From the folks that brought Brisbane audiences Speed: The Movie, the Play and Titanic: The Movie, the Play comes Let Them Eat Cake. Yep, if they can recreate one of Keanu's finest cinema moments on an actual bus, then they can toy with French history — and take inspiration from a very famous phrase — in a cooking school. And, they can do all of that while actually letting the audience eat cake. There's no shortage of food otherwise, but hey, why not? As part of the 2017 Anywhere Theatre Festival, Act/React Theatre will get farcical will food at The Golden Pig Cooking School, and serve up delicious baked goods cooked on-site. If you've always wanted a show and a snack — and some powdered wig-wearing entertainment — all in one, you'll be in the right spot. Plus, if your stomach keeps grumbling, you can always sign yourself up for one of The Golden Pig's classes — when it's not standing in for The Palace of Versailles, that is. Their lineup includes South American fare, pizza and pasta essentials, French bistro, scrumptious salads, and bread making. And, yes, cake decorating, to keep on theme.
If escaping into Australia's great outdoors, putting one foot in front of the other, and combining a leisurely walk — or an energetic hike — with soaking in the scenery is your idea of bliss, the past few weeks keep delivering welcome news. Firstly, the Snowy Mountains became home to a new nine-kilometre section of its Snowies Alpine Walk, complete with Australia's highest suspension bridge. Then, the New South Wales Government announced a massive 91-kilometre waterfront walking track from the Sydney Opera House to Parramatta. Now, still in NSW, the Gondwana Rainforests have been earmarked for a new excuse to get moseying, too. As part of NSW's 2022-23 budget, Treasurer Matt Kean has added the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk to the list of upcoming projects that the state's residents and travellers alike can look forward to. Scoring $56.4-million in budget funding, it'll span 46 kilometres, all through stunning rainforest surroundings on the state's mid-north coast. And, there'll be two- and four-day route options. Your starting point: a new Arc Rainforest Centre, which'll come complete with a stunning-looking hanging boardwalk that'll overlook the World Heritage spot. From there, as you roam along the trail, you'll wander over three suspension bridges. There'll also be four low-impact walkers' hut precincts, as well as new camping areas — because if you're committing to taking the full multi-day trek, you'll need somewhere to slumber along the route. That budget cash will also go towards the Arc Rainforest Centre, which is designed to be an attraction in itself thanks to its viewing platform. It'll also include a new treetop skywalk, which'll feature an upper and lower deck so you can still make the most of it when it's raining — and spiralling walkways that'll take you down into the rainforest, to the existing six-kilometre Wonga Walk as well as the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk. Back on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk itself, it'll meander through the Dorrigo and Bindarri National Parks, with about half of the 46-kilometre stretch charting existing tracks and trails. Hikers won't be short on spectacular sights; expect to see waterfalls, giant old growth trees and wild rivers along the way. If you're excited about the huts and camping sites, they'll be operated, run and booked through NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Services. And, the walk will have another big aim: becoming a place for folks to learn about and connect with the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people, the area's Traditional Custodians. Exactly when the centre and walk will welcome in visitors hasn't been revealed as yet, however — so add this one to your future must-visit list, rather than packing your bags and popping on your comfiest walking shoes now. "Through the NSW Budget, we're investing $56.4 million to offer a new way for people to enjoy the ancient World Heritage environment," said Kean. "This project will drive increased nature-based tourism in NSW, further bolstering the contribution that national parks make to the state economy. For more information about the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, head to the NSW Government website.
Eat at Fish Lane's Southside in South Brisbane, or at Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, and you'll likely grab a serving of dumplings with your meal. Some feature lobster and prawns. Some come stuffed with truffle pork or chilli crab. The bite-sized favourite is a staple of both restaurants, but it isn't the star attraction at either. For a place with that focus, the team behind the two beloved eateries is opening Central next. Set to welcome patrons through the doors from October 2024 in the Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street in Brisbane's CBD, this 80-seater subterranean restaurant will indeed be central in the River City. It also takes inspiration from its namesake district in Hong Kong. Southside Executive Chef Benny Lam, one of Central's driving forces alongside Southside's General Manager Maui Manu and co-owner David Flynn, has worked in the favourite tourist destination, and now aims to bring some of the parts of it that he loves to Brisbane. "The food. The living style. Sometimes I miss it. The rush in that city can be so much, but I really enjoyed that energy, every day," Lam explains. "The thing about Hong Kong, you eat out just about every night of the week. Maybe you leave the office about 7pm but you don't go home. You go to a dumpling bar or noodle restaurant — they're that third place." "You walk and you explore and there's stuff happening everywhere and it draws you in," adds Flynn. "We want Central to be that total sensory experience that we love so much about Hong Kong, but channelled into Brisbane, bringing together two cities that we love." If Central can be that kind of space for Brisbane, the pair will be happy. The menu is set to do its part, with the dim sum range the highlight. Peking duck potstickers and prawn har gao will sit beside chicken steam buns and a wonton soup that's poured at diners' tables — and if you're keen to hang around for a bigger dinner or just have a snack on your way elsewhere, Central can cater for it. Among the other options, which mix Cantonese meals with western influences: drunken chicken with aged shaoxing rice wine, plus red date and golden sesame; ginger and shallot lobster with e-fu noodles hot out of the wok; and South Australian abalone served with XO butter and smoked bottarga. Smoked foie gras with youtiao, aka Chinese fried dough, plus Davidson plum will equally tempt tastebuds, as will Goolwa pipis not only with crispy egg noodles but also prosciutto XO sauce. Char siu pork and roasted half duck feature as well — and if you go for another classic in the sweet and sour pork, you'll find it dished up in half a pineapple. Whatever you pick — dim sum, raw plates, barbecue and more — it'll be whipped up in the venue's raised kitchen. After helping revamp Gerard's Bistro, architect and designer Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE has turned his attention to Central, where granite and timber will be heroed among exposed-rock walls. The lighting will remain low, befitting the restaurant's underground berth. Another inspiration comes from one of the space's past guises. Primitif Cafe called it home in the 50s and 60s, with jazz and poetry a feature. "It will have that feeling you have in Hong Kong, of the basement restaurant. Our motto with Jared has been to 'embrace the cave'. He responded by designing a space with tiered areas that allow people to have different sight lines through the venue with the kitchen and bar as centre stage," advises Flynn. "It's about capturing that spirit of Primitif, but also the rich, colourful nightclub history of 1970s and 80s Hong Kong — places like Disco Disco, this amazing nightclub that's still remembered fondly in that city." As for the drinks, sommelier Peter Marchant — also the Group Wine Director — is overseeing a wine list of around 30 drops that can be mixed and matched with the food menu. Available by the glass, half glass and bottle, it's set to span both Australian and overseas tipples, and also vino from producers doing new and exciting things in the industry. The cocktails will nod to the Hong Kong nightclub scene, as well as to Primitif, including a house harvey wallbanger, a Sichuan Martini Sidecar and a nitrogen-compressed piña colada. Find Central at 340 Queen Street, Brisbane, from sometime in October — we'll update you when an opening date has been announced. Keep an eye on the venue's website for more details.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2018 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 27 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Townsville, Bendigo and Canberra before finishing up in Bunbury on May 12. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Alex Lahey, Baker Boy and Winston Surfshirt right through to favourites Flight Facilities and Australian legend Paul Kelly. International talent like Portugal. The Man, Royal Blood and Duke Dumont will make their way to the Moo too. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2018 LINEUP Alex Lahey Aminé (USA) The Amity Affliction Baker Boy Ball Park Music Claptone (Ger) Confidence Man Cosmo's Midnight Dean Lewis Duke Dumont (UK) Flight Facilities Grinspoon Lady Leshurr (UK) Mallrat Ocean Alley Paul Kelly Portugal. The Man (USA) Public Service Broadcasting (UK) Royal Blood (UK) Sampa The Great Skegss Superduperkyle (USA) Tkay Maidza Vera Blue Winston Surfshirt GROOVIN THE MOO 2018 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 27 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 28 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 29 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 5 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 6 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 12 — Bunbury (WA) Pre-sale tickets for GTM will go on sale at 9am local time on Wednesday, January 31. All other tickets for Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, February 6, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 9am on Wednesday, February 7. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Image: Jack Toohey.
Brisbane isn't a seaside city, but it knows how do seafood well. From fine-diners to neighbourhood fish 'n' chipperies, finding a top-notch serving of the ocean's finest isn't hard around town. Add New Farm Seafood to the list of eateries plating up fish, prawns, bugs, oysters, calamari, Japanese sea scallops, mussels and more — to dine in, for takeaway and also to cook at home from its market. Open six days a week, this Merthyr Village spot does double duty as a seafood-focused diner and a spot to pick up fresh catches. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting something sourced from Australian and New Zealand waters by owner Michael Hatzifotis. The eatery's fish is line-caught, while its market is stocked with wares fresh from the trawler. Both for eating on the premises while sitting in the venue's outdoor seating and taking cooked dishes home, options include oysters with rosemary and lemon granita, fish croquettes with saffron aioli, lemon pepper calamari, bug rolls, focaccia baked in-house with taramasalata, caviar and blinis, and fish burgers. The menu also spans a few meals that you can only enjoy if you're dining in, such as the aforementioned Japanese sea scallops (which come with cauliflower cream, macadamia and basil oil), one-kilogram servings of mussels (steamed, and paired with chilli, tomato, feta and garlic) and whole baked fish. Packs and platters are also on offer, such as takeaway-only family and one-person feasts, plus both cooked and fresh platters that come stacked with seafood. Opt for your choice of cod, snapper of flathead crumbed or battered in tempura, and it comes paired with fries. Go with grilled barramundi, ocean trout or blue-eye trevalla instead, and you'll get fennel puree and orange salad as sides. You can also select from non-seafood dishes, some of which reflect Hatzifotis' Greek heritage — which is where the one-kilogram Greek lamb shoulder, Greek beef hamburgers and traditional Greek salad comes in. Among the other choices: rib fillet steak on the bone with onion rings and salsa verde, and creme brûlée for dessert. And to drink? The beverage list features a small lineup of sparkling, rosé, red and white wines, plus beers. Feel like going all out? This is also the kind of place that pours Cristal for $490 a bottle if you're particularly flush with cash. Among the takeaway range, you'll also find heat-and-eat meals and items to stock your pantry, including marinades, sauces and stocks.
Brisbane's cultural scene has been calling out for a new performing arts venue for years, to help stop the city being bypassed by big shows, gigs and tours that make their way down south but give Queensland a miss. Thankfully, since 2018, a fifth theatre at South Bank's Queensland Performing Arts Centre has been in the works. It's still currently under construction, but it'll now give Brissie another gift when it does open its doors: a brand-new major piece of First Nations public art. Submissions are currently being accepted for a new commission to sit in the theatre's external entry forecourt, with sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures the key aim. "It is anticipated the public artwork will respond to the new theatre's location on a stretch of the Brisbane River around Kurilpa Point that has been a traditional meeting place for the Aboriginal people of Brisbane," said Queensland Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch, opening the call for expressions of interest. Three artists will be selected to then submit concept designs. "These selected artists, in a paid competition process, will each work alongside First Nations art and design consultant Blaklash Creative and public art specialists UAP to develop a site-specific artwork," the Minister said. If you're wondering exactly what's envisaged, the piece could include "freestanding sculptural elements, wall or ground painting, etchings or sand blasting," the Minister also advised. Whatever it incorporates, it'll give the new theatre — and Brisbane — a permanent, site-specific public artwork that celebrates Australia's First Nations Peoples, and Indigenous arts and culture. As for the theatre itself, it has been dubbed the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV) for now, and will feature at least 1500 seats — and, obviously, will up QPAC's spread from four to five theatres. Architecture firm Blight Rayner + Snøhetta won the tender for the new venue, which is replacing the grassed area known as the Playhouse Green. Glass features heavily in the external design, letting Brisbanites see into the transparent foyer from the corner of Grey and Russell streets. The overall look takes inspiration from the nearby Brisbane River and ties into QPAC's original heritage-listed decor, but still makes its own impression. Costing $175 million to build, with the State Government committing $125 million to the project, the NPAV will also boast two new studio spaces below street level, which'll also be visible from the outside spaces. As far as the main space goes, it'll include a single-balcony auditorium. Expect it to be busy, hosting around 260 performances and welcoming approximately 300,000 per year. When it does lift the curtain, NPAV will herald a huge change to the South Bank spot. QPAC first launched to Brisbanites in 1985 after ten years of development, and thousands of performances — more than 26,000 in 2019, when the NPAV's designs were released — have graced its stages and spaces years since then. QPAC's New Performing Arts Venue is currently under construction, and is set to open at QPAC, on the corner of Grey and Russell streets, in the near future. We'll update you with exact opening details when they're announced. For further information in the interim, visit the project website.
Being a kid and loving spooky movies was glorious in 1993. That year three decades back gave the world two beloved all-ages-friendly flicks that have become October staples ever since — and, in one case, suitable festive viewing as well. One came with Tim Burton's name attached. The other told everyone to run amok, amok, amok. Now, to celebrate their 30th anniversaries, both The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus are returning to cinemas. Moviegovers can see Jack Skellington's antics on the big screen Down Under again from Thursday, October 12, and the Sanderson sisters wreaking havoc from Thursday, October 19. As for which actual picture palaces are playing the films, and at what times, you'll need to check your local — but nostalgia and family-friendly scares will be whirring through the projectors once more. With The Nightmare Before Christmas, filmmakers Tim Burton and Henry Selick (Wendell & Wild) served up one of the most enchanting holiday films to hit the big screen — and one that doubles as both Halloween and Christmas viewing. It's Burton's name that everyone remembers; however, a pre-Coraline Selick is actually in the director's chair on The Nightmare Before Christmas, which charms with both its offbeat story and its gorgeous stop-motion animation. Burton came up with the narrative though, because Jack Skellington only could've originated from the Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands filmmaker's brain. Imaginative, original and engaging (even as it nods to Dr Seuss a few times), it still remains a treat for all ages. [caption id="attachment_921880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Disney.[/caption] The Hocus Pocus franchise is no stranger to comebacks, given that it dropped a 29-years-later sequel on streaming in 2022, with a third film also on the way. Helmed by Kenny Ortega before the director gave the world the High School Musical movies, the OG flick was the first to enlist Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music) as Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson — and to unleash them in modern-day Salem. Back then, someone lit the black flame candle, which resurrected the 17th-century sisters in the movie's world — and had viewers warned about locking up their children. If you have "twist the bones and bend the back" stuck in your head just thinking about it, you're obviously a fan. Check out the trailers for The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus below: The Nightmare Before Christmas is returning to cinemas Down Under from Thursday, October 12, and Hocus Pocus from Thursday, October 19 — head to your local cinema for details. Images: Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Summer, glorious summer: we spend all year waiting for the perfect weather and a respite from the responsibilities of everyday life but, too often, the holidays pass us by without any noteworthy adventures. No longer. To help you take full advantage of this summer break, we've teamed up with Expedia to select five destinations that are guaranteed to take your holidays from average to exceptional. Each location is less than a nine-hour flight from Sydney — perfect for a cheeky little trip — you'll be soaking up the good life in exotic surroundings before you know it. Because we know that you're all just as into food as we are, we've hunted down somewhere to eat once you get there, from fine dining, to cafe and street food and waterside restaurants. Happy adventuring. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT TIME: THREE HOURS Overlooked by many tourists who rush onwards to the North Island's more famous landscapes, Auckland is something of a hidden gem. There are waterfront vistas that give Sydney a run for its money, world-class restaurants and a burgeoning art scene all to be explored. Book at room at the colourful boutique Hotel DeBrett and start your visit with a wander around Viaduct Harbour, a glittering precinct with numerous bars and restaurants offering gorgeous views over the harbour. With its acclaimed seafood dishes, Euro is a particular highlight. For your culture fix, head to the Auckland Art Gallery, home to over 15,000 works by Māori, Pacific Island, and international artists. Pop into the gallery cafe for delicious pastries and coffee served in a bright, airy space. Still hungry? If you're in town during a weekend, don't miss French-inspired farmers market La Cigale, where you can gorge yourself silly on a selection of cheeses, pastries, artisanal bread and other delicacies. Next, it's time to get outdoors. No visit to Auckland is complete without a trek up one of the city's 53 volcanic peaks. Mount Eden is a favourite for its jaw-dropping crater and sweeping views over the city. For a unique beach experience, head to the western shore, where black sand beaches are flanked by dramatic cliffs and dunes. More of a classic white sand/emerald waters person? Catch a 40-minute ferry to stunning Waiheke Island. The retreat of choice for Auckland's affluent types, the island is also home to dozens of world-class wineries (try the secluded Te Whau for its delicious blends and award-winning restaurant). EAT: KAZUYA Auckland's legendary Japanese restaurant Kazuya is not something to miss. At this fine dining establishment the waiters wear white gloves. Try the signature dish 'Texture' — 30 different types of vegetables, from tiny shavings of baby beetroot to exquisite mustard greens and perfectly cooked, bright green broccoli. Check out Concrete Playground Auckland for an entire city's worth of more handy eating, drinking and playing tips. [caption id="attachment_580107" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Levi Morsy.[/caption] BALI, INDONESIA FLIGHT TIME: SIX HOURS With its lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches, rich culture, and relative affordability, it's not surprising that Bali is on practically every Aussie's bucket list. Plus, the paradisiacal island offers something for everyone: from the party animal to the surf bum to the yogi. If it's nightlife you're after, skip overdone Kuta and head to still busy but less saturated Seminyak. Hang out at Ku De Ta, an upscale restaurant and bar that morphs into a club in the evenings or catch a live gig at Potato Head bar. If it's gourmet eats you want, Seminyak's buzzing foodie scene offers endless options. Two standouts are Sardine, where oh-so-fresh seafood is served in a bamboo structure overlooking emerald rice paddies, and Barbacoa, a South American joint with stunning decor. More of a beach type? Don't miss Uluwatu, an area famous for its pristine beaches, amazing surf, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Grab your board and spend the day riding world-class surf breaks, or simply grab a book and a cocktail and while the afternoon away on the sand. Keen to create your own version of Eat, Pray, Love (stay with us)? Then Ubud is the place for you. Bali's cultural heart offers yoga and meditation studios aplenty, and has spas on practically every street corner. Our pick is Putri Bali Spa, which offers an insanely affordable five-hour package that will leave you glowing. Book your visit just before you hop on the plane, and you'll return to Sydney entirely blissed out. EAT: DAMAI This poolside restaurant serves award-winning cuisine using local Balinese ingredients, many of which are grown in the restaurant's kitchen garden. Meat and shellfish come from the villa's boutique farm, and eggs and poultry are gathered from locals. Book a room in the accompanying, stunning villa and treat yourself. SUVA, FIJI FLIGHT TIME: SEVEN HOURS With dazzling sand, crystal clear waters, and palm trees at every turn, there's almost no better place than Fiji for a beach-heavy holiday (plus, your Instagram photos are guaranteed to make your mates cry with envy). Composed of 333 islands, choosing where to spend your time in Fiji will be the hardest part of your holiday. We suggest you start with Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and home to the nation's capital city, Suva. Filled with striking colonial architecture, temples, mosques, and museums, this is the perfect place to get your culture fix before heading to the beach. If you're in town on a Saturday morning, don't miss the municipal market for a heady taste of local life and a great selection of fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. Once you've fully explored Suva, it's time to make a beeline for the ocean. For stellar snorkelling and diving, look no further than the impossibly picturesque Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. For some of the world's best surfing breaks, head to Namatou Island, where you'll be spoiled for choice. In between your water activities, try some yaqona (or kava). This ceremonial drink is ubiquitous in Fiji and should be tried at least once — in fact, if you're invited to join a local kava ceremony, it's considered impolite to say no. Once you've soaked up the idyllic beachside lifestyle for a few days, tear yourself away from the water and venture into some lush island interiors. For gorgeous hikes through a protected rainforest with plenty of waterfalls and deep pools, try the Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni Island. For a stunning accomodation option, we reccomend the Tokoriki Island Resort — it has fishing, snorkelling and sailing on site. EAT: TRADITIONAL DELICACIES There are a wealth of restaurants to eat at when you're in Fiji, but the local cuisine trumps it all. Heavily influenced by the water that surrounds it, Fijian food is filled with seafood options — like octopus, sea urchin and fish. Each island in Fiji will have their own version of Kokoda — finely chopped raw fish dressed with a thick coconut cream, onions, spices and lime juice. It's traditionally served in half a coconut shell, or a clamshell. [caption id="attachment_574226" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Kai Lehmann via Flickr[/caption] SINGAPORE FLIGHT TIME: EIGHT HOURS Once just somewhere to kill time during a layover, the Lion City has reinvented itself as a destination in its own right. A melting pot of Asian cultures, the bustling city-state is a foodie's heaven and you could easily spend your entire holiday stuffing your face. In fact, that's exactly what we suggest you do — plan your itinerary around food and fill time between meals with a few of the city's top attractions. Of course, Singapore offers a lot beyond incredible food. For a slice of nature, head to the stunning Botanic Gardens, Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage site, or spend hours wandering around the Bukit Timah Naturae Reserve. And don't miss the Singapore Zoo — the only place in the world where you can have breakfast with an orangutang family (really). Of course, no trip to Singapore is complete without a little shopping: for the best retail therapy, head straight to Orchard Road, which boasts 22 (!) shopping malls and six department stores. For a good home base, book a room at the stunning Park Royal — it's surrounded by the city's beautiful greenery. EAT: WAKU GHIN Seafood is the focus at Waku Ghin, a Singaporean restaurant by Tetsuya Waduka (of the legendary Sydney Japanese restaurant Tetsuya's). Save up and sit down for a degustation in a stunning, fine dining restaurant within the Marina Bay Sands hotel — which overlooks the Singapore bay. Cocktails and sake options are just as innovative as the food. While Singapore is home to many upscale restaurants, make like the locals and eat at the city's hawker centres, where you can sample the city's iconic dishes without burning a hole in your wallet. For the best Hainanese chicken rice, look no further than Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in the Chinatown Complex hawker market. Other musts are chilli crab (head to Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant for this) and nasi biryani (Tekka Centre for South Indian cuisine serves up some of the city's best). OAHU, HAWAII FLIGHT TIME: NINE HOURS If you like your beach holidays with a generous helping of non-beach activities, you'll fall head over heels for Oahu. Hawaii's most populous island offers laid-back island living on its eastern and northern shores and the bustle of urban life in the capital Honolulu. What's not to love? Start by checking in and blissing out at The Royal Hawaiian hotel, then spend a few days on iconic Waikiki Beach, where you can snorkel, swim, or learn to surf during the day and relax over a few drinks and nibbles at night. To enjoy Oahu from a different vantage point, hike up Diamond Head crater for epic views over the island. For a more challenging climb, try the Olomana hike: your efforts will be rewarded with striking panoramic vistas. Make time to catch one of the island's legendary sunsets from the aptly-named Sunset Beach. Then, it's time to head to the North Shore. If you're an advanced surfer, you'll know this corner of the island is famous for its giant waves. Once you've worked up an appetite, feast at one (or a few) of the many food trucks or tiny restaurants that dot the area. Make sure to try the iconic poke (Pupukea Grill serves up particularly tasty bowls) or shrimp from Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, which has become something of a local institution. EAT: PEACE CAFE Maybe Honolulu's only vegan restaurant, Peace is located in a tranquil, tropical cottage in Honolulu. They serve up delicious sandwiches, sweets and lunchboxes made with organic vegetables and local ingredients. Pick up a healthy Vietnamese tofu or teriyaki tempeh sandwich for sustenance before heading off on a hike. Become an Expedia+ member and book your summer holiday — you'll have access to prices that others don't see.
So, you've always wanted to explore Australia, but keep jetting off overseas instead. Or, maybe you like the idea of travelling more than actually doing it. For anyone keen to experience destinations they haven't yet visited — and for those that are happy enough to pretend that they're on holiday instead of hopping on a plane — virtual reality offers a solution. And, with their new VR app, Qantas is jumping on that bandwagon. Fresh from announcing that they're closing in on non-stop flights between Australia and Europe, the airline has released their next attempt to change travelling as we know it. Courtesy of 13 immersive 360-degree videos, you can now enjoy everything from a world-first virtual fly over of Uluru to diving at the Great Barrier Reef off Hamilton Island. Heading to Sydney's VIVID, climbing the Harbour Bridge, taking a sunset river cruise through Kakadu National Park, and discovering the spectacular sights and inhabitants of Ormiston Gorge — they're all on the agenda (and once you've felt just like you're there, Qantas is clearly hoping that you'll book a real trip). You can also glide in a hot air balloon over Alice Springs and sail to Whitehaven Beach as part of your virtual tour of the country. Additional content showcasing other locations will be rolled out over the coming weeks, so if you've caught the VR travel bug, your journey is just beginning. And while the Qantas VR app is currently available on iPhone, Android, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive devices, don't stress if you don't have the requisite headwear — you can also watch in 2D mode on your phone.
Overnight, Jimmy Fallon lived out every '90s kid's dream — he danced with the Fresh Prince. Oh yeah, and he hosted his first Tonight Show, inducting him into late night history forever. But who's to say which makes him more successful? The Tonight Show is a big deal, and some still had their doubts about Fallon. Even after proving himself as a host for five years on Late Night, many just couldn't shake that first impression of him as the baby-faced goofball who screwed up every SNL skit by laughing. (Seriously, he even laughed through Will Ferrell's classic cowbell scene). In last night's show, Fallon played up this doubt in a clever bit about celebrities making $100 bets against him even making it to the Tonight Show. Cue appearances by Robert DeNiro, Tina Fey, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey (WHAT?), Joan Rivers, Seth Rogen and a spiteful Stephen Colbert. But, after an emotional opening monologue and a solid first show, it's clear Leno's legacy is in good hands. With his backing band, The Roots, travelling over from Late Night, it's been clear for awhile now that Fallon loves himself some hip hop. We saw it at the end of last year too when Justin Timberlake came by for a duo in the History of Rap. This was reinforced further with last night's show, as Will Smith dropped in for an excellent demonstration of the Evolution of Hip Hop Dancing. Pulling moves like 'the running man', 'the pop and lock', 'the MC Hammer' and 'the I'm about to breakdance', Fallon showed he's not scared to bring some fresh ideas to the much-coveted show. He even finished it off with a twerk. I doubt Leno would have ever pulled that off.
Sun, surf, sand, sex and the seaside Gold Coast suburbs in the '70s. What a combination. Swinging Safari is every bit as over-the-top and outrageous as it sounds, but if anyone was going to try and make the chaos work, it's writer-director Stephan Elliott. The man behind The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert knows how to make a splash, paying tribute to Australia and our eccentricities in a manner that's both affectionate and tongue-in-cheek. Accordingly, his latest effort is a knowing love letter to a specific era and the freewheeling way of life that came with it — one spent surrounded by rayon clothes and shag carpets, slathered in sunscreen, chowing down on buckets of KFC and guzzling cask wine. In a cul-de-sac not far from the Queensland hotspot's scenic shoreline, three families spend their days and nights hopping between backyard parties, beach picnics and any other shenanigans that come about. Over at the Hall household, encyclopaedia salesman Keith (Guy Pearce) and the booze-addled Kaye (Kylie Minogue) can't manage their marital malaise, let alone their rowdy brood of kids. Next door at the Joneses, Rick (Julian McMahon) and Jo (Radha Mitchell) think they're the leaders of the pack, with a sunken conversation pit in the middle of their lounge room to prove it. That leaves Bob and Gale Marsh (Jeremy Sims and Asher Keddie) somewhere in the middle, complete with a daughter, Bec (Chelsea Glaw), who's a hit with the local boys, and a son, Jeff (Atticus Robb), who constantly has a camera in his hands. With Elliot himself a child of the 1970s, there's no escaping Swinging Safari's partly autobiographical nature. In fact, it's an adult Jeff (voiced by Richard Roxburgh) that narrates the movie, with the aspiring filmmaker looking back on his teenage years. Unsurprisingly, his younger self sometimes struggles to cope with the mayhem around him. While making his own stunt-filled movies helps, he really has eyes for the shy Mellie Jones (Darcey Wilson). Unfortunately, their budding romance hits a snag when their parents' key-swapping antics incite a neighbourhood war. Plus there's the not-so-little matter of the 200-tonne dead whale rotting on the local beach. Elliott might be turning what he knows into a movie, but diving headfirst into nostalgic memories isn't quite the same as stringing together a great story. Swinging Safari places less focus on its narrative, and pays more attention to moments, mood, outfits and ramping up the fun. With that in mind, the adult cast members are clearly having a ball reliving their younger years (and, in the case of Pearce and Minogue, reuniting nearly 30 years after they left Ramsay Street). Their irreverence and enthusiasm is infectious, even when the jokes don't land. Of course, the film always seems more interested in pushing boundaries of comedy, taste and political correctness than it is in fleshing out its characters. If Swinging Safari teaches viewers one thing, it's that fickle entertainment and amusement were high on everyone's agenda in '70s Australia, while seriousness and subtlety most definitely were not. The result is a movie that can't stuff its frames with enough raucous one-liners, polyester jumpsuits or instances of a woman urinating on a jellyfish-stung child. When that doesn't work, the crew – many of whom date back to Priscilla – helps pick up the slack with their attention to bright, sunny period detail. Oscar-winning costume designer Lizzy Gardiner is one of them, and while it's usually not a good sign when the outfits steal the show, her outlandish creations hit the garish spot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB95v_pyQq8
Eating ice cream and helping those in need: it's a situation where everyone wins. It's also exactly what's on the agenda at the Strawberry Sundae Fundraiser for Farmers on Wednesday, September 26. Buy a frozen dessert and the proceeds will go to strawberry growers. Of course, you won't get any old ice cream. You'll get one of Brisbane's beloved strawberry sundaes — the type that are usually only available once a year at the Ekka. The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation is whipping up another batch for one day only, to assist strawberry farmers doing it tough in the wake of the needle contamination scare. They're buying the strawberries from local growers as well. You'll be able to grab your $5 sundae and do your part across a huge 12-hour period, with the event running from 6.30m–6.30pm at King George Square. You'll be able to grab several sundaes across the day if you really feel like it. The organisers are hoping to sell a whopping 10,000 ice creams — and ABC Brisbane will be broadcasting live for the entire period, too.
It's that time of year, somehow. Christmas is fast approaching, winter has well and truly fallen by the wayside, and you're probably thinking about your summer shenanigans. While jetting overseas still isn't an option for Australians at the moment, you can make plans to roam around much of this country we all come home now that borders are reopening — and, if you'd like to head up to the Northern Territory, its government wants to give you an extra incentive. As part of the NT Summer Sale campaign — which launched at the beginning of October — the NT Government and its tourism body are offering discounts on trips to Australia's red centre and top end. To all of the Northern Territory, actually. For each $1000 you spend up to $5000, you'll receive a $200 discount. It maxes out at $1000 off, but that's still 20-percent off the price. The discounts are available for a number of things too — covering plenty of essential elements of every holiday. You can use them on flights, accommodation, tours and attractions, and vehicle hire. You will need to both book and travel between now and March 31, 2020, however. The other big stipulation: you'll need to book through one of Tourism NT's campaign partners to score the discount. They include retailers such as Holidays of Australia, Helloworld Travel & Viva Holidays, and Flight Centre. [caption id="attachment_785574" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] If you've always been meaning to make the trip — and you've had both Uluru and its incredible Field of Light installation on your must-see list for ages — here's a mighty fine excuse to put those dreams into action. Border-wise, the NT currently doesn't require interstate visitors to quarantine unless you've been in a declared hotspot in the 14 days prior to your arrival — which, at the time of writing, only covers a number of Local Government Areas in Victoria. It's best to keep an eye on the NT Government's coronavirus hub, though, for any future changes, For further details about the NT Summer Sale campaign — which is available for travel between now and March 31, 2020 — head to the Tourism NT website. Top image: Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall
The Eagle Street stretch of the Brisbane river is slated for a massive makeover, courtesy of a proposed new $1.4 billion waterfront hub. As announced by the Queensland Government, the plan will completely tear down Eagle Street Pier and transform riverside area, including the building of two new towers, the creation of a traffic-free precinct and the opening up of 1.5 hectares of public and riverfront space. That's the submission that commercial property firm Dexus have put forward, and it has just been given approval to progress to the next stage. The company now set to conduct a full feasibility study, working towards a 2020 construction start date. If it does receive the final go-ahead, the proposal will see the zone between Charlotte and Market streets permanently closed off to vehicles, the widening and upgrading of the Riverwalk, and the addition of expansive shaded areas. Within the two new towers — which will replace current structures — more restaurants and casual eateries will be added. The buildings will also boast the potential for commercial use, residential apartments, a hotel and retail spaces. It'll mark the biggest change to this part of the river since Eagle Street Pier was built back in 1989, and force the closure of existing establishments such as Aria, Il Centro, Cha Cha Char, Bavarian Beer Cafe, Jade Buddha, Sake and more to make way for the new development. Neighbouring buildings at 10 Eagle Street, 12 Eagle Street, Waterfront Place and the heritage-listed Naldham House will all remain, however, and form part of the precinct.
Before they set up Heads of Noosa Brewing Co in 2019, we're guessing that brothers Lance and Craig Masterton drank their fair share of lager. They clearly have a passion for the low-temperature brew, because that's the type of beer their family-run Sunshine Coast outfit focuses on, with four types in its core range. While Heads of Noosa is a newcomer, it was in the works for nearly a decade before it opened its doors — and taking the time needed to make the best possible beers is still the company's mindset. You'll taste that in its filtered brews, including a Japanese lager that's refined and crisp, and a mid-strength that still tastes like its full-flavoured counterpart. At Heads of Noosa's taproom — in Noosa Heads, naturally — you can sip its beers and tuck into a concise menu of wings, calamari, mac 'n' cheese, sliders and more.
The pandemic has changed much about travel over the past year and a half, including the way that Australians approach roaming throughout our own country. Booking a ticket to another state or territory is no longer something we all just do whenever we feel like without checking the rules, restrictions and requirements first — because closed domestic borders will do that. But with New South Wales and Victoria both progressing through their roadmaps for reopening following both states' respective (and lengthy) lockdowns, venturing a bit further around the country might soon become a little easier. Exactly what domestic border limits will remain in place, and where, hasn't yet been revealed; however, Qantas and Jetstar have announced that they'll start ramping up their flights around the country anyway. Firstly, the two airlines will increase flights regionally within NSW, starting from Monday, October 25. That's around when the state is expected to hit the 80-percent double-dose vaccination mark, which is when travel throughout NSW will be permitted again. Next, Qantas and Jetstar have brought forward the start date for trips between NSW and Victoria. Instead of recommencing in December, these flights will now resume on Friday, November 5. [caption id="attachment_823330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brent Winstone[/caption] So, if you're a Sydneysider eager to escape the city — either within NSW or to Victoria, you're about to have options. For Melburnians, heading north will be possible as well. Obviously, this all depends on the rules both states put in place regarding travel between them, because that's the world we now live in. The airlines haven't changed their flights between Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia just yet, though, with trips to WA still remaining sparse for the foreseeable future due to its strict border arrangements all throughout the pandemic. The two carriers won't restart legs from WA to Victoria and NSW (and vice versa) until at least February 1, 2022 for that reason, other than the five return flights it's doing from Perth to both Sydney and Melbourne at the moment for folks with permits — but it's hoping to increase flights between Queensland and WA in the coming weeks. No matter where you live, expect to see a few incentives popping up trying to tempt you to holiday in certain parts of the country. The Northern Territory is doing discounts of up to $1000 for fully vaxxed folks who head to the NT from spots that aren't deemed hotspots, for instance, and there's also $250 tour vouchers up for grabs in Queensland's tropical north. For more information about Qantas and Jetstar's increased domestic flights as NSW and Victoria reopen, head to the Qantas and Jetstar websites.
We are all well aware of the pervasive effect social media has on our lives in terms of connecting, conversing and sharing with others on an unprecedented scale. Yet there are a whole myriad of other uses that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter provide, which can have immensely positive effects. Take a look at a few valuable uses for social media sites that you probably didn't expect. 1. Mapping Infectious Diseases Graham Dodge founded a cunning website called Sickweather which ingeniously uses Facebook and Twitter updates to track infectious diseases. Unlike Google Flu Trends, which launched in 2010 and is based off people's searches, Sickweather can actually track the occurrence and locations of specific ailments. Dodge is also optimistic that through the use of event schedules, travel and weather patterns and environmental data, social media will be able to predict the spread of diseases. He has already noted pertinent trends of the spread of disease throughout America, and now hopes to win a $21,000 prize in a government-sponsored competition for a new app, which uses Twitter to warn us about public health issues. So next time you feel a cough creeping up on you, do us all a public service and tweet about it. 2. Helping the Homeless find Equality A study conducted by the University of Dayton has discovered that Facebook provides a refuge for homeless people by making them feel more equal. Everyone on Facebook is equipped with the same services and benefits, whether that be liking, commenting, messaging or uploading photos. This, and the fact that people can't smell if they didn't shower yesterday, or even know that they are homeless, which, says one of the subjects of the study, makes them feel accepted. Facebook is also important in helping them establish community networks, and helping solve practical issues such as where to find social services, a meal or shelter. 3. Tracking Public Opinion Topsy released a new political index last week called Topsy Pro Analytics whereby we can use Twitter to gauge public opinion by searching particular topics or hashtags. The complex technology delves into two years of data from Twitter feeds and is updated in real time. The mass number of results from the search not only reveal the frequency and number of tweets about a topic over time, but it also measures the tone and actual content of the tweets and who is conversing most about it. 4. Getting Your Voice Heard Thunderclap is a new site, which allows users to send out a message. Once enough people tweet it or post it on Facebook (at this stage 500 messages over 5 days) the site reaches its threshold and all the updates are sent out at once. This not only increases the chance of the message becoming a trending topic on Twitter but it also increases chances of people seeing multiple updates on Facebook and paying more attention to it. The tool could be a dream for non-profit organisations and the like to help amplify their message. 5. Educating Conservative Cultures about Sex Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are transforming the way youth consume their media, even in developing nations such as Ethiopia, Mozambique or Indonesia. Social media is also a great tool in educating young people about safe sex practices and the importance of condoms. Through Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and YouTube videos younger audiences can learn about condom use without the embarrassment of their parent's presence and remain anonymous if they wish to. Through these social media platforms it is significantly easier for youth in these lesser developed countries to access information about HIV protection and family planning and chat about sensitive issues. 6. Engaging a 3000 Student Class The thought of teaching a 3000 strong student cohort would surely be enough to plague any teacher or lecturer with terrible nightmares. But John Boyer at Virginia Tech seems to find this massive class a piece of cake. Boyer introduced a novel system of 'gaming principles' by which students can rack up points to determine their notes. On top of this, Boyer poses regular questions on Facebook and Twitter for his students to respond to and also holds office hours using instant messaging on Ustream so he can respond to his many pupils in real time. Skype is also utilised to host interviews with important figures in global issues, such as Kony2012 creator Jason Russel, or a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. 7. Sharing your Organ Donor Status Facebook has introduced a new status option in the United States and United Kingdom which allows users to proclaim their organ donor status. By openly advertising in their biographical information that one is willing to be or already is a registered organ donor, doctors and advocacy group leaders believe that this will have a domino effect and encourage many others to sign up to be an organ donor. As well as this, being able to view it on Facebook would most likely hasten the decision and make it easier for family members to approve their loved one's donation. The company is looking to expand the tool to other countries in the coming months.
For your next Netflix binge, the streaming platform isn't simply suggesting its latest must-see series — it's also telling you what you should be eating. Crack out the tortillas, start marinating some meat and whip up a bit of guacamole, because it's taco time. No mere mortal can sit down to watch a show about this Mexican dish without devouring a whole plate of them, after all. Called Las Crónicas del Taco in Spanish and Taco Chronicles in English, the new series fittingly stems from Netflix's Latin American division. Also unsurprisingly, the show is an ode a meal that's beloved not only in its country of origin, but the world over. Expect to learn more about the versatile tortilla, including its immense cultural significance. And expect to start craving the many different varieties of tacos, too, such as pastor, carnitas, canasta, asada, barbacoa and guisados. Ample gushing about the dish is part of the package — this is a show made for taco lovers, by taco lovers — as is a feast of taco visuals. As any fan of food-focused documentaries already knows oh-so-well, viewing this multi-part effort on an empty stomach is not recommended. Taco Chronicles does boast Javier Cabral among its behind-the-scenes team, with the culinary writer acting as an associate producer and 'taco scout'. The series' English-language trailer is only available on Netflix itself, but if you can speak Spanish — or fancy looking at a whole heap of tacos anyway — Netflix Latin America's unsubtitled clip is below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2qist_IxZI The first season of Taco Chronicles is now streaming on Netflix. Updated: August 12, 2019.
Back in 2019, Sydney fine-dining institution NEL introduced tastebuds to a whole new culinary world: a decadent Once Upon a Time degustation inspired by all things Disney. Unsurprisingly, it provided a magical meal and proved a massive hit, returning in 2020 and 2022 with themed dishes created by the Surry Hills' restaurant's created by Executive Chef and namesake Nelly Robinson. Come winter 2023, it'll be back again for a fourth chapter. Amid NEL's creative spreads, this one now feels like a tasty tale as old as time — repeatedly popping up amid KFC-inspired dinners, Moulin Rouge!-themed and Christmas degustations, and one heroing native Australian ingredients as well. But whenever it unleashes its 11 courses upon plates, the Once Upon a Time serves up new and fresh dishes riffing on the Mouse House's favourites. Accordingly, even if you've been before, you haven't feasted your way through the latest menu. An alfredo linguini that nods to Ratatouille? Yes, that twist on the classic dish — and flick — featuring a lasagne-style structure layered with confit vegetables, pasta sheets, béchamel, mozzarella cheese foam and basil dust is on the lineup. So is The Tugley Wood, which combines mushrooms and fresh Australian truffle to nod to Alice in Wonderland. And when things get sweet, there's a honey-soaked sponge with a nest of honey curd topped with bee pollen, then served in a honey pot, that Winnie-the-Pooh would clearly covet. As for what else will be bothering your appetite in the best possible way, discovering the full range is part of the fun of heading along — no matter whether you're a Sydneysider with more than a few nights' experience tucking into Robinson's creations or a Disney fan keen to make a date on a future interstate trip. NEL doesn't need a reason to bring back the Once Upon a Time menu again and again — it was always going to be popular — but Robinson still keeps finding plenty of inspiration in the Disney theme. "The team and I had a blast creating and curating this one. It was so much fun to create a whole new menu around some of my favourite films and we have carefully crafted dishes to bring out each diners' inner child. Indeed, we paired it with fun cocktails and some sensational wines, too," he explains. The Once Upon a Time menu's fourth chapter will start serving on Tuesday, May 30 and run for eight weeks only, with bookings available now. Price-wise, this childhood-inspired feast will require an adult salary, costing $185 per person, with beverages matched for an extra $165. Reserving a spot ASAP for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.15pm is recommended — this unsurprisingly always books out. NEL's Once Upon A Time (Chapter Four) degustation is on offer for eight weeks from Tuesday, May 30 at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. For more information or to book, head to the NEL website.
When you were a kid, did you wish that all your favourite chocolates would be turned into ice creams? You might've, but you also could've also just been perfectly happy scoffing down whichever bars took your fancy whenever you had the chance. Both are acceptable. That said, as every Gelato Messina fan knows, the dessert chain has spent a decent amount of time not only pondering whether a heap of childhood faves should get the gelato treatment, such as Iced Vovos, lamingtons, Coco Pops and more, but actually following through. Here's the latest example: gelato Bounty and Chokito bars, which are a real thing that you can treat your tastebuds to in Brisbane this week. They're called 'the bounty hunter' and 'chok-it-out-now', respectively, and the first includes salted caramel gelato and chocolate fudge, which is coated in a milk chocolate and rice bubble rocher glaze — and the second goes with chewy coconut and salted coconut gelato, as coated in a dark chocolate glaze The catch? Like almost all Messina specials, they're here for a good time, not a long time. With the James Street Food and Wine Trail finally bringing its big culinary party back to New Farm this month after two pandemic-affected years, Messina is busting out these gelato Bounty and Chokito bars as part of the trail's Market Day. While the entire food and wine fest runs from Thursday, July 28–Sunday, July 31, the Market Day only happens on the Sunday. You'll find the bars on offer then from 10am–6pm. You'll also need to hit up Messina's Market Day stall, which you'll find between McLachlan and Arthur streets, rather than its James Street store. And yes, this'll fill the Messina-shaped gap you might have in your freezer right now if you ordered some of its special tubs when it dished up 40 of its greatest gelato hits back in June, but you've eaten them all already. Gelato Messina's chok-it-out-now and bounty hunter bars will be on sale from 10am–6pm on Sunday, July 31 at the James St Food and Wine Trail. For more information, head to the Messina website.
Reckon your pup gets a bit lonely sometimes? Well, now you can find him a bunch of new mates with just a few swipes of your phone. It's all thanks to a clever new smartphone app, which helps dog owners to connect their pooches with other local doggos and dog communities. Created by Queensland University of Technology business student Josh Fritz — who came up with the app when he moved to Brisbane, adopted a cavoodle called Quincy and wanted to find him some buddies — PatchPets works a little bit like Tinder. Users create a personalised profile for their pup, and then use the app to find and network with other fur parents in their area, based on location. You can scroll through photos of local hounds, check out their details and get in touch with their owners to set up doggy play dates. To keep you informed about your pooch's possible new pal, profiles feature information about which vaccinations each dog has had, whether it's been desexed and what their all-important Instagram handle is. Got a particularly picky pupper? You can even filter the results by dog breed and size. PatchPets also comes loaded with plenty of other nifty features, including a directory that lists pet-friendly businesses nearby, plus real-time dog park maps — allowing you to see when four-legged friends are hanging out at your local park. No more rocking up to the park for a play sesh, only to find there's no one else there. And, you can use the app's message function to join group chats with your dog's new mates. Having launched in May, PatchPets has already clocked up over 5000 users — which means your doggo will be totally spoilt for choice in the friends department. PatchPets is now available to download for free, for both iOS and Android, from the iTunes App Store and Google Play. Images: QUT Media
Imagine sitting on the edge of an inflatable raft boat as you float down a river through a spectacular gorge surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Sounds pretty incredible, right? Now, picture taking that same boat down steep ravines and raging rapids and you've got the wet and wild adventure that is white water rafting. In Tropical North Queensland, you can choose to conquer a number of courses on the region's world-class rafting rivers. For a full day of adventure filled with thrills and spills on 45 rapids, book a trip on the Tully River with eco-certified rafting company Raging Thunder. Or, if you'd prefer to, quite literally, test the waters on a shorter course, try the half-day trip on The Barron River.
Among the latest list of temporarily shuttered venues to drop a revamped online offering for the sanity of us isolated locals, are the Museums Victoria stable of cultural institutions: Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks. The three sites can now be experienced from any screen, whenever you fancy, thanks to newly launched virtual programming Museums at Home. Museums Victoria's digital channels will now play host to a suite of videos, live streams, online events and other experiences, to keep you connected and indulging that curiosity while cooped up at home. You can take a virtual tour of Melbourne Museum, hitting exhibitions like Phar Lap: A True Legend, Dinosaur Walk, and brain-focused collection The Mind, seeing and learning plenty along the way. There'll be regular Q&A videos with the museum experts, too, where you can jump online and ask your own burning question about something that's got you stumped. Meanwhile, Scienceworks' new online offering is sure to inspire a few at-home scientists, packed with virtual tours of its own exhibitions, research videos and links to loads of fascinating science stories. You can journey to Pluto with NASA's Alice Bowman and watch a hilarious video of 'things you shouldn't put in a microwave'. Don't try and recreate at home, folks. And the Immigration Museum will have you embracing Victoria's multicultural roots, exploring personal stories and historic photos on a virtual tour of the current exhibitions. Identity: yours, mine, ours questions what it means to belong in Australia, while video footage captures award-winning First Nations artist and choreographer Amrita Hepi taking over the Immigration Museum's Long Room for a special performance last year. Or, you take a peek at much of the Museum's extensive Migration and Cultural Diversity collection, while reading up about the colourful history of migration in Australia. Check out the full Museums at Home offering at the website and each of the museums' social channels. Top image: Scienceworks, 'Beyond Perception' exhibition courtesy of Museums Victoria. Photo by Benjamin Heally.
Imagine a space bustling with bartenders creating new drinks and learning innovative techniques. Then, imagine a space where you can pull up a stool to be whisked away on a tasting journey. This is the scene Orion Leppan Taylor and Mitch Bloomfield are envisioning with their new Cocktail Lab in Wollongong. The 26-year-old south coast locals pitched the concept to Idea Lab — an initiative run by Beam Suntory, which awards grants to change-making hospitality ventures. The pair won $20,000 to help turn their plans into reality. The pair currently work at Wollongong's Breakout Bar and Escape Rooms, which is where they're planning to build the new Cocktail Lab. "It'll be a space where we can educate the bar scene of Wollongong from an industry perspective," says Leppan Taylor. "But also, where we can run classes, educate and broaden [the public's] palates." While Leppan Taylor is now the bar manager at Breakout, he was brand new to hospo when he joined the venue three years ago. "As a bartender, I've had to self direct. But a big part of that has been [being connected to] the great community we have here," he says. "There are people I can reach out to if I'm hitting a wall, or running into problems, who are very open with volunteering their time and expertise." Bloomfield was also a fresh face behind the bar when he first came to Breakout. With a background in entertainment, he was more familiar with the escape room side of the business. "I got thrown straight into a Christmas hospitality period, which I had never experienced before. So it was very much the deep end," he says. A previously under-utilised space at Breakout will become the new Cocktail Lab, which will be fitted out with sleek prep benches and storage cages filled with bar equipment like centrifuges. With a little luck, Bloomfield says the Cocktail Lab should be open by March 2021. "We're familiar with the idea of Heston Blumenthal going very technical and science-y to try and do interesting things with ingredients," says Leppan Taylor. "At the end of the day, flavours, aromas and everything that goes into a drink is just a different series of chemical compounds," he says. When the lab opens, the pièce de résistance will be a rotary vacuum — a tool for redistilling liquids, which can infuse drinks with exciting new flavours. During the week, bartenders will be able to come in and use the space and equipment for research and development. "Or, to create ingredients they can take back to their own bars," says Leppan Taylor. However, for those who don't work in the industry and just want a fun, new place to go come Friday night, the public will be able to come to the Cocktail Lab for spirit tastings, cocktail classes and well-made tipples. "The goal is also to broaden the customers' vocabulary a little bit. So when they see something on a menu that has 'centrifuged' it doesn't look intimidating. It'll be something they're excited to try." The team hopes the venue will attract interest from bartenders further afield, too, as the local bar scene evolves. "There's a bit of an underdog mentality in the community," says Leppan Taylor. "Part of the reason we all like to support and help each other is because we have this feeling we're all in it together. We want to show we have the knowledge, expertise and experiences comparable to anywhere else in Australia." Top image: Mitch Bloomfield (left), Orion Leppan Taylor (right) in the new Cocktail Lab space in Wollongong.
Drinking sessions at home just got a whole lot more stylish thanks to the arrival of Pord — a new company combining art and wine in a rather gorgeous way. Pord has pooled the talents of three female Australian artists and Victorian winemakers Mitchelton to create its first series of mini wine barrel masterpieces, designed to bring more art and beauty into your everyday life. Each artist has contributed a limited-edition and eye-catching work to grace one of Pord's three-litre barrels, which each hold a neat four bottles' worth of wine. Illustrator Filippa Edghill's monochromatic artwork, titled Ancient Lines, is inspired by nature's curves; Melbourne artist Hannah Nowlan has contributed The Last Resort II from her most recent exhibition; and designer Evi O.'s work Sorbet is a vibrant painting with bold colours and pastels. Customers can select their favourite design and have it filled with one of three Mitchelton wines from the 2017 and 2018 vintages: pinot grigio, shiraz or rosé. Unlike regular bottles of wine, your beautiful barrel will keep wine fresh for four to six weeks after opening — and it can be repurposed. Hand-signed and numbered by the artist, and teamed with a certificate of authenticity, it's the kind of statement piece destined to be the talk of your dinner parties for years to come. And there are plenty more exciting artist collaborations in the works for future Pords. A pre-sale for Pord's covetable launch series kicks off at midnight on Saturday, July 14, with the goods to be delivered in October. The limited-edition barrels will set you back $160 each. Images: Josie Mackerras
Celebrating both the latest and greatest must-see movies is what film festivals are all about — and Brisbane's returning New Farm Queer Film Festival couldn't be more committed to that remit. The River City's annual showcase of new and classic LGBTQIA+ flicks, the event began back in 2022, proved a hit, and keeps returning year after year with an impressive lineup. On 2024's program from Thursday, October 3–Sunday, October 13: movies starring Elliot Page, Tilda Swinton, Murray Bartlett, Dylan O'Brien and Evan Rachel Wood, plus Gregg Araki's Teen Apocalypse trilogy. 2024 marks seven years since Page (The Umbrella Academy) last featured on the big screen Down Under. Close to You brings that absence from local cinemas to an end, with the film boasting the actor's first male movie role, as a trans man heading home to his family for the first time since transitioning. Swinton (The Killer) features in Problemista, as directed by and also starring Fantasmas and Los Espookys' Julio Torres; The White Lotus' Bartlett and Fantasmas guest star O'Brien are part of the cast for closing night's Ponyboi, which follows an intersex sex worker on the run from the mob; and Wood (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) plays a cheerleading coach in Backspot, with Devery Jacobs (Echo) as the squad's newcomer. This year's NFQFF kicks off with Georgian film Crossing, about a teacher looking for her long-lost niece — and, as another of its big titles, boasts Caught by the Tides from Jia Zhangke (Ash Is the Purest White), which premiered at Cannes back in May. If you haven't caught The Devil's Bath on the small screen yet (or even if you have), a big-screen session of the Austrian standout by Goodnight Mommy and The Lodge's Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala is guaranteed stellar viewing. Plus, including supervillain parody The People's Joker, which gives the caped-crusader realm a queer coming-of-age spin, is perfect timing. Another highlight, Scala!!! tells of the London cinema in the same name. The rest of the documentary's moniker is Or, The Incredibly Strange Rise and Fall of the World's Wildest Cinema and How It Influenced a Mixed-up Generation of Weirdos and Misfits, which gives viewers an idea of the kind of tale it's telling — with iconic filmmaker John Waters among its interviewees. NFQFF's 2024 lineup also features not just one retrospective trio, but two. Araki's Totally F***ed Up, The Doom Generation and Nowhere sit on the bill alongside François Ozon's Criminal Lovers, Water Drops on Burning Rocks and Sitcom. New Farm Queer Film Festival returns for 2024 to New Farm Cinemas, 701 Brunswick Street, New Farm, from Thursday, October 3–Sunday, October 13. Head to the festival website for tickets and more details.
Before 2023 rolled around, enjoying a meal with a view in Brisbane didn't mean hanging off the side of a building while you eat. Tucking into a degustation didn't happen on a bus decked out to become a fine-diner, either. They're two of the gems that this year has brought the River City's culinary scene — and two restaurants that you need to try as soon as you can, if you haven't already. Queensland's capital welcomed in everything from new celebrity chef-run venues and New York-inspired riverside joints to decadent Japanese spots and mouthwatering steak havens over the past 12 months, all to the delight of Brisbanites' tastebuds. Wondering where to start playing catch up? Which eateries to revisit? We've picked ten that impressed us in 2023. Bon appétit!
Well, it's finally happened. Google has gone and ruined Pictionary forever. The internet giant has just unveiled a new web-based tool for computer, mobile and tablet that helps translate your incomprehensible scribbling into legible images. And while it's certainly got lots of useful applications, one thing is crystal clear: family game night will never be the same again. AutoDraw uses "machine learning" to deduce what users are trying to draw, and then presents them with a number of simple artist drawn sketches to choose from. Basically it's like autocorrect for art. Google released an explainer video, which you can check out below. You can have a play around with the tool over here. And no, for the record, it doesn't spit out dirty pictures, no matter how much you might want it to (full disclosure: we tried, a lot). That said, Google is accepting artist submissions, so maybe someone can sneak one through. And look, if nothing else, at least it'll help people avoid situations like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-NH6TGZTcc
Ready to hit the open road? If you're looking to add a dose of wacky charm to your next road trip, follow the lead of our readers who've shared some excellent suggestions for offbeat attractions that'll have you chuckling all the way to your destination. From oversized critters to weird sculptures, here's our guide to the lame (but legendary) stops you won't want to miss — as recommended by you — as well as the nearest The Bottle-O so you can stock up on bevs for a winner of a weekend. [caption id="attachment_697951" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Big Merino, Goulburn NSW No surprise, one of Australia's best famed big things is first on our list: the Big Merino in Goulburn, NSW. This colossal concrete ram stands tall and proud, paying homage to Australia's wool industry and is a favourite for our reader Anita: "It's a baa-rilliant photo op you need for your Insta feed." If you're on a road trip from Sydney to Canberra over the long weekend, you've got no excuses not to pull over for a quick photo opp with this absolute unit. And before you park up at your accommodation in Canberra, swing by The Bottle-O to grab some tinnies and snacks to celebrate your arrival. Closest The Bottle-O: Mitchell [caption id="attachment_944023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia Rock, David Burke[/caption] Australia Rock, Narooma NSW Are you planning a coastal road trip in NSW for an upcoming long weekend? Head to the coastal town of Narooma and you'll come across the iconic Australia Rock, a natural formation that looks a lot like the outline of this fair country. "Australia Rock in Narooma is an excellent road trip attraction," says reader Ned. "There's also loads of seals or seal lions on the rocks below. Perfect spot to stretch your legs when driving down to Bermagui, where I'll be heading this long weekend!" Stop in at The Bottle-O on the way down so you have ice cold brews to enjoy with your epic coastal views. Closest The Bottle-O: Ulladulla [caption id="attachment_944024" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SapiTerbang via Canva[/caption] Jacob's Ladder, Ben Lomond National Park TAS Feeling brave? Love a driving challenge? How about a seriously steep zig-zagging road that makes a dramatic ascent to a plateau? Make your way to Jacob's Ladder in Ben Lomond National Park for some serious adrenaline-pumping action. "Jacob's Ladder is iconic", says reader Greg. "It's well worth the trip from Launceston." Grab a few cold ones from The Bottle-O in Launceston to celebrate your driving victory after you return safely to your accommodation. Cheers to that. Closest The Bottle-O: Launceston Penguin, TAS No, we're not talking about the cute and cuddly kind – we're talking about the town of Penguin in Tasmania. Tassie has a fun habit of naming its towns and villages ridiculous names — we're looking at you Nowhere Else, Break-Me-Neck Hill, Doo Town, etc. But Penguin really takes the biscuit. "We always make a pit stop in Penguin to snap a pic with the giant penguin statue, and if it's late in the day, you could spot some local fairy penguins making their way to the water," says Penguin-town enthusiast and reader Laura. Grab a meat pie from the local bakery and enjoy a picnic by the beach with some beverages from The Bottle-O in town. Closest The Bottle-O: Penguin [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] The Big Pineapple, Woombye QLD Planning an escape to Noosa Heads or up to Rainbow Beach for the long weekend? Hop on the Bruce Highway and make a stop at the endearingly retro Big Pineapple in Woombye, not far from Nambour. This fruity landmark is a true Aussie icon, and our readers reckon it's worth the detour for the cheesy photo op alone. "Of the Big Things in Oz, it's definitely my top choice for a road trip detour," says reader Aidan. There's even a heritage-listed Pineapple Train through the sugar cane there, which might just be the most Queensland thing in existence. Closest The Bottle-O: Maroochydore [caption id="attachment_944027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Jones via Flickr[/caption] Tin Horse Highway, Kulin WA If the outback is calling you this long weekend, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more lame (with all due respect) but still legendary road trip detour than the Tin Horse Highway in Kulin, WA. This stretch of road is lined with homemade tin horses, each more ridiculous than the last. "The tin horses get more amazing the further your drive because the locals have been one-upping each other for decades," says reader Scott. "There's a slide made of tin horses, a horse riding a horse, and so much more." What started as a lark is now a fully-fledged competition with prize money, bragging rights and more tin horses. Now there are over 60 horses out there to discover. Take in a stretch, then you can debate your favourites when you pitch up at your campsite over a cold one from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Byford [caption id="attachment_944028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Burke[/caption] The Giant Koala, Dadswell's Bridge VIC If you're travelling around The Grampians for the long weekend, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't head south to Dadswell's Bridge and pay your respects to the Giant Koala. Towering over the surrounding countryside, this oversized marsupial is a legendary and ever so slightly cursed sight for any road tripper. "Nothing can prepare for looking into those wild red eyes," says reader Kate. "it reaches into your soul. Best Big Thing. No contest". Recover from the soul-piercing eyes as you relax as the sun sets over the mountains at your campsite with a much-needed bev from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol [caption id="attachment_944029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] GrainCorp Silos at Sheep Hills, Artist Adnate, Credit Aaron Powell[/caption] Silo Art Trail, VIC We received a lot of recommendations for Silo Art, from the cockatoo-clad silo on Kangaroo Island to Newdegate in WA. But one state copped more recommendations than any other and that is Victoria. Whichever direction you head from Melbourne, you'll have plenty of silos to add to your roadside attraction list. "I love the Silo Art Movement. I've knocked off ten around Melbs and I'll be heading further into regional VIC to check off a few more this long weekend," says reader Michelle. And don't forget to pick up some drinks at The Bottle-O to enjoy while admiring your snaps when you reach your accommodation. Closest The Bottle-O: Doreen Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: David Burke
Brisbanites, if your flight routine involves checking in, going through security, stocking up on snacks and then having a cheeky pre-flight drink, you now have a new place to do the latter. Newstead Brewing Co has just set up shop inside Brisbane Airport's domestic terminal, launching its new taphouse on the facility's second level — and giving you a new excuse to say cheers to your next trip. The airport venue marks Newstead Brewing's third site — after its original location in Newstead, obviously, and its second home in Milton. Originally due to open in 2020, but delayed due to the pandemic, the domestic terminal bar sprawls across 300 square metres near gate 38, and has room to welcome in 120 pre-departure beer-lovers. While you're sipping a brew from the 12 taps, you'll look out over the runway. That's what airport bars are all about, after all. Here, you'll be able to choose from Newstead Brewing's core range, or knock back pints of its exclusive airport beer — the fittingly named Tailwood Ale. The site will also pour the brewery's limited-release brews as they pop up. If you're feeling hungry before hopping onboard, the taphouse's pub-style food menu spans Moreton Bay Bug rolls, chicken parmigianas, burgers and pizzas, plus a range of vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan dishes. And, decor-wise, Newstead Brewing has stuck with the same industrial look as its other sites, bringing a touch of the brewery aesthetic to the new venue. Opened in partnership with Airport Retail Enterprises — who are also behind the onsite Coffee Royal, Graze Grill & Bar, Merlo Caffee, Mezze Za Za, Seeds by Bruno Loubet and New Farm Confectionery stores — the Newstead Brewing taphouse forms part of Brisbane Airport's $40 million revamp of the domestic terminal. Find Newstead Brewing Co's new taphouse on level two, near gate 38, at Brisbane Airport's domestic terminal.
In great news for cat-loving cinephiles, 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for felines on film. Photorealistic big cats prowled around the remake of The Lion King, and they'll soon be joined by a bunch of singing, scurrying street mousers in the silver-screen adaptation of stage musical Cats. For nearly four decades, Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production has pranced across stages everywhere, turning a tale inspired by poems from T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. But, while plenty of other popular musicals have made the leap to cinemas, this one hasn't until now. The trailers for the new flick might just explain why. The first trailer dropped back in July and inspired much talk about its strange CGI decision to combine cats with human faces. Terrifying? Maybe. Entertaining? Definitely. If you've recovered from the first 2.23 mins of Cats madness, you'll be happy to know a second, equally bizarre, trailer has just dropped. [caption id="attachment_751620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Judi Dench as a cat[/caption] Ever wanted to see Taylor Swift pouring cat nip on a crowd of cats from a suspended gold moon? Keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Idris Elba isn't James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail? Perhaps you've always dreamed of watching accomplished actors such as Judi Dench and Ian McKellen channel their inner feline? Have you ever hoped for all of the above, and for the actors to all play cat-sized cats? That's what's on offer in the just-dropped second trailer, as well as a heap of dancing and singing. In terms of story, Cats zaps Swift, Elba and company down to feline height to spin a narrative about the Jellicle cat tribe, who spend a night deciding just which four-legged moggy will get to leave their group, ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The movie comes with a significant pedigree, with Les Miserables' Tom Hooper in the director's chair, Webber on music duties, Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler doing the choreography, and the cast also spanning James Cordon, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Ray Winstone and Rebel Wilson. And yet, it all looks a little odd. But we'll let you decide for yourself. You check out the second Cats trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTDoOmc1OQ Cats opens in Australian cinemas on December 26.
Already a go-to for budget-friendly groceries, snow gear and whatever other specials that it can rustle up, ALDI is now bringing its discounted prices to your wardrobe. Selling clothes isn't new for the chain, as everyone who regularly trawls its middle aisles will be well-aware; however, for the first time ever, the brand is releasing its own ALDI streetwear collection. And yes, everything comes cheap — under $20 cheap, in fact. We all know someone that's bought a fridge, bed or TV at ALDI. You might even be that person. Now, everyone can know folks — or be them — that rock an ALDI-branded hoodie, track pants, slides, sneakers, socks or beanie. The list of items on offer in the new collection, which is called ALDImania, also includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, bucket hats and caps. For some pieces, there's also multiple colours available, with grey, navy and white the range's base hues. In total, there's 23 items made from sustainably sourced or recycled materials, with compact umbrellas and double-walled insulated mugs helping round out the collection. The socks have the lowest price, coming in at $4.99 no matter which of four styles you choose from. And the dearest item is the sneakers, which cost $19.99. In-between those maximums and minimums, fleecy hoodies will set you back $14.99, slides and beanies $7.99 each, and tees $8.99. From top to bottom — excluding underwear — you could deck yourself out in ALDI gear for less than $50. You'll only find the ALDImania collection in ALDI stores from Saturday, April 13. Given how popular the chain's usual specials are, expect the range to get snapped up quickly. "We have been offering our shoppers high-quality, affordable loungewear for years, but this is the first time we've brought our own brand of leisurewear to the middle aisles," said Belinda Grice, ALDI Australia's Buying Director for ALDImania. ALDI's streetwear range will hit the chain's supermarkets around Australia from Saturday, April 13. Visit the ALDI website for more details.
Since it kicked off in 2015, Melbourne clothing not-for-profit HoMie has been one of the most genuine 'feel good' brands on the market. Their clothes look great, and their mission – combatting homelessness – is more important than ever. Now, HoMie has joined forces with global mega label Champion to launch a very special winter capsule. Dubbed 'Champion Change', all profits from the new campaign will go towards HoMie's mission of helping young people experiencing homelessness or hardship. You might remember other capsules from these guys. HoMie and Champion have technically been collaborating since 2019, and previous collections have all been absolute winners. It's HoMie meets Champion — what's not to like? Champion Change features six bespoke apparel pieces and accessories, all designed to keep you warm this winter. You'll notice the logo isn't the normal HoMie badge: they've co-designed a new-look design with Champion. There are genderless hoodies, crew jumpers and an eye-catching reversible parka in camo print. A little something for everyone. 100% of profits will go towards training, clothing and job opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness. The capsule is available for a limited time, or until stock runs out, so get around it. You can shop the new look here. Images: Supplied
It might come as a surprise, given Australia's questionable internet speeds, but Melbourne has claimed the ranking of tenth smartest city in the world, with Sydney snapping at its heels in spot number 12. Headed up by international parking app company Easy Park, the 2017 Smart Cities Index analysed 500 cities worldwide, ranking the top 100. Other Australian cities that made the cut were Perth at number 41 and Adelaide at number 61. The key factors used in the study looked at digitalisation (including 4G connectivity, access to Wi-Fi hotspots and high smartphone usage) and knowledge-based mobility and transport (considering the prevalence of ride-share apps, smart parking and traffic sensors). Sustainability, online access to government services, and significant levels of citizen participation were also taken into consideration. Over 20,000 urban planning and technology experts were then asked to provide opinions about their own cities. Melbourne scored highest of all the countries for 4G connectivity, with Sydney and Perth making up the rest of the top three. Melbourne and Adelaide also ranked especially well when it came to citizen participation. Unsurprisingly, no Australian cities broke the top 20 for internet speed. While San Francisco topped the class with a perfect score of 10, Melbourne ranked number 26, with Sydney at 29 and Perth clocking in at 31. See the full table of results for the 2017 Smart Cities Index here. Photo via Wikimedia.
Since the first Iron Man film in 2008, Marvel has trained superhero fans well. Notching up 33 movies in its enormous cinematic universe with 2023's The Marvels and showing zero signs of stopping, the comic book company has basically taken over the big screen, with this year delivering Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, too — and, as always, there's plenty more flicks on the way. Marvel hasn't just taken over picture palaces. Via Disney+, the small screen is also home to many a MCU story, including Secret Invasion and season two of Loki in 2023. Keen to see your favourite spandex-clad crime-fighters try to save the world in person as well? Along with splashing Marvel's heroes and villains across every screen it can find, that's also coming — and soon. Marvel Universe LIVE! is exactly what it seems — and if it sounds familiar, that's because it was meant to head Down Under in 2020, but then the pandemic hit. So, when it makes the trip to Australia in April 2024, it'll be unveiling its show to Aussie audiences for the first time. Brisbane's season takes place from Thursday, April 4–Sunday, April 7 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The production takes more than 20 characters such as Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, teaming them up on stage and letting audiences marvel (pun intended) at their exploits. Featuring everyone from Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk to Captain America, Doctor Strange and Black Widow, it tasks the beloved superheroes with facing off against some of Marvel's infamous villains, including Nebula, Loki and Green Goblin. And, it packages their antics with video projections, special effects, pyrotechnics, martial arts, and both aerial and motorcycle stunts. The performance is aimed at all ages and, in news that's about as unsurprising as most wisecracks that Tony Stark ever uttered, the show has proven a massive success in the United States, Latin America and Europe. As a result, it was only a matter of time until it hit Australia after its pandemic delay. Obviously, attendees won't be watching Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer), Chris Hemsworth (Extraction II), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City) and Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent) — or any of the many, many other high-profile stars who feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because that list truly seems endless. But, if you're happy to get your Marvel fix however you can, add this to your 2024 calendar.
If you're a caffeine fiend who spends your weekday hours in the CBD, you've probably hit up Industry Beans Adelaide Street for your daily cuppa. After launching its first Brisbane cafe, Melbourne's beloved specialty coffee outfit Industry Beans has set up its second Sunshine State location right in the thick of it. There's one crucial difference between the brand's 150-person Newstead digs and this inner-city spot, however. This cosy ten-seat newcomer places a hefty focus on takeaways — no matter how you like your caffeine hit. Using beans roasted at its other site, it's serving up all the Industry Beans mainstays, including milk-based espressos coffees and its beloved cold brews. Yes, that means that the tapioca pearl-filled specialty bubble coffee and the wattleseed Fitzroy Iced are both on the menu. Also getting plenty of attention on Adelaide Street: beans to purchase, including a rotating lineup of single origins for both espresso and filter (which are obviously also available in your cuppas as well). Or, you can buy ready-to-drink cold-brew cans, specialty coffee pods and coffee equipment. You'll be doing all of the above within Industry Beans' usual minimalist decor. Pastries and other small bites to eat are available, too, in case you need a snack with your coffee.
After a horror run over the last three years, another major cancellation has hit the Australian festival scene. This time, The Grass Is Greener has been forced to cancel its new Canberra and Geelong gigs, and four of its acts won't be appearing at the remaining Gold Coast and Cairns dates. 2023 was slated to be a big year for the fest, which made its debut in Cairns back in 2016. This year, it was due to expand outside the Sunshine State, including heading to Canberra and Geelong as part of its planned four-date run — and, it had locked in multiple international headliners. The festival has sadly had to scale back last-minute, citing a range of reasons including weather forecasts, rising costs and the event industry post-COVID. "The reason for cancellation doesn't rest upon a single factor. Rather, it's related to the culmination of multiple elements that have affected not only us but our industry partners and siblings across the entire event industry in the COVID/post-lockdown period," a statement from The Grass Is Greener team reads. [caption id="attachment_856350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curdin Photo[/caption] The statement continues: "From an event standpoint, especially heading into these new markets, a festival team relies on certain milestones to enable us to run events successfully. What's more, the weather warnings we're receiving from Canberra and Geelong have also played a large role in this decision. While the shows were selling slower than predicted, we still had full intention of seeing them through — loss or otherwise. However, when coupled with the chance that sites might not even be built due to the impending weather, we knew we had to make a call as soon as possible." While this is sad news for those in the ACT and Victoria, it's not all doom and gloom. The festival will still be going ahead in the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 22 and Cairns on Saturday, October 29 with the likes of YG, PNAU, Alok, Wafia, Boo Seeka and Wongo. ONEFOUR, Ty Dollar $ign, Zhu and Maya Jane Coles have dropped off the bill, however, and won't be playing the Gold Coast or Cairns. [caption id="attachment_856349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] Refund information for folks with tickets for the two cancelled dates will be made available in the next 7–14 days, or Canberra and Geelong ticketholders can use their tickets to gain access to the Gold Coast and Cairns festivals. The festival's statement also mentions that tickets will be valid for YG's Melbourne sideshow on Monday, October 31. YG was billed to appear with Ty Dolla $ign at his Margaret Court Arena show on that date. Be sure to check the festival and YG's Instagram pages for up-to-date info on this sideshow. [caption id="attachment_812356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] PNAU. Image: Pat Stevenson[/caption] THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 LINEUP: Alok Aluna Boo Seeka Brux Crush3ed Little Fritter Wongo Market Memories Mood Swing & Chevy Bass Pnau Sidepiece Sticky Fingers TDJ YG + more THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 22 — Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Saturday, October 29 — Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns The Grass Is Greener has cancelled its Geelong and Canberra dates. It will now hit the Gold Coast and Cairns with reduced lineups this month. Head to the festival website for more information. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
Make October a month of wellness, as W Brisbane teams up with much-loved purveyors of all things healthy living, Cool 2Be Conscious. Held across three early morning Friday sessions, Conscious Collective runs on October 10, 17 and 24 from 6–8am, seeing locals and visitors alike guided through a revitalising experience that's both exclusive and approachable. Shaped as community-driven workshops, guests are directed through two hours of breathwork and meditation, ensuring a relaxing end to the week. Then, it's time to drift away in a restorative soundbath before rounding out the session with a rejuvenating ice plunge, making for an unmatched dopamine rush that leaves you feeling centred again. Taking over W Brisbane's WET Deck, the rooftop bar and pool give way to a mindful openair studio just before the weekend arrives, made even better with sweeping Brisbane River views. With the sun still coming up as you move through one soothing experience after another, expect this weekly ritual to deliver a major mind and body boost. Founded by Ryan Hubbard and Ru Mackenzie on the Gold Coast in 2020, Cool 2Be Conscious has become a big name in the breathwork scene, hosting massive gatherings designed to make health a collective experience. Yet for those seeking a more intimate experience, C2BC's W Brisbane collaboration might just be the perfect wellness alternative.
It's a great time to be a cinephile in Brisbane. Over the last couple of years, film fans have seen New Farm Cinemas open their doors, Cineplex build a shiny new addition in Hawthorne, Dendy announce another site in Coorparoo, Queensland Film Festival expand the city's festival offerings and Palace Centro begin a revamp. Now, add Metro Arts' refurbed cinema space to that list. Called The Lumen Room, consider it the arts venue's attempt to bring a different range of movies to the city. Befitting the theatre's quirky vibe, its single screen will boast a range of flicks that you're unlikely to see elsewhere, plus encore seasons of indie gems you might've missed and sessions of old cult favourites. That includes the likes of Aussie-made doco The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe fresh from the Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival programs, dance-focused effort Mr Gaga and a screening of beloved '80s vampire film The Lost Boys for Halloween. Since re-launching in August, sensation American indie The Fits and recent Aussie standouts 52 Tuesdays and Spear have all popped up. Yep, they've been busy. Tickets are $12 per film, offering another point of difference from the usual multiplex experience. And as for what comes next? Well, keep an eye on their website — but keep expecting an eclectic lineup, aka just what Brisbane needs. Find The Lumen Room at Metro Arts, 109 Edward Street, Brisbane. Check out the Metro Arts website and Facebook page for more information.
First birthdays are always an exciting time, regardless of whom or what it is you’re celebrating. A whole year has passed! You’ve made it through the unknown and come out just a little bit wiser. Plus on top of all the hard stuff you’ve defeated, birthdays are always a great opportunity to eat yummy food, drink delicious drinks and be merry with pals. Joining the ranks of many other one year olds in 2012, are the Kerbside Lane Markets. After their year on the block, their distinctive mix of vintage stalls and alcohol is still treating punters with as much aplomb as ever. Pulling in great crowds every month, you can bet their first birthday celebration is sure to be a treat. With the usual 20+ stalls of eclectic goodness, there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy at Kerbside's Birthday Bash. As well, there will be music to soothe your ears plus a free sausage sizzle (including vegetarian options) to fill your belly that lasts all day! Oh, and of course there’s the option of purchasing alcohol from Kerbside itself. So head into the Valley, grab a glass of champagne and propose a toast wishing them many more Happy Birthdays and warm regards.
What a difference Mads Mikkelsen can make. What a difference the stellar Danish actor can't, too. The Another Round and Riders of Justice star enjoys his Wizarding World debut in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, taking over the part of evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald's Johnny Depp — who did the same from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them's Colin Farrell first, albeit in a scripted change — and he's impressively sinister and engagingly insidious in the role. He needs to be: his fascist character, aka the 1930s-set movie's magical version of Hitler, wants to eradicate muggles. He's also keen to grab power however he must to do so. But a compelling casting switch can't conjure up the winning wonder needed to power an almost two-and-a-half-hour film in a flailing franchise, even one that's really just accioing already-devoted Harry Potter fans into cinemas. Capitalising upon Pottermania has always been the point of the Fantastic Beasts movies. Famously, this series-within-a-series springs not from a well-plotted novel, where the eight Boy Who Lived flicks originated, but from a guide book on magical creatures. That magizoology text is mentioned in the very first HP tome, then arrived IRL four years later, but it was only after the Harry Potter films ended that it leapt to screens. The reason: showing the Wizarding World's powers-that-be the galleons, because no popular saga can ever conclude when there's more cash to grab (see also: Star Wars and Game of Thrones). For Fantastic Beasts, the result was charming in the initial movie and dismal in its followup. Now, with The Secrets of Dumbledore, it's about as fun as being bitten by a toothy textbook. Nearly four years have passed since The Crimes of Grindelwald hit cinemas, but its successor picks up its wand where that dull sequel left off. That means reuniting with young Albus Dumbledore, who was the best thing about the last feature thanks to Jude Law (The Third Day) following smoothly in Michael Gambon and Richard Harris' footsteps. Actually, it means reuniting Dumbledore with Grindelwald first. And, it involves overtly recognising that the pair were once lovers. The saga that's stemmed from JK Rowling's pen isn't historically known for being inclusive, much like the author's transphobic statements — and it's little wonder that getting candid about such a crucial romantic connection feels cursory and calculating here, rather than genuine. The same applies to The Secrets of Dumbledore's overall message of love and acceptance, which can only echo feebly when stemming from a co-screenwriter (alongside seven-time HP veteran Steve Kloves) who's basically become the series' off-screen Voldemort. Referencing Dumbledore and Grindelwald's amorous past serves the narrative, of course, which is the real reason behind it — far more than taking any meaningful steps towards LGBTQIA+ representation. Years prior, the two pledged not to harm each other, binding that magical promise with blood, which precludes any fray between them now. Enter magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and his pals. Well, most of them. Newt's assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates, Call the Midwife), brother Theseus (Callum Turner, Emma), No-Maj mate Jacob (Dan Fogler, The Walking Dead), Hogwarts professor Lally (Jessica Williams, Love Life) and Leta Lestrange's brother Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam, Stillwater) are accounted for, while former friend Queenie (Alison Sudol, The Last Full Measure) has defected to Grindelwald. As for the latter's sister Tina (Katherine Waterston, The World to Come), she's spirited aside, conspicuously sitting Operation Avoid Muggle Genocide out. Dumbledore's plan as the movie hops from New York and Hogwarts to Berlin and Bhutan: to stop Grindelwald via Newt and company, and also stop him seeing the future to rig an election. To put his new world order into effect, Grindelwald needs to become the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, but a fantastic beast just might foil his chances. The Secrets of Dumbledore is largely a grey-hued, grimly serious political thriller that frequently feels like it just happens to take place amid wand-waving folks (its nods to actual history are that blatant), but it occasionally remembers to include the critters mentioned in its moniker. That said, courtesy of a cute but mostly superfluous scene with Newt, Theseus and a hip-wiggling scorpion dance, it fares better at acknowledging mythical animals than spilling many Dumbledore secrets. A villain swap, a half-hearted queer romance, past protagonists shunted off or playing second exploding tuba to fan favourites, a prequel series that doesn't recall what it was originally about, a title that's barely fulfilled: these aren't the ingredients for a great or even average movie, let alone an entrancing one. While some of the above occurs for sound reasons — Law swiftly outshining Redmayne in the last picture, for instance — The Secrets of Dumbledore is the filmic equivalent of throwing whatever's at hand into a cauldron and expecting a life-changing potion to bubble up. It's stitched together from shards of ideas, glimmers of possible good intentions and heavy sprinklings of nostalgia (quidditch and all), but the most it manages to be is perfunctory. Helming his seventh Wizarding World instalment, director David Yates retains a knack for setpieces at least — but even with plenty of chases and duels, and with his technical team doing much of the feature's heavy lifting, the visual wonders are still few and far between. Two more Fantastic Beasts entries are currently slated; you don't need Grindelwald's sorcery to know HP won't leave screens anytime soon. But as The Secrets of Dumbledore demonstrates over and over, this saga struggles with purpose. That isn't surprising given that keeping the series going by any means necessary, and trying to keep everyone who grew up loving all things Potter in the late 90s/early 00s happy as well, remain its chief aims. Those kids are now adults, which is why the Fantastic Beasts movies focus on fully grown witches and wizards rather than Hogwarts students. Little else here has matured with them, though, or been fleshed out — despite obvious World War II parallels and nods to today's divided times playing key parts. Call it arrested franchise development, call it a floundering spell, call it an exercise in disenchantment: they all fit, and The Secrets of Dumbledore doesn't have the elixir, incantation or even ambition to magic up anything else.
If you're in the vicinity of Elliott Street in Woolloongabba, you're bound to spot the suburbs's new cafe — even if you're barely paying attention to your surroundings. With a brightly coloured mural on its exterior walls, let's just say that it stands out. That's the attention-grabbing packaging — and yes, the food offerings will catch your eye (and stomach) as well. The usual early morning options are available at Shawty's Espresso, including toast with or without eggs, avocado and fetta. However, whatever time of the day you're stopping by, you're probably going to want to grab a bacon, egg, mozzarella and chutney filled brekkie bagel, an I Heart Brownies treat or a homemade slice of banana bread. Of course, you don't name your cafe Shawty's Espresso without serving up hot cuppas as well; in fact, whether you like coffee or tea, you'll more than warm to their range. The former comes courtesy of Supreme Coffee, while the latter features loose-leaf varieties from The Steepery, including a zesty, fruity melon and lychee green tea. Yum.
The celebrated sculptor and perpetual made-you-look artist has revealed his latest installation as part of the first Kochi-Muziris Biennale in India. Set in a gallery floor at the Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, Anish Kapoor's Descension sees a caged vortex of black water furiously frothing and swirling, slowly receding into an bottomless abyss. Looks like Kapoor hopped out of the bath one day, pulled the plug and got well freaked out. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is India's first biennale for contemporary art held in Kochi — with Kapoor's work one of the major drawcards for both local and international visitors. Created especially for the Kerala capital by the artist who gave Chicago Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, Descension is located in a seaside corner room of the Aspinwall gallery, looking out to the harbour and freaking out gallery visitors looking for a peaceful stroll through Nice Art. I mean, look at this GIF: Terrfiying. Check out Kapoor talking to the Biennale team about the work here. Via Designboom and Colossal.
Dubai is truly the land of structural opportunity, the Hollywood of the architectural world. There seems to be no limit to what can be built in Dubai, and while they've spent the last few decades ranging upwards with more and more outlandishly tall towers — Dubai Civil Defence is even training a fleet of jet-packed fire fighters to respond to the crazy heights — they now have set their sights on the magical realm of under the sea. Dubai's first partially underwater villa, named The Floating Seahorse, has just been completed in the Heart of Europe, a cluster of luxury man-made islands just a few miles off the shore. The lower level of the three-storey structure is completely submerged so you can literally sleep with the fishes (in a non-life threatening kind of way). The house also features a man-made reef to encourage the growth and protect marine life in the area, with a special focus on their namesake, the seahorse. The villa is one of 42 being built in the area, all of which have apparently been sold for a cool $2.7 million clams. If you missed out, we suggest turning the heater up to humid and grabbing a copy of the Sims 3: Island Paradise expansion — it's basically the same thing but for a fraction of the price. While the villas are astounding, they're not altogether surprising because we, the collective consciousness of the Internet, have recently been going bananas for everything submerged. The Airbnb room literally inside an aquarium shark tank, Africa's first underwater hotel and Subsix in the Maldives — a sunken restaurant with 360 degree views of the surrounding marine life — all point towards an interest in watery accommodation. Something Sebastian the crab said must have really gotten into our brains because we all want to be under the sea (ideally with a hot crustacean band). And now we can. Via Travel + Leisure.
Broadcasting out of a tiny shopfront on New York City's First Avenue, the legendary East Village Radio has been a solid citizen of the Big Apple for the past 11 years. But heavy licensing fees will see the independent online station forced to shut down, broadcasting its last show on May 23. Covering every genre from experimental, brash Brooklyn garage rock to phonograph recordings of old-timey pre-war singalongs, EVR has had some serious talent behind the wheel over the years. With presenters such as Mark Ronson, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce (The Smiths), members of Das Racist, Elliot Wilson (Rap Radar) Hannah Rad (Diddy's Revolt TV), Bobby Friction (BBC) and many, many more, EVR has been responsible for both breaking green new artists and reminding listeners of legends they might have missed. Inviting countless big and small name guests into the tiny mirror-walled, glass-fronted studio wedged between a tattoo parlour and a local Italian eatery Frankie's (and sitting just around the corner from the former site of rock Mecca CBGB), EVR has formed an integral part of the New York music landscape over the years, with Lou Reed, Johnny Marr and Richard Hell popping in on occasion. And Drake. Popularity isn't the problem for EVR, with listenership rising daily for the online broadcaster since opening as a 10-watt FM radio station in 2003. But with each new pair of ears comes a price tag, one the station can't afford to front forever. According to the Congressional Digital Music Copyright Act of 1998, online broadcasters must pay a digital performance royalty for each listener. With EVR achieving over a million listeners a month, it seems popularity would bankrupt the beloved station. "Every time we get a new listener, it costs us more money with licensing fees and Internet costs," East Village Radio CEO Frank Prisinzano told East Village blog EV Grieve. "After doing some projections, we see that it is going to be very, very difficult for us to continue to break even." General manager and head of programming Peter Ferraro explained to the blog that the station was paying an unfair price for its own popularity. "It's almost like we are being penalized for our growth... We pay a higher rate for royalties and licensing than Pandora pays," he said. "We live in a world where these behemouth music-streaming services keep going in for more capital. It's very difficult for an independent medium music company to survive in a world where Apple is paying $3.2 billion for Beats by Dre." New Yorkers aren't the only ones who'll miss EVR. Broadcasting in an online capacity and through the EVR app, the radio station found most of its fanbase worldwide — particularly in the UK. Countless Australians have featured on the station, with drop-ins from locals The Presets, Flume, Courtney Barnett, The Preatures (pictured above), Kevin Parker, Jagwar Ma, Hiatus Kaiyote, Art vs. Science, Anna Lunoe, The Laurels, San Cisco, The Griswolds and many more. With just a few weeks of broadcast left, EVR presenters will have the chance to sign off in their own signature fashion. In a gesture of professional decency, the station will also release every last archived show to each DJ so they can hunt around for syndication elsewhere or land themselves another presenting spot. So crank up EVR while you still can and join the team for their last hurrah on May 23. Listen to EVR online here. Via EV Grieve and New York Observer.
As your mother correctly told you, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you want to spend this all-important meal surrounded by sunny, semi-industrial cuteness, then Moose and Gibson is the breakfast spot for you. Located in a quiet street just around the corner from the Woolloongabba cafe/antique precinct, this new hotspot is just far enough off the beaten track to feel hidden away but still oh so central. Moose and Gibson is the creation of rugby union player Scott Higginbotham and business partners Malcolm and Danielle Watts (also owners of Leaf Espresso in Tarragindi) and was named after the Watts' adorable pups Moose and Gibson. There is a real feeling of warmth and friendliness emanating from both the space and its very capable staff, which makes it a great place to spend a lazy Sunday morning. From the antler light to the exposed copper pipes bent into the letters 'MG', the fit-out is all about the little touches. The polished concrete floor, high ceiling and sturdy wooden furniture leave no questions about the industrial influence, while a wall covered with plant hangings near the entrance adds a hint of greenery. Above all the breakfast action is a mezzanine level that will eventually be used for live music, but for now is hosting an old bicycle and barnyard-esque barrels and sacks of coffee. The brekky menu is short but sweet, featuring classics such as bircher muesli ($13.90) and eggs on toast as ($13.90) well as quirkier plates such as the potato and cheese croquettes ($15.90). The Mad Moose is M+G's take on the traditional 'big breakfast,' with eggs, garlic mushrooms, spinach, bacon, black pudding, house beans, potato croquette, grilled tomato and toast, and will set you back $21.50. A standout is the baked potted eggs, which are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olives, spinach and chorizo. Served with toasted ciabatta and garlic butter, it's a hearty and delicious breakfast meal coming in at $16.90. The robust coffee blend comes courtesy of Two Seasons, a single origin coffee line from Piazza D'Oro. Juice and smoothie specials change regularly, with combinations like pear and vanilla or blackberry, coconut and honey popping up on the menu. A range of ready-made sandwiches and sweets are available at the counter for those wanting to refuel on the move.
When Baz Luhrmann makes a new film, the world takes notice — including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and its annual awards. No stranger to heaping the filmmaker's movies with accolades, with every single one of his past flicks from Strictly Ballroom through to The Great Gatsby scoring nominations (and those two specific titles winning Best Film), AACTA has continued the trend by showering the director's latest in 2022 nods. Topping the just-announced nominations for this year's AACTA Awards — which were previously called the AFI Awards, before changing their name — Elvis picked up a whopping 15 nods, the most of any film. The accolades recognise the best and brightest in Australian cinema and television each year, with Mystery Road: Origin also scoring the same amount of noms in the TV categories. In their respective formats, Elvis and Mystery Road: Origin have plenty of company. The former is competing against Here Out West, Sissy, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, The Stranger and Three Thousand Years of Longing for 2022's Best Film, for instance — and the latter is up against Bump, Heartbreak High, Love Me, The Tourist and Wolf Like Me for the year's best television drama. The winners of those categories, and AACTA's full list of fields, will be announced in early December on two dates: Monday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 7. Also highlights among the film nominees: 13 nominations apiece for The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson and Three Thousand Years of Longing, Austin Butler getting an unsurprising Best Actor nomination for playing the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Nude Tuesday scoring a heap of love, acting nods for the powerful Blaze and a whole heap of recognition for The Stranger, including for writer/director Thomas M Wright. And, among the TV cohort, Mystery Road: Origin also picked up five noms in the four acting fields for TV dramas, spanning Mark Coles Smith, Tuuli Narkle, Daniel Henshall, Steve Bisley and Hayley McElhinney; Love Me and The Twelve nabbed ten nominations each across all categories; and Heartbreak High's James Majoos received the show's sole acting nod. Across both film and TV, a heap of international names graced the acting nominations, too, a common AACTAs trend. On 2022's list: Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton for Three Thousand Years of Longing, both the aforementioned Butler and Tom Hanks for Elvis, Sean Harris for The Stranger, Jackie van Beek and Jemaine Clement for Nude Tuesday, Joanna Lumley for Falling for Figaro and Jamie Dornan for The Tourist. Here's a selection of this year's major AACTA nominations, ahead of the awards' ceremonies on Monday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 7 — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2022: FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM Elvis Here Out West Sissy The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson The Stranger Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST INDIE FILM A Stitch In Time Akoni Darklands Lonesome Pieces Smoke Between Trees BEST DIRECTION Baz Luhrmann, Elvis Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes, Sissy Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Thomas M Wright, The Stranger George Miller, Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST LEAD ACTOR Austin Butler, Elvis Rob Collins, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Joel Edgerton, The Stranger Idris Elba, Three Thousand Years of Longing Damon Herriman, Nude Tuesday BEST LEAD ACTRESS Aisha Dee, Sissy Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Julia Savage, Blaze Tilda Swinton, Three Thousand Years of Longing Jackie van Beek, Nude Tuesday BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Simon Baker, Blaze Jemaine Clement, Nude Tuesday Malachi Dower-Roberts, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Tom Hanks, Elvis Sean Harris, The Stranger BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Jada Alberts, The Stranger Jessica De Gouw, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Olivia DeJonge, Elvis Joanna Lumley, Falling For Figaro Yael Stone, Blaze BEST SCREENPLAY Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, Elvis Jackie van Beek, Nude Tuesday Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Thomas M Wright, The Stranger George Miller and Augusta Gore, Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST DOCUMENTARY Ablaze Clean Everybody's Oma Franklin Ithaka River TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Bump Heartbreak High Love Me Mystery Road: Origin The Tourist Wolf Like Me BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINISERIES Barons Savage River The Twelve True Colours Underbelly: Vanishing Act BEST COMEDY PROGRAM Aftertaste Five Bedrooms Hard Quiz Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell Spicks and Specks Summer Love BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin Jamie Dornan, The Tourist James Majoos, Heartbreak High Sam Neill, The Twelve Hugo Weaving, Love Me BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Isla Fisher, Wolf Like Me Claudia Karvan, Bump Kate Mulvany, The Twelve Tuuli Narkle, Mystery Road: Origin Bojana Novakovic, Love Me BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Wayne Blair, Aftertaste Patrick Brammall, Summer Love Harriet Dyer, Summer Love Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Charlie Pickering, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering Doris Younane, Five Bedrooms BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Hayley McElhinney, Mystery Road: Origin Jacqueline McKenzie, Savage River Heather Mitchell, Love Me Brooke Satchwell, The Twelve Magda Szubanski, After the Verdict BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Steve Bisley, Mystery Road: Origin Brendan Cowell, The Twelve Daniel Henshall, Mystery Road: Origin Damon Herriman, The Tourist Thomas Weatherall, Heartbreak High
Pastry fans of Brisbane, it's time to get excited — because Lune Croissanterie will launch its first-ever Brissie shopfront in early August. It's been a big nine years for the brand, after starting a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012. Since then, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the CBD and was even dubbed "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times. Late in 2020, founder Kate Reid, who co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project), confirmed that the brand had signed the lease on space in South Brisbane to expand their empire to the Sunshine State — and permanently. Now, that new venue is set to open on Fish Lane before winter is out. The Brisbane site will mark Lune's first outside of Melbourne, and will serve up the pastries that have earned it such a following down south. An ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid brings scientific precision to her craft, including the climate-controlled glass cube that Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. The Brisbane store will become the chain's Brisbane's flagship store — obviously with a menu of Lune Croissanterie favourites. Coffee will be on offer as well, and Brisbanites can look forward to a range of specials that'll rotate monthly. The Lune team also has plans in the works to open a Sydney store, but they have been pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our mouths and stomachs are ready for twice-baked croissant aux amandes (stuffed with almond frangipane and generously topped with flaked almonds) and the Ferrero cruffin: a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with hazelnut and chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts. Oh, and Lune's perfectly flaky traditional croissant, of course. Lune Croissanterie's flagship South Brisbane store will open its doors in Fish Lane in early August 2021. We'll let you know when an exact date is announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
Far from being abstract paintings of dragon scales or elaborate curves and textures, Andre Armolaev has captured incredible aerial images of Iceland's twisting rivers meandering across the black, ashy volcanic sand. With over 30 active volcanic systems, Iceland is host to one of the world's most 'explosive' areas. Armolaev describes the bird's eye view over the river and volcanic systems in this country as "an inexpressible combination of colors, lines, and patterns." He is fascinated by the contrast the land and water make against each other and the organic and incomparable shapes they create. These stunning photographs capture the beauty that can be created from natural disasters and demonstrate the unparalleled power and allure of Mother Earth. Take a look at the collection of aerial photographs of Iceland's volcanoes taken from thisiscolossal.
