5 Sunday Session Venues for Shedding the Cares of the Week

Sunday sessions epitomise a lifestyle of leisure and indulgence, inviting individuals to bask in the essence of brightness, lightness and luxury - it’s a day dedicated to unwinding, shedding the cares of the week and relishing the finer moments of life.

The atmosphere is characterised by an air of relaxation and unhurried enjoyment where every element from the ambience to the offerings, is carefully curated to enhance a sense of well-being. 

Whether it is sipping a chilled glass of Champagne under the sun’s warm embrace, lounging in comfortable seating surrounded by serene landscapes or savouring gourmet delights – Sunday sessions are an oasis of tranquillity and opulence where time seems to slow down, allowing you to enjoy life’s pleasures to the fullest.

Here are five of our fave spots for a weekend sesh:

Locals and visitors alike discover a relaxing winery experience in the heart of Tamborine Mountain at Mason Wines Restaurant on Hartley Road. Sweeping views, beautiful wines and fare with flair will keep you coming back for more at this Gold Coast Hinterland dining destination, where lush greenery and a rustic cellar door promise memories to last a lifetime.

Gather friends for a Sunday session of wine tasting and dining on plates like chilled local King prawns, spiced cucumber salad and gazpacho dressing to start; followed by confit duck with quince and rosemary glaze, sautéed potatoes, hickory bacon and eschalot, enjoyed with a glass of 2019 Shiraz. 

Located in Hahndorf in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, head to The Haus Restaurant on Main Street for an amazing selection of dishes created from the best in local produce. A rustic vibe of exposed brick, wooden ceiling beams and pendent lighting awaits, or dine outdoors under market umbrellas and watch the world pass by.

 

Stop in for a Sunday session and pair a German beer tasting paddle with a double hot dog with Vienna sausages, sweet mustard pickle, cheddar cheese and sauerkraut, on a brioche roll with Haus fries; then pick up a slice of hoisin pork belly pizza with Spanish onion, grilled capsicum, coriander, peanut and shallot crumble and mozzarella. Gluten-free base options are also available on most pizzas.

Discover harness racing and fine food in one venue at Kilmore Trackside restaurant on East Street in Kilmore. This premier entertainment complex with a bistro, sports bar and function rooms resides on the edge of the Kilmore Race Track giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the action while sipping an icy glass of wine and grazing on pan-seared scallops, carrot purée, crispy prosciutto, carrot crisps and burnt butter.

 

Start your Sunday session with chilli, coriander and ginger glazed crispy sticky pork bites, fried shallots, sesame seeds and Asian salad; steak lovers can slice a knife into perfectly cooked Porterhouse with potato Dauphinoise, Parmesan sumac green beans, caramelised onions and red wine and thyme jus, best enjoyed with a glass of Blue Pyrenees Merlot.

For more than two decades, Blossom Thai on Cunningham Street in South Yarra has been dishing up delicious, authentic Asian fare with flair to discerning Melbourne foodies. Banquette seating along with intimate tables for two await while the walls are adorned with authentic Thai artwork to set the scene for memorable meals best shared with family and friends.

 

Sundays are made for sharing and caring with hearty dishes such as BBQ pork ribs, sautéed in the wok with black pepper plum sauce and vegetables; or perhaps creamy red curry entices, served with chicken, Thai spices, coconut milk, seasonal vegetables and sides of steamed jasmine rice and wholemeal roti.

Everyone has a family friend they call Aunty...for those in Katoomba she can be found at Aunty Ed's Restaurant and Bar. This retro-kitsch eatery, nestled in a hidden basement on Katoomba Street, overflows with comfy couches and armchairs, shelves crammed with books, blue leather booths and an earthy-toned colour palette – ideal for lingering with a latte and catching up with family and friends.

 

Take a seat next to the teaspoon collection, or under the bicycle gracing another wall, for a live music Sunday session with family and friends over dishes like chicken wings with housemade Louisiana sauce and blue cheese dipping sauce; then chow down on a hot stuff beef burger with pepperoni, double cheese, sliced jalapeño, fried egg, lettuce, sriracha mayo and crunchy chips.