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Navarone Farrell

Melbourne Editor | Urban List, Melbourne

Navarone is a passionate lover of all things French, a seasoned traveller, and a connoisseur of life's finer (and quirkier) experiences. With over a decade of experience in journalism, editing, and digital media, he's built a career exploring the vibrant food, bar, and cultural scenes across Australia, from the tropical landscapes of North Queensland to the cool climate of Tasmania.

Now based in Melbourne, Navarone has immersed himself in the city’s dynamic food and drink world, uncovering hidden gems and hunting down the best festivals, all while sharing his love for great stories and culinary delights. Always on the lookout for the coolest things to do in Melbourne, he also finds time to satisfy his travel itch by exploring new local spots.

When he’s not writing about Melbourne's latest and greatest, you can find Navarone hiking Victoria’s national parks, wandering high streets with his pugs in search of new cafes, or relaxing with a good book, a glass of wine, and some vinyl spinning in the background.

The Good Life By 

Pugs + Bushwalks + Espresso

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Articles

Victoria's Best Country Pubs
Bars & Pubs

These Are Victoria’s Best Country Pubs That Are Worth The Drive

We’re pretty lucky in Victoria, we definitely have some of Australia’s best country pubs. Big, grand old dames, or ramshackle, quirky little numbers with plenty of nooks and crannies. Victoria’s Best Country pubs are tough to nail down. Is it the vibe, is it solid gigs, where does food fit into the equation? What about a bangin’ wine list, because that certainly exists too.
Gifts

The Best Flower Delivery Melbourne Has To Offer In 2025

You know those scenes in the movies when someone gets a huge bouquet delivered to their office? And all the co-workers gather and gush about what a sweetie the sender must be? Well, you can be that sender in 2025, thanks to Urban List finding the best flower delivery Melbourne has to offer.
A cake at Koi, one of Melbourne's best dessert spots.
Food & Drink

We Reckon These Are Melbourne’s Best Dessert Spots In 2025

Whether you’ve been out at one of Melbourne’s best restaurants and require an equally excellent dessert or just have a craving for sugary goodness that warrants an excursion, Melbourne is home to plenty of dessert bars, patisseries and other sweet offerings that are sure to tickle your fancy. 
Things To Do Ballarat
Local Escapes

A Local’s Guide To Eating, Drinking And Hanging Out In Ballarat

Arguably Melbourne’s most picturesque regional city, Ballarat was founded in 1838 and was the centre of the gold rush in Victoria—and very briefly one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s come a long way since then and it’s not just about gold rush history anymore—there’s more things to eat, drink, do and see than ever before.
Bars & Pubs

Your Guide To The Best Cocktail Bars In Melbourne For 2025

When the clock hits cocktail hour you don't want to be messing around, it's time for a crisp martini or meaty negroni. Thanks to Melbourne's stellar culinary and bar scene there are some seriously good spots around the city to get a glass in hand. From hidden watering holes to some serious first-class swank here are Urban List's picks for the best cocktail bars Melbourne has to offer in 2025.
Astoria Bar Ke Grill in South Yarra, one of Melbourne's best Greek restaurants.
Restaurants

The Best Greek Restaurants Melbourne Has To Offer In 2025

We’ve got the largest Greek population outside of Athens, so it’s no surprise the city is brimming with Greek taverns and family-owned restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets. It’s a tough task, but we’ve pulled together the best Greek restaurants Melbourne has to offer, with plenty of options for the souv-fans, seafood lovers, dairy queens and vegetarians out there. 
A stunning hot spring in Victoria, called Alba.
Wellness

The Best Hot Springs Victoria Has To Offer (Updated 2025)

If you’re craving a nature escape with a side of serious relaxation, Victoria’s hot springs are just what you need. These natural oases are designed for you to unplug, unwind, and soak away your worries in mineral-rich waters. From stunning coastal retreats to hidden mountain gems, we’ve rounded up the best hot springs in Melbourne and Victoria that are perfect for a rejuvenating day trip or a luxurious weekend getaway.
A pizza from Shop225 which has just won the equivalent on two Michelin stars, but for pizza.
Restaurants

These Are Melbourne’s Best Pizzas, The 2025 Edition

One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class from classic leopard spotted Neapolitan-style to thick-cut deep dish. 
What's On

Here’s Everywhere To Watch The State Of Origin In Melbourne

Want to watch Sydney and Queensland battle it out for the State of Origin without having everyone crowd around the TV in the living room like a packet of sardines? You’re in luck, because some of Melb’s finest pubs and bars are screening the game, plus, you’ll even be able to grab a parma and a pint whilst you watch!
Restaurants

These Are The Best Richmond Restaurants For 2025

From little bistros that will transport you to the streets of Rome to meticulously made nigiri at hatted omakase restaurants, you could easily (and happily) get lost in Richmond's food scene. These are the best restaurants for every types of occassion. 
A busy street in an inner-city with cars zooming down it.
Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Collingwood For 2025

Collingwood is historically home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, bars, shopping, street-art, and well ... just about everything else. The inner-city (hipster, shh) suburb is truly a cultural melting pot, simmering from the north and south end of the suburb. But if you want a local tip, cut through the main drag on Smith Street and you'll see what's on offer is proper fire.
What's On

The Gig Feed | All The Melbourne Music News You Need To Know

There's nothing quite like the music scene in Melbourne. Any night of the week in pretty much any stretch of the town, you can catch live tunes—be it howling, foot-stomping rock 'n roll in sticky-floored pubs, sultry jazz in booth-seated lounges, or dirty techno at one of the many dens and d-floors in town.
Spring rolls.
Restaurants

The Best Thai Restaurants In Melbourne, 2025 Edition

We’ve all got our local Melbourne Thai restaurant that we swear by and practically have on speed dial—or at least saved in our favourites on our food delivery app of choice. No matter your preference, if you're looking for the best Thai restaurant Melbourne has to offer, you're in luck.
Melbourne's Best Steaks.
Restaurants

The Best Steak In Melbourne For 2025

Forget diamonds—Melbourne’s real luxury is a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re after a melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a charred, smoky ribeye, or an old-school pub porterhouse with all the trimmings, this city delivers.
Best French Restaurants Melbourne.
Restaurants

The Best French Restaurants In Melbourne In 2025

Melbourne’s bustling dining scene owes a very honest tip of the hat to France. Every suburb has its own cache of bakeries, bistros and patisseries reminiscent of the City of Lights, and if you're like us wondering why you're here rather than there, well, this list might just save you the trip.
News

Hut, Hut, Hut, Touchdown! The NFL Is Coming To Melbourne

We’re calling it a touchdown. Further cementing Melbourne as Australia’s sporting capital, next year we’re going to be able to catch live NFL games. Yep, American football—the National Football League—a la Travis Kelce is coming to us live.
Melbourne's Best Dumplings. Chiki Chan In Mordialloc.
Food & Drink

Your Guide To The Best Dumplings In Melbourne For 2025

Good things come in small packages, and so do great things, such as Xiao Long Bao. Our city is spoilt for choice when it comes to these often-steamed, sometimes-fried pockets of flavour, so much so that you’ll be left doing laps of Chinatown until everything shuts up shop for the night.
A shot of a jacaranda tree with the CBD in the background.
Things To Do

The Five Best Spots To See Melbourne’s Most Beautiful Jacaranda Trees

The sight of the blossoming purple flowers of the Jacaranda trees is a friendly reminder that the true frosty season is over and there are warmer climates ahead. The Jacaranda is typically earmarked with the coming of summer and Christmas (according to the jingle). The floral tree is an Australian icon in the plant community and a welcome beacon to the tail end of the year. 
Flower Drum restaurant in Melbourne's CBD.
Restaurants

The Best Chinese Restaurants In Melbourne In 2025

Arguably one of the greatest, most historic and popular cuisines that the world has to offer, it’s never a surprise to our wallets or our stomachs when we start craving Chinese food, and we’re sure you’re no different. Something about it makes it the ultimate comfort food, what with the savoury, salty, complex fusion of flavours.
Local Escapes

The Best Glamping Spots In Victoria In 2025

Let's face it, if you don't like camping, you don't like it, that's why glamping in Victoria has skyrocketed in popularity. Who wants to rough it when you can stay in a beautiful bell tent on a winery? There are a lot of fantastic sites across the state, and most of them aren't too far from the city. Here's Urban List's guide to the best spots for glamping Victoria has on offer for 2025.
Melbourne and Victoria's Best Beaches, Brighton Beach and the Beach House.
Local Escapes

These Are Melbourne’s Best Beaches In 2025

Beaches in Victoria are a coveted commodity, often guarded and kept hush-hush. From Hampton Beach and the hidden gems of Melbourne to the stunning coasts of the Mornington Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island, and more, there are spectacular stretches of sand and ocean waiting to be explored.
Things To Do

The Best Go Karting In Melbourne 2025

Go karting is a timeless activity. The almost child-like pursuit of speed and reckless endangerment is a thrill that you can’t (and shouldn’t) get driving to coles. With many tracks and karts around town, all with their own different bends and different levels of engine CC’s, it can be a little difficult to know where exactly you should burn rubber. 
Food & Drink

What’s Open For New Year’s Day In Melbourne (2025 Updated)

Let’s be honest, when you roll out of bed on New Year’s Day you’re going to want a rather large coffee–preferably made by someone else. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes open New Year’s Day in Melbourne for all your hangover needs. You won’t want to cook your own food either, right? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered for that too.
Fitness

Find Balance At The Best Yoga Studios In Melbourne For 2025

Melbourne yoga studios have stepped up their game over the years. It used to be you just needed to do some basic stretches alongside some ambient tunes. But now we’ve got Bikram yoga, rooftop yoga, gorgeous Zen palaces and secret rooftop lofts, beer yoga, yoga sound baths and everything in between. If you want to know the best place to get your stretch on in Melbourne, assume Child’s Pose and get reading.
What's On

Catch The World’s Biggest Yayoi Kusama Exhibition At The NGV

In a monumental celebration of contemporary art, NGV International is hosting the largest-ever retrospective of iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Featuring over 180 works, this expansive exhibition spans Kusama’s extraordinary eight-decade career, making it a global first and an unmissable event.
Features

Here’s Why You Need To Make Maison Bâtard Your Next Night Out

Eight years in the making and Chris Lucas’ mutli-storey CBD is paying homage to regional French cuisine, with a healthy dose of joie de vivre thrown in. Named after a French-style country loaf of bread, Maison Bâtard leans into its namesake and will focus on stripped-back, regional French cuisine. 
U:L Recommends

This Is The Must-Have Summer Essential For Every Activity

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to step up your skincare game—especially with all the beach days, barbecues, and outdoor adventures in the pipeline. Meet M/STR Hydrate + Defense SPF30, your new go-to for protecting and nourishing your skin while keeping it safe from harmful UV rays.
Free and cheap things to do in Melbourne, like visit the State Library of Victoria.
U:L By You

Budget Ballin’: The Best Free And Cheap Things To Do In Melbourne

We love Melbourne, but you know ... living in one of the world's best cities comes with a price tag, good thing Urban List has you you covered with a stack of things to eat, drink, do and see all on a shoestring as part of our series Budget Ballin'. This time we've teed up 20 of the best cheap and free things to do in Melbourne to keep both you and your hip pocket happy.
Fam

World-Class Golf Simulator Now Open In Clyde North

Big swing, all ding! The suburbs are set for another cracking entertainment venue, this time in the form of an indoor golf simulator. X-Golf is moving into Clyde North on August 21 and will provide a sports entertainment hybrid with a big food and drink offering. 
Restaurants

Farmer’s Daughters Has Given Its Rooftop A Zhush In Time For Spring

From all-day casual dining and a coffee window on the ground floor, through to the hatted Restaurant offering a degustation menu on the first floor and finishing with a Rooftop oasis celebrating Gippsland wines, Farmer’s Daughters works collaboratively with artisans and food and wine producers from the region to bring Gippsland to the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

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