December 2025 Edition
What’s On
Hello, December. The year’s end glimmers with festive cheer, spectacular performances, and journeys that stretch from city streets to far-flung horizons.
In Sydney, Grill Americano opens its doors, bringing woodfired Italian glamour to the harbour city; while Melbourne welcomes Disuko and Yiaga, each offering their own twist on contemporary dining allure. Globally, the sporting calendar delivers adrenaline-fuelled spectacles, from stadium roars to courtside triumphs, keeping hearts racing well into the night.
The stage is set for enchantment. Pretty Woman, The Nutcracker and Anastasia promise moments of wonder, music and storytelling, while the fourth edition of our Travel Journal opens portals to iconic revivals, expanding hotel collections, ancient city escapes, and luxury cruises venturing to the Arctic Circle and beyond.
Take your escapism higher still with our curated destinations, inspired by elemental terrains and otherworldly landscapes. From the sparkle of festive tables to front-row seats at the world’s finest performances, December is your invitation to close the year surrounded by beauty, discovery and the extraordinary.
Australian Holiday Experiences
Escape, Indulge, Explore: Summer Starts Here
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Elevated Coastal Living
Signature beachside long lunches at institutions such as Bathers Pavilion, Stokehouse and Rick Shores.
Private harbour or island sailing with bespoke onboard dining and curated itineraries: Whitsundays
Guided coastal walks at golden hour, including Bondi–Bronte, Noosa National Park and Cape Byron.
Beach clubs and waterfront lounges, from Catalina to La Luna, with priority seating arranged.
Premium surf instruction in Byron or Torquay with elite-level coaches.
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Summer Dining & Celebratory Moments
Champagne-led gourmet picnics, styled and delivered to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane’s most scenic spots.
Rooftop evenings at Shell House, HER or The Terrace — perfect for festive cocktails with a view.
Winery escapes featuring private tastings at Montalto, Pt Leo Estate, Levantine Hill or Henschke.
Seafood experiences curated at leading waterfront restaurants and oyster bars.
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Curated Escapes & Weekend Retreats
Byron Bay indulgence: luxury villas, spa treatments and beach club reservations.
Noosa slow-living retreats blending river cruises, wellness and refined dining.
Mornington Peninsula for geothermal bathing, wineries and cliffside strolls.
Whitsundays private-island luxury, including stays at Qualia or Hayman and chartered yacht experiences.
Dining & Hospitality
A seat at the finest table
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NOW OPEN: Grill Americano, Sydney
From visionary restaurateur Chris Lucas- the mind behind acclaimed dining destinations Chin Chin, Society and Yakimono- Grill Americano has become one of Melbourne’s most celebrated tables. Nestled on Flinders Lane, it’s a space where old-world Italian charm meets the drama of woodfired cooking, elevated by impeccable service and the kind of glamour that lingers long after dessert.
Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 1 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000 -
VIN-CENZOS: Where Sicilian Soul Meets Sydney Style
Vin-Cenzo’s brings a fresh, produce-driven take on Italian to Darlinghurst from the team behind Bar Copains and Alma’s. The menu spans grilled scampi, veal T-bone, inventive pastas and a standout dessert offering inspired by Sicilian traditions. With Italian-leaning wines, classic cocktails and a vibrant space with murals and expanded outdoor dining, it’s a lively new Sydney destination.
Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm - late
- 174 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 -
TWENTY SEATS: Perth’s Most Intimate Dining Experience
An intimate, design-forward dining room offering a meticulously crafted set menu for just twenty guests each evening. Expect imaginative dishes, seasonal produce and a quietly luxurious atmosphere, a refined, immersive experience that feels both exclusive and deeply personal.
Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm until late
- 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth WA 6000
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DISUKO: Japanese Multi-level Experience in Melbourne
Once the iconic Madame Brussels, the space has been transformed by MAMAS Dining Group into a multi-layered homage to Japan’s decade of vibrant excess: playful, rhythmic, and beautifully atmospheric. At DISUKO, every corner tells a different story. Whether you are here for open-air lounging, shared izakaya plates, an intimate omakase moment or music-led energy, each space offers its own way to dine, drink and escape above the city.
Monday to Sunday
12pm - 3pm | 5pm - Late
- 3/59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 -
YIAGA: Design-Driven Dining in Fitzroy Gardens
Yiaga is a striking, architect-designed Melbourne restaurant featuring a tonal, womb-like interior of 13,000 custom ochre tiles and artisan-made tableware. The serene space overlooks Fitzroy Gardens, soundtracked by Fleetwood Mac. Diners spend two to four hours enjoying chef Hugh Allen’s multi-course menu, with standout dishes and expert drink pairings led by master sommelier Dorian Guillon.
Thursday to Sunday, 6pm - 11pm
- Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne 3001 -
SUUM: Brisbane’s Bold New Korean Omakase
Suum brings chef Andy Choi’s avant-garde Korean cuisine to Brisbane, shaped by experience at Disfrutar and The Fat Duck. His omakase blends molecular techniques, seasonal produce and deep fermentation traditions, with dishes like tofu kimchi samhap, fermented jang bites and truffle chestnut soup. With house-made makgeolli pairings and an intimate 16-seat, spotlighted setting, it’s one of Australia’s most accessible premium omakase experiences.
Tuesday to Saturday, 5:15pm or 8pm reservations only
- Shop1, 119 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
LIVE & LOUD
World-class competition, with access to the year’s most iconic events.
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LAST MINUTE: Ashes Boxing Day Test Match 2025
An iconic cricket tradition, watch Australia face England in the Ashes at the MCG on Boxing Day, combining fierce rivalry with a festive summer atmosphere.
Friday 26th December, 2025
MCG, Melbourne -
Australian Open 2026
The first Grand Slam of the year brings world-class tennis, electric night sessions, and Melbourne’s summer buzz to centre stage at the iconic Australian Open.
Sunday 12th January – Sunday 1st February, 2026
Melbourne Park, Melbourne -
2026 Winter Olympics
The Winter Games return to Italy for a spectacular celebration of sport and style - from alpine peaks to ice arenas, witness the world’s best athletes compete against a breathtaking European backdrop.
6th - 22nd February, 2026
Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy -
Qatar Airways Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026
Feel the adrenaline as Formula 1 roars into Melbourne’s Albert Park, with high-speed drama, glamorous hospitality, and a festival atmosphere on and off the track.
Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th March, 2026
Albert Park Racetrack, Melbourne -
US Masters Augusta
Golf’s most revered tournament, where tradition, precision, and prestige meet. Set against immaculate fairways and iconic azaleas, it gathers the world’s finest players to compete for the coveted Green Jacket in an atmosphere of heritage, drama, and unforgettable sporting moments.
9th - 12th April, 2026
Augusta, Georgia, USA -
PGA Championship 2026
Golf’s elite return for the 108th PGA Championship, where precision and power meet on one of America’s most historic courses- four days of world-class play, prestige, and sporting excellence.
14th - 17th May, 2026
Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania -
FIFA World Cup 2026
The world’s biggest sporting event returns across three nations, uniting fans for five weeks of unforgettable matches, global talent, and cultural celebration on football’s grandest stage.
11th June - 19th July, 2026
USA, Canada & Mexico
Entertainment & Concerts
Your Front-Row Access to the Arts
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Upcoming Concerts
Kendrick Lamar | DEC ‘25
3rd December- AAMI Park, Melbourne
10th December - Allianz Stadium, SydneyEd Sheeran | FEB ‘26
31st January & 1st February - Optus Stadium, Perth
13th, 14th, 15th February - Accor Stadium, Sydney
20th, 21st, 22nd February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
26th, 27th 28th February - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
5th March - Adelaide Oval, AdelaideHalsey | FEB ‘26
13th & 14th February - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
17th February - Riverstage, Brisbane
19th & 20th February - Festival Hall, MelbourneLinkin Park | MAR ‘26
3rd & 5th March - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
8th & 10th March - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
14th & 15th March - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney5 Seconds Of Summer
October - November 2026. Dates announcing soon -
Melbourne Plays & Musicals
THE NUTCRACKER
Journey to the Land of Sweets as world-class BIG Live dancers perform this iconic festive ballet. Expect dazzling costumes, exquisite sets, snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A captivating, family-friendly celebration sure to fill hearts with Christmas spirit this December.
- Princess Theatre
- 11th - 31st December, 2025ANASTASIA
Led by Georgina Hopson as Anya on her search for identity, home and love. Joined by Robert Tripolino, Joshua Robson, Rodney Dobson, Rhonda Burchmore and Nancye Hayes, this romantic adventure features beloved songs like Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December.
- Regent Theatre
- 20th December - 15th February, 2026WAITRESS
Broadway’s hit musical WAITRESS arrives in Melbourne, bringing Sara Bareilles’ uplifting score and a heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and second chances. Follow Jenna, a gifted pie maker seeking a fresh start, as a baking contest and unexpected romance open the door to change. Sweet, soulful and feel-good, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser.- Her Majesty’s Theatre
- From May 2026 -
Sydney Plays & Musicals
PRETTY WOMAN
The Musical brings the iconic 1990 film to life in Sydney with dazzling glamour, romance and anthemic pop songs by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Follow Vivian and Edward’s modern fairy-tale love story in a feel-good, high-energy production filled with charm, humour and big Broadway spectacle.
- Theatre Royal Sydney
- From NovemberPHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Harbour
The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour returns in a spectacular open-air production on a floating stage framed by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. With fireworks, lavish sets and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic score, this grand, al fresco staging delivers a supersized, gothic romance for its 40th-anniversary season.
- 27th March - 26th April, 2026THE LION KING
Disney’s The Lion King returns to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, bringing its breathtaking costumes, powerful music and visionary staging to life. Experience Simba’s epic journey through the Pride Lands, featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s iconic score. A global theatrical phenomenon, it’s a must-see celebration of storytelling, colour and imagination.
- Capitol Theatre
- From April 2026
Art & Culture
Immersion in inspiration
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Coming Soon: Westwood | Kawakubo
This major exhibition unites the work of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, two pioneering designers who redefined fashion through radical, rule-breaking creativity. Featuring over 140 designs from global collections, it explores their shared originality and challenges to convention across themes of provocation, reinvention, the body, and the transformative power of clothes.
- Open from 7th December, 2025 - 19th April, 2026
- National Gallery Victoria -
Coming Soon: Cartier
In 2026, the NGV presents Cartier, a landmark exhibition featuring more than 300 extraordinary objects – from precious jewels and historic gemstones to iconic watches and clocks – that trace the evolution of Cartier’s enduring legacy in art, design and craftsmanship.
- Open from 12th June, 2026 - 4th October 2026
-National Gallery Victoria
The Latest Travel Journal
The fourth edition of the Travel Journal showcases iconic revivals, expanding hotel collections, ancient city escapes and new luxury cruise routes to the Arctic Circle and beyond.
Take your escapism to new heights and explore our curated list of destinations inspired by raw, elemental terrains and otherworldly landscapes.
At Your Request