Month: September 2014

Spring Gardening in Melbourne

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Ah, spring. My favourite time of the year in Melbourne. Sun, blossom, green shoots and a winter’s worth of compost ready to be put to use. Although the weather’s still a bit temperamental, there are dozens of herbs and veggies that are suitable for planting in September. Herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, mint, coriander and dill are great to grow in pots if you have limited space, while those lucky enough to have big backyards can go for veggies like beans, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, pumpkins and zucchinis. For a full run-down on what to plant this spring, the Gardening Australia website has a great planting guide. (Here’s another handy one.) Melbourne sits in the southern temperate zone, and these guides are tailored specifically for our city’s climate. For some more general tips on gardening in Melbourne, click here.  

Werribee Gorge

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After living in the city for a while, it’s easy to forget how therapeutic nature can be. Surrounded by the bell-like sounds of Australian birdsong and the gorgeous range and depths of nature’s colours, you begin to feel a peace rarely found in cities. On the weekend I spent a day at Werribee Gorge. About an hour’s drive (65 kilometres) from Melbourne, this state park is a lovely place to go picnicking, hiking or even rock-climbing. There are several walks you can do, ranging from a leisurely river walk along the bottom of the gorge to the 4.5-hour (10 kilometre) hike up and down the hills surrounding the valley. There are some beautiful views here, and if you keep your eyes sharp there’s every chance you might get lucky and spot some local wildlife. Unfortunately there is no way to reach Werribee Gorge by public transport — car is the only option. If you’re planning a trip here, make sure you bring supplies as of course there are no shops anywhere nearby. There are toilet facilities and …

Events: Melbourne Fringe, Muff and Mexfest 2014

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Melbourne loves its festivals, and as we head towards summer they’ll just keep coming. And coming. Here’s a few, to begin with. Starting tomorrow is the Melbourne underground Film Festival. Founded in 2000, MUFF celebrates ‘avant garde, cutting edge, and underground film from both local filmmakers and abroad’ and has drawn fire in the past for screening banned films. This Sunday, Federation Square will host the Mexican Festival, where you’ll find live music and dance performances, tasty food and the traditional ‘El Grito’ ceremony to mark Mexican Independence. And finally, next week will kick off the fabulous Melbourne Fringe Festival, showcasing a tonne of local artists from theatre, circus, music and cabaret to dance, visual art, live art, comedy and kids performers. Check out the full program here. Time to get festive, Melbourne!   Melbourne Underground Film Festival When: 12–19 September 2014 Where: The Backlot Studios Address: 65 Haig St, Southbank   Mexican Festival 2014 When: 11.30am–8pm, 14 September 2014 Where: Federation Square, Melbourne   Melbourne Fringe Festival 2014 When: 17 September — 5 October 2014 Where: various …

Captains of Industry

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I have a new cafe crush. Captains of Industry couldn’t be more Melbourne. Tucked down a laneway off Little Bourke Street, this cafe sits one floor above street level, its large front windows overlooking the beautiful GPO building on Elizabeth Street. The space has a warehouse look, with painted brick walls and large metal roof beams, but it doesn’t feel cold or cavernous. A smattering of small wooden tables, a long dining table and window benches makes this a comfortable hangout whether you’re visiting as a group, a couple or alone. And here’s where the industry comes in. Branching off from the main cafe space are three tiny shops: a shoemaker, a barbershop and a jeweller. Each is the size of a shoebox, but each is filled with a fascinating array of tools and contraptions. Peeking through these doors is like catching a glimpse into the Melbourne of another era. While the website declares that ‘the practitioners of Captains of Industry are Practical Men of Wide Experience offering the Good, the True and the Beautiful …

Evening of Korean culture in Melbourne

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It’s not often we get a chance to see a free event at Hamer Hall. But on Tuesday 23 September, the Melbourne Arts Centre’s premier venue will open its doors for a cultural evening hosted by the Korean Consulate-General. Held in celebration of the South Korean president’s G20 visit as well as the opening of the Melbourne Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea, the event promises ‘a beautiful Hanbok fashion show, followed by a traditional/modern fusion performance, a traditional music performance and modern dance (b-boying)’. Good enough for me. If you’ve never had the chance to see a concert in the beautiful Hamer Hall, now’s your chance. And as haphazard as this event sounds, my rudimentary knowledge of Korea’s fascinating culture tells me this should be a show worth seeing. It’s a little unclear whether any bookings are necessary, but if you’re keen you may as well email rsvp@mofa.go.kr just in case. The event’s still three weeks away, but it’s always a good idea to get in early.   Evening of Korean Culture — Hanbok Fashion, Music & Dance …