Forget simply watching a TV show, scoring yourself a new favourite, then perhaps buying some merchandise to show your love. For fans of ace new Australian rom-com sitcom Colin From Accounts, you can stream the series about two strangers who meet over a dog in the street, then get your own pet pooch a few beers. Cracking open a cold one with your canine companion is now on your summer agenda, with Binge teaming up with Melbourne-based brewery Hop Nation to release a brew solely for your four-legged friend. Called Colin's Pale Ale, the beer is actually a bone broth drop made from beef bones — and it's firmly for dogs, not for humans. That means that you'll need to grab your own tipple to sink with your pupper; however, if you get in quick enough, your pooch's tinnies won't cost you a thing. From 9am AEDT on Monday, December 12, Binge and Hop Nation are giving away free brews, which includes free delivery as well. If you and your dog are keen to get your paws on a four-pack, you'll need to head to the Hop Nation website. Understandably, getting in quicker than a canine can chase a tennis ball is recommended, because the Colin's Pale Ale freebies are only available while stocks last. You can thank Binge and Hop Nation for helping you solve a frequent dilemma experienced by every dog owner — because everything you can do, your canine always thinks it can as well. While humans know that's not always the case, it now will be when it comes to drinking brews during Australia's sultry summer. Clearly, Binge hopes that you and your pupper will enjoy a beverage while watching Colin From Accounts, which follows medical student Ashley (Harriet Dyer, The Invisible Man) and microbrewery owner Gordon (Patrick Brammall, Evil). After the latter gets distracted by the former one otherwise ordinary Sydney morning, he accidentally hits a stray dog with his car. As the pair get the pooch veterinary treatment, then commit to look after him — and, yes, name him Colin From Accounts — their already-chaotic lives start to intertwine. Check out the trailer for Colin From Accounts below: Binge and Hop Nation are giving away free four-packs of Colin's Pale Ale, a beer for dogs, from 9am AEDT on Monday, December 12 via the Hop Nation website. Colin From Accounts streams via Binge. Read our full review.
If the past decade or so of Steve Carell's career has taught us anything, it's that he loves playing characters in a workplace environment. If his recent resume has taught us anything else, it's that these characters are usually a source of chaos at their place of employment — or, at the very least, they're surrounded by it. That proved true in the US version of The Office, as anyone who's heard "that's what she said" too many times well knows. It was also the case in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and its sequel, where Carell made quite the impression as a lamp-loving weatherman. In Apple TV+'s recent drama Morning Wars, he also played a TV host who sparked a scandal — and now, in new Netflix sitcom Space Force, he's taking charge of America's new intergalactic defence squad. Co-created by Carell with The Office's Greg Daniels — and marking the latter's second new streaming sitcom this month, after Amazon's The Good Place-meets-virtual reality comedy Upload — Space Force follows a four-star general in the US Air Force who dreams of overseeing his chosen branch of the military. When Carell's Mark R. Naird receives a new promotion, however, it's to lead the newly formed space-focused unit instead. So, he's off to Colorado to run the show, and to achieve the White House's aim of returning humans to the moon asap. Obviously, things don't go smoothly, which — as the just-dropped first trailer shows — is where plenty of laughs and a Beach Boys sing-along comes in. Based on the initial sneak peek ahead of the first-season release on Friday, May 29, Space Force looks a bit like The Office meets Veep meets any movie about astronauts and/or NASA — and that looks like a mighty amusing combination. An impressive cast is on hand to help, with Carell starring alongside John Malkovich, Parks and Recreation's Ben Schwartz, Booksmart's Diana Silvers and Friends alum Lisa Kudrow, as well as Tawny Newsome (Brockmire), Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley), Noah Emmerich (The Americans) and Alex Sparrow (UnREAL). And if you're thinking, "hang on, doesn't this sound familiar?", that's because there is a real-life precedent. Just last year, the US created a new United States Space Force. If that sounded funny at the time, Space Force, the show, is taking that mood and running with it. Check out the trailer for Space Force below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdpYpulGCKc Space Force hits Netflix on Friday, May 29. Top image: Aaron Epstein/Netflix.
If there's one thing that's almost as great as eating delicious Japanese food, it's watching the creation of it in the most dramatic fashion possible. If you haven't caught an episode of Iron Chef, Japan's favourite extreme '90s cooking show, do yourself a favour and YouTube it right now. Once you're done, imagine combining a Friday night feast of sushi, teppanyaki, ramen and more with the thrill of skilled gastronomy TV wizards? And, what if you could do all of that without leaving Brisbane? The team behind Fortitude Valley's Longtime Restaurant & Bar is making that happen at their next venture, a Japanese restaurant that's due to launch in mid-2017. As well as the obvious culinary focus, The Courier-Mail is reporting that the new eatery will boast a real former Iron Chef, who'll act as head chef and design the menu with Longtime and Rick Shores group executive chef Ben Bertei. Looks like the Iron Chef team's recent Australian tour left an impression. Just which previous star of the 309-episode Japanese TV show will be overseeing the 90-seat restaurant's culinary wares has yet to be revealed, and nor has the venue's name or location — although it apparently won't be far from Longtime at 610 Ann Street. And as for specific food fare, you'll have to wait and see on that front too, but expect a unique blend of traditional styles and modern dishes. Via The Courier-Mail.
These days, travel trends shift in the same way as food, music or fashion. Destinations that were popular a few years ago don't always stay that way, and as you scroll through Instagram, you'll often see your friends all hitting up the same travel hotspots. Instead of chasing the same locations, travelling in 2026 is about going somewhere that feels fresh, exciting and a little unexpected. Thanks to Singapore Airlines' Early Bird Fare Deals, you can book ahead to the cities that are sure to fuel your curiosity, from Manchester to Johannesburg to Ho Chi Minh City. Manchester, England London will always be a classic holiday destination and a popular gateway to Europe, but Manchester has a lot more to offer than you might think. Known for its legendary music history (responsible for bands like The Smiths and Oasis), the city has evolved over the years into a hive of live gigs, design festivals and one of the UK's most exciting dining scenes. Football fans already know Old Trafford and the Etihad are must-visit stadiums for a game, but Manchester's neighbourhood bars and galleries are just as worthy of your time. With Singapore Airlines' Early Bird fares, you can fly Perth to Manchester from $1,555 return. Brussels, Belgium Belgium's capital is full of beautiful architecture and public spaces, but it's also fast emerging as Europe's creative hub, where street art and digital design combine with the city's old-world charm. Between modern art galleries, neighbourhood breweries and its reputation as the birthplace of fries, there are so many reasons to go and visit. It's also perfectly positioned for day trips to Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp, if you feel like taking your travel plans even further. Early Bird fares from Adelaide start at $1,473 return, proving that booking ahead pays off. Istanbul, Türkiye Few cities are as interesting as Istanbul right now. Straddling Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, the city is buzzing with a new wave of restaurants, rooftop bars and contemporary art spaces that sit alongside ancient mosques and markets. Stay in Sultanahmet if you want to be right in the historic centre. For something a bit less touristy but still trendy, find a place in the Beyoğlu neighbourhood. You can spend your days wandering through the Grand Bazaar, cruise along the Bosphorus and sample modern Turkish cuisine in Karaköy. Lock in your 2026 flights now and you'll have first pick of this ever-changing city. Frankfurt, Germany When most people plan a European trip, they think of Italy, Greece or Paris. But Frankfurt has quietly become one of Europe's most exciting cities, and it's worth adding to your list. Beyond its skyscrapers and reputation for delicious sausages, it's also home to leafy riverside parks, food halls that champion local producers and some of Germany's most active nightlife districts, offering everything from old school German pubs to trendy wine bars. With Singapore Airlines' and Lufthansa's joint network, you can also connect from Frankfurt to other European cities seamlessly, making it easy to hit multiple destinations in the one trip. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam On the Southeast Asia front, Ho Chi Minh City (still known locally as Saigon) is a place of constant movement. Once you touch down, you won't need any plans other than setting out on foot to explore. Street food stalls sit beside cocktail bars, while French colonial buildings stand near cutting-edge coworking hubs. Block out an afternoon to visit the historical Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office buildings, or check out the city's many stores stocked with locally sourced streetwear, jewellery and antiques. It's energetic and chaotic in the best way, and it's impossible to visit without wanting to return again and again. Johannesburg, South Africa For those wanting to go further afield, South Africa's largest city is an eye-opener. Over the years, the city has reinvented itself with a thriving arts district, an innovative restaurant scene and a proud emphasis on heritage as the home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. It's also the perfect launchpad for safaris or road trips across South Africa, making it a destination that feels equal parts unique and inspiring. Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen is one of those cities that feels old and new all at the same time. There's colourful harbour front houses and cobbled streets alongside sleek architecture, bike-friendly paths and world-leading restaurants. In 2026, plan your visit for summer to make the most of the city's long, warm evenings — perfect for rooftop drinks, open-air festivals and cycling along the canals. Book with Singapore Airlines' Early Bird Fares and you'll have first pick of the best travel dates to soak it all in. For Aussies looking to head overseas, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of fresh horizons. Thanks to Singapore Airlines' Early Bird Fare Deals, you can book now and secure your seat to over 100 destinations worldwide. Singapore Airlines' Early Bird Fare Deals end September 30, 2025, so get in early and make your next adventure one to look forward to. Find out more and book your Early Bird fare for select travel dates in 2026 here.
With Game of Thrones finishing its run a few months back, there's currently a huge fantasy-shaped hole in the TV and streaming landscape. Of course, the beloved show is set to go on thanks to its own prequel; however plenty of networks and platforms are trying their hands at the genre in the interim — and giving television buffs plenty to watch. Amazon is hoping to fill the gap with its forthcoming Lord of the Rings series, although it isn't due until 2021. HBO's next contender arrives this month, courtesy of its adaptation of His Dark Materials. And, while Netflix already has its Dark Crystal prequel, which launched back in August, it'll soon drop new series The Witcher as well. In fact, the Henry Cavill-starring show will arrive on Friday, December 20, just in time for some Christmas break binge-viewing. As seen in both the initial trailer and the just-released new sneak peek, the witcher of the title is Geralt of Rivia (Cavill, sporting long blonde locks), a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, Netflix's Wanderlust) and young princess Ciri (newcomer Freya Allan). The latter harbours a secret, because of course she does, with the series blending plenty of fantasy staples such as magic, royalty, fighting factions, battling hordes, fearsome creatures, a heap of sword-swinging and many a scenic location. After stepping into Superman's shoes and facing off against Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible — Fallout, The Witcher marks Cavill's return to TV a decade after starring in regal period drama The Tudors. As well as Chalotra and Allan, it also features Jodhi May (Game of Thrones), MyAnna Buring (Kill List), Lars Mikkelsen (House of Cards) and Australian actor Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks). Behind-the-scenes, the show's eight-part first season is created, executive produced and co-scripted by Lauren Schmidt, who has everything from The West Wing, Parenthood and Power to Daredevil, The Defenders and The Umbrella Academy to her name. If the series' name sounds familiar, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens back in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Check out the latest trailer for Netflix's The Witcher below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndl1W4ltcmg The Witcher will hit Netflix on Friday, December 20. Image: Katalin Vermes.
Dark Mofo might be taking a breather in 2024, but Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will still be embracing summer at Mona Foma. The sunny counterpart to the Apple Isle's moody winter fest has locked in its 2024 return from Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 25 in nipaluna/Hobart and from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2 in Launceston. It has also dropped one helluva getaway-worthy lineup. [caption id="attachment_923130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andreas Neumann[/caption] Back in October, Queens of the Stone Age were revealed as the first act on Mona Foma's program for the year. They're joined by Courtney Barnett, TISM, Paul Kelly, Mogwai, Shonen Knife and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, for starters. If you don't know where to start, the quintessential Mona Foma experience is the Mona Sessions. On the evenings of Friday, February 23 to Sunday, February 25, you can catch live music from international artists on the sprawling museum lawns. Arrive on a camouflage ferry before exploring one of Australia's most innovative museums. Then, enjoy back-to-back performances by Scottish rockers Mogwai and Japanese band Shonen Knife, joined by fellow overseas talents Holy Fuck, Wednesday, Michael Rother + Friends (playing Neu! songs) and Lonnie Holley with Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements. Now that TISM are back playing live together, the Australian legends will bust out 'Greg! The Stop Sign!', 'Whatareya' and 'Ol' Man River' at Cataract Gorge. The Ron Hitler-Barassi-led band are part of a free one-day event at the stunning site during Mona Foma's Launceston weekend, as are Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. Head along and you'll also enjoy morning meditations to start the day and hear from Mulga Bore Hard Rock and FFLORA + Grace Chia. [caption id="attachment_926553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steve Cook[/caption] More on the music program: Darren Hanlon, Bree van Reyk and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra are teaming up; French Korean siblings Isaac et Nora will perform Latin-American songs they've learned by ear; and Barelona-based producer Filastine and Indonesian singer Nova will provide live tunes on a 70-tonne sailing ship to muse on the climate crisis. DJs will get spinning beneath James Turrell's Armana at Mona and artists will be hitting up the Frying Pan Studios to jam and record. Emeka Ogboh's contribution to the festival is another big highlight. In the immersive exhibit Boats, the Nigerian artist ponders migration in a sensory experience that boasts its own gin — made with native Tasmanian and West African botanicals — alongside snacks, conversation and a sound installation. [caption id="attachment_926554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wei-Tsan Liu[/caption] Also set to impress: Taiwanese artist Yahon Chang will be painting on a 20-by-15-metre canvas at Princes Wharf 1 with a human-sized brush in a performance that'll blend calligraphy, art, meditation, kung fu and tai chi. Other program standouts include the world premiere of Justin Shoulder's Anito; Dancenorth's latest production Wayfinder, which includes Hiromi Tango on design duties and music from Hiatus Kaiyote; the return of party venue Faux Mo at The Granada Tavern; and a Street Eats food and drink market pop-up with a lineup of musical guests. [caption id="attachment_784488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MONA/Jesse Hunniford, Robin Fox laser installation at the Albert Hall, Launceston, Mona Foma 2019[/caption] Nab your tickets now at the Mona Foma website. You can also book your getaway package through Concrete Playground Trips. Top images: Moshcam, Pooneh Ghana, Akira Shibata. All images courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.
Drum roll please: the Groovin the Moo lineup is here, and 2014 looks like a real crowd-pleaser. The big guns this year include a few topnotch international acts, like electronica king Robert Delong (USA) and Dizzee Rascal (UK), as well as some of our well beloved locals like Karnivool, Illy and Architecture in Helsinki. The Naked and Famous (who we'll probably end up claiming as Australian soon) are making their way across the ditch, too. A fair slab of the artists announced have really proved their worth lately, taking out a number of spots in triple j's Hottest 100 of last year, including the winner of the coveted number one spot, Vance Joy. Rounding out the first announcement are Action Bronson, Andy Bull, Cults, Disclosure, Holy Fuck, The Jezabels, The Jungle Giants, Kingswood, The Kite String Tangle, Loon Lake, Parkway Drive, Peking Duck, The Presets, Thundamentals, Violent Soho, Wave Racer and What So Not. This year marks the move towards something new as well, with the very first Groovin the Moo art exhibition. It's running in conjunction with the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, making a space for images, graphics, objects and a mishmash of multimedia from the Groovin the Moo archives to show off the colourful history of the festival itself. It runs from March 7 to May 25, and entry is free. Over the last couple of years we've seen huge changes on the Australian music festival scene, losing some stalwarts and seeing some youngsters really come to fruition. Since its inception, Groovin the Moo has been one of those festivals that really looks like sticking around, bringing the best in Australian and international talent to the country, to the people who can't get to shows in the big smoke. Tickets are $99.90 and go on sale at 9am on February 4 for Victorians, Queenslanders and Western Australians, and at 9am on February 5 for South Australians, New South Welshpeople and Canberrans. Ticket and more information available at the Groovin the Moo website. Fri 25 April – Oakbank SA (ANZAC Day Public Holiday) Oakbank Racecourse Oakwood Road, Oakbank SA Sat 26 April – Maitland NSW Maitland Showground Blomfield St, Maitland NSW Sun 27 April – Canberra ACT University of Canberra Kirinari St, Bruce ACT Sat 3 May – Bendigo VIC Bendigo's Prince Of Wales Showground 42 – 72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo VIC Sun 4 May – Townsville QLD Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds Mervyn Crossman Dr & Murray Lyons Cres, Idalia QLD Sat 10 May – Bunbury WA Hay Park (off) Parade Rd Bunbury WA https://youtube.com/watch?v=uJ_1HMAGb4k
Ditch the generic candle and comfy socks this year and give your loved ones a gift they'll remember next Christmas. Show your partner that you've been paying attention to their love language with a surprise picnic, road-trip adventure or cosy date night. Take the little ones on a rural family escapade, or liven up your next group hang with a murder mystery game. For all the do-ers out there, AmazingCo has you covered with a broad range of unforgettable experiences that you can enjoy at home or across your city. We've pulled together five one-of-a-kind adventures for everyone on your nice list, so you can enjoy a hassle-free giving season. MYSTERY PICNIC Turn up the romance with a picture-perfect picnic for your partner. Or, you can choose to treat your friends and family with a group picnic instead. Explore a new pocket of your city with a morning of activities that ends with a picnic in a surprise location. Choose an area — either close by or even a day-trip drive away — and you'll receive a full itinerary of places to explore at your own pace. Follow a series of clues to pick up gourmet snacks from local producers and eateries, all pre-paid for as part of the package, while bonding with your partner over conversation starters and games. Then, you can enjoy your nibbles and drinks with a picnic at a chosen location. The Mystery Picnic starts at $150, but you can upgrade to a premium package or add extra goodies, such as dessert or a bottle of wine. It can also be adapted to suit most dietary requirements. MYSTERY REGION ADVENTURE Discover even more local gems in a half-day voyage with the Mystery Region Adventure. Enjoy an easy cruise to destinations such as the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley or Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Once you've arrived, solve puzzles to uncover each stop along the way, where you'll be treated to wine, produce and chocolate tastings, as well as exclusive discounts and offers. This charming experience will only set you back $80–100, depending on which regional location you choose. AT-HOME DATE NIGHT If your partner prefers quality time at home, spice up your next night in with an At-Home Date Night experience. For only $30, you'll get two hours of puzzles, challenges and games designed to bring you closer together. The activity pack is delivered digitally, so you can enjoy it wherever you are. Take your pick of themes, from the tasty Foodie Date Night or action-packed Activity Date Night to the indulgent Chocolate and Games Hamper and limited-edition New Year's Eve Date Night. Who knows? After this, your relationship might even be strong enough to tackle building that IKEA dresser together. FARM TO TABLE Suited to couples, families and friends, the Farm to Table experience will take you on a food-fuelled day through regions such as the Hawkesbury, Mornington Peninsula or Scenic Rim. Work through clues and riddles to source produce from regional farms and businesses, where you'll learn about sustainable farming techniques, meet some of the animals and connect with the community over snacks and sips. Your efforts will be rewarded with a barbecue back at home, using the ingredients collected throughout the day and the digital recipe book included in the package. Level up your experience with a tasting paddle (or non-alcoholic cider for kids). Most dietary modifications can be accomodated. MURDER MYSTERY PARTY Live out your Knives Out dream and trade the usual dinner and drinks catch-up for a themed Murder Mystery Party. Take your pick from the spooky mayor's mansion, 80s high school reunion or doomed wedding. The experience includes everything you need to host the event, from character bios and invitations to decor tips and printable evidence, so all your friends have to do is show up with outrageous hairstyles in unflattering fluro. Pricing ranges from $40–55 based on the event format (virtual or in-person). It's designed for groups of 8-12, so the more the merrier! If you want more memorable gift ideas, check out the full guide or purchase a gift card on the AmazingCo website.
It's the election promise Queenslanders fond of an evening out had been hoping wouldn't come true. When the state's Labor Government came to power in 2015, they vowed to combat alcohol-fuelled violence, and to change legislation surrounding the service of booze to do so. In the early hours of this morning — the time Brisbanites will no longer be able to order drinks or enter bars, fittingly — the amended laws were passed through. Most of us want to put an end to anti-social behaviour, but unless you're eager to cut your partying short long before you currently have to, the latest developments bear only bad news. From July 2016, last drinks will be served at 2am — or 3am, if you're hanging out in a designated entertainment precinct. Shots will be banned after midnight, regardless of what you're consuming. And, if you're knocking back a few beverages at home, you'd best grab your supplies before 10pm, because any new bottle-os won't be able to trade past then. That's just the beginning, with new lockout times coming into effect on February 1, 2017. Patrons won't be able to re-enter pubs and clubs after 1am, which is a whole two hours earlier than existing restrictions. Casinos will be exempt, so expect the Treasury — or the new Queens Wharf precinct, once it is up and running — to become the most popular place in the city for late-night revelry. Queensland's tough changes come at a time when the concept of alcohol-related curfews continues to be in the spotlight around the country. Sydneysiders keep coming out in force to show their opposition, with another Keep Sydney Open Rally planned for Sunday, February 21. In Melbourne, a trial of 2am lockouts proved unsuccessful back in 2008, causing Victoria to abandon the idea since. Looks like Brisbane residents now have yet another reason to flock down south.
Outback adventures don't come much more unusual than a visit to Lightning Ridge. Situated close to the Queensland border in the northwestern NSW hinterland, this rural locale is renowned for its unique black opal mines that attracted fortune-seekers from far and wide in the early 20th century. As well as exploring dinosaur fossil dig sites, ancient bore baths and quirky museums, you'll come away with many stories to tell after a visit to Lightning Ridge. In partnership with Wild Turkey, we've handpicked everything you need to explore during your visit to this slightly weird and very wonderful place. [caption id="attachment_843112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] FOSSICK FOR OPALS The history of opal mining in Lightning Ridge dates back to the 1880s, when miners discovered valuable gemstones hidden beneath the earth's surface. You can get a thorough education on these mineral-like creations at The Big Opal – the first opal mine licensed to open to the public. While there are stunning handcrafted pieces to admire in the gallery, taking a tour underground provides a more immersive perspective. With this place operating as a working mine for much of the year, wandering the sandstone tunnels offers a glimpse into this century-old treasure trove. You can even try your hand at fossicking while you're there, too. [caption id="attachment_843231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James de Mers (Pixabay)[/caption] DIG FOR DINOSAUR FOSSILS If digging for bling isn't your thing, how about searching for dinosaur fossils? At the Australian Opal Centre, visitors are welcome to register for Lightning Ridge Fossil Digs, which gives you the chance to discover opalised fossils buried for over 100 million years. With the next dig scheduled for August 2022, you can sign up for six days of adventure alongside some of Australia's leading palaeontologists and researchers. Previous excavations here have resulted in several world-first discoveries, so your trip might just make history. [caption id="attachment_843233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ester Westerveld (Flickr)[/caption] DISCOVER THE WORLD OF CACTI Lightning Ridge's arid outback climate makes it the perfect spot for Bevan's Cactus Nursery, one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Founded in 1966, the nursery is home to approximately 2500 cacti varieties of all shapes and sizes, with the oldest plant nearly 150 years old. Head along to view the incredible species on display — just watch where you put your hands. Bevan's Cactus Nursery is also home to a supremely rare collection of opals, including speckled black, crystal and white gems that are bound to catch your attention. [caption id="attachment_844634" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon / Places We Swim[/caption] RELAX IN AN OUTDOOR BATH Lightning Ridge's surrounding landscape is undoubtedly dry, but you won't notice when you slide into the Artesian Bore Baths. Situated on the outskirts of town, these openair and naturally heated thermal pools provide the ideal spot to rest and recuperate after a long day in the sweltering sun. The Great Artesian Basin — Australia's largest freshwater resource — heats these rejuvenating watering holes from deep underground, helping them maintain a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees. Free to access and open 22 hours a day, this therapeutic experience is a far cry from your average inner-city wellness spa. VISIT AN UNDERGROUND ART GALLERY It seems like much of what makes Lightning Ridge special takes place underground. Chambers of the Black Hand is another unique landmark, a sprawling opal cave featuring tableaux hand-carved into the sandstone walls. Produced by artist and opal miner Ron Canlin, this incredible artistic endeavour was started in 1996. Today, the subterranean lair is adorned with figures carved into the mine walls with a small pick-axe and a butter knife. You can explore themed sections dedicated to native animals, dinosaurs and pop culture references like Lord of the Rings. There's also an underground shop where you can purchase opals directly from the source. COMPLETE THE CAR DOOR TOURS The outer reaches of Lightning Ridge are home to a collection of fascinating landmarks and landscapes, with the self-guided Car Door Tours ensuring you journey to the very best. Just follow the green, blue, red and yellow wreckage lining the roads that leave town in all directions. You'll reach the Opal Mine Adventure on the Blue Car Door Tour, while the Red Car Door Tour swings by Ridge Castle – an offbeat mining camp with panoramic countryside views. These trips range from 10 to 45 minutes of drive time, making them perfect for a quick cruise. Even if you don't take yourself on a tour, you'll become familiar with the car doors pretty quickly — they function as de facto street signs in Lightning Ridge. [caption id="attachment_843236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] EXPLORE LIGHTNING RIDGE'S QUIRKY MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND MONUMENTS Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums is definitely a close second. Bottle House Museum is one such structure, constructed from 5800 bottles and featuring a wide variety of curiosities for sale inside. A short drive away, the Astronomers Monument is another kooky landmark dedicated to scientists like Copernicus, while the colourful Beer Can House does what it says on the proverbial tinnie. If you love off-the-wall antiques and unusual souvenirs, don't miss the Kangaroo Hill Complex. Perhaps the most emblematic of the town's unusual art spaces is Amigo's Castle. This 15-metre-tall structure, based on Italian ruins, was hand-built with ironstone boulders in the 1980s, and is home to a small gallery, underground cellars, a corner turret and no roof, while the grounds surrounding the castle contain all sorts of tongue-in-cheek oddities. [caption id="attachment_843109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] If you're unable to resist the charms of Lightning Ridge and need to take a piece home with you, head to the more traditional — but no less colourful — John Murray Art Gallery, the exclusive home for works by the celebrated eponymous artist. Murray's works showcase the beauty and the character of the Australian outback with wit and whimsy. Stop into the gallery to see Murray's photorealistic works up close, and exit via the gift shop where you can pick up original paintings, prints, cards and souvenirs. Murray is also the creative mind behind Lightning Ridge's newest mascot, Stanley the Emu. Unveiled in 2013, Stanley is an 18-metre-tall steel emu made primarily from VW Beetle bonnets and doors, and is an unmissable sight that greets visitors just 10 kilometres out of town. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Craig Gibson (Flickr)
The impending consequences of the earth's dwindling water supply are no mystery. The question that we all need answered, however, is how to replenish it. French physicist Jérôme Kasparian, may have a solution with his new seeding condensation method. 'Laser-assisted water condensation' is a water-collecting technique which employs powerful lasers. At the flip of a switch, a laser pulse carries trillions of watts of energy into the atmosphere, removing electrons from atmospheric molecules. The removal of electrons creates charged particles, which form water droplets as more and more water molecules accumulate and stick to the original particle. Kasparian's method seems a good alternative to other current precipitation-inducing techniques, which are expensive, risky, and environmentally damaging. It isn't a magical cure-all to drought and drinking water shortages, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5yjHZr_gn18 [via Mother Board]
It's been just a few days since the Victorian government proposed new legislation in an attempt to even the playing field between taxis and ride share services. And now it looks like Sydney's ride-sharing industry could also see its own boost in competition, with Uber rival Taxify set to launch in the city by the end of the year. The Estonian company made headlines last month when licensing issues forced it to stop services in London just days after its UK launch. According to operators, Taxify's recent Paris launch saw it become the most downloaded app in France. Now with about 30 international cities under its belt, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Taxify is slated to hit Sydney streets by Christmas. The company is promising to charge drivers a 15 percent commission on fares, a figure that's much more attractive than the company's main competitor Uber, which currently takes around 20 to 25 percent from each fare. In theory, that could see Taxify offering cheaper rides and luring customers (and drivers) to jump ship from their usual ride-share service, though Uber's domination of the market since launching in 2012 has proven impossible to crack so far. As Morningstar analyst Gareth James told The Sydney Morning Herald, Taxify doesn't have an easy ride ahead. "To have a competitive advantage, you need to have a network effect whereby everyone uses your website," he said. "What will be difficult for new entrants is competing with Uber's network effect. Taxify might get some market share but they are going to have to spend a lot of money to do it." Pending success in the Sydney market, Taxify has its sights set on Melbourne and Brisbane in the near future. Taxify is set to launch in Sydney by the end of the year. For updates, check the company's Facebook page. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Taxify.
When you're wandering through the Canadian Rockies, you're probably thinking about many things. The sheer size of the mountains around you, for one. The cold, depending on the time of year you visit. And perhaps spotting a mythical creature, depending on your thoughts on Bigfoot. The folks behind Chermside's newest bar and eatery might've been pondering all that, but they were contemplating something else as well. Inspired by the splendour around them — and the food and drink that they enjoyed along the way — they decided to bring a slice of Saskatchewan back to Brisbane. That's where Sasquatch was born — and like its namesake, you'll find it hiding in plain sight (just down the road from Chermside shopping centre, in this case). The presence of plenty of timber fixtures and furniture evokes thoughts of the titular creature's natural habitat, but this craft beer and charcoal grill bar really is all about its menu. Whether you're keen on a breakfast coffee and sweet treat, something more exciting than a sandwich for lunch, an after-work beverage or a share plate for dinner, Sasquatch has you covered. Food-wise, expect something special no matter what time of day it is — that is, jaffles first-up, sticky pork belly and miso glazed barramundi hero subs come noon, and grilled hunks of meat, whole chickens and fillets of fish with waffle fries and other sides to finish up. Alas, you won't find the Canadian staple that is poutine on the menu yet, but keep your eyes peeled for a future addition. To wash it all down, patrons can choose between a rotating selection of craft brews — including 20 bottled and eight on tap — plus wine, spirits and Cleanskin Coffee Co.'s signature blend.
Across four seasons of Stranger Things so far, entering a rift to the Upside Down hasn't transported anyone Down Under. But jumping into the hit Netflix series' world keeps proving a reality in Australia — first via one of those portals popping up in Bondi back in 2022, and next courtesy of Stranger Things: The Experience, which has just locked in its Aussie debut at Luna Park Sydney as part of Vivid's just-unveiled 2025 program. Luna Park Sydney and immersive experiences based on Netflix shows keep going hand in hand of late; since the end of 2024, the Harbour City tourist attraction has been hosting Squid Game: The Experience, letting small-screen fans dive into another streaming smash. At the time of writing, playing Red Light, Green Light with Young-hee in Luna Park's big top is on the agenda until late April. Stranger Things: The Experience will run from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. The must-attend event falls into the Ideas portion of Vivid's lineup. Get ready to visit 1986 — and also Hawkins, Indiana, of course — in what promises to be an interactive stint of Stranger Things-loving fun. Locations from the show are part of the setup, as is a supernatural mystery. And yes, you can expect to feel nostalgic, even if you don't have your own memories of the 80s because you hadn't been born yet. Stranger Things: The Experience isn't just about visiting recreations of settings that you've seen while watching Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, The Electric State) and the gang. The installation features its own storyline, where playing along means trying to save Hawkins from yet another threat. And yes, you will take a trip to the Upside Down. You'll also be able to drink themed cocktails. Based on its time in other cities, Demogorgons and/or Vecna might await, too, along with Christmas lights, Scoops Ahoy and Surfer Boy Pizza. The experience initially opened in New York in 2022, and has enjoyed dates with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, Toronto, London, Paris and São Paulo since, with a Rio de Janeiro stint also on the way. "The rift is open and we're excited that our Stranger Things fans will get to jump into the magic once more," said Greg Lombardo, Head of Experiences at Netflix, back when the New York iteration launched. "This time they will take on the challenges themselves and work alongside Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the gang to fight the evil monsters plaguing Hawkins. As Dustin would say, you always say we should never stop being curious, to always open any curiosity door we find," Lombardo continued. Hanging out for new Stranger Things back in your Netflix queue? That's due to happen in 2025, when the show's fifth and final series arrives — although there's no exact release date as yet. Stranger Things: The Experience arrives at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point from Friday, May 23. For more information, head to the Vivid Sydney website. Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information. Images: Netflix.
This Vimeo user has just confirmed my long-held suspicion that Beyonce and I identify with the same emoji (red salsa lady, obviously). In bigger news, he created an entire emoji version of her recent hit from the visual album, Drunk in Love, and it is flawless. Apart from reaffirming my spiritual connection with Queen Bey, this video does a few things. Firstly, it shows how ridiculous lyrics can be. It inverts the tradition of literal music videos and makes you question things. For instance, why is Beyonce touching so many babies, and did Jay-Z really just say "your breastases is my breakfast"? Really? It could also be a game-changer for the music video market. Imagine how many millions could be saved if Kanye just texted his next video the producers? Sure, there's no motorcycle emoji yet, but 'Bound 2' could have just been a pouty pair of lips on a bicycle with a steam cloud coming out of it. It would have had roughly the same appeal as the original. Of course this is a brave new world for the emoji. It's now used to create original artworks, re-enact famous literature, and it even has a seedy underbelly in the world of internet porn. But if it's to progress any further, it surely needs to add more multicultural offerings than the one Asian and one Indian face in a sea of dorky little white people. Case in point: this is the best they could do for Jay-Z.
Japanese minimalist homeware wizards Muji are moving into the architecture game with a series of new flat-pack houses that are giving us some serious FOMO and YOLO and all manner of acronym envy and inspiration. The best part? They’re economical in both price and space, giving hope to the current generation that perhaps we won’t always have to deal with landlords. Praise be to Muji! Unfortunately, for now, they’re only available in Japan. However, Muji have recently opened stores in Melbourne and Sydney, so surely it’s only a matter of time before they ship em’ into our waiting arms. The houses are incredibly cute and, in classic Muji style, effortlessly minimalist. There are three designs to choose from, starting at US$150,000 for the ‘Wooden House’, US$160,000 for the ‘Window House’, and US$215,000 for the tall, Tokyo-inspired ‘Vertical House’. Incredibly reasonable. The finishes are all white and blonde wood with elegant staircases and cosy nooks. And hey, it may be a bit cookie cutter but moving to Japan is surely better than selling all your internal organs to afford a house in Toorak or Double Bay right? The real estate game is a-changin’ though and other retailers are starting to cater for the penny-saving generation (i.e. us ;_; ). Ikea are experimenting with movable walls (not set to hit the market for a few years but keep at it Ikea) and there are many innovative Aussie architecture firms experimenting with non-traditional and environmentally friendly ways to bring down the cost of building a new home. Firms like iBuild (punny) and the slightly more upmarket modscape design, construct and deliver modular homes and extensions which cost much less than a contractor. And of course, there’s the shipping container community who do some spectacular things with discarded shipping containers. Then there's the slightly earthy young buyers and the Earthship movement, slowly but surely making its way through all the red tape into the Australian construction landscape. Earthship structures use passive heating and cooling techniques, are constructed from indigenous or local materials (including old tyres and glass bottles) and feature an in-house sewerage treatment system, making them somewhat off the grid and cheap to run in the long term. So have faith guys, there are houses in our future, don’t you worry. They just might not be the classic two-windows-one-door type most of us drew in preschool. Via Domain.
Have a bad habit of putting your phone on silent and then leaving it somewhere you can’t find it? There’s an app for that. Known as Marco Polo, the brand new app is based on the classic hide-and-seek game you might have played in the family pool as a kid. You yell "Marco" and your phone yells "Polo" back. You work out where the 'voice' is coming from and voila! Recover your missing mobile from the deep dark recesses of the couch, the top shelf of the refrigerator or the shed in the back garden — wherever you left it after one too many mojitos the night before. The two best things about the Marco Polo app is that it works regardless of your phone’s setting –— be it at a low volume, on silent or in sleep mode — and that it doesn’t depend on an internet connection. And the final best bit? Rather than having to hassle every family member or housemate to help you in the search, all you’ve got to do is walk around frantically yelling "Marco". Angry panic session becomes slightly silly game in one easy download. To boost the fun factor, you can pick and choose between thirty or so voice options and change the 'input phrase' to suit you. In other words, if you’d rather think of your phone as a pet than as a fourteenth century Venetian traveller, you can customise your phrase as, "Come here" and set your phone to answer "Woof, woof". Just be nice to your iFriend. Marco Polo, the first independent app from developer Matt Wiechec, works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. You can download it for $1.29. Via PSFK.
Locals and holidaygoers alike have long been loyal to Broadbeach favourite Mamasan. Now, on its tenth anniversary, Mamamsan reopens, unveiling a striking new design and an exciting new menu. Mamasan Co-founder Lauren Duitsch says, "Reaching our ten-year anniversary gave us the opportunity to reimagine every detail of Mamasan. The new design allows for more experiences and memories to be made and a stronger connection between our spaces." The major transformation has introduced new dining spaces to the venue, including a sun-drenched al fresco area and a new private dining room. The private sanctuary is enclosed in Japanese charred timber panelling and centred around a large round table, perfect for corporate gatherings or private celebrations. Co-founder of Zero 9 Constructions, Ryan McAlpin, who undertook the project with Space Cubed Design Studio, says, "Zero 9 are honoured to be entrusted with the renovation of the iconic Mamasam restaurant. It was a privilege to help preserve its legacy while bringing new life to such a beloved [Gold Coast] landmark." Executive Chef Tan has developed a menu that includes classic Mamasan dishes and many intriguing new additions. The menu is extensive, and it won't be easy to narrow down what you want to order. Perhaps you'll start with shallot focaccia with house butter, a tuna taco with ginger ponzu, Korean fried chicken ribs with gochujang, and a wagyu katsu sando. Next, consider the spanner crab tortellini or cod and cuttlefish wontons with chilli oil. The menu's chargrill section includes whole tiger prawns with shellfish kombu butter, bone marrow with butter curry, and lamb ribs with fennel and cumin salt. If you've still got stomach space, share a few main plates among the table, such as the hot and sour crispy eggplant, a 12-hour braised pork belly or a satay crispy half chicken. The kitchen's specialities — perfect for milestone celebrations — include a three-day dry-aged whole duck served with pancakes, cucumber and scallions, Eastern lobster with Hong Kong 'typhoon shelter' chilli garlic crumb, and an MB9+ wagyu striploin. Co-founder JP Duitsch notes, "The renovation creates new possibilities for the venue while preserving the sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that has made it a destination for our loyal regulars and new diners." Images: Supplied.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, former President's daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning's Coachella festival lineup announcement. Running over two weekends from April 13–22, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup — even if we did already know one of the headliners. After withdrawing from the 2017 festival upon announcing her pregnancy, Beyoncé will take to the stage in 2018, and she has The Weeknd and Eminem as big-name company. Elsewhere, a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds fill out the rest of the bill — HAIM, St Vincent, SZA, alt-J, Fleet Foxes, Tyler the Creator, The War on Drugs, David Byrne and even Jamiroquai, to name a few. Homegrown Aussie legends heading over and representing include Vance Joy, Alison Wonderland, Tash Sultana and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: Coachella runs over two weekends, from April 13-15 and 20-22 in Indio, California. Tickets go on sale at 11am PST on Wednesday, January 3. For more info, visit coachella.com. Top image: Roger Ho ©Coachella 2017
They're the stories we all lapped up as kids, telling us about enchanted creatures, magic and more. They're behind plenty of movies that still grace our screens, too. And, they're the focus of a huge Australian-exclusive exhibition coming to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in the summer of 2023–24. Yes, we're talking about fairy tales. The just-announced showcase is indeed called Fairy Tales and, taking over GOMA's entire ground floor, it'll explore how these folklore-, myth- and legend-related narratives have fascinated audiences through art and culture over not just years and decades, but centuries. If creepy woods have influenced sculptures, or tales of princes and princesses have inspired painters, expect to see it here, in a blockbuster showcase that'll run from December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024. [caption id="attachment_758872" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama[/caption] Also included: everything from drawings and installations through to fashion, as well as films and filmic elements, such as props, and costumes. GOMA hasn't unveiled an accompanying movie program in its Australian Cinematheque just yet, but you likely don't need to wish for that to happen — just wait for further details late next year. Wicked witches, magic animals (fierce and friendly alike), coming-of-age tales, shifting gender roles, bravery, loyalty, castles, coaches, pumpkins — they'll all feature in some way. Artists involved include GOMA favourites Yayoi Kusama and Patricia Piccinini, plus Jana Sterbak, Kiki Smith, Abdul Abdullah, Ron Mueck and Charles Blackman. The list goes on, like breadcrumb trails. And, if you like huge site-specific installations, the South Brisbane gallery has commissioned something special from Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira. He'll transform the building's architecture into a sure-to-be-stunning gnarled and twisted woodland (a sure-to-be-snapped piece, too, naturally). [caption id="attachment_845376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] H Walker[/caption] GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), its sibling venue at South Bank, have also dropped their full 2023 lineups, with Fairy Tales among a feast of art that Brisbanites — and culture-loving, gallery-attending visitors to Brisbane — can look forward to. The already-announced Air exhibition kicks off at GOMA in November 2022 and runs through till April 2023, and follows on from Water back in 2019 and 2020. Or, there's Michael Zavros: The Favourite, showcasing 90-plus paintings, sculptures, videos, photos and performances by the Queensland artist — and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness, an extensive retrospective (the most extensive to date) about the Canberra-based artist. They'll both head to GOMA as well. And, Gone Fishing will draw pieces from the gallery's Indigenous Australian Art collection, including fibre sculptures, paintings, prints and installation, to ponder traditional sea rights, plus freshwater and saltwater fishing practices. [caption id="attachment_874638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Zavros / Australia b.1974 / V12/Narcissus 2009 / Oil painting on board / 20 x 29.5 x 2cm / Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Gift of the artist 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Image courtesy: Michael Zavros / © Michael Zavros.[/caption] Over at QAG, Living Patterns will examine contemporary abstraction, forming one of the venue's major exhibitions. The list of artists contributing new and recent works there is also impressive; think: Paul Bai, Helen Johnson, Lindy Lee, Dhuwarrwarr Marika, Reko Rennie, Hossein Valamanesh, Jemima Wyman and more. QAG will also survey landscape and marine paintings by 19th-century artist Isaac Walter Jenner; explore Indigenous Australian artistic practice from the north to north-west of southeast Queensland to the top end of Western Australia; showcase the exchange enjoyed between Australian and Filipino artists in the 90s and 00s; and serve up a big focus on self-portraiture, including musing on selfie culture. Prepare to spend most of 2023 in Brisbane's two major art galleries, clearly. [caption id="attachment_874639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griggs / Australia/The Philippines b.1975 / Frog boy's dissertation into a new karaoke cult 2008 / Synthetic polymer paint on sewn canvas with aluminium frame, wood and medium density fibreboard, rope and projected DVD: 34.54 minutes, colour, silent, 730 x 860 x 620cm (installed); tent wall: 286 x 2520cm / Purchased 2008 with funds from the Queensland Government's Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund and with the assistance of the Melbourne Art Fair Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © David Griggs.[/caption] QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY AND GALLERY OF MODERN ART 2023 PROGRAM: Air at GOMA — November 26, 2022–April 23, 2023 North by North-West at QAG — February 11, 2023—March 2, 2025 Lies, Magicians and Blind Faith at QAG — March 4–July 30, 2023 Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait at QAG — March 11–August 6, 2023 Gone Fishing at GOMA — May 20, 2023—January 21, 2024 Michael Zavros: The Favourite at GOMA — June 24–October 2, 2023 eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness at GOMA — June 24–October 2, 2023 Isaac Walter Jenner at QAG — September 2, 2023—January 28, 2024 Living Patterns: Abstraction at QAG — September 23, 2023–February 4, 2024 Fairy Tales at GOMA — December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024 Fairy Tales displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024. For further details — or to find out more about the gallery's full 2023 slate — visit its website. Top image: Henrique Oliveira / Brazil b.1973 / Baitogogo 2013 / Palais de Tokyo, Paris / Plywood and tree branches / 6740 x 1179 x 2076cm / Courtesy SAM Art Projects, Galerie GP&N Vallois, Galeria Millan / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: André Morin / This work is indicative of a new commission by Henrique Oliveira for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.
Being houseproud is the new social. Whether you're an avid viewer of Grand Designs and invest hours lusting over interior design accounts on Instagram, or you're just feeling ambivalent towards your living space after having spent so much time in it recently, there's one thing worth remembering: even the subtlest of changes can make a big difference to how a room looks and feels. In partnership with Samsung, we have curated eight effortlessly stylish objects from makers in Australia and further afield. These homewares and furniture pieces will seamlessly complement the room of your choice while elevating it to new design heights. PERCY FLOOR LAMP, MCMULLIN AND CO ($449) McMullin and Co has a focus on simplicity in its creations, as well as a love for elegant scalloped edges and serpentine lines. The Percy Floor Lamp's powder-coated black stem is an example of the meandering curve that's been admired throughout art history for what it signifies: liveliness, activity and something of interest for the eye. Complete with a linen shade, this floor lamp casts a beautiful light and is just one of the many striking pieces of furniture and design wares offered by the Sydney-based design studio. We love imagining it next to one of McMullin and Co's bed heads as a floor or table lamp, or placed in the corner of the living room to bring an unimposing glow — perfect for mood lighting during a late-night movie marathon. THE SERIF, SAMSUNG (FROM $1249) Gone are the days where you need to hide your eyesore TV set or find some way to make a large black screen (and its many cables) work with your living room aesthetic. Stylish from any angle, Samsung's The Serif is an innovative format for home televisions that harkens back to the days of freestanding TVs, but with a modern update. Celebrated industrial designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec are behind The Serif's unique design, and it is fast building a cult following. What we love most about The Serif is its versatility — its 360-degree design, with a unique 'I'-shaped profile and removable legs means it looks great no matter where in the room you place it. But it's not only for the interior aesthetes. The visual harmony of the Bouroullec brothers' design is complemented by Samsung's QLED picture quality. It includes features like smart connectivity and Ambient Mode, where you can display your own photos and images (or one of the exclusive patterns from the Bouroullec brothers) on the screen, which also auto-adjusts to surrounding light settings. Plus, through NFC technology, you can place your compatible phone on the top shelf and play tunes through the TV speakers*. ECLIPSE #2098 RUG, PAMPA ($3260) This year's long winter stuck indoors really brought rugs and floor coverings into focus. Now, as we head into summer, a flatweave wool rug is an appealing addition to the floor of nearly any room in your house — and it's perfect to layer with heavier rugs as the cooler months return. This hand-woven piece from Pampa is made using the traditional practice by Argentinian weavers, where the looms used are the arm span of the weaver. The textile panels are then joined together to create the finished rugs, giving a lovely handmade touch to this investment purchase. Pampa's interest in colour theory is evident in this rug: the creamy beige becomes almost pink next to its complementary moss green. ANNA VARENDORFF, SMALL 'EDGING OVER' THICK TUBE VASE, ACV STUDIO ($290) We've seen vases in cylindrical form popping up in designer feeds recently. But this one by award-winning Melbourne-based artist Anna Varendorff is a little different. Each vase is individually handmade and has a buffed matte finish, bringing interest and imperfection to the smooth stainless steel. No two are exactly the same. The tube is wide enough to hold medium- and thick-stemmed fresh foliage and dried flowers. As you can tell from the image above, it will be a unique focal point in any room for you (and guests) to marvel at. OLIO ARMCHAIR, DESIGN BY THEM (FROM $3658) This chair is the work of three designers: Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis (who work together under Gibson Karlo and are co-founders of Design by Them), and Melbourne School of Design lecturer, Christina Bricknell. The Olio Armchair brings together the talents and interests of the Australian design trio in sculptural form, material and tactility to create this modern addition to your furniture collection. The piece features curved and cylindrical elements to create an inviting seat in which to rest, read and watch. It's available in a variety of coverings including a beautiful ivory bouclé, lush navy velvet and several leather options. CUSHION, VEIKKANEN ($225) If you're looking for a beautiful, graphic-print cushion to bring some colour to your interior ensemble, look no further than Veikkanen. The Melbourne-based brand offers a series of one-of-a-kind cushions with patterns, graphics and colours informed by its founder's training in both textiles and graphic design. Veikannen chooses natural and recycled materials wherever possible, and custom-makes each cushion using the process of hand-tufting. Watch out for each drop of limited-edition products on Instagram — they sell out fast. And if you're interested in taking these funky vibrant visuals to your wall, art and hangings are also available in limited releases or by commission. DREAMWEAVER LIGHT, POP & SCOTT ($890) With a steel frame hand-woven with organic cotton yarn and dipped in colour at its base, this lamp shade beautifully demonstrates strong elements coming together in harmony with a focus on function and form. Choose from a colour palette of rust, oatmeal, chartreuse, blush and navy to design your ideal lighting to suit your space. Pop & Scott has a passion for contemporary Australian design, and places a focus on sourcing quality materials and using ethical means of production to create timeless pieces. These shades are made to order by the family business, and a tree is planted for each purchase via Carbon Neutral. J4 TABLES, JAMES HOWE (ENQUIRE) Furniture and lighting designer James Howe has created a table that invites us to pay attention to light and shadow, and how they interact. Crafted with timber and acrylic, the varied surfaces speak to Howe's interest in materials and minimalism. The J4 table's name is perhaps a nod to Danish designer Børge Mogensen's J39 chair that Howe cites as his inspiration to become a furniture designer. To find out more about The Serif, visit the Samsung website. * Only supported by Android OS-based smartphones that support Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless information sharing.
No matter who you are, the need for a nice, long holiday is real. And, while far-flung adventures on the Mediterranean may not be in your cards, you can find a wealth of sensational coastal destinations right here in your own backyard. The stretch of the Mornington Peninsula offers sandy beaches, untouched bushland and award-winning wineries, all less than two hours south of Melbourne's CBD. You can find luxury retreats peppered throughout the region, ranging from plush waterfront hideaways to peaceful farm escapes. Get into holiday mode and start scrolling for some of the most luxurious stays you can book on the Mornington Peninsula. Because if ever there was a time to treat yourself to a taste of the high life, it's now. Recommended reads: A 48-Hour Guide to the Mornington Peninsula The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Summer Day Trips From Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria Monterey Stud, Shoreham Set among rolling green hills, this designer farmhouse boasts both good looks and a tranquil setting. Plus, a stunning wraparound deck for sunset drinking sessions. Sleeps eight, from $900 a night. Barefoot, Blairgowrie A stylish holiday pad with a breezy indoor-outdoor flow, nestled right on the beach. This spacious beauty has loads of modern features and a solar-heated pool. Sleeps nine, from $775 a night. Bay Crest Manor, Mount Eliza Perched on top of the cul-de-sac of the Morning Peninsula, this manor resembling an ancient Greek temple boasts an unbeatable bay view. Watch the sun set in the infinity pool or take on your friends in life-sized lawn chess. Sleeps eight, from $1023 a night. Hart's Farm Retreat, Shoreham This smartly appointed farm stay makes for an idyllic couples' retreat, featuring high-end furnishings, a sun-drenched private deck and a magical outlook over olive groves and vineyards. Sleeps two, from $650 a night. Coastal Bush Retreat, St Andrews Beach Unwind in style at this quiet, leafy beach escape which boasts modern interiors, a chic coastal style and a roomy deck primed for sunset drinks. Sleeps four, from $250 a night. The Red Hill Barn, Main Ridge This charming barn has been reworked into a stylish couples' studio, featuring a bright, breezy fit-out and secluded setting in the heart of wine country. Sleeps two, from $470 a night. Crown Cove Villa, Safety Beach A luxury waterfront stunner with open-plan indoor-outdoor living that'll take your breath away. Enjoy the private jetty, dedicated dining room and spectacular heated pool. Sleeps 12, from $1590 a night. Coastal Luxe, St Andrews Beach Decked out in soothing natural tones, this designer beach pad is a dreamy home away from home. Spa, pool table and incredible outdoor living, all included. Sleeps 12, from $836 a night. Portsea Dairy, Portsea This lovingly restored farmhouse will win you over with its modern features, sun-drenched yard and spacious deck complete with an outdoor spa. Sleeps four, from $329 a night. Sunset Coastal Retreat, Mount Martha 180-degree views of Port Phillip Bay await you in this modern abode tucked away on Mount Martha. Enjoy the solar-heated pool, unwind in the spa, or take in the stunning city skyline from the expansive balcony. Sleeps nine, from $1219 a night. Images: Airbnb FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Every great movie and TV show about teenagers has three things in common. Firstly, they're all rich in relatable-yet-universal detail. Even if something clearly isn't based on reality, it's obvious that it has been made by someone who has invested their own high school experience into every second. Secondly, they each transport the audience back to their own time walking the corridors, wishing they didn't have so many textbooks to cart around and living life by the bell. And, last but not least, every one resonates not only with viewers who are still catching the school bus at present, but also with everyone who has been there, done that and kissed it all goodbye. Plenty of flicks and programs have fit the above description over the years, with high school-set fare comprising its own genre. If getting transported back to your adolescence is your idea of a great day or night on the couch, we've teamed up with streaming service Binge to pick five must-watch options that'll do just that — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Another week, another cookie pie. That's how it feels sometimes thanks to Gelato Messina's beloved desserts — and no, we're not complaining. After the gelato chain first introduced its cookie pies to the world in 2020, it has kept bringing the OTT dessert back. We all need an extra dose of sweetness every now and then, obviously, including while both Sydney and Melbourne are in lockdown. So, it should come as no surprise that Messina is serving up the decadent dessert yet again. This time, though, it's quite the Frankenstein's monster of a dessert. This version is also a returning favourite — and, if you like fairy bread, cookie pies and Messina's gelato, prepare to get excited. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. And it serves two-to-six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Now that you're onboard with the overall cookie pie concept, the fairy bread version really is exactly what it sounds like. That crunchy, crumbly cookie dough is filled with milk and dark Messina chocolate chunks, as well as vanilla custard. It's then topped with more 100s and 1000s than you've probably seen since your childhood birthday parties. It wouldn't be a fairy bread version otherwise, of course. You can only buy this pie in kits, which means that you'll get some of the cult ice creamery's famed gelato along with it. You can opt for a 500-millilitre tub for $38, a one-litre tub for $44 or a 1.5-litre tub for $48. If you're keen to get yourself a piece of the pie, they're available to preorder from 9am on Monday, July 19 — with pick up between Friday, July 23–Sunday, July 25 from your chosen Messina store. Once you've got the pie safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 30 minutes at 160 degrees and voila. You can preorder a Messina fairy bread cookie pie from Monday, July 19, to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores except The Star.
When Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson made his movie debut back in 2005 with the excellent Brick, he did so with a mystery. That's a genre he hasn't strayed far from since, as Looper, Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery have all shown. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that his new TV show Poker Face is also a whodunnit — this time getting Natasha Lyonne sleuthing. In not one but two seasons of Russian Doll, Lyonne has tried to solve mysteries, too. As the Netflix show's sweet birthday baby, she's stalked around various time loops, periods and cities endeavouring to work out why she's reliving the same night over and over again — or how and why she can head into the past. Of course, one show featuring the Orange Is the New Black star getting playing detective is all well and good, including over multiple seasons; however, two is even better. There's a feeling of déjà vu about Poker Face for multiple reasons, clearly, and has been since its first sneak peek dropped in 2022. And, as the new full trailer for the ten-part series also demonstrates, that happens in the best possible way. Solving mysteries is 100-percent the focus here, with Lyonne playing Charlie Cale, who works her way through resolving a series of crimes — a mystery of the week each week, in fact — while she's on the road in a Plymouth Barracuda. Cale has an uncanny ability to tell if someone is lying, a skill that's going to come in handy as she encounters a hefty roster of other familiar faces. Adrien Brody (See How They Run), Chloë Sevigny (The Girl From Plainville), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Pinocchio) and Ron Perlman (Nightmare Alley) are all set to pop up in Poker Face as well, and that's just the beginning of the show's stacked guest cast. Also on the list: Benjamin Bratt (DMZ), Ellen Barkin (Animal Kingdom), Nick Nolte (The Mandalorian), Cherry Jones (Succession), Judith Light (The Menu), Lil Rel Howery (Deep Water), Jameela Jamil (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and Danielle MacDonald (The Tourist). Again, there's more where they came from. Australian audiences will be able to stream the end result via Stan from Friday, January 27. And yes, Stan did also release a Russell Crowe- and Liam Hemsworth-starring movie in 2022 called Poker Face that's unrelated to this — so keep that in mind while you're scrolling through its catalogue. Check out the full trailer for Poker Face below: Poker Face streams in Australia from Friday, January 27 via Stan.
Now that daylight saving has come to an end, there’s no denying that winter is on its way. And with it an array of unwelcome bugs. In our efforts to stay healthy, we'll usually juggle some combination of sensible vaccine, stare-attracting surgical mask and eating All the Oranges. But how's this for a practical (and fashionable) solution? A team of US-based entrepreneurs has come up with Scough, "the germ and pollution filtering scarf". The Scough looks straight off the boutique rack but features antimicrobial technology, direct from the US Ministry of Defence’s section for chemical warfare. You do have to wear the scarf over your nose and mouth to stave off infection though, so you'd better hope the Wild West look is 'in'. It’s the flu sufferer's ultimate in revenge. Just pull the scarf up around your face and it fights the flu for you. Activated carbon — demonstrating a high level of microporosity (one gram covers a surface area of 500 square metres plus) — traps viruses before killing them unawares. Simultaneously, a silver ion-impregnated filtration system dismantles the complex structure of bacteria, turning them into nothing but harmless, powerless specks. There’s a Scough design to match your daily outfit, from super soft plaid cashmere to chequered flannel, herringbone, paisley and faux fur. There's even a Scough with its own inbuilt moustache. Prices start at US$39 and for every scarf purchased the company donates a life-saving vaccine to a child via shotatlife.org. So you'll feel better in more ways than one. Via Springwise.
Independent Melbourne brewery Brick Lane Brewing Co has just taken out the award of World's Best Porter at the World Beer Awards for its Revolver Dark Hoppy Ale. The annual beer awards recognised the indie Aussie brewer in the Porter and Stout category of the 2021 Taste Awards, alongside other award-winners from a global showing from Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The dark ale beat out a range of porters from around the world to claim the prize of the world's best, with the silver medal going to The Flying Dutchman Nomad Brewing Company's 'Wake The Hell Up You Can Sleep In The Coffin' Hazelnut Cappuccino Porter from Belgium. Brick Lane's award-winning brew is described as a midnight black beer with a velvety body and a bright hop aroma. "Revolver is a particular staff favourite and something we really look forward to brewing each winter. To have this recognised at the World Beer Awards is really something special," the brewery's head brewer Jon Seltin said. [caption id="attachment_825187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brick Lane's Jon Seltin and Paul Bowker[/caption] Each year the World Beer Awards hands out prizes to the best beers, ciders, wines and spirits in their categories, with beers from across the globe eligible for both taste and design awards. Brick Lane's One Love Pale Ale and Red Hoppy Ale were also recognised in this year's awards, winning Australia's Best American-Style Pale Ale and Australia's Best Amber Pale respectively. The brewery, based in Dandenong South, was founded in 2018 by Paul Bowker and Andrew Scrimgeour with help from some recognisable names including NRL star Billy Slater, restaurateur Shane Delia and comedy stalwart Mick Molloy. The brewery has previously been recognised for several awards including four entries in last year's beloved GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers. Interestingly enough, the Revolver was not among the four brews voted into the list. You can purchase Brick Lane's beers through its website and Craft Cartel or pick a six pack up from Dan Murphy's. You can see the full list of winners at this year's World Beer Awards here.
Two years ago, a pop-up bar made of Lego descended on Australia. Now, in a time of social distancing and self-isolation, the country's next kidult-friendly, Lego-inspired experience is, of course, a subscription service. The Brick Box, as it has fittingly been dubbed, delivers a new box of bricks and building challenges to your door each month. You can sign up for one ($20), three ($50), six ($100) or 12 ($200) months, with the price getting cheaper as you commit to a longer period of time. There's no word on exactly what blocks, challenges and designs you'll be sent each month, but it's promising that "each box will give you ideas and different challenges to build whilst you're stuck in the house". And, if you're not a huge fan of the challenges they've suggested, you can always set your own. YouTube is filled with endless inspiration and tutorials, after all. If Lego isn't your thing, the same company also offers subscription puzzle boxes, board game boxes and soap boxes. Check out all of the options over here. If you're sick of being on your screen — sliding down endless Twitter holes and glued to live streams — this may be the perfect antidote. If you can't get enough of your screen, however, check out our round up of the best virtual events. You can sign up to The Brick Box over here.
Combining the hypnotic works of M.C. Escher, one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists, with the design aesthetics of acclaimed present-day Japanese design studio Nendo, the National Gallery of Victoria's newest blockbuster exhibition Between Two Worlds discovers a stunning and unexpected middle ground. The first ever merging of these acclaimed creators, the exhibition features more than 150 of Escher's woodcuts, lithographs and sketches. Described as the NGV's most ambitious exhibition design to date, Nendo — led by renowned designer Oki Sato — was invited to produce the spectacular space that features several large-scale rooms and installations, and reflects upon the complex themes found within the surrounding Escher works. Running until April 7 2019, Between Two Worlds covers the full spectrum of Escher's artistic vision, which was largely ignored during his lifetime. Showcasing everything from Escher's early works as a student, his newfound inspiration while travelling across Italy, and his final creations in the lead up to his death in 1972, the exhibition showcases virtually all of his most famous works, including Drawing Hands, Relativity and Day and Night. Mirroring the optical illusions and mathematically inspired works of Escher, Nendo has contributed a variety of immersive spaces that will warp your perspective and bring a new light to the works displayed throughout the exhibition. Conveying Escher's theories through the studio's own motif, the rudimentary outline of a house, it appears in various shapes and forms throughout the exhibition and references Escher's unique perspective on space and patterns. With not one, but two creative geniuses on display at the NGV's newest exhibition, we've selected six works (three Escher, three Nendo) that you can't miss out on seeing at Between Two Worlds. [caption id="attachment_700134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] DAY AND NIGHT (ESCHER) Perhaps the Dutch artist's most celebrated work, Day and Night perfectly illustrates Escher's uncanny ability to combine art and science with resounding impact. Uniting a complex understanding of mathematics and perspective with his undeniable creative talent, here, Escher depicts two Dutch towns attached by a series of rolling hills that melt away into a soaring flock of birds. At once day and night, real and unreal, this woodcut offers two simultaneous perspectives that remove the distinction between foreground and background. [caption id="attachment_700137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] DRAWING HANDS (ESCHER) Another widely known artwork of Escher's that has been reproduced in various pop culture mediums since its creation in 1947, Drawing Hands is a clear example of Escher's obsession with paradoxes. Produced in a more photorealistic style than many of Escher's other works, this lithograph displays two hands conceiving each other into existence. While conveying Escher's interest in the concept of infinity, it also demonstrates his desire to produce two-dimensional drawings that leap off the page. [caption id="attachment_700274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] SNAKES (ESCHER) Finished in 1969, Snakes was the last work that M.C. Escher would ever produce. But while he might have passed away just a few short years later, this piece demonstrates just how highly advanced his work became. Showcasing Escher's legendary understanding of symmetry and interlocking arrangements, the work features a rotational symmetry as snakes weave their way between an ever-shrinking pattern. Recognising the significance of this artwork, Nendo has produced a specially designed space, Snake House, where a brightly lit pathway serpentines through an otherwise dark room and ends with the work. [caption id="attachment_700126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy[/caption] ZOOMING HOUSE (NENDO) Serving as a connecting corridor between two of the exhibition's distinct rooms, Zooming House is a vast architectural structure that once again recalls Escher's obsession with perspective and illusion. Following the same house motif seen throughout the exhibition, here the pathway starts as a wide four-metre chasm before gradually shrinking into a tight 55 centimetres. The contrasting black and white pattern amplifies this effect before you turn off into another hypnotic space. [caption id="attachment_700282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] HOUSE IN PERSPECTIVE (NENDO) Both luminous and reflective, while the floor-to-ceiling rods in this room first appear to be simply an interesting way to display Escher's works, on closer inspection — when viewed from a specific spot in the room — the rods merge together and the form of Nendo's house motif appears. Here, you'll find a selection of Escher's most mind-bending drawings and prints. [caption id="attachment_700133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy[/caption] GATHERED HOUSE (NENDO) While this grand circular space is dedicated to Escher's many works fixated on the concept of infinity, it's hard to ignore the massive Nendo installation featured in the centre of the room. Constructed from thousands of miniature house motifs, the dazzling installation echoes Escher's artworks presented throughout the space, which explore eclectic geometric loops and images of limitless tessellation. Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds is on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until April 7, 2019. You can grab tickets here.
Pull out that old Discman, break out the cargo pants and start practising your smoothest early noughties dance moves — the pop tour of your wildest teenage dreams is hitting Aussie shores this summer and it's got more stars than a TV Hits sticker collection. Next January and February, the inaugural So Pop festival is set to deliver a huge serve of nostalgia to stadiums across the country, pulling together an extra juicy lineup of old-school icons, headlined by none other than Aqua and Vengaboys. Stages in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Auckland will be transported back to the 90s and 00s for one glorious night each, playing host to the pop-drenched soundtrack of your youth. Heading up the show are Danish group Aqua, who promise to leave tunes like 'Barbie Girl' and 'Doctor Jones' firmly wedged in your head, and from the Netherlands, Vengaboys, with party-starting smash hits like 'Boom Boom Boom Boom!!' and 'We Like to Party! (The Vengabus)' — and none other than Lou Bega with, of course, 'Mambo No.5'. Relive more of the glory days with sounds from Irish legends B*Witched — who gifted us with the likes of 'C'est La Vie' and 'Rollercoaster' — UK heroes Blue, of 'All Rise' fame. Italy's Eiffel 65, dance pop act Mr. President ('Coco Jambo'), the USA's Outhere Brothers and The Netherlands' 2 Unlimited ('No Limit', 'Get Ready') round out the throwback showdown. SO POP 2019 DATES Perth — HBF Stadium on Wednesday, January 30 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, February 1 Melbourne — Melbourne Arena on Saturday, February 2 Adelaide — Entertainment Centre on Sunday, February 3 Auckland — Spark Arena on Tuesday, February 5 Brisbane — Eaton Hills Outdoor on Saturday, February 9 So Pop pre-sale tickets are up for grabs — on the concert's very retro website — for 24 hours from 11am AEDT this Thursday, October 11, while the rest are on sale from 10am AEDT on Tuesday, October 16.
First gracing the stage 169 years ago, La Traviata spins a tragic story about Parisian courtesan Violetta Valèry, who falls in love with young nobleman Alfredo Germont. If everything turned out smoothly, the show mightn't have become the world's most-performed opera — but Opera Queensland's new version isn't just telling the tale that audiences have known and loved since 1853. In this reimagining from director Sarah Giles, Violetta and Alfredo's romance still struggles under the weight of 19th-century French society's expectations, but exploring both sides of its fated heroine's life is firmly in the spotlight here. This take on La Traviata peers beyond the parties and supposed glamour to truly see the imbalances of power that define Violetta's existence — between men and women, in France's social structure, and in her line of work. The end result plays QPAC's Lyric Theatre between Thursday, July 14–Saturday, July 23, and promises a spin on a classic like you've never seen it before — still with sumptuous staging and costuming, though, of course. In this production, which comes via State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera, Lorina Gore takes on the role of Violetta, while Kang Wang plays Alfredo — and José Carbó steps into his father Giorgio Germont's shoes. Opera Queensland's chorus is on backing duties, alongside the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dane Lam. If you're keen to find out more about this iteration of Verdi's hit, Opera Queensland is also hosting free pre-performance talks — included in the ticket price — with shows on July 16, 19, 21 and 23.
It has been just two months since Queensland launched its Containers for Change refund scheme, and the move is already having an impact. As well as recycling a hefty amount of aluminium, glass, plastic and steel items, the regime has also paid out a sizeable sum to eco-conscious Queenslanders. Focused on empty drink containers, the CRS has received more than 102 million items since launching on November 1. That's 102 million water bottles, beer cans, juice containers and more that aren't sitting in landfill or headed to our waterways. More than 70,000 Queenslanders have done their part, according to the state government, and they've been well compensated for it. So far, the scheme has paid more than $10 million to participants. Money is a great motivator, obviously, even ten cents per eligible vessel. In the first ten months of 2018, nearly three billion beverage containers were used by Queenslanders — so while returning 102 million in November and December represents a mere fraction of the recyclable containers in use across the period, it's definitely a promising start. More collection and refund points are set to be added in 2019, increasing from the 230-plus available when the CRS launched. For more information, visit the Containers for Change website — or check out our how-to guide.
Today, the award-winning Balter Brewing Company became the latest in the ever-growing line of independently owned Aussie breweries that've been snatched up by the big guys. The Queensland brewery released this statement on its website today, announcing that it had been bought by mega company Carlton & United Breweries (CUB). The multibillion-dollar company already owns the likes of Budweiser, Corona, VB, Stellar Artois and (of course) Carlton Draught — and it has already snatched up some other local craft heroes, including Pirate Life and 4 Pines. CUB is currently owned by the even larger Belgium-based beer corp AB InBev, but that might soon change if a proposed $16 billion acquisition by Asahi goes ahead. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qqoNHlS1o/ Craft brewers have been slated by beer aficionados for 'selling out' to big producers in recent years, and comments on Balter's Facebook post show some fans' disappointment and concern about maintaining the quality of the beer. But, over at Balter, the owners are promising that not much will change. Head Brewer Scotty Hargrave (ex-Stone & Wood) will stay on in his role and, in the statement — which directly addresses the sell-out mentality — the team has reassured customers that "the beer will stay the same". "Yes, we've sold the business, but no we haven't sold out," the team said in a collective statement. "Tomorrow we'll still show up to work with the exact same team, with same mindset and values that have made Balter to what it is today." The contract with CUB is meant to ensure minimal corporate interference overall, with the team saying: "The only reason we started chatting with CUB was their commitment to keep Balter largely as is. CUB have put that in writing and we'll hold them to it." As well as the brew team, the in-house marketing, warehouse crew and owners are all staying on board, too. According to the team, the sale will help manage the brand's exponential growth, and pay back the initial investment to the 46 families who helped get Balter off the ground. So what does the sale mean for you? Not much, initially. As to be expected with CUBs massive reach, you can expect to see a whole heap more Balter in big name venues around town, too. But, in turn, it might also mean that some independent-only bottle shops, bars and pubs may no longer stock Balter at all. If you're worried that the quality of the beer will stay the same, the only thing you can do is wait and see — the team itself is inviting cynics to try a tinnie in a month's time and see if they can spot the difference. And if you want to only buy local, you still have plenty of independent breweries to choose from. Balter is by no means the only craft producer to have been snapped up this year — beloved gin brand Four Pillars was acquired by another beer behemoth Lion in March, and a second Queensland favourite, Green Beacon, was bought by Asahi in August.
Australia's first urban surf park is one step closer to reality, with the team behind URBNSURF this morning confirming they've scored $28.3 million in funding for their much-anticipated Melbourne facility. Billed as the world's first full-size Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, URBNSURF Melbourne is set to transform a 2.1-hectare space near Melbourne Airport into a surfer's wet dream, churning out as many as 1000 two-metre waves each hour. The lagoon itself will boast six different state-of-the-art surf zones, catering to newbies, professionals and everyone in between, with enough room for around 84 surfers every hour. What's more, it'll be open year-round, which means you won't be forced to battle the freezing waters of Port Phillip Bay to get your surf fix come winter. Backing up the beach-style breaks, there'll be a concept retail space, a fully-equipped surf hire shop, a beach club and a plethora of food and drink options for those post-surf appetites. URBNSURF Melbourne will also play host to a surfing academy, fitness classes and high performance coaching and training options. Construction on the lagoon is set to kick off next month, with the hope Melburnians will be riding waves there by April 2019. URBNSURF's Sydney surf park, which was given the go ahead last year, is slated to be up and running by late 2019. URBNSURF Melbourne is slated to open in April 2019 at 394 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine. We'll keep you updated on its progress and you can visit urbnsurf.co for more info.
In the hearts and minds of Marvel Cinematic Universe viewers, Chadwick Boseman will be Black Panther forever. In the upcoming sequel to 2018's excellent Black Panther, however, a new version of the hero is on its way. Thanks to the initial trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from back in July, Marvel already established that King T'Challa has passed away, his nation is in mourning and his absence is heavily felt — and in the just-dropped new sneak peek, that results in someone else donning the titular figure's suit. As for who that is, Wakanda Forever is keeping coy about the answer even in the new footage, although it's easy to take a few guesses. The latest trailer also keeps reckoning with another question that was always going to linger over this second effort, and will be solved in November when the film hits cinemas: how do you jump back into a superhero saga — a caped-crusader franchise within a sprawling, seemingly never-ending franchise, too — without your star? Given Boseman's death in 2020, this sequel obviously isn't the film that returning writer/director Ryan Coogler (Creed) initially intended, and an unsurprisingly emotional time awaits. That said, while the first sneak peek played up the sorrow across Wakanda — complete with a tribute to King T'Challa among its frames — the new Wakanda Forever glimpse sets an action-packed tone. Plot-wise, the story picks up with Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett, Gunpowder Milkshake), Shuri (Letitia Wright, Death on the Nile), M'Baku (Winston Duke, Nine Days), Okoye (Danai Gurira, The Walking Dead) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba, Deutschland89) charged with protecting their nation from world powers after T'Challa's death — with help from War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o, The 355) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman, Breeders). But life on land isn't their only threat. Thanks to a hidden undersea nation called Talokan — and Namor (Tenoch Huerta, Narcos: Mexico), its king — Wakanda seems to have a pressing for a hero like Black Panther. Also among Wakanda Forever's cast: Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) and Dominique Thorne (Judas and the Black Messiah), with the latter playing Riri Williams ahead of the character's solo Disney+ series Ironheart When the initial trailer dropped, Marvel revealed that Wakanda Forever will wrap up the MCU's phase four — because this ever-growing on-screen superhero world is broken up into different chapters. Obviously, more caped-crusader stories are still in the works, though, with the Disney-owned entertainment behemoth also plotting out its plans across phase five and phase six, taking it up to 2025. Check out the latest Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer below: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever releases in cinemas Down Under on November 10. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.
Australians love a spot of Flume on their Spotify playlists, with the Sydney producer taking out the most streamed spot on the music streaming giant, narrowing stealing the party crown from NZ neighbour Lorde. Celebrating its second birthday today in Australia, Spotify has released a bucketload of stats in one super scrollworthy infographic. In a staggering display of dazzle-by-numbers, Spotify Australia some nifty stats to brag about on its second anniversary since launching in 2012. Over 100 lifetimes or 8,200 years of music has been streamed on Spotify locally in last two years, with 27 million playlists created by Australians. Most of these — over 500k — have been made about love (mostly made by Victorians too). Big ol' saps. We also made more playlists about relaxing than exercise, with New South Wales picking up the Most Laidback State award and choosing to sit on their butts and bliss out rather than pumping up the jam. Australians (awesomely enough) love to stream local music, with Flume beating out international artists Avicii, Eminem and Daft Punk for top streamed artist, as well as the Crowded House of contemporary music, Lorde , who we'll inevitably claim as Australian. The top local artists after Flume were triple j explosion Vance Joy, falsetto dreamboat Matt Corby, hip hop heavyweights Bliss and Eso and the internationally-acclaimed The Temper Trap. Check out the rest of Spotify's Aussie stats below in a scroll happy wonderland of infographics and stream your guiltiest pleasure to wish the team a bon anniversaire.
Think Capri, and you likely think of the island off Italy's coastline. Southeast Queensland also boasts the Isle of Capri, however, in the Nerang River on the Gold Coast. And it's there that you'll find your next spot for Southern California-meets-Mexican eats while peering at the water, with newcomer Isla Cantina opening its doors. Back in mid-2022, the Capri on Via Roma shopping centre was snapped up by Mulpha Hospitality Group, who is behind this new restaurant and bar as well. Isla Cantina is nestled next to Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar, can welcome in 100 people, and sports a coastal-appropriate earthy and airy fitout by Brisbane-based architect and interior designer Simone Barr from DAARC — and, amid greenery and neutral hues, those views. Mark Marshall, Mulpha's Area Executive Chef for Queensland, has overseen Isla Cantina's culinary lineup, which unsurprisingly goes heavy on seafood given the venue's location. Fried red snapper tacos are a particular highlight, sitting alongside spanner crab tostadas, snapper ceviche, cachaca- and lime-cured ocean trout, and yellowfin tuna tiradito. If you're keen to venture beyond the ocean's finest, eight-hour slow-roasted lamb barbacoa, adobe barbecue chicken, and flank steak paired with bone-marrow butter, fire-roasted onions and tomatillo salsa are also on the menu, plus jackfruit carnitas. For dessert, options include barbecue pineapple, as well as the sweet-and-spicy blend that comes with chocolate and chipotle mousse. And, you'll also lean into a melange of flavours in the cocktail range, which is filled with drinks ready to be sipped on Isla Cantina's breezy deck. Authentic Mexican cocktails lead the show, margaritas obviously included, and also the paloma, and the beer-based chelada and michelada.
It isn't every day that Australia busts out a pop-metal tune to compete on the world stage. No, just at Eurovision 2023. Apologies to whatever's been getting a workout on your playlist over the past few weeks, but May is here, which means that Eurovision is here. And, so are a whole bunch of synth-heavy Europop tunes — plus that Aussie riff on a on Europop tune — that'll worm their way into your head. This is Christmas for pop songs belted out competitively in a glitzy ceremony filled with eye-catching outfits, with the the 67th Eurovision Song Contest kicking off at 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 10. Doing the honours for Australia, starting in the second semi final at 5am AEST on Friday, May 12, is Perth synth-metal band Voyager. Their track: earworm 'Promise', which'll have "it's gonna be alright" lodged in plenty of brains from the moment that the band take to the stage. For newcomers, Eurovision started back in 1956 as a competition between a mere seven nations. Now, more than six decades later, it's a glitter-strewn and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Thirty-seven countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere will compete in 2023 — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their queues. This year's host city is Liverpool in the United Kingdom, in a break from Eurovision tradition. The song contest usually unleashes each year's contenders in the country responsible for the past year's winner — and in 2022, Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won for 'Stefania'. But due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Eurovision will be held in the UK for the first time in a quarter-century. Thanks to duo TVORCHI, a huge hit on their homegrown charts, Ukraine will still defend its title with the song 'Heart of Steel'. Australians keen to tune in will be directing their eyeballs to SBS, with the broadcaster's usual annual celebration of all things Europop returning for another round. 2023 marks 40 years of the network showing Eurovision, in fact. When Voyager play their track, they'll be up against performers from 15 other countries, including Brunette from Armenia, Belgium's Gustaph, Diljá from Iceland, Joker Out from Slovenia, and Austria's Teya & Salena. Also in the same show: Aussie Andrew Lambrou, who is competing for Cyprus, his parents' homeland, with 'Break a Broken Heart'. If Voyager makes their way through to the grand final — with only 21 acts making the cut, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ukraine automatically guaranteed spots — you'll also want to get up early on Sunday, May 14. Or, even if they don't, that's when this year's winner will be anointed. Of course, for those who can't tear themselves out of bed before it's light and can somehow manage to avoid the internet and social media, both semis and the grand final will also screen in primetime on the same dates. Wondering who Voyager are? And why you didn't get a say in their Eurovision selection? Unlike past years, there was no Eurovision — Australia Decides event and public vote to choose who'd score the Aussie berth; however, the five-piece band featuring Danny Estrin on vocals and keytar, Simone Dow and Scott Kay on guitar, Alex Vanion on bass and Ash Doodkorte on drums has been vying to represent the country since 2015. In 2022's Australian vote, they came in second to Sheldon Riley, who took the country to 15th spot in last year's Eurovision grand final. Now that it's time to watch along, SBS' usual local hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey are once again overseeing the Australian coverage. And if you can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour, it's worth remembering that Australians can indeed vote for Eurovision, but only until around 15 minutes after the last song is performed in each live semi-final broadcast and about 40 minutes after the last track ends in the grand final. In a big change to past years, voting is open to everyone in all finals — whether you're from a country participating in that final or not — and the artists who get through from the two semi finals to the grand final will be solely chosen by the audience at home. Still remaining the same: the rule that says Australians can't actually vote for Voyager, because no one can vote for the country they represent. EUROVISION 2023 BROADCASTS: LIVE BROADCASTS: Semi final one: 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 10 on SBS and SBS on Demand Semi final two: 5am AEST on Friday, May 12 on SBS and SBS on Demand — featuring Voyager Grand final: 5am AEST on Sunday, May 14 on SBS and SBS on Demand STREAMING REPLAYS: Semi final one: 12pm AEST on Wednesday, May 10 on SBS on Demand Semi final two: 12pm AEST on Friday, May 12 on SBS on Demand — featuring Voyager Grand final: 3pm AEST on Sunday, May 14 on SBS on Demand TV REPLAYS: Semi final one: 7.30pm AEST on Friday, May 12 on SBS Semi final two: 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, May 13 on SBS — featuring Voyager Grand final: 7.30pm AEST on Sunday, May 14 on SBS SBS' Eurovision 2023 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 10–Sunday, May 14. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website. Images: Sarah Louise Bennett / Corinne Cumming.
Throughout November, the Leonids meteor shower has been soaring through the skies; however, that's not the only reason to look up this weekend. Take a gander at the sky on Friday, November 19 and you'll also see a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse that's expected to turn the mood a shade of red. You won't even need to shake yourself out of your warm bed at a super-early hour to catch a glimpse, either, because the eclipse will be lurking in the sky on Friday evening just as nightfall hits. If you're wondering what else you need to know, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's the rundown. Unlike May's total lunar eclipse, this one is a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse — so the earth will move between the moon and the sun, but they won't all be completely aligned. Still, when the moon is directly in the earth's actual shadow, it turns a shade of red thanks to sunlight that's filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere. For a lunar eclipse to occur, there must be a full moon. Based on North American seasons, the November full moon is called a beaver moon because that's when they start to build their winter dams. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Friday, November 19. In Sydney, the partial eclipse is due to begin at 7.34pm, reach its maximum at 8.02pm and end at 11.03pm, while in Melbourne, it'll start at 8.09pm, hit its maximum at 8.12pm and still end at 11.03pm — all according to Timeanddate.com. For Brisbanites, it'll kick off at 6.14pm, reach its maximum at 7.02pm and end at 10.03pm. If you're in Adelaide, those key times are 7.59pm, 8.11pm and 10.33pm. In Perth, you'll get a far more limited view from 6.57pm, with the eclipse hitting its maximum at 7pm and ending at 8.03pm. You'll want to have your cameras at the ready, of course — and see if you can outdo previous big batches of supermoon snaps and super blue blood moon pics. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies. So, city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. If you can't get a clear vantage, Sydney Observatory will be hosting a livestream with Gomeroi yinarr woman, astrophysicist and STEM leader Karlie Alinta Noon, plus Sydney Observatory astrophysicist Dr Andrew Jacob and Sydney Observatory Astronomy Ambassador Kat Ross, from 6.30pm AEST/7.30pm AEDT. The Virtual Telescope Project will also be live-streaming from the skyline above Rome from 5pm AEST/6pm AEDT. The 97 percent partial lunar eclipse will take place on the evening of Friday, November 19. For further information, including about timing, head to either NASA or Timeanddate.com.
When the Australian Government announced its three-step road map to a COVIDSafe Australia last month, it included a 100-person cap on gatherings in step three, which is set to be introduced in July. Today, Friday, June 12, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has lifted this cap and replaced it by a blanket four-square-metre rule. This means that bigger venues will be able to have bigger gatherings — and more than 100 people at events as long as they don't exceed one person per four square metres. The Prime Minister also announced that outdoor venues, such as stadiums, with a capacity of up to 40,000 will be allowed to open at 25 percent capacity, but events must be ticketed and seated. As the Prime Minister said, this means music festivals and nightclubs are still off the cards: "Large folk festivals where people are roaming around from tent to tent, from gathering to gathering, that is not something we're talking about here." Larger events that would be allowed as part of step three, according to the Prime Minister, include funerals, cultural performances and sports. [caption id="attachment_635708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida[/caption] Exactly when this will be allowed, though, is up to individual state and territory leaders. As has been the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the roadmap is a guideline and it's up to individual leaders to implement the steps — and amend the state laws — as they see fit. The Prime Minister did say, though, that the country was on track for the three-step process to be completed by July. Queensland has already outlined what step three could look like, and plans to introduce it on July 10. Victoria has plans to ease more restrictions on June 21 and again in mid-July. NSW is easing some restrictions tomorrow — including opening gyms and allowing gatherings of up to 20 people — but Premier Gladys Berejiklian said yesterday that more on the government's plans for July would be announced "imminently". To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
They're famous for singing about an island in the sun. Come October, they'll be playing on one: Australia. Yes, add Weezer to the list of acts that first made it big decades ago that are hitting our shores again, and soon, with the Los Angeles-formed alt-rock band just announcing three big Aussie arena gigs for this spring. Expect the supremely cruisy, holiday vibe-heavy 'Island in the Sun' to get a spin, plus 'Undone — The Sweater Song', 'Buddy Holly', 'El Scorcho', 'Beverly Hills', 'Hash Pip', 'Pork and Beans' and more, all from across the group's three-decade career. Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Scott Shriner and Brian Bell will take to the stage in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on a whirlwind three-day, three-show trip between Friday, October 6–Sunday, October 8. [caption id="attachment_912637" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murphy[/caption] Music lovers in Victoria and Queensland's capitals, you'll be catching Weezer play through its hefty discography as headliners, with the band picking up their instruments at John Cain Arena in the former and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in the latter. In support, Brissie legends Regurgitator will warm up the crowd in both cities — another favourite that began rocking the airwaves in the 90s. In Sydney, Weezer fans will need to see KISS, too, with Weezer's only Harbour City show in support of KISS in what's been dubbed the makeup-clad icons' last-ever Australian concert. Weezer love a bit of a nostalgia, at least where their Aussie tours are involved. Back in 2020, they were announced for the Hella Mega Tour's Down Under run, which was meant to hit the country that November with Green Day and Fall Out Boy also headlining. Then the pandemic hit, and the trio's successful worldwide combined gigs cancelled its Australian plans. WEEZER 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: HEADLINE SHOWS: Friday, October 6 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Sunday, October 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane KISS: THE FINAL CURTAIN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WEEZER: Saturday, October 7 — Accord Stadium, Sydney Weezer will tour Australia in October 2023, with early-bird pre-sale tickets for their solo shows available from 9am AEST on Tuesday, August 15, and general sales from 9am AEST on Thursday, August 17. Head to the tour website for further details — and to Ticketek for KISS tickets now. Top image: Hunter Kahn via Wikimedia Commons.
Australian theatre fans haven't yet had the chance to see Dear Evan Hansen on the stage without leaving the country, but that's finally changing in 2024. When Sydney Theatre Company announced its season for this year, it revealed that the six-time Tony Award-winner would grace theatres in the Harbour City. In excellent news for folks around the rest of the country, the season will now make stops in Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide as well. When a musical becomes a Broadway sensation, FOMO tends to sink in for Aussie theatre aficionados. Rave reviews might start pouring in, and awards as well, but seeing whichever production has New York talking usually requires a Big Apple trip — an expensive endeavour even for the biggest stage aficionado. The other option: waiting patiently for NYC's brightest shows to head Down Under. It happened with Hamilton eventually, and now it's happening with Dear Evan Hansen. Dear Evan Hansen premiered in the US in 2016, then made the leap to the big screen in 2021. The next stop, back in stage form, is Sydney's Roslyn Packer Theatre from Saturday, October 12, then Playhouse Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from December 2024, Canberra Circuit Theatre from February 2025 and Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide from April 2025. Brisbanites and Perthians, runs for both cities haven't been revealed as yet — so start crossing your fingers. Created for the stage by songwriting and composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — who nabbed an Oscar for La La Land's 'City of Stars' — with playwright Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), the musical spins a coming-of-age story about a plethora of high school struggles. Dear Evan Hansen follows its titular anxious teen, who is advised by his therapist to pen letters to himself to highlight the good aspects of his day. Then one of his notes ends up in a similarly lonely classmate's hands, sparking a complex chain reaction. STC, who is putting on the production with Michael Cassel Group, has also announced a number of cast members who'll bring Dear Evan Hansen to life on Australia's stages. Get ready to see Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins) as Evan's mother Heidi, Natalie O'Donnell (MAMMA MIA!, Come From Away) and Martin Crewes as Cynthia and Larry Murphy, Georgia Laga'aia as Zoe Murphy, Harry Targett as Connor Murphy, Carmel Rodrigues as Alana Beck and Jacob Rozario as Jared Kleinman. You'll need to wait until August to find out who'll be following in Ben Platt's (Theater Camp) footsteps — after he played the lead part on both Broadway and in the film — as Evan in the Aussie show. Dear Evan Hansen Australian Season: From Saturday, October 12, 2024 — Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney From December 2024 — Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne From February 2025 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra From April 2025 — Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide Sydney Theatre Company's production of Dear Evan Hansen will kick off in Sydney in October 2024, then tour the country. Head to the show's website for tickets, waitlists and more details. Images: Universal.
Wubba lubba dub dub, Rick and Morty fans — the beloved animated series returns for its sixth season in early September, and is bound to serve up another schwifty dose of chaotic intergalactic mayhem. Been wondering what happened since season five's big ending? Can't wait for new episodes, which arrive Down Under via Netflix on Monday, September 5? The Back to the Future-inspired hit has also made the leap into real life, with #wormageddon scenes popping up around the world. What's #wormageddon? It's what Adult Swim, the US network behind Rick and Morty, is calling "an immersive adventure" — and it's setting up IRL Rick and Morty moments in places as varied as Mexico City, Malibu, The Netherlands, Brazil, Toronto, Cape Town and Sydney. Yes, Australia is getting in on the action, with a #wormageddon scene arriving on the Bennelong Lawn in The Royal Botanic Gardens in the Harbour City from today, Tuesday, August 30. In Sydney's pop-up, Birdperson faces #wormageddon — aka a mysterious alien worm that wants to take over earth. That's what happens in the show's narrative after the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five, and where season six will pick up. Australia is no stranger to pop culture-themed installations, especially lately. Everything from House of the Dragon, The Gray Man and Everything Everywhere All At Once through to Squid Game, Stranger Things and Borat has done the same, resulting in everything from dragon eggs and the Iron Throne to multidimensional laundromats and otherworldly rifts appearing on Aussie shores. Usually, they only last a day or a weekend, though, but #wormageddon is hanging around Sydney until Thursday, September 8 — on display from 7.30am–5.30pm daily. In total, 14 custom #wormageddon scenes are setting up shop on six continents, all bridging the gap between the end of the last season and the start of season six, and sending fans on a global treasure hunt to find each scene. Sydney's Birdperson-versus-worm installation marks the ninth so far, with exactly where the remaining five will surface yet to be revealed. That's the way the news goes — and if you're keen to find out more about the #wormageddon storyline, Adult Swim has dropped a few online shorts, too. You can check them out below, along with the trailer for Rick and Morty's sixth season. Rick and Morty's sixth season will premiere globally on Monday, September 5 Down Under. The series streams via Netflix in Australia and New Zealand. Top image: Adult Swim.
More dogs. That's it, that's our wish list. There can never be enough dog-friendly bars, dog-centric events, creative food for dogs, doggo movie screenings or just good ol' dog parks, and there never will be. Also, as the ABC's new Tony Armstrong-hosted three-part doco series A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong clearly realises, there can't be too many shows about these four-legged cuties either. Netflix already gave us two seasons of the docuseries Dogs, recent big-screen release Stray spent time with puppers in Istanbul and there's even a whole streaming platform made for woofers — as every pooch owner knows, they like to watch TV, too — but none of them enlist the former AFL player turned ABC News Breakfast sports presenter to explore the world of canines. Obviously, given its title, A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong definitely does. Across the three-part series, he won't just be surrounded by canines, but will also interview top canine researchers, step into the evolution of dogs, explore their senses and help provide advice for your own barking bestie. "When I was approached about the possibility of being involved in A Dog's World, I don't even think I got to the end of the email before I was agreeing to take part," says Armstrong. "It was amazing being involved in the project, I learned a lot and I hope everyone who watches enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it!" The ABC has just dropped a trailer for the series and, yes, it looks as super-cute as it sounds. The dogs featured even just in the 100-second sneak peek firmly fit that description. If you're keen to watch, add 8.30pm on Tuesday, March 22 to your diary — which is when A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong will start airing on ABC TV and streaming via ABC iView. Check out the trailer for A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong below: A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong will be available to watch via ABC TV and ABC iView on Tuesday, March 22.
After nearly a decade of Westerosi power struggles, obsessed fans and soaring ratings, HBO now finds itself with a Game of Thrones-sized gap to fill. The network isn't completely saying goodbye to the world created by George RR Martin, with at least one spinoff confirmed, and several others possibly in the works. But it's also looking for its next big hit. Bleak superhero saga Watchmen is one of the network's options, with a television adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel headed to screens later this year. His Dark Materials is another, as based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name. And if it sounds familiar, that's because — like Watchmen — one of them has already been turned into a movie. Twelve years after the incredibly family-oriented The Golden Compass made its way to cinemas, it's now heading to TV alongside sequels The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. HBO is keeping things simple by sticking with the franchise name, other than individual book monikers. And, based on the just-launched first teaser, it has help from a hefty cast — with James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Wire's Clarke Peters and Logan's Dafne Keen all starring. Still on the big-name front, Academy Award-winning The King's Speech director Tom Hooper is helming the first two episodes. Keen plays Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe — one where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. As she looks for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovers a church-run stolen children ring, learns about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. While HBO hasn't announced an exact premiere date as yet, His Dark Materials' eight-episode first season will hit screens by the end of the year. Instigated by and co-produced with the BBC, the show has already been renewed for a second season before it even airs — so the US network is clearly aiming big. Check out the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qz8L4KaTss His Dark Materials will air on HBO in the second half of the year, with an exact release date yet to be announced. We'll keep you updated — including about air dates Down Under. Images: HBO.
A Cautionary Tail looks set to be one of the success stories of Flickerfest this year. The short film centres on a little girl born with a tail that expresses her emotions. It's a source of fun while she's a child, but as she grows into an adult, it becomes a problem, stopping her from fitting in the way she wants to. The animation has been embraced every step of the way so far, ensnaring the talents of Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, and Barry Otto and earning massive support through Kickstarter. Now it's making its worldwide premiere at Flickerfest on January 14, screening in the Best of Australian competition program. We sat down with director and animator Simon Rippingale to talk about loss, growing up, and why he had to grow a trayful of grass in his studio. Where did the story of A Cautionary Tail come from? I was writing a script with Erica [Harrison, writer of A Cautionary Tail], and she was hit by a car one night. She was on a little scooter, and it really cleaned her up, put her in hospital. And she was pretty close to losing her leg … which freaked her out because she's a crazy runner, runs everyday, kilometres. She wrote this poem as a way of sort of dealing with this concept of loss. She's really inspired by Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes, that sort of dark, rhyming verse thing. So it was kind of like a puzzle for her to work on. The way she writes, they're like puzzles. Like, each stanza's got exactly this number of beats, and how do you tell the story. And it's like other people do sudokus or whatever. That's a beautiful thing from quite a horrible beginning. And then she came to you with the project? She was very keen for it to be a kid's book, and I was keen for it to be a short film. And we fought about that for a little while. And I won. But now it's going to be a book, too. The story also deals with that conflict between conforming to society and just being yourself, something it seems both adults and kids could relate to. It's for both, I think, It's aimed at kids, that sort of pre-teen age bracket … But it's also aimed at adults because the biggest theme of the story is dealing with loss and growing up, the transition from childhood to adulthood. Everybody relates to that. Everybody's chopped their tail off, in a way. We all had to get jobs and pay bills and most of us have to, you know, be normal. The animation is incredible. Tell us about your techniques. Everything you see in the film is made of miniatures. There were 21 miniature sets built, at my art studio out in Summer Hill … I built all the miniature sets with a team of set builders, some of them are professional props makers from the film industry, a couple of them are graduate students from Enmore Design School, who are doing miniatures there. We shot the miniatures without characters in them and edited the film without the characters on the screen, which is a bit tricky … Then we went into the character design process. All the characters are generated in 3D and animated in Maya. And then a compositing team put it all together. It looks like a lot of detail went into the miniatures — a lot of hands, a lot of hours. It was a massive job, about three months of intensive work. But it was really fun, I loved it … All the organic things you see in the film like grass and leaves and trees are all real. They're real bark, and the grass I grew in a big tray. The sets were plopped on the grass and filmed like that. What are some of your animation inspirations? Well I love Pixar, for story. They really have raised the bar with storytelling, and the art of storytelling, and the importance of story – prioritising story over other things. And I think other studios have jumped to that tune and now everyone else is catching up to that idea. Also Miyazaki. I love Miyazaki, the Studio Ghibli films. How they've stuck to their style, that 2D, the sort of strangeness of that Japanese style of storytelling, which doesn't quite make sense to us and is a bit different, the narratives are a bit odd. And that's really nice for us, growing up in the West. It's a bit of a window into another way of thinking. And also Tim Burton, that stop-motion, and others. There's an undercurrent of handmadiness that's almost making a resurgence, in your work and elsewhere. Yeah, absolutely, there's been a real resurgence of handmade, stop-motion films, because 3D is so prevalent. It's like vinyl; it's not going to go away. You seem to have had a lot of success with Kickstarter. How was that experience? Kickstarter is an amazing medium and we had a great Kickstarter campaign. It was quite unexpected. We were really surprised at the support from all around the world … The cool thing about it is that you sort of develop your fan base and distribution and marketing when you're at the fundraising stage. So producers love it — you're developing the market while you're raising funds. And that's why you see some big names using Kickstarter? Yeah, there are some big names using Kickstarter, like Charlie Kaufman and Phil Tippett, who are both doing big things, raising money by going outside the studio system, saving them having to sort of justify their ideas on market potential. With crowdsourced funding you don't have to justify to somebody else; you just put it out there and gauge interest yourself. You also held an exhibition at the same time. How did that go? Yeah, we did an exhibition at the Paramount building in Surry Hills, where Heckler Studios have their offices now. Heckler did all the post on A Cautionary Tale and they worked with us and also headspace to do an exhibition and fundraiser. We exhibited some of the miniature sets and prints from the film, we projected some of the work-in-progress animation, and we all got drunk. So real life and the internet came together. Did you see a corresponding bump in the Kickstarter campaign? Yeah, definitely at that time. And we had laptops set up on the night. For the drunk people to contribute. Yeah, so drunk people could get their credit cards out… You certainly got some major celebs involved in this project. Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, and Barry Otto voice the film. How did you get them on board? That was simple — we just sent the project to their agents. We didn't really have an 'in', or know anyone. I think they just responded to the writing. The story is really strong. The poem is beautiful. It's going to come out on iTunes next year at some point and as an e-book. So yeah, the poem itself is sort of what started this whole project off. Everyone responds really strongly to it. The actors who came on board were obviously right at the top of our list. We weren't expecting them to say yes, but they said yes. We were very lucky. And now you're about to have our official premiere at Flickerfest. What's it like to be in the festival? It's great. They've been really lovely and supportive of the film. And it's just very exciting to be showing the film, after so much work. It's a local festival, a great festival. Do you personally find you get something out of the festival experience, versus, say, just finding and watching stuff on the internet? I like checking things out on YouTube, but I also like the cinema experience. I like a big roomful of people and the lights go down, the curtains. It's a bit of a ritual. And it's an experience you share with people. I don't think that's going to go away. And film is still a very relevant medium, even if TV has taken a bit of the wind out of its sails. Those HBO series are just spectacular. But still, the film format is very strong, it's not going away any time soon. And your category is Academy® Accredited, which means if you win, you could be up for an Oscar. That must be exciting? Yes. I'm writing the speech… Who would you thank? My mum.
Who made the rule that Valentine's Day was just for pairs, couples and duos? You can turf that old-school thinking out the window, because we're here in 2023, happy in the knowledge that love comes in all shapes and sizes. And this year, the QT hotel chain is embracing that notion with an inclusive Valentine's Day celebration that's best enjoyed in a crew of three. On Tuesday, February 14, the brand's sites around the country — in Melbourne, plus also Sydney, Bondi, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle and Perth — are paying special homage to the throuples and trios out there in lovers' land with a one-night-only You, Plus Two package. While venues across the nation will likely be brimming with tables for two, these hotels will be celebrating three as the magic number. The details vary slightly in different cities, but the first step is the same: book a table for three at a resident QT restaurant (or, for QT Bondi, at North Bondi Fish). Do so at Gowings at QT Sydney, Pascale at QT Melbourne, Capitol Grill at QT Canberra, Jana Restaurant at QT Newcastle and Santini Grill at QT Perth that evening and you'll enjoy a little extra love in the form of the venue's Aphrodisiac Hour offering. That's half a dozen oysters and three mini vodka martinis on the house, all to kick off your date night right. At Yamagen at QT Gold Coast, you'll receive the half-dozen oysters for Aphrodisiac Hour. And at North Bondi Fish, you won't score any free bites, but you will go in the running for a giveaway that's running everywhere. That competition? All tables of three at each venue on the night will be in with a shot at being crowned the Throuple in Residence for that QT hotel. If you win at whichever QT spot you're at (or North Bondi Fish for QT Bondi), you'll be invited to keep the loved-up festivities going with a private hotel room, complete with robes, pillows and all the cushy amenities you could hope for. QT's You, Plus Two package is available for all tables of three booked for Tuesday, February 14, with slightly different deals at different hotels. Secure your spot online.
Sometimes, they do still make 'em like they used to: action-adventure rom-coms in this case. Drive a DeLorean back to 1984, to the year before Robert Zemeckis made DeLoreans one of the most famous types of movie cars ever, and the director's Romancing the Stone did huge box-office business — and it's that hit that The Lost City keenly tries to emulate. This new Sandra Bullock- and Channing Tatum-starring romp doesn't hide that aim for a second, and even uses the same broad overall setup. Once again, a lonely romance novelist is swept up in a chaotic adventure involving treasure, a jungle-hopping jaunt and a stint of kidnapping, aka exactly what she writes about in her best-selling books. The one big change: the writer is held hostage, rather than her sister. But if you've seen Romancing the Stone, you know what you're in for. Movies that blandly and generically recreate/riff on/rip off others will never be gleaming cinematic jewels; the good news is that The Lost City is neither dull nor dispiritingly derivative. Cinema has literally been there and done this before, but directors Aaron and Adam Nee (Band of Robbers) are gleefully aware of that fact and don't even pretend to pretend otherwise. Rather, they wink, nod, serve up a knowing tribute to the 80s fare they're following, and repeatedly make it as blatant as can be that everything they're doing is by design. Their tone is light, bouncy and breezy. Their cast, which also spans Daniel Radcliffe and a delightfully scene-stealing Brad Pitt, is always on that wavelength. Indeed, swap out the vibe or The Lost City's four biggest on-screen names and the film would fall apart, especially without Bullock and Tatum's charisma and chemistry. With them all, it remains by the numbers but also terrifically likeable. As penned by the Nees, Oren Uziel (Mortal Kombat) and Dana Fox (Cruella) — based on a story by Baywatch director Seth Gordon — The Lost City's plot is ridiculously easy to spot. Also, it's often flat-out ridiculous. Anyone who has ever seen any kind of flick along the same lines, such as Jungle Cruise most recently, will quickly see that Loretta Sage (Bullock, The Unforgivable), this movie's protagonist, could've penned it herself. Once she finds herself living this type of narrative, that truth isn't lost on her, either. First, though, she's five years into a grief-stricken reclusive spell, and is only out in the world promoting her new release because her publisher Beth (Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The United States vs Billie Holiday) forces her to. She's also far from happy at being stuck once again with the man who has been sharing her limelight over the years, Fabio-style model Alan (Tatum, Dog), who has graced her book's covers and had women falling over themselves to lust-read their pages. Loretta is hardly thrilled about the whole spectacle that becomes her latest Q&A as a result, and that makes her a distracted easy mark for billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe, Guns Akimbo) afterwards. He's noticed her new work, spotted similarities to the ancient riches he's chasing IRL, and gets his underlings to swoop in and snatch her up. His plan: leaning on Loretta's past as a serious historian to help him find his holy grail on a remote Atlantic island. She's given zero choice, but once the puppy dog-like Alan notices she's missing, he calls in expert assistance from devilishly suave and competent mercenary Jack Trainer (Pitt, Ad Astra). Of course, it doesn't take long for Loretta and Alan to be fleeing as an odd-couple duo, attempting to find the treasure, and endeavouring to avoid Abigail and his minions — and stay alive, obviously. 'Obviously' is a word that could be thrown at almost everything that occurs in The Lost City, but there's a gaping difference between being drably dutiful to a well-worn setup and having as much fun as possible with recognisable parts. Case in point: how Radcliffe enthusiastically hams it up in a part that's a simple next step from his TV work on Miracle Workers, but is always a joy to watch. See also: how the movie uses the long-locked Pitt, who clearly enjoys toying and parodying his own image, and is even introduced on the phone, unseen but audibly eating — which immediately deserves its place in the supercuts dedicated to his fondness for acting and noshing. And, another example: the liveliness that accompanies Pitt's big rescue scene, which is equally exciting and amusing. All of this epitomises The Lost City at its best. Well, that and the rapport between Bullock and Tatum. They're game for their tasks, which largely rely upon their familiar on-screen personas — she's sharp, he's a himbo, that contrast sparks screwball banter aplenty — and yet they shine as brightly as any long-lost gems. Also welcome: the fact that the age gap between The Lost City's key couple skews Bullock's way — she's 16 years Tatum's senior — and isn't turned into a big deal. Neither is the idea that a middle-aged writer could be attractive, or that wearing glasses, not always caring about your appearance and being smart don't instantly stop the same outcome. Having a 50-something female lead, treating her like an actual human, letting her intelligence and warmth be her defining traits: these shouldn't all feel as revolutionary as they do, but they're as dazzling as the pink sequinned jumpsuit that Bullock spends much of the movie traipsing around the jungle wearing. The Lost City knows that whole setup is ludicrous, too, in a film that unpacks the cliches that've always come with its chosen genre, updates its tropes for 2022 and still embraces goofy escapism. Bullock is comfortable in her role because she's played brainy rom-com women before; The Proposal and Miss Congeniality quickly come to mind. As for The Lost City itself, it's comfortable all-round because Bullock is its anchor — even with the joyously self-aware Tatum and Pitt, and the eagerly entertaining Radcliffe, always proving just as engaging to watch. Viewers can forgive the Nee brothers, then, for stretching the film out longer than the material genuinely supports. You can excuse the flabby spots because they're rarely flat as well, and because something new and silly tends to pop up seconds later. The movie a little too bluntly advocates for its own modest pleasures, courtesy of a speech by Alan about learning not to be embarrassed about modelling for Loretta's books, but it really didn't need to: Hollywood should still make thoroughly predictable yet still well-executed and gleaming-enough fare like this, and more often.
We're officially less than two months out from December 25, so, like it or not, you can prepare to be inundated with an assortment of new-release festive goodies. In a similar vein to Four Pillars' annual Christmas concoction, the latest edition of which has just hit the shelves, South Australian distillery Prohibition Liquor Co. has unveiled its own Yuletide-inspired gin for 2018. As always, this year's seasonal small-batch release sets out to bottle the essence of a true-blue Aussie Christmas, blending flavours of star anise, cherry, cinnamon, fig and orange to create a drink that's spicy, syrupy and unmistakably festive. Longtime fans of Prohibition's Christmas Gin will notice a few changes with this latest batch, which is slightly boozier to previous years (at 40 percent) and rocks a new pale blush colour. As with other Prohibition products like the Shiraz Barrel Gin and the Bathtub Cut Gin, this one's all packaged up in a square, Prohibition Era-style bottle — perfect for bootlegging some booze to your family Christmas lunch. Prohibition Liquor Co.'s 2018 Christmas gin is on sale now for $105 online and at select retailers.
When you have so many huge musicals to your name, as Andrew Lloyd Webber does, one is always likely to be playing a stage somewhere. That includes in Australia, where the acclaimed composer's The Phantom of the Opera will start its latest stint Down Under in August — to be swiftly followed by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While the latest version of Phantom heads our way fresh from proving a huge hit in both the United Kingdom and the United States, this iteration Joseph makes the leap straight from London's West End. It also marks the first time that it's being staged outside of the UK, with seasons in Melbourne and Sydney locked in. Hailing from not only Lloyd Webber, but from lyricist Tim Rice as well, Joseph will enjoy its Australian premiere run at Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 11, 2022, before heading to Sydney's Capitol Theatre from Saturday, February 11, 2023. If you live elsewhere in the country, cross your fingers that it adds shows in other capitals to its Aussie run. (No matter where you reside, perhaps cross your fingers that Cats isn't the next big Lloyd Webber musical to prowl across local stages.) Joseph's Aussie seasons will feature all the expected songs, of course — so 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Close Every Door To Me', 'Jacob and Sons', 'There's One More Angel in Heaven' and 'Go Go Go Joseph' will all get a whirl. Leading the cast: Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Saturday Night Fever, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Les Misérables and Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Joseph, plus Australian Idol contestant and singer Paulini as the Narrator. And if you're new to this particular sing-through show — and didn't catch the streamed 2000 adaptation back at the beginning of the pandemic, when Lloyd Webber was screening his hits via YouTube — it does indeed focus on the biblical figure, and was actually the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice's musicals to be performed publicly. That happened back in 1968 at a school concert, of all places, before it started getting more attention after Jesus Chris Superstar became such a success. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT 2022–23 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: From Friday, November 11, 2022 — Melbourne's Regent Theatre From Saturday, February 11, 2023 — Sydney's Capitol Theatre Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will hit Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 11, 2022, before playing Sydney's Capitol Theatre from Saturday, February 11, 2023. For more information or to buy tickets — with the Sydney season on-sale from Friday, July 15 — head to the musical's website.
