovered? Idiosyncratic. Apparently it’s the definition of...

Top 5 Vegetarian/Vegan Melbourne Hangouts

Here in Melbourne, we are spoilt for choice with endless dining options. Whether you’re on the keto diet, the paleo diet, the student ‘two-minute-noodle’ diet or the SEE food diet (no explanation needed here) Melbourne’s extraordinary array of restaurants and cafes caters to all budgets and palettes. In recent years,...

The Best Ice Cream In Melbourne

So why are we writing about ice cream when the sun barely makes a presence in our day and we can’t live without the heater on? Well, that’s why you keep reading. Duh! Leave your Ben and Jerry’s days aside, and venture off into new ice cream territory! Ice cream...

The Best Glamping Spots Around Victoria

Glamping; the coolest craze to sweep the nation since Frose… As the name suggests, glamping provides you with an opportunity to experience the great outdoors without ever being too far away from a decent shower and a borderline fine dining meal. If you hate ‘real’ camping but want the satisfaction of...

Where to get a drink in the CBD

The ultimate concrete jungle where dreams are made, well nightmares since we’re still trying to figure out its endless laneways and confusing grid system, but one that is filled with restaurants to satisfy the ‘hangry’ beast in all of us and enough bars to keep drinking in until April next...

Queen’s Bday Long Weekend – Whats On

Stuck on what to do this weekend? Well, HCS have your weekend all planned out for you. You have to celebrate the Queen’s birthday weekend off in style, right? Whats on in Melbourne 9th -11th June The Food Truck Park 518 High Street, Preston Friday 9th June 5pm -10pm Can’t...

Where To Get A Drink On The Eastside

With its abundance in tree-lined streets and overpriced soy lattes, the Eastside evokes a very different sentiment than what may be conjured in perhaps…the Northside. Take away your hipster Northsider and you’re left with the hip Eastsider. Catering to a well-financed demographic, the Eastside treats it residents to a hasty...

Have a n-ice day at the Common Man

It’s time to stop hating winter and start embracing it with South Wharf’s newest experience! The Common Man Lawn 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf  Ever liked the idea of skating/tobogganing but never acted on it because of the hour-long car ride to Mt. Buller, the accommodation prices and the expensive...

Coffee and Charity, Melbourne

You scream, I scream, we all scream for…coffee! Well, we are Melburnians after all… This is for all you coffee snobs out there, because you like your coffee fresh, hot and frothed properly. What if I told you, you could drink a perfectly crafted cup and help save the world?...

What Your Drink Says About You

I’m the first to admit I have been almost all of these drinkers at one point or another. I can only imagine what the bartender thought of me when I was ordering Vodka Redbulls as a fresh 18 year old, but alas, at the time I knew no better. Just...

Top 10 Places to Host Birthday Drinks

The Corner Hotel 57 Swan St, Richmond The Corner Hotel is an iconic Melbourne live music venue, and it’s an institution among musos near and far. It may look like a standard pub, but head upstairs to the newly refurbished rooftop and discover so much more than a dingy band...

Mother’s Day: Where To Go In Melbourne

Don’t be a bore this Mother’s Day and do the usual card, chocolate and flowers for mum. Instead, get mum excited, dolled up and ready for a lovely breakfast, lunch or dinner – with the inclusion of a few glasses of bubbly of course. There are few Mother’s Day specials...

Melbourne’s Best Outdoor Bars for Winter

Winter is coming. Ignore the wails of despair in the distance, because we’re here to make winter just a little bit more bearable. There is no need for hibernation. Grab your mates, your beanie, maybe some gloves, and get ready for a night on the town! That’s right, up and...

Melbourne Dishes To Try Before You Die

You could spend a life time eating out every night and still never try all the food that Melbourne has to offer. It’s a hard task choosing a restaurant, let alone choosing what to order from the menu. But if you want to get a taste of Melbourne and some...

You Know You’re From Melbourne When…

You know you’re from Melbourne when…   You wear A LOT of black No, we aren’t going to funeral, we’re just from Melbourne.  It’s tres chic, versatile, and makes up 90% of our wardrobe*.  This can be very frustrating when you are trying to find a particular black top amongst...

Cheap Eats in Melbourne

Residing in the most liveable city in the world has its perks, we have amazing… well, everything, especially food and drinks! We are spoiled for choice with some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants Australia has to offer. However, this high standard of living may have cost us a mortgage and possibly...

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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]

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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 Rosé i

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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 used my exclamation mark quota, [&helli

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