What’s NEW in the west
The fast growing, rapidly evolving area that is Melbourne’s west continues to offer up new reasons to get out and explore the west side of the city. The autumn months sees a diverse collection of events taking place, with new and exciting experiences to uncover.
Combine with this a steady influx of new cafés, restaurants and bars all choosing to set up shop in the west, along with a diverse selection of activities and attractions to choose from and you’ll soon discover there are plenty of reasons to wander out west this autumn.
Read on for a snapshot of what’s new and what’s happening in Melbourne’s west.
NEW ATTRACTIONS, TOURS & ACCOMMODATION
Grazeland (opening April)
One of Melbourne’s most highly anticipated new culinary destinations is set to open in Spotswood in April (date TBC).
Located next to Scienceworks, along the Maribyrnong River, only five kilometres from the city centre, Grazeland will provide a rotating weekly festival environment featuring live performance stages, roving entertainers, and an incredible atmosphere that celebrates Melbourne’s amazing food culture.
Grazeland will open every Friday evening and from midday until late every Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
W: www.grazeland.melbourne
Early Morning Savannah Experience – Werribee Open Range Zoo
The newest offering at Werribee Open Range Zoo is the Early Morning Savannah Experience (which launched in mid-January 2020).
This intimate morning tour invites guests to meet with zoo keepers as you get an exclusive glimpse into the lives of the amazing animals of the Savannah.
Guests are invited to follow one of the Keeping teams on their morning round and assist with food prep, watch a training session, and more.
After the morning duties, participants head out to set up feed on Savannah, then enjoy a morning tea break to watch the animals. Tours take place on Tuesday and Saturday morning, bookings are essential.
Where: K Road, Werribee South
W: www.zoo.org.au/werribee
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Melbourne, Essendon Fields
Since opening at Essendon Fields in early November, both locals and visitors have been flocking to iFLY Melbourne to experience the thrill of free-fall skydiving in the indoor skydiving simulator.
Suitable for participants old and young and open seven days a week, iFLY also host a number of events, including regular ladies nights, which include flying time, food, drinks and entertainment.
Sessions cost from $89 per person. Further information available via Facebook.
Where: 2 Burns Street, Essendon Fields
W: www.iflyworld.com.au/locations/melbourne
Relax + Play, Altona North
Located in Alton North, Relax + Play is a new concept play and wellness centre aimed at providing parents with a place to either relax (or work) while their children play.
Relax + Play, which opened in January this year, encompasses an indoor play centre, fitness studio, salon and hot desks which overlook the play area (with wi-fi, data cabling, USB and power points at each desk).
With dedicated child minders on site, the facility allows parents to enjoy some much-needed R&R knowing their little ones are well cared for.
Where: 1 Gilbert Drive, Altona North
W: relaxandplay.com.au/
Holmes Hall (opening April)
The team behind The Ascot Lot; Jacob Bettio, Lachlan Taylor and David Bartl have spent the past year renovating the iconic Russo’s supermarket in Moonee Ponds into a diverse foodie complex.
Opening Friday 3 April we’ll be set to enjoy a Craft Beer Store and Lounge, 400-Seat Mess Hall and pastel-infused laneway bar.
Where: 15 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds
W: facebook.com/holmeshallbar
NEW RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS AND BARS
Piano Bar at Fancy Things, Caroline Springs
Caroline Springs’ favourite wine and tapas bar has introduced a sophisticated new offering known as Piano Bar, which launched in January this year.
Taking place every Friday and Saturday from 7-9pm, diners can enjoy martinis and tapas, paired with lively entertainment. Booking are essential.
Where: 6/11 Commercial Drive, Caroline Springs
W: www.facebook.com/FancyThingsCS
The 6th Child Café, Altona
This popular new café (open since January 2020) in Harrington Square in Altona offers all the essential brunch favourites with a south east Asian influence.
All dishes and savoury options are created by the owner and chef, who happens to be the sixth of seven children, hence the name. Fresh juice and St. Ali coffee round out the offering.
Where: 25 Harrington Square, Altona
W: www.facebook.com/The-6th-Child-Cafe
Oscar’s Teta, Spotswood
Oscar’s Teta is the latest food offering to open along the vibrant Hudsons Road precinct in Spotswood.
Open since December, here diners can enjoy a blend of traditional Lebanese fare using recipes handed down through generations and taught to the owner by her Teta (grandmother), as well as dishes with a more contemporary twist, inspired by the flavours and techniques of authentic Lebanese cuisine.
In accordance with Lebanese tradition, the menu is designed to be eaten mezza style, with all dishes served to be shared amongst guests. Open Tues-Sun 5:30pm – late.
Where: 143 Hudsons Road, Spotswood
W: www.oscarsteta.com.au
Wasshoi Sunshine West
Wasshoi Sunshine West is the latest offering from noted Japanese chef Ikuei Arakane (of Iron Chef fame).
Open since January, the Sunshine store is his second outpost, following the success of his first Japanese Grill at Prahran Market.
Here the food is inspired by Japanese street food and is cooked over a charcoal grill, just like on the streets of Japan, giving it a truly authentic flavour.
Where: 1-9 The Avenue, Sunshine West
W: www.facebook.com/wasshoi.sunshinewest
Le Petit Café Rose, Yarraville
Le Petit Café Rose in Yarraville is a fusion of love, music, art and French vibes.
Created by owners Kevin (a musician) and Monica (an artist), the space, which opened in October, is designed to be a hub of creativity and comfort. Here you can choose from a tasty selection of sweet and savoury treats and coffee.
Where: 229 Somerville Road, Yarraville
W: facebook.com/lepetitcaferose
Gelato d’Asporto, Yarraville
Authentic Italian gelato can now be found in Yarraville Village thanks to the opening of Gelato by d’Asporto (created by the same family who operate westside favourites Pizza d’Asporto and Kiosk d’Asporto).
Choose from a selection of artisan flavours, with dairy and gluten free options available.
Where: Murray Street, Yarraville Village
W: www.facebook.com/Pizza-dAsporto
Mama Lor, Werribee
Mama Lor is a new family-owned and operated restaurant on Watton Street in Werribee (open since October) that offers a variety of traditional Filipino dishes as well as their own recipe of high-quality bread and cakes.
Mama Lor was established by a family from Cebu (Philippines) with the heart to make every Filipino feel close to home and to share the Filipino taste and experience with other nationalities.
Where: 183 Watton St, Werribee
W: www.mamalor.com
Oh Happy Day Café, Point Cook
Oh Happy Day Café is a bright and cheerful café in the new Tribeca Village area of Point Cook.
Open since December, here you can sip on specialty coffee by St. Dreux Coffee Roasters, locally brewed chai from Chai Addict or hot chocolate from Grounded Pleasures.
The menu has plenty of healthy and sweet options, along with a dedicated kids menu. Younger kids will also love the dolls house and lego wall.
Where: Tribeca Village, Point Cook
W: facebook.com/ohhappydaycafe
Do you love the west? See more of what’s on here.
Media contacts: For additional information, images or familiarisation opportunities, please contact:
Madeleine Blake – MBPR Amy Gardner
E: madeleine@mbpr.co E: amy@melbourneswest.com.au