WHAT TO DO IN NSW

Potts Point-based outpost Casa Merida is doing a series of mezcal masterclasses hosted by Lucas Fongarnand throughout July. The intimate masterclasses will cover all bases looking to share the experience of mezcal production and its sensory journey to the heart of Mexico. Happening 6th July: Margarita Perfection and 13th July: Born to be Wild – Wild and rare mezcals.

Book here

The Cabana Bar just opened in Sydney’s CBD, this luxury oasis features the city’s largest outdoor terrace, soak up the staycation vibes with premium wine and cocktails alongside fresh and funky food designed by AHA Chef of the Year, Brad Sloane.

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This NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week from 3rd – 10th July, Sydneysiders are invited to join iconic Australian charity Sydney Legacy at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park on Thursday 7 July 2022 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, featuring Indigenous speakers and musical performances to honour Australia’s Indigenous servicemen and women, whose sacrifices have often been overlooked.

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East Village Sydney is relaunching its much-loved rooftop winter garden. A highlight of wintertime in Sydney in the pre-COVID era, the pink-hued winter wonderland is dripping in fairy lights and features a cosy menu inspired by European winter markets.

More info here

Inspired by New York hotels, but you can’t stay overnight – the new Hijinx Hotel in Alexandria offers you to play your way through 15 immersive and interactive challenge rooms, each with a different game. Games included are Adore-a-Ball, Shape’n Up, Draw Me Like One of Your French Gi and leaks.

More info here

WHAT TO DO IN VIC

Contemporary Chinese cuisine bistro Moonhouse has opened in Balaclava’s heritage-listed former Art Deco bank. Moonhouse offers an all-Australian produced wine list, mindfully curated by wine expert, Claudelle Savannah, ensuring support for the growers and makers consciously caring for the planet.

Book here

Otōto bar has opened on Flinders Lane beneath the Akaitto restaurant, bringing a more casual approach to Melbourne CBD dining. With sustainability as the driving force behind the bar, Otōto has created a minimal waste cocktail program, utilising ecoSPIRITs as well as ingredients that are repurposed in the restaurant’s kitchen. The bespoke cocktail list is complemented by an extensive range of local and international wine varietals, craft beers, sake and Japanese whisky.

Book here

City diner Nomad is becoming a temple of truffles and launching a brunch menu packed with the black gold. Enjoy delights like three-cheese manoush, a ham-hock hash brown, wood-roasted mushrooms with Jerusalem artichokes and bagna cauda (garlic and anchovy dip), and an ice-cream sandwich made with pecan biscuits and olive oil. All jazzed up with funky truffle.

Book here

For Independence Day, 22 of Australia’s leading bartenders and mixologists have teamed up with Cheers! Spirits from the USA to bring us a free recipe book of Aussie-tinged cocktails that centre American spirits. Head along to any of the participating bars between Monday, June 27 and Monday, July 4.

More info here

WHAT TO DO IN SA

Australia’s most highly awarded gin producers, Never Never Distilling Co., has announced an exciting three-day oyster and gin extravaganza at their stunning McLaren Vale distillery door. Kicking off in the evening of Friday, July 22nd, and running until Sunday 24th, Oyster Palooza is a celebration of the incredible local food and drink of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Buy tickets here