O pen
Coast & Country Edition
Dromana
22A Pier Street, Dromana
Form & Flow
Architecturally stunning and ideally located, this four-bedroom residence redefines Peninsula luxury with its exceptional design and effortless liveability. Curved lines, engineered oak floors, and ample natural light characterise the interiors, where high ceilings and thoughtful finishes create a seamless indooroutdoor flow.
A wide entrance hall introduces an expansive open-plan living and dining area framed by sliding stacker doors to a private courtyard garden - perfect for entertaining. The sleek stone kitchen features premium Miele appliances and an integrated Fisher & Paykel dishwasher.
Upstairs, a second living space enhances flexibility, connecting three robed bedrooms, a sky-lit central bathroom, and a main
suite with walk-in robe and dual-vanity ensuite. A ground-floor guest bedroom with a semi-ensuite adds versatility for multigenerational living. A remote garage with internal access and additional off-street parking complete the residence.
Just moments from the beach, local cafes, tennis courts, and freeway access, this refined retreat offers a considered balance of form, function, and finesse in one of the Peninsula’s most coveted pockets. ■
For enquiries contact
Bradley Pearce 0430 460 900
Olivia Brenchley 0419 900 719 VIEW LISTING
This stunning residence seamlessly blends striking architecture with everyday comfort, just steps from Dromana Beach. Featuring multiple living zones, luxurious finishes, and a versatile floorplan, this modern family home is crafted for both entertaining and easy coastal living.
Bradley Pearce, Marshall White Sales Executive
In Conversation with
Luggage should be better. That was the simple idea that sparked July. Frustrated by overpriced, uninspired suitcases, Richard Li and his co-founder Athan Didaskalou set out to disrupt the industry. Since then, July has redefined travel with sleek, durable, and thoughtfully designed luggage.
We spoke with Richard about July’s journey and redefining the future of travel while staying true to its Melbourne roots.
What inspired you both to enter the luggage industry, and how did your backgrounds influence the initial vision for July?
When starting July, my co-founder Athan and I had already founded a handful of previous businesses between us; we’re entrepreneurs through and through. At the time, we were both travelling a lot for work and getting frustrated at the dodgy cases we were using and the massive disconnect between price and quality. You’d see these legacy brands charging $800 or $900 for basically the same aluminium shell that’s been around forever. Meanwhile, the direct-to-consumer revolution was happening in every other category, from skincare to sunglasses, and we just thought - why hasn’t anyone disrupted luggage yet?
July is known for its innovative and personalised luggage designs. Can you share insights into your product development process?
When we first started, we read through thousands of customer reviews of existing luggage brands - proper deepdive research that revealed countless frustrations travellers were experiencing. That intensive research phase really shaped our entire approach to design.
One of our most valuable assets has been our retail storefront at our headquarters in Melbourne, where our design team is also based. It’s more than just a shop - it’s essentially a live testing ground where we can observe how people interact with our products and gather immediate feedback. This direct customer engagement has helped us identify subtle design improvements that wouldn't be apparent through online sales alone. We’re constantly learning, iterating, and improving our range.
How do collaborations with athletes and events like the Australian Open align with your values and drive growth?
Our partnership with the Australian Open really represents a perfect alignment of values and heritage. Tennis is part of our city’s DNA - Melbourne is one of only four cities in the world to host a Grand Slam, and that sporting excellence and style is
deeply woven into our cultural fabric. The collaboration was a natural fit because tennis, particularly the AO, embodies that unique intersection of high performance and sophisticated style that we strive for in our products.
The partnership has been particularly powerful for us on social media. The content we created for the limited-edition tennis range has generated some of our highest engagement rates in the last year; it’s been really successful. For many customers, their first experience with July isn't walking past our store or seeing our ads - it’s discovering us through social content.
How do you balance maintaining July’s Australian identity while expanding into international markets and appealing to a diverse audience?
The Australian thing is interesting because while we’re proud of our Melbourne roots, we’ve always thought of ourselves as a global brand. We focus on universal travel pain pointseveryone wants a suitcase that's lightweight, durable, and thoughtfully designed, whether they're in Sydney, Singapore, or San Francisco.
With a rapidly growing global presence, what is your longterm vision for July, and how do you see the brand evolving in the next five to ten years?
Looking ahead, we’re really focused on building July into the world’s most loved travel brand. Not just luggage - we’re thinking about the entire travel journey. We’ve already expanded into travel accessories, but there’s so much more to come. The vision is to be a fashion brand that makes travel fundamentally better through clever design and technology. Five years from now, I see us having a complete ecosystem of travel products, all working seamlessly together. But we’ll never lose that obsession with quality and innovation that got us startedthat's just part of our DNA now. ■
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Eggplant Parmigiana from Malèna Cucina & Bar
Photo Credit Kate Pascoe
Indulge in the flavours of Calabria and Sicily with Malèna Cucina & Bar's Eggplant Parmigiana, a Southern Italian classic created by Head Chef Domenico Fazzari.
Ingredients Method
2 large eggplants, sliced Salt
¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
1 red onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 x 400 g can crushed tomatoes
½ tsp dried oregano
6–8 basil leaves
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cracked black pepper
1 ½ cups (180 g) mozzarella, grated
1 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
1 loaf of good-quality crusty bread, sliced
1. Prepare the Eggplant
Thinly slice the eggplants into rounds about ½ cm thick.
Sprinkle generously with salt and rest on a clean tea towel for one hour.
2. Make the Napoli Sauce
Heat four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a mediumsized pot over high heat.
Add the garlic to the pot and remove it once it turns deep yellow.
Add the onions and sauté until soft.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Eggplant
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a clean tea towel.
Fry them in hot vegetable oil until golden.
4. Assemble the Parmigiana
Spread two spoonfuls of Napoli sauce to cover the base in a small to medium-sized terracotta ramekin.
Add a layer of fried eggplant slices.
Top with Buffalo mozzarella and a couple of basil leaves.
Add more Napoli sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the Process
Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used.
6. Bake
Cook in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
7. Serve
Serve hot with slices of crusty bread.
Time: 2 hours
Serves: 4
Malena Cucina & Bar
151 Martin Street, Brighton
ASPAR Embracing Community Beyond Skincare
Founded in 1997 by Australian spa pioneer
Lyndall Mitchell, ASPAR was born from a vision to enhance wellness experiences at Aurora Spa in Melbourne. Over the years, ASPAR has grown into an internationally recognised brand known for promoting relaxation, wellness, and the healing power of Australian botanicals. But behind its success lies a commitment to the local community and sustainable practices, making it a brand that goes beyond skincare.
Lyndall Mitchell’s journey into wellness started on her family’s fruit farm and native nursery in Queensland, where she developed a deep appreciation for the power of the natural world. After finishing school, Lyndall worked at a health retreat, helping clients unwind from the pressures of daily life. This experience ignited her passion for holistic wellness and led to the creation of Aurora Spa, Australia’s first urban spa, in 1997.
Located at the iconic Prince Hotel in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Aurora Spa was designed to provide a retreat for those seeking rest and rejuvenation without leaving the city.
Today, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse continues to redefine wellness at its new home within the Continental Sorrento complex. This luxurious setting enhances the spa’s offerings, combining cutting-edge spa treatments with bathhouse rituals, curating a premier destination for those in search of relaxation.
While Aurora Spa became a haven for those looking to escape the stresses of modern life, Lyndall recognised that her clients needed more than just in-spa experiences. They wanted to take the calming effects of the spa home. This realisation led her to create ASPAR’s product line. Initially hand-mixed by Lyndall herself, the products were designed to deliver therapeutic benefits quickly and effectively, catering to clients who may not have the luxury of time for lengthy spa treatments.
ASPAR’s products are made locally in Melbourne. By sourcing as many ingredients and services locally as possible, ASPAR plays an active role in nurturing the community it calls home. Each product is formulated with botanically active essential oils and pure extracts to deliver therapeutic results that align with Lyndall’s vision of “packing nature in a bottle.”
The brand regularly supports local charities, gifting products to those in need and contributing to causes that align with its values. From health initiatives to local events, ASPAR stays connected to its foundations.
“We believe business is part of the community, not separate from it,” says Lyndall. This belief shapes everything the brand does, from using recyclable packaging to adopting ethical production practices. ASPAR was also the first Australian spa to join the GreenSpa Network, dedicated to sustainability in the wellness industry.
At the core of ASPAR’s mission is the belief that wellness should be accessible and integrative. Lyndall’s personal goal of living a healthy, happy, and harmonious life is woven into the brand’s DNA. Through its spa treatments, locally made products, and community initiatives, ASPAR offers everyone the opportunity to bring wellness into their daily lives.
As Lyndall puts it, “My goal for ASPAR and Aurora is to offer clients the opportunity to experience and integrate their own take on wellness into their lives to help them be the best they can be.” This ethos drives ASPAR to continue making a positive impact, both locally and globally, one bottle at a time. ■
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AUTUMN ACTIVITY PICKS UP PACE
Signs are pointing to new energy across the property market. With school holidays wrapped up and families returning to routine, buyer activity is expected to ramp up in the coming days and weeks.
Traditionally, this period signifies a shift where momentum begins to build once again after the Easter break. This year is no exception. We are already observing early signs of increased engagement: more enquiries, stronger attendance at open houses, and a rise in appraisal requests from potential sellers eager to test the market before winter arrives.
On the Mornington Peninsula, that momentum is especially noticeable. Our offices in Sorrento, Flinders, and Mt Eliza
are gearing up for a busy time, with a solid stream of new listings drawing attention from both lifestyle buyers and local upgraders. Well-presented, move-in-ready homes are expected to see strong interest, especially with many holidaymakers keen to explore what’s available.
This moment in the market tends to be a key window for decision-making. For sellers, now is a strategic time to listwhile competition remains moderate and demand is on the rise. If the signs are anything to go by, the market is well-positioned to deliver a strong finish to the autumn market.
Contact your local Marshall White team for expert advice and a clear strategy to make confident, informed decisions in the weeks ahead. ■
From $1,450,000
Grandview offers luxury 2, 3 and 4-bedroom residences in Prahran East Village, near Hawksburn and High Street. Designed by Carr Design, these homes feature 3m ceilings, bespoke joinery, smart home tech, and city views. The exclusive Penthouse is $19M. Customisable floor plans, with a display suite available. Construction starts mid-2025. Secure now for significant stamp duty savings.
646 High Street, Prahran
Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by
Elevated Living
2 Moona Avenue, Mornington
Set in a central beachside pocket of Mornington, this newly built double-storey home by 4D Homes offers flexible living across two light-filled levels. The layout includes a ground-floor main suite, open-plan living and kitchen, and a second living zone upstairs with three bedrooms. A private deck, double garage with internal access, zoned heating and cooling, and quality finishes throughout complete the picture - just a short walk to Main Street, beaches, parks, and transport. For enquiries contact Kate Morgan 0473 001 022
The “Black Shack” at Brankeet Farm
secluded
from Mansfield,
Mt Buller, The “Black Shack”
The Local Edit
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at Immigration Museum - Until 27th April 2025
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
A Walk in the Park 2025 - 27th April 2025
Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mercedes Benz Club Victoria Display - 27th April 2025
Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank VIC 3006
Run the Tan - 27th April 2025
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
Oak Hill Gallery Market - 27th April 2025
Oak Hill Gallery, 100 Mornington Tyabb Road, Mornington VIC 3931
L'Enoteca's 'Mercoledì Di-Vino' - 30 th April 2025
546 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Live at the Lume - 2nd May 2025
5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Warrandyte Riverside Market - 3 rd May 2025
Stiggant Reserve, 45-55 Yarra Street, Warrandyte VIC 3113
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 3 rd May 2025
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill VIC 3937
Xavier College Maytime Fair - 3 rd May 2025 135 Barkers Road, Kew VIC 3101
Mornington Running Festival - 4th May 2025
Mornington Park, Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931
Peninsula Music Society presents Flinders Quartet with Paavali Jumppanen, piano - 10 th May 2025
Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Mother's Day Classic - 11th May 2025
Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne VIC 3004
Mornington Racecourse Market - 11th May 2025
Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Melbourne Design Week - 15th May - 25th May 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Office Locations
Albert Park
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999
Armadale
1111 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
Balwyn
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
Fondue Chalet at Fed Square - 15th May - 22 th May 2025
Fed Square, Skyline Car Park, Melbourne VIC 3000
Shoreham Community Market - 17th May 2025
67-85 Byrnes Road, Shoreham VIC 3916
RSPCA Million Paws Walk - 25th May 2025
Multiple locations across Victoria
You Matter's High Tea for Hope - 25th May 2025
The Westin Hotel, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
The Mount Martha Briars Market - 25st May 2025
The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha VIC 3934
Van Gogh at the Lume - Until 1st June 2025
5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Van Gogh High Tea - Until 1st June 2025
Crown Towers Hotel Lobby, TWR, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert4th June - 7th June 2025
Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road, Arts Centre Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
Rising - 4th June - 15th June 2025
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 7th June 2025
Pt Nepean National Park, Ochiltree Road, Portsea VIC 3944
French Impressionism - 6 th June - 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Soul Night Market Mornington - 13 th June 2025
Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Top Arts 2025 - Until 20 th July 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
Hawthorn 10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000 Flinders
Level 1/801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999
Manningham
Level 1/908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9840 1111
Mount Eliza
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
Sorrento
60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000
