topia information
Getting in and out
By train: Victoria Park (Mernda or Hurstbridge line) is the closest train station, a 10-15 minute walk to the Convent.
By bus: Catch the 200 (City - Bulleen) or 207 bus (City - Doncaster Shopping Centre) down Johnston Street to the Clarke Street stop, a 3-5 minute walk to the Convent.
By car: All day parking is available on St Heliers Street. This car park is operated by the Abbotsford Convent, with funds going towards its restoration and daily operation. You can find parking rates on the Abbotsford Convent website.
Food and Drink
Pollys
Polly’s connects people and place through seasonal food inspired by nature. With a lifelong curiosity for flavour and over 15 years experience in high-end restaurants, founder Chris Polak curates thoughtful menus rooted in care and connection — with herbs and flowers grown on Polly’s own land at the edge of the Yarra Valley.
Back for a second helping Eat pollys will deep dive the Topian dichotomy, with a stall featuring utopian handmade goodies using local seasonal veg and a dystopian fast food spot offering big flavours and quick dopamine, the choice is all yours - menu and suppliers TBA.
Playte
Playte are a gastro-architect duo using local food as a tool for collective healing. Their work is rooted in community – creating site-specific experiences that explore the intersection between art, architecture and the politics of food. Playte is brought to life by Niyanta Sharma, an artist/architectural designer with Indian heritage, and Wesley Hauler-Winterfod, a nutritionist and cook with Māori heritage.
Bars
There will be two main bars onsite at TOPIA: one nestled in the The Garden of Earthly Delights, and another fuelling the energy inside Psycho Slow Burn. A third offering awaits in the courtyard, where Playte will be pouring a curated selection to pair with their menu.
Keep your eyes peeled for our wandering bar cart. It might pop up when you least expect it and most need it!
Free water stations and cups are available at all bars. Please stay hydrated and look after yourselves and one another – magic flows when we’re all feeling our best.
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We’re always on the look out for creative food and beverage makers who’d like to feed our TOPIA. If you’ve got a project or pop-up idea that aligns with our values of sensory delight and sustainability, we’d love to hear from you!
Reach out to us at hospitality@tessellate.club.
Safety
TOPIA is a collective world shaped by all of us.
Your safety, comfort and wellbeing is at its core.
It goes without saying that we hold zero tolerance for harassment or discriminatory behaviour of any nature.
Throughout the festival, our roaming safety angels will be available to offer support of any kind.
TOPIA’s designated chill zone provides a space for moments to reset, rest and take a breather. You can find it near The Garden of Earthly Delights.
The Sirens space has also been designed with comfort in mind; with low intensity music, gentle lighting and a sensory-friendly space for those needing a softer experience.