September 2023 Edition

What’s On

September means Spring has finally sprung and with that, a magnificent
selection of activities and entertainment to benefit from.

From school holiday family delights, to an exquisite array of dining experiences,
and of course, exclusive travel benefits and recommendations from Q’s Head of Travel.

Be apart of the NOMAD Group’s exclusive Wine Dinner Series, and taste the complete collection of the Aphelion 2022 single vineyard wines;
Watch history be made at the MCG on September 30th for a blockbuster Grand Final;
Board MISCHIEF, the largest commercial superyacht in Australia and embark on
an unforgettable journey through the Solomon Islands;
Or celebrate Australian Talent, as The Jungle Giants take centre
stage at the Brisbane Festival.

See all that this edition of What’s On has to offer below.

Updates & What’s Happening

  • TotalFusion Health Club

    Exclusive walk-through tours and registration are now available for Australia’s largest and most exclusive health club located in the heart of Newstead. Set to open in November, the health club is meticulously designed with everything for health and wellness, all under one roof. Infrared saunas, a salt therapy room, ice plunge pools, two levels of gym floor, doggy day-care, an altitude training room, physiotherapy, full-service medi-spa, creche and even a snow room.

    Newstead, Queensland

  • Sydney Marathon

    The world-renowned Sydney marathon takes place along one of the world’s most scenic running routes. Originally a test event for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, it has become an annual event as a legacy and homage to the Summer Olympics. Whilst it may be little late to start training for the full 42kms, registrations are still open for the 21.1km, 10km, and 5km family fun run.

    September 17th
    South Milsons Point, Sydney

  • Restoration Hardware

    Renowned luxury furnishing empire, Restoration Hardware, has announced its first Australian outpost, and will open by the end of 2025. The stores go beyond a typical retail furnishings experience, with restaurants, wine bars, interior design studios, and a charter yacht display. RH’s products are infused with old-world charm and can be seen in the homes of Kendall Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sandra Bullock.

    Opening 2025
    Double Bay, Sydney

Dining & Hospitality

  • Cardea

    Cardea is the latest intimate speakeasy providing high-energy entertainment, cutting-edge cocktails, and seasonal bar snacks out in Barangaroo. Upon entry, you’ll be captivated by the elegant vintage furniture, deluxe velvet interiors, intimate booths, and grand piano with new musical talent every night from 6pm. The Award-winning mixologist George Bekarian has created an innovative cocktail menu, think balsamic Negroni, and the ‘3 Nightstand’ which consists of parmesan, gin, basil and strawberry liqueur.

    300 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

  • Lantern On The Quay

    An elegant new 140-seat Cantonese dining destination has opened at the base of the Chevron building along the esplanade. Executive Chef Ricky Kwok is focused on providing the finest local seafood, WA-grown wagyu, and Southern Forests truffle. Lantern delivers a contemporary Asian experience alongside top-shelf wines and exciting cocktails.

    Elizabeth Quay, Perth

  • Bertie

    Bertie is the latest intimate wine bar brought to you by James Connolly, the Perth local known for previously managing Perth’s Ark Group. The local community, produce, wines and breweries, are at the forefront of Connolly’s inspiration. In a nod to his heritage, Connolly has an ex Vue De Monde chef at the helm, who has created a British-inspired menu full of classic dishes such as the scotch egg, pork terrine and sticky date pudding. The space is a moody and chic 120-seater that offers the sweetest alfresco area to soak up the sun.

    77 Old Perth Rd, Bassendean

  • Healesville Hotel

    The century-old Yarra Valley pub has been given a refresh and rebrand by Matt Vero, the man behind Union House, Mount Erica Hotel, and Scott Connolly, who most recently worked together on The Orrong Hotel in Armadale. With the aim to maintain the pub’s original, historic charm, Connolly and Vero have left the old timber bar, vaulted ceilings, and large windows. The pub has been divided in to four spaces with a public bar, beer garden, bistro, and private dining room. The 200-seat beer garden is surrounded by a plush landscape and features a playground.

    256 Maroondah Highway, Healesville

  • Julie

    Set to open early to mid-September, Julie, is the new 80-seat restaurant in Abbotsford Convent from Julienne Blum, Cam’s Kiosk former head chef. Patrons can expect to indulge in an elevated dining experience at Julie, in comparison to Cam’s Kiosk, which will remain the casual wine bar next door. Blum has created a frequently changing menu that provides comfort food with local produce in mind. Similarly, to Cam’s Kiosk, the interior has been styled to create a homey feel with buttery-yellow tiles and mint-green painted walls.

    Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford

  • Bar Besuto

    Restaurateur Joel Best has created a whisky bar to compliment his show-stopping 14-seat omakase restaurant Besuto. Best has been collecting rare whisky since Besuto’s opening and with the restaurant’s shelves overflowing, decided it was time to create a permanent home for the extraordinary bottles. Much of the collection is comprised of incredibly rare, 50 cask-only bottles (meaning many of the distillers only created one single barrel). Best serves 15ml sips, rather than the regular 30ml to encourage guests to broaden their whisky palette.

    6 Loftus Lane, Sydney

  • Sunsets Rooftop

    As the name suggests, this rooftop bar might just be the perfect location to watch a Brisbane sunset. On one side of the bar, you have a spectacular bird’s eye view directly in to the Gabba and on the other side, the charming city skyline stretching all the way from Queen’s Wharf to the Valley. A Mediterranean oasis has been crafted with an abundance of olive trees, terracotta pots, and a landscaped cacti garden. Complimenting the sandy toned interior, the menu offers slow roasted lamb shoulder, fried cauliflower with tahini lemon, and coconut margaritas.

    95 Linton St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

  • Tarte Beach House

    Tarte Bakery, an icon in Burleigh, has just taken up a new residency under the palms by the picturesque Currumbin Creek foreshore. This Hamptons meets Parisian style sensation is complete with chic monochrome floors and brass fixtures. The venue is two storeys, with downstairs delivering the same Tarte Bakery experience, with New York bagels, juices, pastries, and coffee. Upstairs boasts a 100-seat restaurant offering lobster rolls, local spanner crab linguine, and citrus cured salmon. Oh, and don’t forget the signature crème brulee hot chocolate.

    1/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

  • NOMAD Wine Dinner Series X Aphelion

    In September, NOMAD Group are hosting a dinner in the Wine Cave to welcome Rob Mack, one of the leaders of the McLaren Vale region and founder of Aphelion Wine Co. A custom menu has been created to compliment the grenache reinventions for which Aphelion is famous. The evening will showcase the complete collection of the 2022 single vineyard wines that have recently been released. Some highlights include Wait Single Vineyard Grenache 2022 and Brini Single Vineyard Grenache 2022.

    16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
    Tuesday 12th September, 6:00pm, $195pp

Domestic Travel

  • The Brooklet

    Byron Bay’s newest luxury boutique accommodation, The Brooklet, is perched at the top of a peak in the hinterlands, overlooking endless rolling hills and outstanding sunsets. The six villas have been architecturally designed with nature in mind; expansive glass windows, garden views, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and high ceilings allow guests to take in the serenity. For total relaxation, guests can enjoy the mineral pool, magnesium hot tub, and infrared saunas. For those looking for a more active escape, the hotel boasts a light-filled tennis court and gym and the opportunity to attend a yoga retreat.

    841 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet

  • MISCHIEF in the Solomon Islands

    The largest commercial superyacht in Australia, MISCHIEF, is available to charter throughout the month of September and is located in the Solomon Islands, only a three-hour flight from Brisbane Airport. Famously eye-catching with her iconic Navy hull, the 54m Baglietto-built yacht is a true powerhouse. The interiors are designed by the Award-winning Blainey North, with reflective white surfaces and deep blue accents. MISCHIEF is the only vessel in Australian that has six guest cabins, allowing up to 12 guests. The yacht features a gym, jacuzzi, sun lounges, a dining area that can host up to 100 guests seated, a retractable bar, an open space for a dance floor, and endless water toys. The incredible crew of 14 includes an Award-winning chef, certified dive instructors, and fisherman.

    Available to charter through September

  • Coming Soon: The W

    Rising over Darling Harbour, W Sydney is bringing its unique modern luxury style to the city. The W brand’s signature futuristic interiors, buzzing communal spaces, and its famous “whatever/whenever” customer service style can be seen in this ground-breaking development. The hotel will feature 585 rooms, a Living Room bar, two-storey rooftop bar and a WET deck with heated infinity pool overlooking the waterfront. Crisp white panelling from floor to ceiling, bold prints, walk-in robes, and azure bathrooms with circular bathtubs are a tease of what’s to come.

    Debuting October 12th, 2023
    Darling Harbour, Sydney

Culture and Community

  • Wanderer Festival

    From the team behind the infamous Falls Festival, Wanderer heralds a watershed new genre of boutique festival held at Pambula Beach on the Sapphire Coast. A celebration of music, art, and culture across three days, this festival is phenomenal musical experience that transcends both genre and demographic. The program intertwines theatre and workshops, alongside huge names in music and comedy including, The Jungle Giants, Sampa The Great, and Ocean Alley, Claire Hooper, and Tom Ballard.

    September 29th - October 1st, Pambula Beach

  • Brisbane Festival

    One of Australia’s leading arts festivals is back for a month-long celebration of more than 580 events of theatre, music, dance, and activities. Artistic Director Louise Bezzina has curated a program that includes 230 free performances, along with 22 new works, 12 Queensland premieres and six international presentations, and will showcase more than 160 First Nations artists. Take the family to watch The Making of Pinocchio, walk through Lightscape in the Botanic Gardens, or be a part of setting a world record of the largest kazoo sound off ever.

    September 1st - 23rd
    Events across multiple venues in Brisbane

  • Sydney Fringe Festival

    The Sydney Fringe Festival is the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales with over 450 events over 70 venues across Greater Sydney. There will be a free singer-songwriter performances for Acoustic Ritual in George Place in the CBD; an AI-generated art block party down the street at Sydney Place; Young Henrys' Best Served Loud live music series hitting Parramatta for the first time; and the closing party in Kensington Street in Chippendale, which will feature a line-up of around 50 performers celebrating Caribbean culture as picó collective El Gran Mono takes over the city's most eclectic eat street.

    1st - 30th September
    Events across multiple venues in Greater Sydney

Theatre and Entertainment

  • WICKED The Musical

    The smash-hit Broadway sensation WICKED has landed on Sydney’s shores and will be running from the 25th of August for its 20th anniversary. Full of unbelievable music, opulent costumes, and meticulously designed sets, this show is a crowd favourite. Winner of over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, translated in to six languages and seen by more than 60 million people in 16 countries, WICKED is undeniably defying gravity.

    Showing from August 25th, Sydney Lyric Theatre

  • Upcoming Concerts 2023: Tickets On Sale Now

    Paul McCartney 2023
    Oct 18th, Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
    Oct 21st, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
    Oct 24th, McDonald Jones, Newcastle
    Oct 27th, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
    Nov 1st, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
    Nov 4th, Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast

    Robbie Williams 2023
    Nov 16th, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
    Now 22nd & 23rd, AAMI Park, Melbourne

    Weeknd 2023
    Nov 20th & 21st, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
    Nov 24th & 25th, Accor Stadium, Sydney
    Dec 1st & 2nd, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

    Christina Aguilera 2023
    Nov 25th, Flemington Racecourse

  • Upcoming Concerts 2024: Tickets On Sale Now

    Blink 182 2024
    Feb 8th & 9th, RAC Arena, Perth
    Feb 11th, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
    Feb 13th, 14th, 26th, 27th & 29th, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    Feb 16th, 17th, 23rd & 24th, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    Feb 19th, 20th, 21st, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

    Jonas Brothers 2024
    March 1st & 2nd, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    March 5th, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    March 8th and 9th, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Sport

  • NHL

    History will be made as the first National Hockey League teams make their way to the southern hemisphere this September in the 2023 NHL Global Series. The Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes will face-off in two exhibition matches at Rod Laver Arena. It will be one of the boldest moves the NHL has made to cultivate the game globally.

    September 23rd & 24th
    Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

  • AFL Finals

    The final run home means the true contenders have been revealed for this year’s AFL Final Series. With plenty of surprises and ladder shake ups, the AFL is well on its way to an exciting Grand Final at the MCG. For those travelling interstate to spectate, be sure to secure your accommodation with our travel manager.

    When booking through Quintessentially, members will receive benefits at the top hotels in Sydney and Melbourne. These include;

    • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

    • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

    • $100USD equivalent in local currency credit to be utilised during stay

    • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

    • Flexible cancellations on best available rates.

Family & School Holidays

  • Cherry Blossom Festival

    Take in the magical sights of Japan at the gorgeous Cherryhill Orchards in the Yarra Valley. Wander through rows of millions of cherry blossoms in bloom, enjoy delicious cherry ice cream, listen to live music, and participate in compelling activities for the whole family. Choose from a flower crown workshop, candle-making classes or even a high tea picnic set amongst the blossoms. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can enjoy the sky-high views with a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley.

    September 16th - October 15th
    Cherryhill Orchards, Yarra Valley

  • Tesselaar Tulip Festival

    Now in its 68th year, the Tulip Festival has become a must visit destination, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each season. The four week-long festival runs daily with electrifying and outstandingly themed events. Learn about Turkish, Irish and Dutch cultures, dance to live jazz music, and indulge in the local food and wine, including the infamous Dutch poffertjes.

    September 16th - 15th October
    357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

  • Melbourne Royal Show

    Where country meets city, and every day is full of delight and excitement, the Melbourne Royal Show is set to be a crowd pleaser. Get up close and personal with sheep, dogs, cats, and alpacas. Choose from dog shows, Champion equestrian competitions, the Paramount parade, or the woodchop championships; there’s something for everyone! At night you could catch pop-band Sheppard or hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso for some musical entertainment, thrill seek with a motor cross stunt show, or watch live fire and pyrotechnic shows.

    September 21st - 1st October
    Royal Showgrounds, Melbourne

  • Disney's Beauty and The Beast: Now Showing

    Beauty and the Beast the Musical revives Disney’s 1991 animation in a theatrical masterpiece that captures a tale as old as time, through the panorama of a multi-sensory spectacle in this two-and-a-half hour production. This enchanting and timeless tale features songs including Belle, Gaston, and Be Our Guest. Beauty and the Beast is a much-loved classic that will fill the hearts of a new generation.

    Showing every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday until the new year
    Capital Theatre, Haymarket

  • Werribee Open Range Zoo

    Have a roaring time at Werribee Open Range Zoo this school holidays! Three lion cubs were born on June 4th; the first litter of the threatened species to be born at the zoo in almost six years. Engage in a wide range of lion-themed activities and try sneak a peek at the new cubs, Mwezi, Kianga and Jango as they venture out for the first time amongst the growing lion pride.

    September 16th - 1st October
    Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee

  • The Wiggles: Tickets On Sale Now

    The Wiggles will make their highly anticipated return to stages around Australia, when they bring their brand-new Wiggly Big Day Out arena tour around the country. The newest Wiggles: Tsehay, Evie, John, and Kelly, will be joining the original group, as well as all of their Wiggly friends, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn, Officer Beaples, and Bok the hand puppet.

    November 4th & 5th, Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
    November 11th, MyState Bank Arena, Hobart
    December 2nd, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    December 7th, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
    December 9th, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    December 13th, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow
    December 16th, Qudos Banke Arena, Sydney
    December 23rd, Aware Super Theatre, Sydney