Local psych-rock sensation Beans drops third studio album ‘Boots N Cats’
Beans, the renowned Geelong garage-psych band, has unleashed their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Boots N Cats’, via Fuzz Club Records. The album, a follow-up to their critically acclaimed works ‘Babble’ (2018) and ‘All Together Now’ (2020), sees frontman Matt Blach taking percussion to the forefront of the music, resulting in a captivating blend of sunshine and gloom.
Titled with a nod to Blach’s childhood memories of drum lessons with his father, ‘Boots N Cats’ serves as a musical journey through contrasting emotions and experiences. From vibrant synesthetic movements to haunting melodies, the album is a testament to Beans’ ability to blend heavy guitar riffs with trickling melodies reminiscent of the psychedelic greats of the past.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
To celebrate the release, the band have offered up a unique insight into their creative process with a captivating track-by-track breakdown, shedding light on the inspiration behind each song.
‘Groove’
Groove is about self consciousness and good times. Taking the time or moment you have and purely enjoy it for what it is. It’s also about insecurities of not being a dancer, or having confidence to let loose or feel comfortable to enjoy yourself upon a dancefloor – get ya groove on!
‘Toxic News’
This track is about pure sewerage that’s so often received from news/tv/politics and especially war.
Also advertisements or toxic topics that can be horrible guidelines/advice towards or for younger people’s young opinionated brains. Whilst consuming, learning, adapting to adolescence.
This song is about a lot of things that piss me off the most to be honest haha.
‘Kookaburra’
This track again formed entirely from the beat first approach. This one track in particular Jack Kong wrote the guitar and bass parts and I (Matt) played drums. It was crafted via just jamming with each other at our place in North Melbourne whilst we were living together at the time. We decided to keep it instrumental to let the instrumentation shine; also called it ‘Kookaburra’ as I thought the wah pedal sounds like a morning call from a kooka.
‘Haunted’
Haunted by the fear to fail. Explains itself very simply. This song is also about many things again. It’s about life’s ups and downs, whilst strung from a wide metaphor for anyone that they aren’t or can’t accomplish enough. Or are auditing things or actions to accommodate others rather than be themselves or be happy with who they are.
‘Strung Along’
Again a broad metaphor. Many story frames, like trying to please others and making amends. Maybe also on people that may get criticised for who they are or talking sarcastically to string them along. Whilst based on the discussion of being tricked or fooled into something. “There was no credit warning” is dug from the realm of companies/businesses and how there is always fine print for you to miss, and it’s going to fuck you over, possibly.
‘One to Four’
This track was purely based on the stops and accents in the beat. It’s called one to four as the main hook the drum hits start from 1 – 4 haha.. This track in particular is grasping a hope to tip a respectful hat to ‘The Meters’ who we admire dearly.
‘Silhouette’
This is more direct to retaliation and preparation. I was staying with a friend at the time and an unwanted/unpleasant visitor came to the door in the middle of the night. That’s where ‘Unfamiliar silhouette’ originated from. It was a strange time and I can laugh about it now but also glad how it helped to place this into fruition in a way.
‘Calling’
“Calling’ is about that period of Covid time (or anytime really) where everyone, including myself, felt like they were going insane. When people were being really sensitive and reactive, calling people out over pure boredom – obviously sometimes worthy, sometimes far-fetched. ‘Keyboard warriors’… It also reflects on topics of self-destruction and health/wellbeing. ‘Calling’ out or having serious or decent/meaningful conversions, with someone you connect with. Not surface/sheep/safe interactions.
‘Siamese Blundstone’
It started from a jam at a friend’s party. I was playing bass at the time and there was about 10 or so people in the room. There was obviously drums and guitar etc, but also many bongos and bottle tapping going on haha. Jack played drums on this track; it’s another hat tilt to some fun/wild times.
‘Dreaming Daisy’
‘Dreaming Daisy’ is a song for the devil on your shoulder, tackling addiction/alcoholism and “people wanting to live their life to prove right to others rather than themselves”. Or being themselves/knowing who they are. It’s a broad metaphor to anyone struggling or second guessing situations in their life. Personally I (Matt) have always felt like an introverted weirdo/ airhead. This is all based on all of the open and broad above topics.
It’s written to be received from various points of view or perceptions. Based on a fictional character ‘Daisy’ who is feeling like she is lost and worried and is digging herself a deeper hole or situation.
‘Casio Casino’
Casio casino is a funny one. It’s literally called this because I made it with a real shit but cool 80’s Casio, and it reminded me of the presence of a casino. Like fake glamour with someone rolling a huge strut. Branching on how corrupt those joints are and the way they operate.
Bean’s third album Boots N Cats is out now on all platforms.
Snake Eyed Rollers
Join Snake Eyed Rollers on carriage D for the Blues Train.
She will be joined by Jimi Hocking on carriage C, Jarrod Shaw on carriage B and Jungle Jim Smith on carriage A.
Anthea Jewels Band
Join Anthea Jewels Band on carriage D for the Blues Train.
She will be joined by Anna Scionti on carriage C, Sam Buckley on carriage B and Matt Katsis on carriage A.
Laurel and The Painkillers
Join Laurel and the Painkillers on carriage D for the Blues Train.
She will be joined by Jay Howie on carriage C, Joshua Batten on carriage B and The McNamarr Project on carriage A.
Painters and Dockers
Painters and Dockers
“The first mistake about art is to assume it’s serious” – Lester Bangs.
We’re All Going To Nude School. The Boy Who Lost His Jocks On Flinders Street Station. You’re Going Home In The Back Of A Divvy Van. I Like It Both Ways. Die Yuppie Die. I Know Better Queens Than That (“she can suck a golfball through a straw”). Basia. Kill Kill Kill. In My Mind.
Live shows by the Painters and Dockers are a total entertainment experience. A band based in punk rock, power pop, with soulful horns, instant classic songs, flamboyance and showmanship as good as it gets. It’s not a superior air that they bring to the stage – it’s a communal, one-in all-in let’s take this baby to the stars and hang there as long as we can in an orgy of outrageous exuberance. The gig IS the after-party, right from the start, and everyone’s invited.
Do not assume this band is without a message. Do not assume they don’t sound incredible live. Do not assume that your new favourite band won’t be forty years old.
They were only suppose to play once!
Infamous Melbourne punk band The Painters and Dockers formed for the one night in 1983 to help friend Billy Walsh from the Cosmic Psychos’ pay off some parking fines.
The band named themselves after the infamous trade union members who drank at the Port Melbourne pub where the benefit was to be held.
Well that night ended in a riot with a pitched battle between police and union members, music lovers running off screaming into the night and the band left with a reputation as an instant punk party.
Some 1500 shows, eleven albums later and tours of North America, Canada, New Zealand and all over Australia under their belt, the band now have an esteemed place in Australian rock history.
Well known songs by the band include DIE YUPPIE DIE, NUDE SCHOOL, KILL KILL KILL, YOU’RE GOING HOME IN THE BACK OF A DIVI VAN, ALL MEN ARE BASTARDS, MOHAWK BABY, I KNOW BETTER QUEENS THAN THAT, NEW WORLD ORDER, THE BOY WHO LOST HIS JOCKS ON FLINDERS STREET STATION and countless more.
Along with many tours of their own The Painters And Dockers have supported the likes of Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Billy Idol, The Cramps, The Gun Club, The Monkees, Midnight Oil, Jonathan Richmond, Divine, Killing Joke, Hoodoo Gurus, Paul Kelly And The Coloured Girls, The Angels, Divinyls and many many more.
The band also gained wide spread media coverage on their “Rocking The Rails” documentary tour which saw them play on a classic steam train on suburban railway stations around Melbourne and on “Rocking The Bay” which saw them play on the back of an ocean going hovercraft on piers around Port Phillip Bay.
Singer Paulie Stewart even appeared on Channel 9’s, ”A Current Affair”, where he faced allegations the band were “Satanists” by a Queensland Pastor.
A band with a strong social conscious, The Painters And Dockers have been involved in countless benefits and most notably appeared alongside waterside workers on the picket line during the MUA waterfront strike of the 1990s
In 2010 the band were inducted into The Age’s “ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME”, and more recently they delivered a blistering set when invited to appear at the iconic Community Cup Football Game.
Get ready to Dock!
Songs for Suzanne
Songs for Suzanne will be a celebration of the beginnings of a distinguished career of a brilliant singer-songwriter. Alongside standards including “Bird On A Wire”, “So Long, Marianne”, “Avalanche”, “Hallelujah”, and “Famous Blue Raincoat”, will feature many songs never performed by the man himself on his Australian tours. Cohen’s songs will be presented faithfully in the way they were originally recorded. Musical accompaniment for the singers Henry Wagons, Melbourne icon Rebecca Barnard, the shape-shifting post-colonialist Delsinki, the incredible talent Alma Zygier and Jacinta Caruana, will consist of mesmerising finger-plucked guitar strings provided by Ben Dix and Dan McKay and the haunting violin of Xani Kolac.
Venue change for Ballarat’s Homegrown festival featuring Slowly Slowly, Kisschasy, The Getaway Plan
With a quick venue change, the sounds of Victoria will resonate louder than ever at Civic Hall in Ballarat with Homegrown, a brand-new festival boasting an all-star lineup of local acts.
On Saturday, March 23rd, Ballarat’s Civic Hall will now play host to Homegrown, featuring headliners Slowly Slowly and Kisschasy. Joining them on stage will be a lineup of sensational acts including The Getaway Plan (performing ‘Other Voices, Other Rooms’ in full), Press Club, Lashes, and Catholic Guilt.
With the festival previously announced for Kryal Castle, all existing tickets purchased to Kryal Castle remain valid and no action required.
Alongside the Ballarat event, Homegrown Festival will also take to Melbourne the week prior on Saturday 16 March with stellar performances from some of Victoria’s finest musical talents, including Slowly Slowly, Kisschasy, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, Waax, Void of Vision, Tooslow, Enola, and Hassall.
Homegrown 2024 Festival Ballarat
- Civic Hall, Ballarat
- Saturday 23 March 2024
Homegrown 2024 Festival Lineup
- Slowly SLowly
- Kisschasy
- The Getaway Plan
- Press Club
- Tooslow
- Lashes
- Catholic Guilt
- Emo Never Sleeps DJs
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Slowly Slowly, acclaimed for their heartfelt lyricism and infectious hooks, have been captivating audiences worldwide with their dynamic performances and chart-topping albums. With their recent album “Daisy Chain” debuting at #5 on the Australian ARIA Album Chart, they continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.
Meanwhile, Kisschasy, iconic Aussie rockers, have been keeping their legacy burning bright since the early 2000s with their irresistible blend of pop, rock, and emo-infused sincerity. With multiple ARIA Award nominations and hit singles under their belt, they remain a must-see live act with smash hits like “Opinions Won’t Keep You Warm At Night” and “Do-Do’s And Woahh’s.”
In Ballarat, alongside Slowly Slowly and Kisschasy, The Getaway Plan, Press Club, Lashes, and Catholic Guilt promise to deliver an electrifying performance that will have audiences on their feet.
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the best of Australian music in 2024 at Homegrown this March.
Get your tickets here.
King Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds
Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds returns to Australia !
With a rock n’ roll resume cooler than anyone else’s, Kid Congo Powers was a founding member of cowpunk blues outfit The Gun Club and guitarist for legendary psycho-billy purveyors The Cramps as well as Australia’s own, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
Following the 2022 release of his long awaited and critically acclaimed memoir , “Some New Kind of Kick”, Kid Congo makes his 4th trip to Australia with long-term cohorts The Pink Monkey Birds in support of their latest album , “That Delicious Vice” out thru In the Red Records.
“That Delicious Vice” is the 5th full length album for In The Red Records and marks the band’s first as a 3 piece, however on this tour, we have a surprise secret weapon planned for you which we can’t reveal. You’ll just have to come to the show to find out !
Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds will be touring Australia this April.
The Smith Street Band
The Smith Street Band are celebrating their 15th year of being a band. Since forming in 2009, they’ve played over 800 shows in 23 different countries. They’ve played venues in Australia they never
dreamed of playing, including 6 hometown shows at Forum Theatre & 15 at The Corner Hotel. 5 of their albums plus 3 live albums have charted in the ARIA Album Chart, including Don’t Waste Your Anger hitting #1 in 2020.
In 2024, they’ll play 16 headline shows across the country plus festival appearances at Party In The Paddock plus South East Beer & BBQ Festival in Mt Gambier. They’ll be joined by The Pretty Littles at
most shows
Tropical Fuck Storm
Romance enthusiasts TFS have gathered up their dream team of Australia’s sexiest, Cool Sounds and Mod Con, for an excursion up the East Coast on a quest for fame, fortune and free breakfast buffets. Cool Sounds is the key project of Australian pop polymath Dainis Lacey, with a live band that rips into a slicked n’ slippery, dance-ready aura of disco and funk-flexed pop. Mod Con is the essential drums, bass, guitar triad turned bermuda triangle portal to the minimal wave anti-punk dance party zone.
Cellophane Honeymoon is the antithesis of the great corporate festival swindle. Ready your vowels and your bowels as we embark on a voyage to the Chapel of Love.
Pierce Brothers
Australian indie folk rockers Pierce Brothers are bringing their new album Everything Is Bigger Than Me all around Australia in their biggest regional tour since 2019!
Featured in festivals all around the country (including Bluesfest, Big Red Bash, and the Mundi Mundi Bash), off the back of a European tour and armed with a brand new album, Pierce Brothers’ infectiously energetic show is sure to sell out quick!
Recorded and self-produced by the brothers, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is the culmination of their musical prowess as they come up on a decade since the release of their breakout EP The Night Tree. Featuring the singles Studio, Bottle, and their l latest release Wilder feat. Lullanas, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is out March 29 – PRE-SAVE HERE.
The Martini Set
The Martini Set showcase songs from the Hellzapoppin’ roots of swing to the Los Vegas Lounge Acts & beyond. Presenting the music with a dynamic show & signature delivery.
The joint will be jumping!
StevenHoward ‘King of Swing’ on vocals & guitar & featuring his rhythm section double bass, jungle drums ,boogie woogie piano.
The best and the wildest in town.
Doors 1pm
Performance 3pm – 4.30pm
FREE
The Vovos
Some things in this life feel cosmically predetermined. The meeting of The Vovos is one such star-crossed event. Formed at one of the first Girls Rock! Melbourne Camps in 2017, the five piece are known and loved for their punk bitch attitude and DIY ethos; coming from varied musical backgrounds, Ada Duffy, Ruby Ayliffe, Lu Galante, Bethany Feik and Mika James didn’t take long to realise their compatibility and found common ground writing their first songs together in Beth’s front room. Their music is a perfect combination of bold, assertive, and bratty: sounding as though it would be equally at home on an indie coming-of-age film as it would be on the main stage of the Big Day Out 1999.
As young underage female musicians, the bands’ first two early EPs – Constructive Criticism (recorded with Anna Laverty) and An Ode to my Beloved – reflect the struggles of teenagehood and the importance of inclusivity as well as a love of chickens, carnivorous plants and two minute noodles. As the band developed, other more interpersonal themes emerged with a focus on relationships and community, inspired by the music scene they grew up in.
Along came their debut album, Jana, released under Roolette Records in mid-2021. Jana encompassed the first three and half years of songwriting chronicling their growth both musically and personally; with a focus on their experiences as teenagers during a time fueled by climate rage and political protest. The album was praised as “scuffing up the outsider indie pop of The Moldy Peaches… with punky abrasion” earning 4 stars from NME. Trouble Juice labels the band as “rising garage-pop upstarts” with “radiant hooks, contagious energy and irreverent indie-rock charisma”.
Victorian born and bred, the band has cut their teeth playing gigs in iconic venues around Melbourne supporting local bands including Pinch Points, Zig Zag and Billiam and at Rah! Rah! festival. The Vovos made it to bigger stages from 2020 when they supported Skeggs and Ruby Fields at The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, later playing Moomba, Boogie Fest, and at the ABC on Spicks and Specks.
Looking to 2023 and beyond, The Vovos sophomore album Lilla Gubben is ready for the world, set to be released with Blossom Rot Records in March 2024.
Charm of Finches
Charm of Finches return to Castlemaine. This time, in their full band form, with a support set by Riley Catherall
Melbourne sisters Charm of Finches and their band perform intricate folk-pop with seamless blood harmonies, celebrating the release of their anticipated fourth album ‘Marlinchen in the Snow’.
With songs simultaneously graceful and darkly bewitching; the sisters, Mabel and Ivy, toured extensively in UK/Europe in 2022/23 and recorded the album in rural Nova Scotia, Canada with acclaimed producer Daniel Ledwell. Inspired by the frozen beauty of the landscape in which it was created, the album reflects on the sisters’ transient life on the road, themes of belonging, home, and the fragility of relationships. They were the 2021 Music Victoria Best Folk Act and were nominated twice for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.
Baby Velvet
Hannah Crofts, under her new moniker Baby Velvet, is on a mission to find whether you always get what you deserve. Her soaring harmonies and aching lyrics are gloriously gritty and heart-wrenching but always familiar with hard-won reflections on the artist’s life.
As one quarter of the indie folk group, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Crofts has toured the world in vintage gowns and rhinestone boots. The band’s debut When We Fall reached #6 on the ARIA charts, won an ARIA for Best Blues and Roots Album along with the band having supported the Backstreet Boys, having sung on Kesha’s Grammy Nominated Album and traveling across the USA with Midnight Oil.
An activist and musician, Crofts feels the world sparkle around her. Baby Velvet inspires lucid rage, clarity and power from which to take on the world. This is strident power pop that saturates and sparkles while sinking sharp teeth into the patriarchy. There is no turning back.
Where to eat and drink in walking distance to Geelong’s GMHBA stadium
Are you ready to don your guernsey and dive back into the footy frenzy as the Geelong Cats take to the field at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park?
There’s never been a better time to be part of the GMHBA Stadium action (especially with the brand new Joel Selwood stand), and to help you pre-game for the matches, here’s a list of some venues to hit up across Geelong – all within walking distance of the stadium.
GMHBA Stadium has opened its brand new Joel Selwood stand just in time for the 2024 AFL season – meaning there’s now up to 40,000 seats to watch the game in-person.
The Cremorne Hotel
Where: 336 Pakington St, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Still within walking distance to the stadium, and guaranteeing you a good pub feed, the Cremorne has a diverse menu from the homestyle right to the fancy. Just a stone’s throw from GMHBA Stadium, The Cremorne is a pre and post game favourite for Geelong Cat’s fans and players, alike, and not just because it is co-owned by AFL legend Billy Brownless who is often seen chatting to locals at the bar.
With great classic pub meals, cold frothies flowing, a great atmosphere and TAB and Keno facilities, The Cremorne is a local go-to spot ahead of events on nearby.
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Burger Inc
Where: 320 Pakington Street, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Let’s be honest, there’s something about burgers that just screams football. And rather than paying the price for one at the stadium, save your $$ for a top-notch burger at Burgerinc.
The menu items are endless, with 17 beef burgers, 17 chicken burgers, and 4 veggie burgers, there’s no way we could list them all here. All you need to know is there is 100 percent, no doubt, something for everyone. Alterations can be made to any burger to suit what you want, just ask! While you’re at it, be sure to try one of their Milkshakes and make sure to get some Italian Herb Salt and Aioli with your fries!
With more than 10 years experience and a walk down Noble street to the stadium, it’s a good pick!
Barwon Club Hotel
Where: 509 Moorabool St, South Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 350 m, 6-minute walk
Known as one of Geelong’s greatest live music venues, the Barwon Club is also a good place to get a hearty meal with a beer to throw it down. We’d say that’s a pretty darn good mix for before the game. Here you’ll find all the pub classics, from burgers to chicken parmis and steak and risotto. Plus, cold, cold beer from the tap.
With its close proximity to the stadium and music-friendly nature, this joint may be on a few other people’s minds as well. Though it’s worth fighting for.
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Belmont Hotel
Where: 77 High Street, Belmont
Distance to GMHBA: 1.5km, 21-minute walk
The Belmont Hotel is an institution in Geelong with one of the best atmospheres going round! With a finger-lickin’ menu that has some famous favourites and a number of speciality dishes, you will never want to leave – though the footy is probably worth it.
Here the kitchen doesn’t close so you can indulge in the all-day dining option, fuelling up on calamari, chicken parmi, pulled pork burger, steak sanga or a 250g steak.
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Little Creatures Brewery
Where: 221 Swanston St, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 1.1km, 15-minute walk
Slightly more of a hike, Little Creatures is the ideal place to share a table full of food and some locally brewed bevvies.
Since the Little Creatures team decided to open a second brewery in Geelong to keep the beer coming to the east coast (a decision which we are very thankful for), Little Creatures has become an iconic destination and watering hole for the Geelong community over the last eight years, coming out with the very best brews and events time and time again, and most importantly, bringing people from all walks of life together for the love of BEER.
With all-day lunch, a pizza oven and a large selection of beer taps, this is a prime venue to get you amped for a big game ahead.
The Valley Inn Hotel
Where: 120 Fyans St, South Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 700 m, 10-minute walk
A well-known favourite among the locals, The Valley has something for everyone – from a state-of-the-art sports bar to alfresco dining, chef-designed menu and fresh tank beer on-site… this little gem is a go-to for pre-gamers.
No matter your tipple, you’ll find something refreshing to drink at The Valley thanks to an extensive wine list with a range of local and imported beers and ciders on tap. If you’re hungry there’s no stress as this place offers all-day dining from 10am right through to 8:30pm. Pick from the multiple parmis, chicken kiev, honey soy chicken wings or delicious pizza.
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St Lords
Where: 3 W Fyans St, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 450 m, 7-minute walk
Situated on the corner of Latrobe Terrace and West Fyans Street in Newtown, just a stone’s throw away from Kardinia Park, St Lords (previously Lord of the Isles Tavern) has been a favourite amongst locals for the past 40 years. Servicing everyone from Prime Ministers and premiership-winning Cats teams to thousands of average Geelong punters, this is a prime place to wet your whistle ahead of the big game.
Here you can load up on all the pub classics, buffalo wings, burgers and salads, or make your way to the courtyard for pre-game drinks and bar snacks.
Sawyers Arms Tavern
Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 600 m, 9-minute walk
The Sawyers Arms Tavern is an iconic Geelong hotel, known to many as ‘Clats’. Sawyers Arms is a stunning building that boasts exposed brick walls and a stained wood-panelled bar, with high-quality modern Australian cuisine to match. Their seasonal menu incorporates pub classics and plentiful seafood options made from local produce, whilst their wine selection is curated to include both local talent and renowned bottles. Plus, they have some cracking lunch deals and feed me options.
Open for 11:30am through to 11pm, his is a great spot for an early pre-game lunch or just some quality bevvies with your crew.
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Two Noble
Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 600 m, 9-minute walk
Nestled just above Sawyers Arms Tavern in Newtown, this contemporary Asian gem is all set to become your new favourite foodie destination, blending the best of Southeast Asian cuisine with a modern Australian twist.
Prepare for a sensory overload with this year’s menu, featuring highlights such as the signature house-roasted duck with Cointreau hoisin, crispy Barongarook pork with green papaya som tum, and the standout Hiramasa Kingfish paired with burnt onion and chilli oil, topped with whipped soy.
Two Noble is open Monday & Thursday: 6 pm – late, Friday – Sunday: 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – late. Find out more and book your visit here.
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Stadium Fish and Chips
Where: 406 Latrobe Terrace, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 300 m, 5-minute walk
There is nothing like a good box of fish and chips – whether it’s eaten on the beach with a sneaky squeeze of lemon and a cold beer balanced on the sand, or wrapped in paper and taken home for a lazy Sunday night dinner.
Located directly across from the stadium – hence the name – this fish and chippery is the perfect spot to grab a feed and a can of soft drink ahead of the big dance. Here you’ll find all the classics, like flake, butterfish, calamari rings, scallops, souvlaki’s, burgers, and steak subs, as well as meal packs and a range of delicious snacks. Hello sav in batter, chips and potato cakes.
With delicious, easy take-away food and a brisk 5-minute walk to Kardinia park, it’s a good option if there ever were one.
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Nautica Bar & Restaurant
Where: Gheringhap St & Myers Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Inspired by Bellarine Peninsula, Nautica Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot for coastal cool, relaxed dining before or after the game. Whether you’ve after a relaxed meal, sundown drinks and intimate gatherings.
On the menu, you’ll find a collection of classics crafted with love from the finest and most delicious local produce. From fragrant red duck curry to locally sourced fish, each dish is a celebration of simplicity done exceptionally well. We recommend the Roast lamb souvlaki, a signature dish bursting with seasonal goodness that will pair perfectly with a pint or two. Plus, there’s a happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm!
It’s also a great spot for groups, so if you’re travelling with the whole fam, this is the spot to go!
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Empire Grill
Where: 66 McKillop St, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 500 m, 8-minute walk
If you’re after something a little more luxe before the event, Empire Grill has been a favourite special occasion restaurant for more than 30 years now, with an a la carte menu boasting a fine collection of dishes that are contemporary in their execution, vivid in their taste, and expressive in overall satisfaction.
Here you’ll find a mix of modern Australian with European and Asian influences, utilising the finest and freshest of what the Geelong region has to offer. Think homemade linguini, Otway Pork Belly, slow-cooked beef cheek, and char-grilled eye fillet.
If you’ve got the afternoon off this could be the place for a relaxed, indulgent lunch and a few wines ahead of the games.
Tickets for each match are available via Ticketmaster.
The Poor
Thursday 25th April – ANZAC DAY SPECTACULAR Featuring one of Australia’s Hottest Rock Bands – “THE POOR”
The Poor celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their breakthrough Australian Classic ‘ More Wine Waiter Please’ with one very special Anzac Day afternoon show at The Golden Vine !
Very special guests Black Aces – KICKS OFF 3:30PM Get In Early for an afternoon fuelled with Aussie Rock!!!
Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley
The beginning of 2023 marked an incredible start for the Brooke and Adam as they took home three awards at the 2023 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. In addition to winning Song of the Year for their hit ‘Star of the Show’ they were also recognized for Apple Music Single of the Year for ‘Memory Lane’ and Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year. Closer to their hearts, their 10-year-old daughter Tiggy Heart Eckersley became the youngest person in history to be recognised with a Golden Guitar award, sharing the Song of the Year win with her parents and Dan Biederman as fellow songwriters.
The recent release of this award-winning duo’s second album Up Down and Sideways has received a prestigious ARIA nomination for Best Country Album and debuted at #1 on the Australian ARIA all genre Album Chart. Last year, Brooke was voted as the runner-up on Network 10’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! and won the hearts of many when she performed an acoustic performance of ‘Star Of The Show’, which skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes Single and Video Chart after the episode aired. Adam & Brooke went on to release ‘Memory Lane’ which became a Top 20 Country Radio airplay smash and has amassed over 1 million streams.
The hugely successful Hang at the Wang events created by Brooke and Adam are another facet to this talented duo’s success. At these unique gatherings guests enjoy an intimate musical performance, the opportunity to experience their beautiful farm and amazing hospitality.
Brooke McClymont is one third of top-selling, award-winning Australian country music trio The McClymonts. With over 200,000 album sales, 40 million streams, two ARIA Awards, fifteen Golden Guitar Awards, one CMA (USA) Award, one APRA Award and five #1 ARIA Country Albums, the McClymonts are a dominant female group in Australian country music with major success from hits such as ‘Kick It Up’, ‘Wrapped Up Good’ and ‘I’ve Got This’.
Adam Eckersley has won five Golden Guitar Awards: the first in 2015 for New Talent of the Year; and then in 2016 in the Group or Duo of the Year category with The Adam Eckersley Band whose 2014 debut album, The First Album, debuted in the Top 5 on the ARIA Country Chart, with The Second Album debuting at #7 the following year. Adam has also been recognised for his songwriting, winning the APRA Award for Country Work of the Year (2015).