Latest news with #YarraRiver
The Australian
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
Luxury meets sustainability in Melbourne
Experience a first look at Melbourne's brand new 1 Hotel – a place where Victoria's natural environment is celebrated in every element of your stay. 1 Hotel Melbourne is unlike any other experience in the city. A retreat right on the Yarra, the hotel honours the city's natural beauty and vibrant heritage in everything it does. The commitment to sustainability, and reverence for Victoria are reflected in everything from the design elements to the locally-focused menus of its signature restaurant, From Here by Mike. Featuring 277 guest rooms and 114 hotel-branded residences, as well as several dining options, 1 Hotel Melbourne merges luxury and nature through its design and interiors. More than that, it honours Melbourne's heritage in a sustainable way. For example, during construction, heritage-listed materials from the city's old Goods Shed No. 5 were reused and restored to begin a new chapter in the city's story. Decorated with 7000 plants, the interiors of 1 Hotel emphasise its focus on nature. The lush atmosphere is enhanced by light streaming through the expansive glass walls – connecting guests to Melbourne with views of the Yarra River and beyond. Repurposed wharf materials are woven throughout the property's design, used to both enhance the aesthetic and fill functional roles. For example, 1944 bluestone pavers from the old Goods Shed No. 5 have been preserved to form a heritage footpath. Other materials reused include subaquatic wharf timbers, railway sleepers, steel trusses, and even window frames have been restored to celebrate Melbourne's history. Signature restaurant From Here by Mike has been created in partnership with celebrated Australian chef Mike McEnearney. With a focus on local ingredients and a low-waste approach, the restaurant heroes Victorian producers, showcasing the quality and variety of produce available close to Melbourne. Menus will evolve throughout the day, but all retain the same ethos of low waste and sustainably grown food. There will be a focus on local growers, with diners encouraged to learn more about the people behind their meals. The wine list will also focus on local boutique growers, with a map showing the different regions each wine comes from. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink, the ground-floor Crane Bar and Lounge offers locally distilled spirits alongside Australian wines, in a space designed to encourage connection – both with fellow guests and Melbourne's vibrant surroundings. Wellness is also central to the ethos of 1 Hotel Melbourne, reflected in its dedicated wellness area. This includes a stunning indoor swimming pool, the Bamford Wellness Spa, a gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and even ice baths for guests to enjoy. Located on the banks of the Yarra, 1 Hotel Melbourne invites guests to slow down and take time to appreciate everything the city has to offer. Perhaps take a coffee to the gardens outside, or relax with a glass of local wine as you watch Melbourne evenings come to life. Be among the first to experience 1 Hotel Melbourne, where nature and luxury converge to create an extraordinary retreat in the heart of the city. Reservations are now open. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1 Hotel Melbourne.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Abbotsford: Iconic Skipping Girl's multimillion-dollar transformation
She's skipped above the Yarra for nearly 90 years, and now Melbourne's beloved Skipping Girl is the face of a bold new comeback. The neon-lit figure perched atop 651 Victoria St, Abbotsford has long been one of the city's most recognizable icons. Now, the building she calls home has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation aimed at attracting modern businesses with character, charm and city-fringe appeal. Singer Property Group has overhauled the landmark office complex with a striking new lobby, ground-floor cafe space, brand-new end-of-trip facilities and upgraded office suites ranging from 108sq m to 867sq m, many featuring private terraces and Yarra River views. Buyers eyeing forgotten Melb Woolies store It's the first time in years the Skipping Girl building has been repositioned in such a comprehensive way, and Colliers Melbourne East director Matt Cosgrave said interest has already been strong. 'The Skipping Girl building is one of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks, and that kind of instant recognition definitely sparks interest,' Mr Cosgrave said. 'There's something about its heritage character and nostalgic appeal that immediately draws people in.' A mix of event agencies, creative firms, marketing studios and professional services businesses are among the early enquirers, many of them relocating from inner-east precincts such as Hawthorn and Kew. 'It's a bit of a standout, really,' Mr Cosgrave said. 'You're not comparing apples with apples, this is a genuinely unique offering.' The revitalised building blends heritage red brick, black steel frames and high ceilings with natural light, modern finishes and open-plan layouts. Several suites open directly onto tree-lined balconies, while the ground-floor upgrades offer hospitality potential in a pocket fast becoming one of Melbourne's creative hotspots. Singer Property Group director Ari Singer said the project's design aimed to honour the building's past while preparing it for the next generation of tenants. 'From the moment you step inside, the city just fades away,' Mr Singer said. 'You're surrounded by greenery, river views and that iconic neon sign. It's unlike anywhere else.' The site is flanked by the Main Yarra Trail, Whitworth Gardens and the newly completed Walmer St pedestrian bridge, offering strong links to cycling and foot traffic from surrounding suburbs. Mr Cosgrave said many prospective tenants were looking for city-fringe office space that delivered on both amenity and atmosphere. 'In my view, the CBD isn't really competing with a building like this in Abbotsford,' he said. 'We're seeing more tenants from the inner east looking for transport access, character, parking and lifestyle — without the sterility of a high-rise.' 'Its heritage charm and iconic presence are attracting tenants who might otherwise stay put, it's pulling people in.' And for those still undecided? 'It's a premium-quality workspace in a truly iconic Melbourne setting, and it ticks every box for the modern city-fringe tenant,' Mr Cosgrave said.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Horror as woman's body is found in the Yarra River in Victoria
The body of a woman has been found in a river in rural Victoria. Members of the public found the woman in the Yarra River at Warburton, about 75km east of Melbourne, at about 11am on Monday. She has not been identified. 'Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the death,' police said. More to come.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Andy Lee makes smug comment about not having kids with his partner of ten years Rebecca Harding
Andy Lee has risked rustling up some internet trolls with his latest comment about his child-free lifestyle with his partner of 10 years, Rebecca Harding. The Australian comedian and his fiancée recently celebrated the fourth birthday of their only child, a beloved Welsh Terrier named Henri. On Monday, the 43-year-old luxuriated in a midday sleep in to mark the King's Birthday public holiday. 'It's 11.48am,' he captioned a photo taken of his dog curled up at his feet in bed, with the curtains in his Melbourne apartment still drawn. Andy shared the post to his Stories with the caption: 'Tell me you don't have kids without telling me you don't have kids.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The funnyman, 43, and Rebecca, 35, returned to Melbourne on Saturday from a quick jaunt to New York City to pay a visit to Andy's recently opened Aussie-themed Manhattan pub, Old Mates. With Andy at the helm of the venture, it is backed by an owner's group that includes the likes of Hamish Blake, tennis star Ash Barty, surfing legend Mick Fanning, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins and Hollywood A-lister Hugh Jackman. The comic did not let jet lag get to him either, getting back on the tools at his $8million renovation of an 1870s-era home built on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River by Saturday afternoon. Andy freely admits that the ambitious project has taken precedence over planning their upcoming wedding. 'Most of our planning times and decision time we spend on the house,' Andy said with a laugh when he appeared on TMZ's Big Down Unda podcast in March. Asked by host Charlie Cotton for details about the wedding, Andy said he was 'lo-fi' while Bec is very 'hi fi'. 'When people come round to our house I don't feel the need for napkins for instance,' he said. 'But because Bec is very hi-fi, I'm lucky because I get the benefit of is nicely laid out and its the right cutlery... 'And I'm worried that [the wedding] is going to be that X a 1000.' Andy said the couple had no plans to a family right now — but teased a potential to change that. 'If Bec wants to [have a baby] I'm open to all that kind of stuff,' he said. It's quite the turnaround from comments the comic made in an interview with Kate Langbroek for the Mammamia Unfiltered podcast last year. 'I've gone through times where I thought I would, and then I've definitely gone through patches of feeling, "I don't think I want this at all. We'll see",' Andy confessed. 'One thing I do love about not currently having kids is how available I am to my family. My mum, my dad and I were down at the beach house the other day and they said, "When are you going to start a family?" 'And I said, "You realise you wouldn't be here in this beach house if I had my own family and kids." I think I spend so much time with them because of [being child-free].' 'I love being available to people. It's something that I love with friends - being a reliable source to call upon,' he continued. 'I do definitely worry that having my own family means that I give that up... People think that's selfish. But it's not, I get a lot of self-worth [out of it].' Parenthood, he said, doesn't mean a person can't show up as a good mate, but 'it's all-consuming'. 'Naturally, people turn inward when they have their own kids,' he said. Ultimately, Andy said, marriage isn't 'super important' for the couple. He said he thinks Rebecca will be 'an amazing mum,' but the often 'unfair pressure' on child-free couples to announce their future plans isn't helpful. 'There's no rub between Bec and I on that front. Because she also doesn't want [kids] right now. This is the misconception,' he added.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- General
- Travel Daily News
How to plan an epic helicopter tour
The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. Planning a helicopter tour isn't something you do on a whim. It takes a bit of coordination, especially if you want to get the most out of the experience. Whether you're looking for something low-key or something more extravagant, there are a few things you'll want to sort out ahead of time. Here's how to approach it without making it feel like a chore. Think Through the Type of Experience You Want Do you want to fly over a city skyline, follow a coastline, land on a mountain ridge, or touch down in a vineyard? The kind of route you pick will shape everything else that follows. Let's say you're considering a helicopter ride Melbourne has on offer. That could mean flying over the city center, hovering near the Yarra River, or heading out toward the Great Ocean Road. Knowing what you want to see helps narrow down your options fast. It also helps the operator recommend something that fits your expectations. Pick the Right Operator Once you've got a rough idea of your route, the next step is choosing an operator that matches your priorities. Some focus on quick tours, others on luxury packages. You might also want to check how many passengers per helicopter they take, especially if you're planning something private or low-key. If you're booking a helicopter charter Melbourne travelers often use for custom routes, check if they offer private tours, pilot commentary, and flexibility with pickup points. Not every operator can do last-minute route changes or special landings. Ask specific questions. You'll get more useful answers. Ask About Aircraft Types and Seating Some helicopters come with large windows and rear-facing seats, while others are more compact with tighter legroom. If you're aiming for clear photos or just prefer a more open feel during the flight, the aircraft type makes a difference. Also, find out if the tour guarantees a window seat. On a scenic helicopter experience, that's a big deal. No one wants to pay for an aerial adventure and end up in the middle seat with a limited view. If you're flying for work-related reasons or planning something for a client, this matters even more. In some industries, a helicopter flight can double as an important business tool. It offers a way to survey property, review infrastructure, or simply make an impression. In those cases, the seating, visibility, and overall aircraft setup shape how useful the trip ends up being. Know What's Included (and What's Not) Don't assume that everything is bundled into the price. Some tours include landing fees, fuel surcharges, and a champagne toast, while others add those later. It's better to ask than to be surprised. If the tour includes a canyon floor landing or a stop at a winery, confirm how long you'll be on the ground. And check if it's a guided stop or free time. If you're planning a day trip, the timing matters more than most people think. A rushed landing doesn't always feel worth it. Time It Right Flying in the morning usually means calmer air and better lighting. That's ideal if you're hoping for those sharp aerial views or want to catch that golden-hour glow on the way back. Late afternoon or early evening flights can offer epic views, especially during sunset. Just know that weather and visibility can shift quickly. Some operators reschedule if conditions change too much. It's smart to have some flexibility built into your plans. Consider the Occasion Helicopter tours work for a bunch of different occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or just doing something different on vacation. If it's for one of those special occasions, most operators will let you customize parts of the trip. That might mean booking the entire aircraft or arranging for something like flowers on board. Small touches like that usually make the experience feel more personal without turning it into a spectacle. Prepare the Right Way Most tours kick off with a quick safety briefing. Nothing too technical; just what you need to know to stay safe and comfortable. Pay attention to the tips about headsets, seatbelts, and camera use. It'll help you settle in faster once you're up in the air. Dress for the weather on the ground, but keep in mind it's often a little cooler once you get airborne. Layers are your friend. And go easy on the accessories; scarves and loose hats don't mix well with rotor blades. Book Early, Especially During Peak Season Tours fill up fast during school holidays and summer weekends. Booking in advance gives you a better shot at your preferred time slot and aircraft. Some operators also offer a better range of options if you're planning months out instead of days. This also gives you some buffer time in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Most companies will let you rebook if there's poor visibility or high winds. Just don't count on booking the day before and getting prime conditions. Don't Overcomplicate It At some point, you've got to stop planning and just go. Helicopter tours are meant to be fun. As long as you've picked a reputable operator, clarified the basics, and packed light, you're set. The rest is about being present. The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before.
