A guide to unique experiences in Elsternwick Village

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that people need connections to thrive.

It’s experiences that ignite our passions and inspirations; a wonderful life is created by community, the people we have in it, and the experiences we share together.

Many of us are realising that the most prized possession we own isn’t an object – it’s the wonderful memories that we cherish and carry with us forever.

If your focus this year is on collecting memorable experiences, you’re spoiled for choice at Elsternwick Village!

Here’s our picks for the best unique experiences to lift your spirits and add new items to your ‘must see and do’ list:

Try your hand at pottery

Tap into your inner Demi Moore and get your hands dirty by taking a class at Céramiques, Elsternwick Village’s much-loved pottery workshop!

What you’ll take home may be a wonky mug or vase that you wouldn’t want a professional to look at, but what you’ll keep are hours of fun, laughter, and creativity.

Classes last 2.5 hours, and start with an explanation of the ceramic process followed by a tutorial on how to create your own masterpieces on the spinning wheel. Then it’s time to have a go at creating bowls, cups, vases, or dishes. Your favourite piece will be glazed and fired and ready to pick up a few weeks after your class.

Got some friends up for having a go? Céramiques also offers private unique experiences for groups.

A classic cinema experience

There are those who catch a flick, and then there are those who immerse themselves in the unique experience that is Classic Cinemas!

Classic Cinemas is a landmark of the Elsternwick Village precinct; steeped in history and surrounding visitors with the grandeur and opulence you would expect from the longest continuously operating cinema in Victoria.

The Classic Cinema’s calendar is filled with special events including foreign film festivals, Q and A screenings with actors and directors, special anniversary sessions, and advance screenings.

Or you could also take in the latest blockbuster in style! Take advantage of the savings offered by becoming a member of the Movie Club.

Take your unique experiences to the next level by finishing the night with a drink at the Classic Cinema’s rooftop bar, or if you want the fun to continue, head up upstairs to Classic Southside, an atmospheric, intimate space for jazz music, talks, comedy and more.

Find your inner artist

Do you suspect that somewhere inside dwells an artist? Ever looked back on those high school sketches wondering if you’ve let an untapped talent lay dormant for too long? Find out.

The paint and sip trend is sweeping the country and in Elsternwick Village the place to sip and paint is at UpVibes!

Learn painting techniques from actual artists and then get to work on your own art, enjoying food and wine between brushstrokes. You’ll walk away with inspiration – and a completed 50 x 40 cm canvas!

UpVibes Paint & Sip Studio caters to one-off classes and also offers private group bookings.

High tea – but make it gluten free

It’s a little bit of class and luxury with fancy cakes and tiny sandwiches, and high tea has become a ritual beloved by many – and at Elsternwick Village, we believe everyone should be able to indulge!

Glazed Gluten Free Patisserie offers an exquisite high tea free from gluten, dairy, nuts. They have mouth-watering options that include freshly made scones, traditional flaky pastry with potato and mushrooms, and an assortment of gorgeous pastries including its famous krembo, a fluffy meringue perched on artisan biscuits.

Check their website to see when they are running their next high tea event.

Bottomless brunch

It’s a unique experience known as the bottomless brunch, but it doesn’t mean you get to leave your trousers at home. The bottomless brunch is simply a brunch served with alcohol, and it’s a great way to relax and catch up with friends.

Elsternwick Village does the bottomless brunch like no other shopping precinct. Bang Bang turns a boozy brunch into something a little bit fancy with French champagne and rosé, or try something different and grab a table at Tacos N Schnitzel for bottomless cocktails with unlimited tacos, quesadillas, and nachos.

If you’re really up for the bottomless brunch challenge, you must check out Tacos ‘N’ Tequilas, which includes a four-course set menu and unlimited drinks.

Self-guided op shop tour

Looking for a great way to spend a morning, shopping till you drop without blowing the budget, and treasure-hunting for prizes you never knew you coveted until you see them?

Elsternwick Village has loads of op shops – and conveniently all in the one precinct, so you can start at one end and make your way through all of them!

Each op shop has its own vibe and range of pre-loved goods. The Australian Red Cross op shop features an extensive range of homewares, fashion and books; the Sacred Heart Mission store has the feel of a fashionable boutique; the Salvos store is great for children’s toys and clothing; St John’s Uniting Church Op Shop is great for accessories, books, and jewellery; and Posh Opp Shoppe is like a cross between an op shop and an antique store.

Unique experiences connect us with our friends and community and elevate our lives in ways that are priceless, and Elsternwick Village has everything you need to get out and enjoy life.