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 by Navarone

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Melbourne For 2025

You’re heading out for dinner. But to where? Melbourne literally has hundreds of restaurants that could truly be considered the best. Do you want sky-high views, do you want a degustation that just doesn’t end, or is it about a bunch of tiny plates and fun wines? Whatever it is, we got you.

Fam

This Adult-Focused Playcentre Is Serving Up Icy Beers & Epic Slides

Ever been at the kids’ play centre and thought, ‘I wish there was a little more here for me?’ Well, you’re not the only one. Hoopla has opened as Australia’s first ‘parent’ focused kids indoor play centre and family outing spot (read: there’s a grown-ups menu). 

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.

News

Chadstone Drops Line-Up For Foodie Precinct With Champagne & Oysters

The southern hemisphere’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone has just dropped the lineup for a massive 26,500sq m foodie precinct. The two areas, The Market Pavilion and Dining Laneway will host some of Melbourne’s tastiest food retailers. 

Restaurants

The Best Japanese Melbourne Restaurants, 2025 Edition

Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, sashimi, or donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese eateries to dive into. From cozy ramen joints like Little Ramen Bar to upscale sushi experiences at Kisumé, Melbourne’s Japanese food scene is unmatched... except for, you know, Japan.

Restaurants

The Best 15 French Restaurants In Melbourne

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.

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.

Travel

Grab Your Mates And Rent This Entire Private Island Off Tasmania For Just $150 A Night

Ever wanted to live out your very own White Lotus experience but without the murder mystery? Three Hummock Island, a private island off the Tassie coast might be just the spot to do it—best of all you can rent it for pittance. 

Features

We Found The Secret Ingredient To Melbourne’s Best Burgers

We wanted to really find out what constitutes a good burger, so we asked the masterminds behind some of our faves. It turns out that there’s a bit of a theme—a secret ingredient if you will—to all of the burgers we know and love.

Bars & Pubs

Melbourne’s Best Bars For A Boozy Good Time In 2025

Best bars, best bars, best bars... Unlike the bartender we're not going to ask, "what do you usually like?", we're just going to hit you with some straight fire. That's right, 29 of our editor-approved watering holes.

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Ice Cream And Gelato In Melbourne 2025

The heat is beaming down, the beach is calling, and you've got a thirst that only the iciest drink is going to quench. But there's something else calling your name, something that is going to instantly cool that core temp down, something that is totally worth forgoing the summer bod for—ice cream.

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnb Beach House Stays In Victoria (Updated 2025)

Nothing beats ditching the big smoke in the summertime for a stint down the coast. Packing up the car and heading south is an integral part of the culture; recharging the batteries and getting some much-needed sun and rest. Victoria has a rich coastline with some of the most unique beaches and bays in the world; from the long-stretching Great Ocean Road to the crystal blue waters of Mornington Peninsula, and the remote stretches of Shipwreck Coast. To experience the ocean to the fullest there’s no better way than pulling up stumps at a beachside shack and taking all in that sea air. 

Things To Do

Where To Watch The Super Bowl In Melbourne 2025

The Super Bowl is a big deal, and whether or not you're into American sport you can't help but get caught up in the fever, the chicken wings and of course the drama.

Restaurants

The Best Greek Restaurants Melbourne Has To Offer In 2025

Following waves of immigration in the sixties and seventies, Greek food and culture has become a huge part of Melbourne’s culinary identity. 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 in Melbourne, with plenty of options for the souv-fans, seafood lovers, dairy queens and vegetarians out there. 

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.

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.

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. 

Food & Drink

Aww Shucks! This Is Where To Find Melbourne’s Best Oysters

Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we're shelling out the details on the city’s best.

Local Escapes

12 Of The Dreamiest Airbnb Pool Stays In Victoria

There’s nothing quite like parking it up by the pool. To ensure you maximise the sun and the good times this summer get your eyes across these incredible pool stays across Victoria.

Food & Drink

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

Have a bit of a sweet tooth after dinner? Or maybe you're just craving a sugary fix from one of Melbourne's many incredible dessert bars. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our top picks for dessert in the CBD and further afield. These are Melbourne's best dessert spots for 2025.

Food & Drink

12 Of The Best Gluten Free-Friendly Spots To Eat In Melbourne Right Now

Navigating Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene while sticking to gluten-free options has never been easier. Think gluten-free pasta dishes, pizzas, and even indulgent desserts—all made with care and quality ingredients. If you’re seeking the best gluten-free restaurants in Melbourne, these spots have you covered.

Things To Do

23 Date Ideas In Melbourne That Aren’t Dinner And A Movie

Stuck for unique date ideas in Melbourne? The sheer number of options is overwhelming, but don't worry we've got you. If you're looking for the best, fun, cute, cheap, cool, free or first date ideas we have something good for everyone.

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. 

Local Escapes

The 15 Best Camping Spots Across Victoria In 2025

Want to know where to pitch your tent? We’ve rounded up the best campsites in Victoria. Most are a pretty easy drive from Melbourne and for the rest... just tell your boss you’ll be coming in sick on Monday.

Restaurants

Where To Find Melbourne’s Best Vegan Restaurants In 2025

If you're a hungry herbivore, look no further than our guide to Melbourne's best spots for vegan eats, from burgs to fine dining, it's all here.

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

20 Romantic Getaways In Victoria That Are Swoon-Worthy

Finding time for romance can be tricky, but we've made your life easier. From spa sanctuaries, luxury rooms in wine country tp cosy cabins in the woods, we have you covered with these 20 stunning romantic getaways from the Mornington Peninsula to the High Country and everywhere in between. Here the most romantic getaways in Victoria for 2025.

Bars & Pubs

The 20 Best Wine Bars In Melbourne, 2025 Edition

Where’s the best spot to get a good glass of vino in Melbourne? Here’s your handy cheat sheet.

Food & Drink

Budget Ballin’: Melbourne’s Best (And Most Affordable) Cheap Eats In 2025

Looking for the best cheap eats in Melbourne? We've got you covered with a curated list of delicious, budget-friendly spots around the city. Dive into our picks for the top cheap eats Melbourne has to offer and discover how to satisfy your cravings without splurging.

Bars & Pubs

The Best Bars In Melbourne’s CBD For 2025

Melbourne’s CBD is a treasure trove for bar lovers, home to some of the best in the country. Whether you’re chasing a hidden laneway bar, soaking up the sunset at a rooftop, or settling into a cozy wine bar, there’s something for every vibe. From classic cocktails to cutting-edge creations, Melbourne’s CBD bars have you covered for any occasion—be it a casual knock-off drink, an afternoon aperitivo, or a full-on night out. 

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.

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.

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. 

Cafes

Your Guide To The Best Cafes In Collingwood For 2025

Coffee runs thick through Melbourne's veins, and in every corner of the city you'll find caffeine-soaked cafes to frequent. But cafes go beyond a good coffee, and for Collingwood cafes, we're spoilt for choice. You've got specialty sandwich joints with lines down the street, spots that swap caffeine for cocktails as soon as the clock strikes twelve, and some of the best French toast you'll get your hands on. We shall not delay you any longer. Here is Urban List's guide to the best cafes in Collingwood for 2025:

Restaurants

These Are The Best Richmond Restaurants For 2025

Resting on the edge of the CBD, Richmond is a bustling metropolis of Melbourne. The bar and restaurant rich suburb is easily one of the busiest precincts for drinking and dining, whether it be a pre-match pint and parma before sauntering to the holy grounds of the MCG or a full six-course set menu.

Restaurants

Your Ultimate Guide To Lygon Street’s Best Restaurants For 2025

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.

Restaurants

Where To Celebrate Melbourne Lunar New Year 2025

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises wisdom, transformation, stability and creativity and we're here to learn and grow, and celebrate.

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Geelong For 2025

Geelong’s restaurant scene is thriving, offering a vibrant mix of culinary experiences that firmly establish it as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Once living in Melbourne’s shadow, this seaside gem has emerged with its own bold personality, leaning heavily into its love for fresh, local seafood.

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.

Best Of

These Were Your Fave New Openings For 2024 (And Ours Too)

Pick plates, rooftops and gluten-free, moody retro venues and lots of small plates: there were some definite themes to new openings this year, and we were there for all of them. This is your 2024 restaurant guide wrapped. 

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.

Bars & Pubs

Afloat’s Sun-Soaked Pool Club Is Officially Open For Sips And Dips

Melbourne’s favourite floating bar, Afloat, is reminding you summer season is about to hit with the annual unveiling of its pool, and this year, it’s an absolute belter. 

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

Chapel Street’s Jam Factory Is Officially Closed But We’re Hanging Out For Its $2.75B Redevelopment

We all have memories of traversing the empty foyer of South Yarra's Jam Factory to head to the cinema, but no more. The iconic precinct has officially closed to make way for a $2.75 billion redevelopment which will see it become a massive shopping and dining hub that will land somewhere between Collins Street in the CBD, and Chadstone Shopping Centre—bougie.

Local Escapes

Your Guide To The Mornington Peninsula In 2025

This is our locals, and not-locals guide to everything to eat, drink, see, do and stay on the Mornington Peninsula.

Things To Do

Our Three Day Must Eat, Drink, Do And See Guide To Victoria’s High Country

The High Country means something different to every Victorian. Maybe it’s fond memories camping at Sheepyard Flat over Christmas as a kid, or skiing at Hotham when the powder is heaving. Best of all, there's something for everyone so we've put together a solid travel guide and three-day itinerary for your next country escape.

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. 

Things To Do

World-First LEGO Star Wars Exhibition Landing In Melbourne On May The Fourth

Patience, young padawan LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition will be knocking down blast doors and arriving in Melbourne next year at Melbourne Museum.

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.

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.

Features

Kookaburras, Mountain Vistas & Best Of All, Solitude At The Buckland Studios

Kookaburras cackle as the clouds slowly drift down Mount Buffalo while we sit, swish a local bottle of saperavi and watch dusk fall on an enchanting spring evening in the High Country. We're at The Buckland Studios, a romantic kid-free getaway with stunning views of Mount Buffalo.

Restaurants

Go To Malin For The Oyster, Stay For The Mashed Potato & Impeccable Hospitality

Serving up the perfect twist on French fare, Malin, Carlton North’s new mini fine diner would look more at home in a souk than Rathdowne Street, but it’s not the decor we care about, it’s their beef and oyster tartare, ballotine chicken, and coconut vanilla mashed potato.

Markets & Food Events

Twenty Three Delicious Reasons To Hit Up Il Mercato Centrale

The Melbourne edition of il Mercato Centrale, originally launched in Florence in 2014, offers a dynamic day-to-night dining experience, from light snacks to full restaurant meals. Located in the iconic McPherson building on Collins Street, this 2,500 sqm space has been transformed into a vibrant retail and culinary hub.

Bars & Pubs

Now Open: Arbory Afloat Alla Capri Is Officially Out Of Hibernation

Just in: Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant Arbory Afloat is officially out of hibernation and has returned for its ninth season on the Yarra. This year's theme? An Italian beach club—specifically Capri.

Food & Drink

Chopsticks, Hands & Napkins Needed For Tombo Den’s Infinitely Snackable Menu

Moving in next door to Hawker Hall, Tombo Den is Chris Lucas’ second Windsor haunt and third Japanese-inspired restaurant in the Lucas Restaurants empire. The restaurant and bar will open 7 September and we reckon Tombo Den will be the more approachable younger sibling to Yakimono and Kisumé with a bumpin’ Tokyo vibe.

Food & Drink

We’re Eating Brunch Like Scandi ‘It’ Girls Thanks To This Pint-Sized Cafe

Melbourne is breakfast royalty. Our fair city has easily the most elevated cafe game in the country, if not the world. But what happens when you hit peak breakfast? Someone flips the game and you get a spot like Lilijana Eatery in Port Melbourne. It’s brunch done differently. 

Things To Do

Sante! Sip On 110 French Wines In The Historic St Kilda Town Hall At Le Grape Escape

From the same crew that brought us So Frenchy, So Chic, tuck into 110 wines from 13 wine regions at Le Grape Escape in St Kilda's historic Town Hall.

Restaurants

Your Ultimate Local Melbourne Guide To Father’s Day 2024

The annual holiday celebrating all things Dad is fast approaching with September 1 just around the corner

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.

Health + Wellness

You Won’t Be Able To Buy Vapes In Australia From Next Week

It feels like literally everywhere in Melbourne sells some kind of vape, so what's going to happen when they're banned from next week? 

Health + Wellness

Grab A Prosecco Tin, Soak And Unwind At This Bougie Gold Coast Spa Coming To Melbourne

Sip on prosecco and unwind as this bougie spa institution hailing from the Gold Coast opens its first Melbourne franchise.