TREAD LIGHTLY

With great adventure comes great responsibility. Travel with a clear conscience thanks to these local brands and businesses that are working to build a better world, Cassy Polimeni writes

DINE

ETHICAL EATING Regularly voted one of the world’s best restaurants, you don’t need another reason to visit Attica, but if you did this unassuming restaurant in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea has an innovative fine dining menu with an emphasis on sustainable seafood and produce and the ethical treatment of animals and livestock. Head chef Ben Shewry creates dishes inspired by the environment, incorporating often overlooked ingredients, such as native leaves and roots (attica.com.au).

Hailing from Federation Square, in the bustling heart of the city, Taxi Kitchen serves up a strictly free-range menu with all vegies handpicked from its very own rooftop garden (taxikitchen.com.au). Located on sixth floor of Curtain House – where you’ll also find Thai restaurant Cookie, live music venue the Toff in Town, and the Rooftop Cinema in season (December to March) – Mesa Verde boasts some of the city’s best Mexican food, one of Australia’s largest collections of tequila and mezcal, and a rooftop compost garden (mesaverde.net.au). Also in the city, Kinfolk Café is run by volunteers, with profits channelled into partner charities. Tuck into wholesome, hearty breakfasts, lunches and quality coffee, then choose the project you would like to support by dropping a coffee bean into your chosen jar (kinfolk.org.au). Richmond’s Long Street Coffee employs refugees and assists them with future study and employment opportunities. Pull up a chair

at this cosy organic cafe, where the emphasis is on local seasonal produce and warm hospitality (longstreetcoffee.com).

Reduce your impact on the environment without compromising your taste buds at one of Melbourne’s many plant-based eateries – from St Kilda’s award-winning Matcha Mylk Bar, with its Instagram-worthy bright green burger buns and deceptively delicious mushroom lattes, all served alongside lashings of matcha (powdered green tea), to Serotonin Eatery in Burnley, where every item on the menu has been chosen for its mood-boosting properties. Fitzroy’s Smith & Daughters has an Italian-inspired menu, featuring mouth-watering vegan “chicken” piccata and “meatballs” in vodka red sauce alongside more traditional plant-based dishes (smithanddaughters.com). This is the place to take your cynical carnivore friends – we promise you won’t hear any complaints, and you might even witness a conversion! At Lentil as Anything, diners pay what they feel, making wholesome, tasty food accessible to everyone. You’ll find LAA restaurants in Abbotsford, St Kilda and Thornbury (lentilasanything.com).

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: Attica and Matcha Mylkbar.

SPEND WISELY In an age of fast fashion, Kuwaii harks back to an earlier era with its philosophy that clothes and shoes should be worn a thousand times. These effortlessly beautiful garments are made from sustainable fibres, by workers who are paid a fair wage (kuwaii.com.au). With simple, stylish pieces and quirky accessories, Elk embodies the slow fashion movement, manufacturing thoughtfully-designed products with an ethical supply chain and an emphasis on animal welfare (elkaccessories.com.au). Obus do their bit for the environment by using only likeminded suppliers to create their high quality pieces for women, and partnering with a tree-planting program run by Seed the Change (obus.com.au).

Melbourne knitwear brand Otto and Spike will keep both body and soul warm during the Melbourne winters – their brightly coloured scarves are made from 100 per cent Australian wool, often salvaging leftover wools which would have been wasted (ottoandspike.com.au). Find them at Melbournalia, where everything you see on the shelves is locally produced (melbournalia.com.au). Emporium Melbourne brings together a host of ethical and sustainable designers under one roof, including Australian brands Arnsdorf, Viktoria and Woods, Bassike, Dion Lee, Manning Cartell and Finnish design house Marimekko (emporiummelbourne.com.au).

Of course when it comes to sustainable fashion, you can’t beat second-hand. There are a plethora of inspired op shops around Melbourne and tours to help you navigate them. We recommend starting with Hunter Gatherer, tucked away within the Royal Arcade basement. They’ve handpicked the best items from Brotherhood of St Lawrence op shops across Victoria for your browsing pleasure. With locations in Melbourne’s CBD, Fitzroy and South Yarra, Vintage Sole is another one-stop wonder for high quality second-hand fashion, including leather jackets and boots (vintagesole.com.au). And for pre-loved designer clothing, bags and accessories, be sure to check out South Yarra’s Secondo Boutique (secondo.com.au). .

WILD LIFE

ANIMAL LOVERS If you’ve ever wanted to meet koalas in their natural habitat, or join a mob of wild kangaroos, you’ll want to sign up with Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours. These small group eco tours include pick-up and drop-off from Southern Cross Station and selected Melbourne hotels, and a substantial picnic lunch including traditional billy tea. Best of all they are run by experienced, passionate koala researchers and wildlife guides so you know that the entire experience is coordinated with the animals in mind. If you’re lucky you might even catch a peek of other native residents, including parrots, emus, honeyeater birds, possums and lizards (echidnawalkabout.com.au).

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home to five ecotourism attractions and a variety of coastal reserves, wetlands and woodlands managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks. Experience the world famous Penguin Parade, see one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies up close on an EcoBoat Tour, become a virtual explorer to the world’s most extreme continent with the multimedia Antarctic Journey, and see koalas in their native habitat as you stroll treetop boardwalks at the Koala Reserve. Profits from these attractions help fund world leading little penguin research, conservation programs and reconciliation programs developed in conjunction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land (penguins.org.au).

From June to September, female Southern Right Whales migrate north from the Antarctic to birth their calves in the warmer waters along Victoria’s coast. Warrnambool’s Logans Beach (off Hopkins Point Road) is a great place to witness the spectacle (visitwarrnambool.com.au). On the Mornington Peninsula, swim alongside dolphins and seals or watch them frolic from your boat. Be sure to book with a licensed tour operator like WaterMaarq (watermaarq.com.au) or Polperro Dolphin Swims (polperro.com.au) who will follow the strict guidelines in place to protect endangered dolphins. Or stay

on dry land and visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you will have chance to get up close to animals with animal encounters and their worldfamous night tours (moonlitsanctuary.com.au).

Thrill seekers take note: nestled among the treetops of the majestic Otway Ranges, Live Wire Park is powered entirely by nature, with minimal impact on the environment. Soak up breathtaking views on the Canopy Circuit – 120 metres of wheelchair-accessible pathway, suspended among native Blue Gums – or get your heart racing on Australia’s most extreme zip line. The park is solar-powered with all water used collected and treated on site, making it a truly sustainable business (livewirepark.com.au).

Fear not if you are pressed for time, you can still get a nourishing nature fix in the heart of the city. With more than 8500 plant species, sweeping lawns perfect for lounging, pristine lakes and abundant wildlife all spread across 36 hectares, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens are a wonderful way to while away an hour or a day. There’s a full calendar of events – from educational workshops for kids, to wellness experiences, bush tucker tours and the Branch Out program for over 60s – and visitors to Melbourne’s southeast can visit the Australian Garden in Cranbourne, which focuses on Australian flora. RBG Victoria is committed to education, and initiated the Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens to help protect botanic landscapes in the face of climate change (rbg.vic.gov.au).

THIS PAGE: Great Otway National Park.

GO WILD Glamping (or ‘glamorous camping’ – for travellers who love nature, but with a side of creature comforts) is having a moment in the sun, perhaps because it exists at that perfect nexus of unique adventure and ethical travel.

There are a number of tantalising options for would-be glampers to choose from. Mount Buffalo National Park offers more than 90 kilometres of walking tracks, waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect spot for a luxury ‘glampsite’. With 10 bell tents, lush linens and furnishings and the creature comforts of home, visitors can relax after a busy day of adventure and exploring (undersky.com.au).

Located at popular Devil Cove campground in Lake Eildon National Park, ‘Glamping with Nature’ by the awardwinning Yea Peppercorn Hotel offers all the luxury trimmings of glamping alongside health and wellness experiences, kayaking, cooking classes and group fitness classes (glampingwithnature.com.au). Venus Bay Eco Retreat is nestled in pristine bushland on the South Gippsland Coast, and managed by a sustainable small business that contributes to biodiversity conservation. The retreat is powered by solar energy and utilises onsite rainwater that provides all domestic water. In the rooms, guests are equipped with earth-friendly and ethically produced products and food offered on site is from certified organic producers (venusbay-ecoretreat.com.au).

Sheltered Glamping provides guests with luxury accommodation and comfort in a unique, minimal-impact setup on the grounds of Wild Dog Creek, a significant Aboriginal site on Phillip Island. Five tents – with beds for up

to 15 people – allow visitors to sleep beneath the stars and among native wildlife including wallabies and a range of migrating birds (shelteredglamping.com.au).

Just a stone’s throw from Phillip Island and accessible by ferry, French Island feels a million miles away and is as off the grid as you can get in modern Australia. Its 110 permanent residents power their homes via solar power and generators, and enjoy secluded beaches, uninterrupted views and abundant native wildlife right on their doorstep. Travellers looking for a nature-based experience can explore this rugged, unspoilt island with Naturaliste Tours, visiting hidden spots and historic sites and learning about the island and its history, all from a four-wheel-drive (naturalistetours.com.au).

Famous for its rugged mountains, spectacular waterfalls, wild flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art sites, the Grampians National Park (‘Gariwerd’ in the local Aboriginal language) is unique among Australia’s national parks, and a worthy addition to your itinerary. Start your journey at Brambruk the National Park and Cultural Centre where you can learn about the Park’s unique environment and Aboriginal heritage, watch award-winning multimedia presentations in the Gariwerd Dreaming Theatre, or sample traditional Aboriginal foods at the Bushfoods Cafe before you set off to experience the park and all its natural wonders. Try kangaroo, emu or crocodile if you dare, or play it safe – there’s something for everyone (brambruk.com.au). DV

NA TU RE

Editor’s picks OUR

SPENCER OUTLET CENTRE

SKY HIGH

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. Eureka Skydeck 88 is home to the world’s only “Edge Experience”, a glass cube which projects three metres out from the building – with you inside! Located in Southbank at the top of Eureka Tower, Skydeck 88 is an experience above all else.

eurekaskydeck.com.au

ST COLLINS LANE

Home to an unrivalled mix of international designer labels, flagship stores and local favourites, St. Collins Lane is situated in Melbourne’s famed Collins Street precinct. Transcending the notion of the shopping centre experience, St. Collins Lane is a must-visit for those seeking unique food, fashion and lifestyle within a place of luxury in the heart of the CBD.

stcollinslane.com Spencer Outlet Centre is Melbourne CBD’s only outlet centre. Discover over 100 stores including TK Maxx, Cotton On Mega, Harris Scarfe, Chemist Warehouse and Coles supermarket.

Located next to Southern Cross Station, in the City’s free Tram zone, Spencer Outlet Centre is open 10am to 6pm daily, and trades until 8pm on Fridays. The Food Court opens from 8am for breakfast.

spenceroutletcentre.com.au

A RT S CEN T RE MELBOURNE

A defining Melbourne landmark and Australia’s largest performing arts centre, Arts Centre Melbourne has been Melbourne’s leading venue for world-class theatre, dance, music and more for over 30 years. It incorporates the Theatres Building, which hosts performances by Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet, the Playhouse and the intimate Fairfax Studio, as well as Hamer Hall, where you can experience musical performances by the likes of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Take a tour, enjoy free exhibitions, shop for treasures at the Sunday Market or refuel at one of many bars and cafes onsite.

artscentremelbourne.com.au

ST KILDA ESPLANADE CLOCK TOWER

MELBOURNE STAR, DOCKLANDS

CHINATOWN AT NIGHT

FLINDERS STREET STATION

M.J BALE LEVEL TWO

When you enter the reimagined world that is Emporium Melbourne, you will feel like you have stumbled upon something truly unique. A sublime fusion of design, food and fashion flows through the architectural veins, setting the pace in a sea of retail sameness

Since opening in 2014, Emporium Melbourne has firmly established itself as the City’s pre-eminent shopping destination, an experience like no other. World class in every way, innately Melbourne in the finer details, the Centre marks a dramatic integration of the old and the new. Passing through the grandiose 1920 Myer façade, Emporium Melbourne has a way of immersing you into what feels like a living art piece. Every angle is visually stimulating, from the mesmerising design to the world’s leading brands showcasing their luxury flagship stores in standout style. CALIBRE LEVEL TWO

BEC + BRIDGE LEVEL TWO

Be prepared for a sensory explosion with food offerings that redefine the very notion of shopping sustenance. The aromas and visual delights from a spectacular cafe court are set against a backdrop of soaring ceilings reminicent of Melbourne’s uber cool laneway eateries. Make your way to level four where you’ll find iconic restaurants Tetsujin and Din Tai Fung, the latter previously anointed by The New York Times as one of its ‘Top 10 Restaurants in the World’.

There are lots of little surprises hidden within Emporium Melbourne’s eight floors and impressive 45,000 square metres of retail space. Alongside Japanese casualwear giant UNIQLO and the Japanese minimalist flagship MUJI, you will find top-tier brands including Chanel, Mulberry, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ted Baker and Furla amongst the 225 stores in-centre.

Home to one of the largest collections of Australian designers under one roof, you can scope out contemporary fashion from leading brands like Dion Lee, Manning

Cartell, CAMILLA AND MARC and Bec + Bridge, sharp suiting and shirts from leading menswear brands Calibre and M.J. Bale, plus all the latest looks from perennial favourites including Scanlan Theodore and Camilla.

The Lower Ground is the hub for youth and urban wear. Delve deep into Superdry for some Americanameets- Japanese-graphics street wear. Or head to level one for a mix of middle to high-end brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Aesop.

A divine juxtaposition of gallery gloss and matte Melbourne black, Emporium Melbourne is a must-see experience when visiting the city.

Needto know

287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

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THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Emporium Melbourne interior; Emporium Melbourne Café Court.