With the increase in bike paths and subsequent riders around our cities, cyclers need more options when it comes to storing their bikes. These quirky, colourful bike racks that double as street art in their respective cities around the world will probably taint the way you see traditional, boring bike racks forever. Because who wouldn’t want to chain their bike up to an over-sized steaming coffee mug or hook it on a giant spinning wheel? Just in case anyone was confused. In Roanake, Virginia gigantic combs are used as an effective method of storing bikes. A ferris-wheel inspired construction from Seoul. Only in Portlandia. If you're not getting enough dietary fibre into your diet, here's a sure fire way to kick up your daily intake. A clever marketing stunt outside Filter Coffee in Washington appears as a vibrant and appealing place to let your bicycle stand while you enjoy sipping a coffee and munching on some cake within. We're not entirely sure what this New York structure is supposed to resemble, but it does seem like some sort of contorting alien body. These striking paperclips won't be able to keep budding cyclists away as the bold colours draw in bikes from all around Washington DC. Bullwinkle? Is that you? One of David Byrne's NYC designs. Enough said. This long four-legged glistening red horse from Louisville, Kentucky is a fun way to tie up a bike for a day. [Via Flavorwire]
After nearly a decade of Westerosi power struggles, obsessed fans and soaring ratings, HBO now finds itself with a Game of Thrones-sized gap to fill. The network isn't completely saying goodbye to the world created by George RR Martin, with at least one spinoff confirmed, and several others possibly in the works. But it's also looking for its next big hit. Bleak superhero saga Watchmen is one of the network's options, with a television adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel headed to screens later this year. His Dark Materials is another, as based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name. And if it sounds familiar, that's because — like Watchmen — one of them has already been turned into a movie. Twelve years after the incredibly family-oriented The Golden Compass made its way to cinemas, it's now heading to TV alongside sequels The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. HBO is keeping things simple by sticking with the franchise name, other than individual book monikers. And, based on the just-launched first teaser, it has help from a hefty cast — with James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Wire's Clarke Peters and Logan's Dafne Keen all starring. Still on the big-name front, Academy Award-winning The King's Speech director Tom Hooper is helming the first two episodes. Keen plays Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe — one where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. As she looks for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovers a church-run stolen children ring, learns about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. While HBO hasn't announced an exact premiere date as yet, His Dark Materials' eight-episode first season will hit screens by the end of the year. Instigated by and co-produced with the BBC, the show has already been renewed for a second season before it even airs — so the US network is clearly aiming big. Check out the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qz8L4KaTss His Dark Materials will air on HBO in the second half of the year, with an exact release date yet to be announced. We'll keep you updated — including about air dates Down Under. Images: HBO.
Back in 2021, news arrived that Round the Twist was joining The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Muriel's Wedding, Strictly Ballroom, Starstruck and Moulin Rouge! in making the leap from Australia's screens to its theatres as a stage musical. If you've ever, ever felt like you needed to see the classic 90s and early 00s Aussie children's TV series with singing and dancing, the end result finally has a debut date. Your destination if you want to catch it first: Brisbane, with Round the Twist The Musical making its world premiere as part of Queensland Theatre's 2024 season. The homegrown gem is going the screen-to-stage route in a production that hasn't yet unveiled its cast, but already has the entire country well-acquainted with its characters. It'll hit QPAC's Playhouse from Tuesday, November 12–Sunday, December 1, closing out Queensland Theatre's 2024 run. We bet you're now more excited right now than a Twist family member in a lighthouse. Airing for two seasons between 1990–93, then another two from 2000–01, Round the Twist adapted Paul Jennings' popular books into an offbeat fantasy series. If you were the right age, it was must-see TV — and now it's your next must-see musical. Here's hoping that the new stage production not only does justice to the show that absolutely every Aussie kid watched in the 90s and 00s, and more than once, but that it taps into its balance of humour, strangeness and scares. There's definitely a big lighthouse involved, because of course there is. Obviously, we all know which song absolutely has to be included — and multiple times, ideally. Yes, it's the theme tune by Andrew Duffield that you've now got stuck in your head and will keep singing to yourself for the rest of the week. (And no, we're not sorry for putting it there.) Writer/composer Paul Hodge and director Simon Phillips (Muriel's Wedding: The Musical, Ladies in Black) are guiding the show, which will focus on single father Tony Twist; his children Pete, Linda and Bronson; and their efforts to save their home from the Gribble family while also attempting to solve a 200-year-old mystery. Expect haunted spaces, ghosts, smelly feet and a crystal ball as well, and songs. "Round The Twist The Musical is iconically Australian and it is our absolute pleasure to bring these characters, these stories and these songs to the stage for the first time ever," said Queensland Theatre Artistic Director Lee Lewis, announcing the 2024 program. "This has been a giddy labour of love for all of us here at Queensland Theatre for years now, and we're beyond excited to finally see this production come to life." Where Round The Twist The Musical will play after its Brisbane debut hasn't yet been announced, if you're hoping to see the production elsewhere around the country. Back in the Queensland capital, Queensland Theatre will also stage versions of Gaslight and Medea in 2024, the latter by Kate Mulvany and Anne-Louise Sarks. Football drama 37 will enjoy its world premiere, while Pulitzer Prize-winner Cost of Living and the Veep-style POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive will make their Australian debuts. If you need something Round the Twist-related to watch until November 2024 hits, all four seasons of the show are streaming on Netflix. You can also check out the trailer for Round the Twist's first season below: Round the Twist The Musical will premiere at the QPAC Playhouse, South Bank, Brisbane from Tuesday, November 12–Sunday, December 1, 2024 as part of Queensland Theatre's 2024 season — head to Queensland Theatre's website for further details. Top image: Round the Twist filming location Split Point lighthouse, Natalie Maguire via Wikimedia Commons.
New King, new cast of The Crown. The latter isn't a result of the former; however, change has come to the monarchy IRL, and is also clearly on its way in season five of Netflix's hit regal drama. Chaos and scandal is in the air on-screen, in fact, with the series jumping to the early to mid-1990s — aka the era of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage breakdown. In The Crown's just-dropped trailer for its fifth season, things are tense in the House of Windsor. Actually, that's an understatement. As the relationship between the now-current off-screen King and his first wife stretches, strains and snaps, media interest heats up, Queen Elizabeth II has plenty of worries and Diana refuses to simply toe the family line. None of this will be new news to anyone aware of history, just like almost everything in The Crown since 2016, when it started bringing the British royal family's ups and downs from newspaper headlines to Netflix. And, yes, the film Spencer did cover some of the same territory as The Crown season five, just on the big screen, earlier this year — but come Wednesday, November 9, streaming viewers will be able to see how this award-winning series handles it. Also part of The Crown's fifth season: approaching the 40th anniversary of the Queen's reign, the public questioning the role of the royal family and changes on the international landscape. But it seems that the bulk of the new episodes' focus will sit with Charles, Diana, divorce requests, press scrutiny, explosive books and interviews, and the rest of the fallout. This time around, Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton dons the titular headwear, while Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce steps into Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret is played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. Also, Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki takes over the role of Princess Diana, with The Wire and The Pursuit of Love's Dominic West as Prince Charles. The Crown shakes up its cast every couple of seasons. After starting out with Claire Foy (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) as Queen Elizabeth II, Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) as Prince Philip and Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret (Pieces of a Woman) in its first two seasons, which aired in 2016 and 2017, the series returned in 2019 with Olivia Colman (Heartstopper), Tobias Menzies (This Way Up) and Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes) in those roles. Plus, it added Josh O'Connor (Mothering Sunday) as Prince Charles — and, in season four in 2020, Emma Corrin (Misbehaviour) and The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson joined the cast as Lady Diana Spencer and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, respectively. Netflix's full trailer for season five comes after a first sneak peek back in September, which also honed in on Charles and Diana. Season five arrives two months after Queen Elizabeth II's death in early September, and following a pause in the show's production afterwards. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons, with the latter following the monarch into the 2000s, has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. Check out the trailer for The Crown season five below: The Crown's fifth season will hit Netflix on Wednesday, November 9. Images: Keith Bernstein / Netflix
After heading to Australia earlier this year for a one-night-only show at the Sydney Opera House, Margaret Atwood is heading Down Under once again in early 2020. This time, though, she'll be hitting up six Aussie cities (Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth) as well as Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. The Canadian writer also has some very exciting new material to discuss — her long-awaited sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale', called 'The Testaments'. Released 34 years after the original, the novel is set 15 years after Offred's final scene and is narrated by three female characters. Since it's release in September, 'The Testaments' has already garnered one of the world's biggest literary awards, the Booker Prize, which it won jointly with Bernardine Evaristo's 'Girl, Woman, Other'. As well as discussing her award-winning new novel, the seminal 1985 book and the captivating TV drama it inspired, Atwood will chat about her life and career, and the rest of her very extensive body of works. While it seems this talk won't be quite as political as her SOH conversation, it's likely Atwood will dip into topics such as extremist politics, feminism and climate change — they are themes that are brought up time and time again in her fictional works, after all. It'll be an interesting, if not eyebrow-raising, talk — as well as being an obvious advocate for women's rights, Atwood has came under fire for her controversial take on the #MeToo movement and her reluctance to call The Handmaid's Tale feminist. It's said the talks will also have a Q&A segment, so putt on your thinking hats and get some questions ready. [caption id="attachment_751168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margaret Atwood via Wiki Commons, Image credit: Mauro Rico/Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación[/caption] IN CONVERSATION WITH MARGARET ATWOOD 2020 DATES February 10 — Wellington, Michael Fowler Centre February 11 — Auckland, The Civic February 12 — Christchurch, Christchurch Town Hall February 16–17 — Sydney, ICC February 19 — Canberra, Canberra Theatre Centre February 22 — Brisbane, QPAC Concert Hall February 23 — Melbourne, Arts Centre Melbourne February 24 — Hobart, Wrest Point March 1 — Perth, Riverside Theatre Tickets for In Conversation with Margaret Atwood go on sale Monday, November 25. Image: Jean Malek
So no one told us that the 2020s were going to be this way. Nearly three decades have passed since Friends first introduced the world to its close-knit bunch of New York pals, but nostalgia for the show is still in full swing. And, after a replica of the series' couch toured Australia last year, the program's 25th anniversary sparked cinema screenings and rumours about a reunion special just keep buzzing, a bottomless boozy Friends-themed brunch and viewing party is your next excuse to worship at the altar of Monica, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Ross and Phoebe. Called The One Where They All Went For Brunch (naturally), this Friends-loving get-together is coming to secret locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland in April and May. The latest event by the folks behind 2019's roller disco brunch, it'll combine two hours of bottomless drinks and a selection of appetisers with Friends trivia, Friends-themed charades, a Friends costume competition and episodes of Friends playing on a big screen. As tends to be the case with these kinds of pop-up events, few other specifics have been revealed as yet — although each city's brunch will take place at a venue within ten minutes of the CBD. Drinks-wise, mimosas will feature. And, word is that Ross' 'moist maker' sandwiches might just grace the food menu. Tickets aren't on sale at present, but you can register to be notified when they become available. Obviously, if you've still been cutting your hair like Jennifer Aniston, have been known to bust out your best Matt LeBlanc-style "how you doin'?" or just like singing 'Smelly Cat', you'll be in your element. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPSwnHMmNE The One Where They All Went For Brunch will pop up at secret locations in Sydney on Sunday, April 12, in Melbourne on Sunday, April 19, in Brisbane on Sunday, April 26 and in Auckland on Sunday, May 3. To register for further information, and to be notified when tickets go on sale, visit the event pages for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
Your flights are booked, your bags are packed and your holiday excitement/anxiety has begun. And the last thing you want to be doing is dropping a stack of spending money on getting to the airport, either in a cab or — for those lucky enough to have an airport rail link this century — on the train. So, you'll be happy to know that, this month, ride share service Ola is offering its customers a pretty sweet deal, dropping the price of trips to and from major Australian airports to a flat $25. Customers in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and the Gold Coast can score the budget-friendly flat fare on rides right throughout April. The flat fare will only be applied on trips 20 kilometres or less. If a trip clocks in at over 20 kilometres, the extra distance will be charged at the usual price and added onto the $25 deal. Tolls will also be at an extra cost. No idea what 20 kilometres from the airport looks like? In Sydney, you could get Ola's $25 deal from as far as Bondi or North Sydney, while down in Melbourne, it reaches north and west suburbs including Thornbury and West Footscray (it's about 23 kilometres to and from the CBD). In Brisbane, the offer stretches to places like West End or Greenslopes, and over in Perth, customers can travel from as far as Canning Vale or Stirling. To take advantage of the offer, you'll need to sign up to Ola and download the app, and use the codes OLAPICK (for pick-up) or OLADROP (for drop-off). Depending on where you live, it promises some pretty tidy savings. Ola's $25 flat fare offer is valid up until April 30. You can use it up to ten times before then.
Wine is a good time. Whether you're cracking a bottle of bubbly to celebrate something big or sipping a glass of red as you cook a midweek dinner, grape juice is a solid booze option. With so many wineries, grape varieties, styles, vintages, terroirs and tannins, the world of wine is both fascinating and exceedingly overwhelming. At the end of the day, though, you just want a tasty wine that'll suit your current scenario, which is where we come in. For the sake of journalism (and our love of wine), we teamed up with Vivino to chat about the wines we've been drinking, sipping and sinking this season. From juicy pink-hued pét-nats and stone fruit-forward skin contact vinos to zippy whites and inky Aussie reds that pair exceptionally well with spag bol, these bottles are the ones we reach for time and time again — and we reckon you will, too. Need to know even more about the drop you're about to drink? Then take a snap of the bottle in your hand — or simply search for it — in the Vivino app. There, you'll find zero-bullshit reviews, ratings, taste characteristics and prices from more regular wine drinkers. And, if you can't be bothered to track down a bottle IRL, you can also purchase some of them from Vivino, too, and get it delivered straight to your door. 2020 UNICO ZELO ESOTERICO SKIN CONTACT BLEND It's extremely rare that I buy the same wine more than once — I am, after all, an attention span-lacking millennial obsessed with the next shiny new thing. So, for a drop to have a permanent spot in my liquor lineup is a big deal. Enter Esoterico, from Adelaide Hills-based winery Unico Zelo. This amber-hued drop, made from a blend of fiano, zibbibo, moscato giallo, gewürztraminer and greco, is a real all-rounder. It carried me through some pivotal 2021 moments; its decent level of texture and funkiness made all those lockdown loungeroom parties a little more fun. It has notes of citrus and stone fruits, particularly mandarin and apricot, so it was the perfect drop during the picnic era. And it's acidic — almost spicy — so it has served me well over summer, too. Want more reviews? Check them out on Vivino, then buy yourself a bottle. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_833746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Teague[/caption] 2020 BODEGA ALBAMAR ALBARIŃO At an early Sunday dinner at recently opened wine bar La Salut, in Sydney's Redfern, I had a delightful glass of albariño from the Rías Baixas region in Spain (an area famous for that particular grape type). This wine is all bright, vibrant, delicate citrus vibes — extremely non-intimidating — and was the perfect bedfellow to the salty flavour-packed Catalan-inspired bites. It's like the white wine equivalent of running through a sprinkler after an innings of cricket on a hot summer day. But with alcohol! You can read more reviews of Albamar Albariño on Vivino. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director 2021 EXPRESS WINEMAKERS L'ORANGE SKIN CONTACT WHITE Hailing from a single vineyard in the deep south of WA, the amber-hued L'Orange from Express Winemakers brings sunshine straight to my hand. The skin contact white — mostly riesling, with a dash of semillon — is bright, juicy and sends off the same vit C vibes that its namesake fruit does. Ryan O'Meara, the young and fun gung-ho winemaker, kept those precious skins on for six days to deliver a tart, textured drop that's everything you'd expect from a skinsy sip. I'm a pét-nat lover at heart, but this white is the perfect go-between. I've got a bottle sitting tight for my upcoming weekender in western NSW, and I'll be pouring an ice-cold glass for my whole gang before we watch that golden sun set and breathe in the fresh country air. Want to nab yourself a glass too? You can purchase it from Vivino. Grace MacKenzie, Junior Staff Writer 2020 ARFION FEVER SKIN CONTACT BLEND Whenever I feel like drinking wine, I like to leave it to the experts. This includes when I'm at my local bottle-o, where most of my interactions with the staff usually go something like this: they see me staring in the skin contact wine section, they sniff out that I'm clueless, they ask me what I like, then they recommend a drop — and they always get it right. A recent delight was the 2020 Arfion Fever from the Yarra Valley. This bright, refined orange wine is a blend of five varieties — pinot gris, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, pinot noir and savagnin — that are fermented on skins, and the result is criminally delicious. It's one of those wines where, after the first sip, my partner and I gave each other an involuntary and knowing nod to say we'd be buying another bottle of this moreish nectar. And that we did — twice. Check out more reviews of Arfion Fever on Vivino. Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Producer 2021 BRAVE NEW WINE NAT DADDY PÉT-NAT Brave New Wine's Nat Daddy pét-nat became my go-to drop for the wave of picnics that hit during that two-week period last year when al fresco hangs were the only way you could see your mates. The fizzy and fruity blend of shiraz and sauvignon blanc basically begs to be drunk on a warm afternoon in the park. Brave New Wine has been producing vibrant, highly drinkable wines out of Western Australia's Great Southern wine region for the past five years. Each bottle is created with minimal intervention, is naturally fermented, and comes adorned with a fun eye-catching label that sets the tone for the light and breezy pét-nat. While variety is the spice of life, I keep coming back to Nat Daddy — and it's sure to feature heavily in my plans throughout 2022. Want to know more about this bottle of bubbly? You can read more reviews of Brave New Wine Nat Daddy on Vivino. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer 2019 GRANT BURGE BAROSSA INK SHIRAZ As the only New Zealand-based team member, I should absolutely be advocating for any of the world-class Kiwi drops. Instead, I'm risking my citizenship and coming in hot with this big, bold South Australian number, which has received cult-like status in recent years (it actually took home the top gong for wines under $25 in Australia's Vivino Community Awards). This wine has been named Ink Shiraz as it's so rich and full-bodied that it almost has a Ribena-like quality, making it the best accompaniment to a giant steak or a table full of Italian food. I know what you're thinking — a rich red, Sarah? In summer? But hear me out. Book in a night to yourself at home, turn the air-con as low it can go, and enjoy a large glass of this with a giant bowl of spag bol and the latest episode of Succession. Instant happiness. So, buy yourself a bottle of Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz from Vivino, stat. Sarah Templeton, New Zealand Editor 2020 KERRI GREENS PINOTS DE MORNINGTON ROSÉ If you're after a vino primed for catch-ups, this unfiltered drop from the Mornington Peninsula's Kerri Greens will definitely be your groove. When it comes to pink wine, the Pinots de Mornington rosé is my go-to. It's dry and moreish, with good texture and creaminess, and a taste that's reminiscent of fresh strawberries and cream. The blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot gris grapes also delivers some fun forest fruit flavours. It's also the kind of sip that stands up well alongside food — a handy trait if you like to snack your way through a Sunday sesh like me. Hot tip: match it with some fresh prawns and you'll be one happy chappy. All up, this drop is essential summer quaffing, and a primo accompaniment to beach picnics, barbecues and park sessions alike — and that's coming from a diehard beer fiend. Sound good? You can read more reviews of Kerri Greens Pinots de Mornington on Vivino, too. Libby Curran, Staff Writer Download the Vivino app and start discovering more ideal summer sips to stock up on — then buy them straight from the app. For more wine inspo, check out this year's Vivino Community Awards. Top image: Winona, Kitti Gould.
What is personal style? For many of us, it's about the clothes we wear or the accessories we pick — the impression we give of ourselves when heading out the front door each day. But for many creatives, it's about all that alongside the personal artistic expression they reveal to the world through their work. This concept has been captured by Danish jewellery design house Georg Jensen in its new campaign Art of Style, giving insight into how some of our favourite creative personalities let their style trickle into their artistic process — and vice versa. One such featured personality is Australian artist Amanda Shadforth, who revealed in a video for the campaign that she unleashes her creativity both in her art studio and through her chosen jewellery. She even created a bespoke art piece inspired by the retailer's collection. The two go hand-in-hand — similar to Georg Jensen's core design values, Shadorth's style is classic and understated, and her artistic inspiration comes from nature. In collaboration with Georg Jensen, we've delved deeper into some of the key characteristics of Shadorth's style and handpicked some of our favourite pieces from the Offspring, Mercy, Reflect and Curve collections that work together to reflect it. EMBRACE THE IMPERFECT Any fan of Shadforth's work knows she has an eye for organic shapes drawn from nature — her bespoke art piece for Georg Jensen does away with traditional fine art techniques and digital influences. Shadforth says that's one of the main things that draws her to the design house: the perfectly imperfect, organic shapes that feel like they're a natural expression of the human body. "Some of the pieces actually feel like they could have been part of nature once," says Shadforth. If you're also a fan of wearing pieces that reflect the calm dynamism of nature, opt for Georg Jensen's Mercy collection. This range, by acclaimed American designer Jacqueline Rabun, uses sterling silver and 18k gold to create unique pieces reflecting the shifting sculptural forms of nature and the human experience. Our pick: The Mercy Double Ring in sterling silver. This piece at first gives the appearance of two rings, but on closer inspection reveals itself to be one continuous, flowing shape. The curve of this double ring almost appears like ocean waves or the essence of time, captured on the wearer's fingers. RRP: $475 Pair it with: The Mercy Earrings in 18k yellow gold Another Rabun design, these striking earrings are made from one organic flowing shape, twisting through the ear hole and hugging the lobe — almost acting as an extension of the ear. According to the designer, the strands are inspired by the twists and turns of time. RRP: $1175 DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX AND MATCH Shadforth reveales she uses everything from giant stainless steel trowels to tiny delicate brushes to create depth and texture in her artworks — she even makes her own equipment when she needs a particular way of applying paint. Her affinity for mixing and matching is echoed in her favourite pieces from Georg Jensen's collections, where style 'rules' are made to be broken. If you've previously considered yourself a solely silver or gold girlie, change things up and create a fresh, contemporary look by mixing metals, stacking and layering pieces from different collections — perhaps a mix of delicate understated pieces and striking standouts. The classic chain designs seen in Rabun's new Reflect collection for Georg Jensen can be paired with her larger statement forms of the egg-shaped Offspring collection, or Regitze Overgaard's bold and sculptural Curve bangles, earrings, pendants and rings. Our pick: The Large Offspring Ring in sterling silver: an eye-catching conversation starter in the Offpsiring collection's signature oval shape, this chunky piece lends itself perfectly to stacking with more delicate shapes and offsetting with different metals. RRP: $345 Pair it with: The Medium Curve Bangle in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver. The line dividing the gold and silver in this statement bangle contrasts with its soft, organic shape — and proves that any outdated rules you might have about mixing gold and silver can be nixed. Instead, combining different metals creates a look as individual (and striking, of course) as the wearer. RRP: $7700 PAIR FEMININE AND MASCULINE STYLES Again showing that mixing and matching is key, Shadforth describes her style as a paradox between masculine and feminine. She has a "tomboyish" tendency to gravitate towards trousers and blazers, which she pairs with classic, understated pieces. Jewellery is an effective way to achieve such a mix — since the dawn of civilisation, it's been used as a tool by both sexes to embellish and stand out. Achieve it yourself by taking classically unisex shapes like the chains and striking rings from Georg Jensen's Reflect collection and pair them with the feminine shapes celebrated in the Curve collection or the egg-shaped Offspring collection. Our pick: The Reflect Ring in sterling silver. Designed by Rabun and formed by two ends of a piece of sterling silver wrapped around each other, this striking unisex ring can be a bold statement piece or used to stack with other forms. RRP:$375 Pair it with: The Offspring Bangle in sterling silver. Delicate silver bangles are, of course, always in vogue, but this one adds a modern, feminine twist on a classic shape thanks to its wave-like curve. Combine it with the Reflect Ring for a contemporary mix of thick and thin metals. RRP:$475 SHE'S SO GOLDEN There's no doubt that chunky gold jewellery is having a moment — but loyal fans of this glittering shade know that it never really goes out of style. Shadforth opts for gold in both her artistic and fashion expressions — her art piece in collaboration with Georg Jensen uses a thick application of dark ochre, amber and gold tones that give the piece real warmth. And you only have to take a look at some of Shadorth's other stunning works to know it's a theme that carries through much of her oeuvre. If you're keen to give gold a go, opt for timeless pieces in yellow gold that can be easily stacked with other metals and shapes. Our pick: The Mercy Earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds — because when is that combination ever not fabulous? Inspired by the passage of time, these delicate twisted hoops manage to be both classic and contemporary — and can be passed down through generations. RRP: $3350 We'd pair them with: The Large Reflect Bracelet in 18k gold. The classic link bracelet has been given a modern and luxurious makeover with this Rabun-designed gold chain piece. With a bit more 'tude than other chain bracelets tanks to its interlocking links, it definitely doesn't come cheap, but again is timeless enough to be passed down from mother to daughter over many years. RRP: $14,000 Feeling inspired? You too can express your own art of style through Georg Jensen's Mercy, Reflect, Curve and Offspring collections — the pieces are designed to be layered and stacked together, across collections and combined with different metals. For more information, head to the website.
For 89 years, Luna Park Sydney has been in the business of whisking attendees off to another world. Amusement parks do that. They cast away the daily grind, getting visitors enjoying rides and games instead — and, from Saturday, April 13, getting lit in a rave room-style immersive installation that's about to become the Harbour City tourist spot's latest attraction. At the end of 2023, Luna Park Sydney welcomed Dream Circus, which has been filling the Milsons Point site's big top with rollercoasters, hot air balloons, underwater creatures, fantastical critters, futuristic lights, skulls, eyes, spiders and geometric architecture ever since. The $15-million experience that uses 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens, lighting, surround sound and spatial audio mapping is just one of the park's new additions, though. Sonic Neon is the next, this time taking over the venue's Crystal Palace. Lasers, mirrors, 26,000-plus lights: they all await at this six-room attraction, as hailing from Luna Park Sydney itself and Mandylights — which is also behind Dark Spectrum, the soon-to-return one-kilometre labyrinth in Wynyard's railway tunnels that's part of Vivid Sydney's program again in 2024 after debuting in 2023. When Sonic Neon arrives before May hits, it'll also bust out neon galore, obviously, alongside UV lights, interactive elements and a fitting soundtrack. Expect to take up to half an hour to wander through the all-ages fun's 150-metre-long expanse, which will operate daily. By filling Crystal Palace, Sonic Neon will make a space that dates back to 1935 — and was constructed for Luna Park Sydney's grand opening, in fact — its home. The site has also featured dodgems, the penny arcade and a BMX track over the years. "Immersive experiences continue to dominate the global market, and Luna Park Sydney is committed to delivering world-class experiences to Sydneysiders and visitors to our beautiful harbour," said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "Luna Park Sydney celebrates the best of the old and the best of the new. Housing Sonic Neon in our 1935-built Crystal Palace will be a spectacular collision of heritage and modern technology." "This immersive experience will offer the public a new way to enjoy Sydney's original, ever-evolving playground." Find Sonic Neon at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, from Saturday, April 13, 2024, with tickets on sale from 6pm on Monday, April 8 — visit the park's website and the event's ticketing site for more information.
Football fans, Christmas has arrived — the soccer version that comes around twice every four years, that is. The Men's World Cup took place in 2022, and now it's time for the Women's World Cup from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, August 20, right here in Australia (and also New Zealand). If you're fond of the round ball, there's really not much that could improve the next month. Actually, one thing could make your Women's World Cup-watching and Matildas-barracking couch sessions even better. We have two words for you: free pizza. They're two of the best words that exist, especially when used together — and they describe exactly what Pizza Hut is offering Aussies during this year's tournament. In total, the fast food chain could hand out $2 million in pizzas. Exactly how many it'll dole out depends on one big thing: how many goals are scored across the entire competition. Pizza Hut will give away 200 pizzas to celebrate each and every single goal, and it'll also triple that number when it's Sam Kerr and the Matildas hitting the back of the net. That means you'll have multiple chances to grab a freebie. And, numbers-wise, all other teams scored 138 goals in the 2019 Women's World Cup, while Australia kicked eight — so if that's repeated, there'll be 32,400 free pizzas up for grabs this time. To score your 'za without spending a cent, you'll need to head to Pizza Hut's 'pizzas for goals' website at 4pm AEST each day, with the number up for grabs based on the previous day's matches. Unsurprisingly, you'll want to get in quick as it's a first in, first served affair. You can only enter once per day — and, if you win, you'll be sent a voucher code for a large pizza with a pan base. You'll be able to choose from super supreme, barbecue meatlovers, pepperoni lovers, Hawaiian and cheese lovers, and you'll need to redeem within 21 days of issue via a pick-up order. Also, you can't combine the voucher with other meal deals — but a free pizza is a free pizza. Pizza Hut will be giving away free pizzas from Friday, July 21–Monday, August 21 during the 2023 Women's World Cup. For further information, head to the chain's website.
Architectural fusion with nature has been taken to a new level with Villa Vals. Constructed in 2009 by Bjarne Mastenbroek (of SeARCH) and Christian Muller (of Christian Muller Architects), the villa is designed to 'completely integrate into the landscape to avoid disturbing the unspoiled nature.' The building's underground location does not diminish visual access to the external world. A central patio and slanted facade provide scope for mountain views. Given that Villa Vals' address is above thermal springs, at a 1,250-kilometre height in the Swiss Alps, this means the kind of landscape that would have had Tolkien reaching for his pen: wildflowers, singing streams and secret valleys. Peter Zumthor's famous Therme Vals is just next door. A contemporary minimalist aesthetic informs the interior, expressed through airy, uncluttered perspectives and straight lines. Several Dutch designers, including Hella Jongerius, Demakersvan, Scholten & Baijings, Marcel Wanders, Claudy Jongstra, Royal Tichelaar Makkum and Vitra Nederland, have contributed furnishings and decorative objects. Despite this eclecticism of sources, the overall feel is coherent and tranquil. Villa Vals holds up to 10 people. A cool 3,850 Euros will buy a week's stay in the high season, and this drops to 2,100 during the low period. It is also possible to book for just 2 nights. Couples seeking one room only receive a 20% discount. An alpine village is just up the road and the area is brimming over with opportunities for hiking, cycling and skiing adventures. [via PSFK]
If there is ever a time to heed the advice of a seasoned crocodile handler, dive instructor and underwater photographer, it is on your trip to tropical north Queensland. Having literally grown up on the Great Barrier Reef (her family owns and runs a crocodile park there), Jemma Craig, now 25 and Instagramming as @islandjems, knows the ins and outs of the region, famous for its rainforests, relaxed style and that sweeping, threatened stretch of coral reef. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In north Queensland, we've called in Jemma, whose favourite things to do in her extended backyard range from cruising in Australia's most awarded dive liveaboard catamaran to self-guided exploration of underground caves. A stay in one of Pullman's four five-star properties in north Queensland — whether Port Douglas, Palm Cove or Cairns — will not only let you bliss out in their pools, spas and sunloungers, it will put you in the thick of all this action. Read on for Jemma's favourite things to do on land and sea in north Queensland in her own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. CORAL SEA SAFARI — MIKE BALL EXPEDITIONS One trip on Mike Ball Dive Expeditions' luxury liveaboard Catamaran, the MV Spoilsport, and you'll see why they're on the top of my list. Spoilsport is Australia's most awarded dive liveaboard, custom built for diving and with a twin-hull design that maximises space, stability and comfort. Their trips take you far from home into the rarely visited Coral Sea and all the incredible deep reefs it has to offer, to the remote Lizard Island and back down the spectacular Ribbon Reefs to Cairns. If you don't dive, these trips alone are a reason to start. MARINELAND CROCODILE PARK Where else in the world can you come face to face with a living dinosaur while relaxing on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef? Green Island's Marineland Crocodile Park is the home of Cassius, the Guinness World Record-holding Australian crocodile, and this is your opportunity to get close to a 5.5m croc, along with many other reptiles and sea life. My family founded this park in 1972 and I was lucky enough to grow up here — I love that it is hidden away from the tourists and that the island also boasts diving, water sports and arguably the best snorkelling in the area. [caption id="attachment_643370" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Zang Fan[/caption] TURTLE SPECTACULAR — MIKE BALL DIVE EXPEDITIONS Mike Ball's Turtle Spectacular Expedition is perfect for the summer months — green turtle nesting season on Raine Island, a remote national park at the very tip of Australia that is home to 70 percent of the world's nesting green turtles and can only be visited by a lucky few guests each year. The trip takes you to the Coral Sea, the remote Lizard Island, and then into the wild northern Great Barrier Reef and Raine Island. Dive on the most pristine coral reef flat I've ever laid my eyes on, and be surrounded by the largest turtles you've ever seen in your life. PORT DOUGLAS, CAPE TRIBULATION AND THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST Port Douglas is a town on the Coral Sea in tropical far north of Queensland. It's known for its beach resorts and as a base for visits to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest. In town, Macrossan Street is lined with boutique shops and quaint restaurants. The white sands of Four Mile Beach stretch off into the horizon, and you can visit the incredible Opal Reef for a snorkel. Further north you can visit Cape Tribulation, which offers walking routes and boardwalks through the jungle and mangroves, and a historical ridge trail on Mount Sorrow. UNDARA LAVA TUBES Set in the Gulf Savannah country in tropical north Queensland, Undara National Park is a bit of a drive from Cairns inland into the outback but is worth it for the unique opportunity it offers. Its main attraction are the lava tubes, which were formed by volcanic activity approximately 189,000 years ago. They are among the largest and longest of this type of lava cave on the planet, and the guided tours really make you appreciate this fascinating geological formation. There's also the option to stay here overnight — in an antique railway carriage, no less. FITZROY ISLAND Fitzroy Island is a gem, close to the coast and only a short ferry ride from Cairns. It's an unspoiled tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover spectacular walking trails in the national park with abundant marine life and local wildlife. Visit the pristine Nudey beach or take a romantic walk to the hidden waterfall. Fitzroy has campgrounds and a boutique resort so stay a night or two and explore everything it has to offer. TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK If you've only ever had limited interaction with Indigenous Australian culture, Tjapukai is a must. You can visit day or night to taste native foods and be led in activities such as boomerang throwing. Performances are a key part of the experience, as the park was built around theatre and dance shows devised with the local Djabugay people. The park lies claim to being the largest Indigenous employer of any tourism enterprise in Australia, with more than two-thirds of the team coming from Aboriginal backgrounds. THE CRYSTAL CAVES Located a short drive out of Cairns up into the Atherton tablelands, the Crystal Caves offer guests an interactive tour of a truly unique underground cave system. Visitors are able to explore at their leisure — seeing and touching the ancient treasures of the earth. You are given a miner's helmet, a light and a comprehensive map with printed guide before you set off on your self-guided tour. This is a truly special experience that only a few places in the world offer. KURANDA VILLAGE A short distance from Cairns is the mountain village of Kuranda. It's known for the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which winds along forested hillside tracks carved out by early settlers. Kuranda offers a vibrant arts and crafts culture, with quaint little stalls and a colourful market running through the rainforest. Enjoy some homemade ice cream or candy and visit one of the many Wildlife Habitats Kuranda has to offer. Travel via shuttle bus, car, Skyrail or Kuranda's Scenic Train. SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY You're in the tropics now, so how fitting to go hang out in the jungle for a little while. The Kuranda Skyrail offers you the opportunity to glide above the treetops in a secured windowed gondola running along an 8km cableway through the Barron Gorge and the Kuranda Range Rainforest. Glass-floored and open-air gondolas are also on offer. The Skyrail has won a number of tourism and sustainability awards, and provides a unique link between the bustle of Cairns City and the beautiful jungle village of Kuranda. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Among the wealth of new content that Netflix drops on viewers each and every year, Dead to Me proved one of the streamer's 2019 hits. Taking a few cues from 2018 film A Simple Favour, the show's ten-episode first season told the tale of two women who meet, become friends despite seemingly having very little in common, and help each other with their daily lives — then find themselves immersed in more than a little murky business. Back in May this year, the twisty dark comedy returned for a second season — with stars Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini coming back as well. The former plays a just-widowed woman trying to cope with losing her husband in a hit-and-run incident, while the latter pops up as a positive-thinking free spirit. Initially they crossed paths at a grief counselling session, sparking a definite odd-couple situation — which has evolved to feature secrets, lies, complications, cliffhangers and more than one murder cover-up over the show's two seasons to-date. If you've become a fan of Applegate's Jen Harding, Cardellini's Judy Hale and their antics — and fellow series co-star James Marsden, too — Netflix has revealed some good news: after the show's latest big ending, it's coming back once more. And we do mean once. The streaming platform has renewed the series for a third and final season, The Hollywood Reporter notes, which'll wrap up the program's story. Created by 2 Broke Girls writer Liz Feldman, the series marks Applegate's first lead TV role since 2011-12 sitcom Up All Night. For Cardellini, it's a return to Netflix after starring on the streaming platform's drama Bloodline — and she also featured in A Simple Favour, too. If you haven't watched it yet, check out the full trailer for Dead to Me's second season below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmU7ylnmn_M Dead to Me's third season will hit Netflix at a yet-to-be revealed date — we'll update you with exact details when they come to hand. The show's first and second seasons are available to stream now. Via The Hollywood Reporter. Images: Saeed Adyani / Netflix.
Father's Day is just around the corner, and — considering it's been one helluva year so far — you may be thinking about getting your dad something a little special. Melbourne travel brand July wants to help you go the extra mile this year and is throwing in a bunch of extras. July offers up premium luggage, backpacks, suitcases and overnight bags — and you'll nab a whole heap of freebies when you order your dad a gift through the online shop this year. First up, you'll be able to add custom-printed, personalised lettering to your luggage of choice — for free. Your gift will also come with a complimentary Orbitkey leather key organiser (worth $45). All shipping to Australia and New Zealand is absolutely free, too, which is especially useful if you don't live near dad. Simply shop the Father's Day gift edit to get started. On the list are the Carry All backpack and weekender bags, along with Carry On and Checked wheeled luggage. All of the travel bags are custom embroidered too. And each one comes in heaps of colours, including black, blue, green and beige. July luggage comes with a lifetime warranty (plus five-year warranties for all travel bags) to boot. While dad might not be going on any overseas jaunts just yet, we're sure he's planning a road trip, beachside escape or mountainous adventure in Australia for sometime in the near future. And a fresh set of luggage will be just the ticket when he finally gets to jet off. To shop the Father's Day gift edit, head to the July website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
When spring hits in the northern hemisphere, so does one of Japan's most famous annual periods: cherry blossom season. Trees start blooming with pastel pink flowers, and tourists start flocking to the Asian country. While there's no shortage of things to do in Japan, or bright and colourful attractions for that matter, there's nothing more disappointing than popping something on your holiday itinerary, looking forward to it for weeks or months, and then not being able to cross it off. And that's often a very real issue for folks hoping to immerse themselves in cherry blossom season. Nature, like the rest of life, doesn't always stick to a schedule. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has been doing its part with regular forecasts, which are updated frequently. Covering more than a thousand locations across the country — spanning from Hokkaido to Kagoshima — it tracks when the blossoms are expected to start to flowering, as well as when they should reach full bloom. But for those eager to take their planning to the next level, JMC has also released the Sakura Navi app, which updates flowering dates, sends notifications to users about their chosen spots, and helps you find the best viewing places in your vicinity. Running since 2016, the app costs 360 yen, or approximately AU$4.60. And while travelling overseas can spark a new app free-for-all, if you're visiting Japan during between March–May and you have your heart set on stepping into a pink floral wonderland, it'll help ensure you don't miss out on a blooming good time. Based on current forecasts — the sixth for this year — cherry blossoms are expected in Tokyo between March 21–29 and Osaka between March 25 and April 1, then move further north until May. And if you're wondering about the service's accuracy, it also highlights a deviation period for each location. At present, it notes that flowers might start blooming up to seven days before their predicated date, or a maximum of two days afterwards. For further cherry blossom forecasts, and more information about Sakura Navi, visit the JMC website.
If you're lucky enough to now be working from home, it probably means you have a little more time to make yourself breakfast in the morning. Instead of throwing a banana in your bag (never a good idea, really) or chugging a glass of Nippy's breakfast juice before running out the door, you can cook yourself some blueberry pancakes or scramble some eggs. Or, you can really take your brekkie to the next level with this new breakfast box. A collaboration between Australia's famous cultured butter maker Pepe Saya and arguably the country's best crumpets (don't @ us) Crumpets by Merna, the boxes are available for delivery to next-day delivery zones across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Setting you back $35 a pop (plus a $20 flat rate for shipping), they come filled with a six-pack of golden crumpets, six 15-gram packets of Pepe Saya's lush butter, a pot of crème fraîche and a limited-edited, extremely lush topping. At the moment, you'll find boxes with lemon curd, strawberry jam, stewed rhubarb or Four Pillars marmalade, as well as chocolate crumpets, which the team describes describe as a cross between a crumpet and a chocolate brownie. But expect other flavours to drop regularly, too. If you're wondering just what exactly you'll be making with those ingredients, take a look at this: Yes, the mother of all breakfast crumpets. Hopefully this provides you with the motivation you need to roll out of bed and flip open your laptop on the couch. The new brekkie boxes are available to order on both the Pepe Saya and Crumpets by Merna websites, so, while you're there you can also tack on a six-pack of blueberry or vegan coconut crumpets ($15), perhaps, or a fancy butter knife. Plus, if you spend over $50 on either site, you'll get free shipping. Pepe Saya and Crumpets by Merna Breakfast Box is available for delivery in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Order online via Pepe Saya or Crumpets by Merna.
Australians under the age of 40, it's time to roll up your sleeves — because the country's slow-moving vaccine campaign is finally opening up the Pfizer jab to all Aussies between 16–39. If you're in that age group, you don't fall into the high-risk or high-priority categories outlined by the Australian Government and you'd prefer to get Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, you've been spending all of this year waiting to get vaxxed; however, come Monday, August 30, it'll now be your turn. In a press conference today, Thursday, August 19, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that "the cabinet met today to affirm that we will be moving to opening up 16–39-year-olds for the balance of the program and intend that to commence on 30 August." That doesn't mean you can book just yet, though. "I want to stress, do not make a booking yet. We will advise when bookings can be made. It isn't today. We will advise when the time will come over the course of the next week," the Prime Minister continued. The Pfizer jab is the recommended COVID-19 vaccine for all Australians under the age of 60, but the country's vaccination rollout has been targeting high-priority and high-risk groups first, and then working backwards in terms of age range. In New South Wales only, folks aged 16–39 who live in Greater Sydney's 12 Local Government Areas that are currently under tighter lockdown conditions have been able to get the Pfizer vaccine since today, but that's the only part of the country that's been giving that specific jab to adults under 40 that aren't considered high-risk. So, before the month is out, around 8.6 million Australians will get their chance to receive the Pfizer shot, which will obviously give the nation's vaccination numbers a considerable boost. At the time of writing, 21.9 percent of Aussies are fully vaccinated, which includes 27.29 percent above the age of 16. And, as announced by the Prime Minister, 50 percent of Australians have now had their first dose. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been available to Australians of any age since late June, and will still be available — but, until the end of this month, Pfizer has only been open to under 40s if they're of of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent; work in quarantine, border or healthcare roles; work or live in an aged care or disability facility; work in a critical and high-risk job such as defence, fire, police, emergency services and meat processing; have an underlying medical condition or significant disability; are pregnant; or participate in the NDIS, or care for someone who does. From September, there'll also be a third type of COVID-19 shot available to Aussies, with the Moderna jab just getting local approval this month. If you're eager to look for vaccination clinics — to plan ahead for when you can get vaxxed — you can check out a handy online map that collates vaccination hub, clinic and GP locations. It covers all Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Australia's Pfizer vaccination rollout will open to all Aussies aged between 16–39 from Monday, August 30. For further information, head to the Australian Government Department of Health website.
This year hasn't been easy for anyone, but it has been extra tough for folks in Melbourne. The city's residents went into lockdown earlier in 2020, when the rest of the country shut down — and, when cases in the state started to increase again mid-year, they endured new Melbourne-specific stay-at-home restrictions that have only been easing since mid-September. From tonight — at 11.59pm on Tuesday, October 27, to be specific — Melburnians will be allowed to drink brews at bars, pubs and restaurants again. Understandably, the city's residents and venues are rather excited about that development. But if you're located in the rest of Australia and you'd like to help make this development as cheery as possible, you can help out by shouting a Victorian a drink. If you're located in Victorian or even Melbourne and you want to spread the love to everyone else who just navigated the past few months, that's on the cards too. If you'd like to send this link to your interstate friends to nudge them in the right direction, that's obviously an option as well. When it comes to donating, anyone can take part in the #ShoutAVicADrink campaign started by The Otter's Promise in Armadale. It's really as simple as it sounds. Via the craft beer bar and bottle shop's website, you can pledge $10, which'll be used to to buy a random Victorian a drink at the bar. You can choose to donate more than $10, of course, which'll be used for multiple drinks. And it will be random, based on whoever is in the bar — and no, you can't specify who your shout goes to. If you're a Melburnian who lives within 25 kilometres of The Otter's Promise, obviously that's as good a reason as any to stop by when it reopens from midday on Thursday, October 29. The venue is hoping that other Melbourne joints will join the campaign, too, turning #ShoutAVicADrink into a city-wide campaign. To shout a Victorian a drink, head to The Otter's Promise's website. To visit The Otter's Promise, head to 1219 High Street, Armadale from midday on Thursday, October 29.
With house prices constantly on the rise, the Great Australian Dream of owning your own home feels pretty distant to most of us, but a group of architects and industrial designers in Beijing have an answer: the Tricycle House, a collapsible house that fits on the back of a tricycle. The house was a collaboration between the People's Architecture Office and the People's Industrial Design Office as part of the Get It Louder exhibition in Beijing. According to the designers, "Through this design, single family homes can be affordable and sustainable, parking lots are not wasted at night and traffic jams are acceptable. The Tricycle House is man-powered allowing off-the-grid living." The house is about 30-35 square feet, depending on how far out you expand it, and can be used as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room and workspace, with space for storage. There is no electricity in the house, but the translucent shell allows light to pass through. It's an inspiring idea from a housing and sustainability perspective, but it also carries a message about the land ownership situation in China, where government 'land grabs' and rapidly rising real estate prices are the norm. Via LifeEdited and Treehugger.
Hemingway's Brewery is a must-visit for Far North Queensland visitors and locals alike. Not only for the stunning views across the aqua waters of Port Douglas but also for the quality craft brews. Waters from the nearby Mossman Gorge, top-notch hops and locally sourced base malts are combined to create its six-strong flagship line, which ranges from The Prospector, an award-winning bitter pilsner with a strong malt flavour, to the light, bright 7th Heaven, a tropical ale. The Port Douglas brewpub, which is the smaller of the brand's two locations (the other is in Cairns), is located on a superyacht marina — we suggest nabbing a table on the deck for the best water and mountain views. Pizzas, burgers, share plates and other standard pub grub is on offer and, on weekends, there is live music, too. [caption id="attachment_770965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Krista Eppelstun via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption]
Now that daylight saving has come to an end, there’s no denying that winter is on its way. And with it an array of unwelcome bugs. In our efforts to stay healthy, we'll usually juggle some combination of sensible vaccine, stare-attracting surgical mask and eating All the Oranges. But how's this for a practical (and fashionable) solution? A team of US-based entrepreneurs has come up with Scough, "the germ and pollution filtering scarf". The Scough looks straight off the boutique rack but features antimicrobial technology, direct from the US Ministry of Defence’s section for chemical warfare. You do have to wear the scarf over your nose and mouth to stave off infection though, so you'd better hope the Wild West look is 'in'. It’s the flu sufferer's ultimate in revenge. Just pull the scarf up around your face and it fights the flu for you. Activated carbon — demonstrating a high level of microporosity (one gram covers a surface area of 500 square metres plus) — traps viruses before killing them unawares. Simultaneously, a silver ion-impregnated filtration system dismantles the complex structure of bacteria, turning them into nothing but harmless, powerless specks. There’s a Scough design to match your daily outfit, from super soft plaid cashmere to chequered flannel, herringbone, paisley and faux fur. There's even a Scough with its own inbuilt moustache. Prices start at US$39 and for every scarf purchased the company donates a life-saving vaccine to a child via shotatlife.org. So you'll feel better in more ways than one. Via Springwise.
Over the past 12 months, Qantas has responded to the pandemic and Australia's international border closure in a number of ways. The airline has sold off its fully stocked bar carts, done the same with its pyjamas and launched an athleisure wear range. It announced new routes for domestic getaways, signalled that it hopes to be flying overseas again by October this year and floated the idea of only allowing vaccinated passengers to travel. And, now, it has just run its first trial of a digital health passport with customers — in the hopes that it'll be able to use an app to facilitate safe travel when the global tourism market does reopen. The airline trialled the CommonPass digital health app, which it used on an international repatriation flight between Frankfurt and Darwin. Connecting users to testing labs, the app verifies COVID-19 test results and vaccination information — so border and health officials, as well as Qantas staff, can confirm that passengers have tested negative before their flight. CommonPass is one of two apps that Qantas is planning to trial, alongside the digital Travel Pass app developed by International Air Transport Association (IATA). The latter is also being assessed by Air New Zealand, which will test it on its Auckland to Sydney route in April. Qantas hopes that, whichever app it ends up implementing, users will be able to elect to connect its chosen digital health passport to the Australian Government's vaccination certificates, which'll be available via the Medicare and MyGov apps. Integrating the digital health passport technology into Qantas' own app, too, is the company's ultimate aim. Announcing the customer trial, Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said that "we want to get our international flights back in the air and our people back to work, and a digital health pass will be a key part of that. COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccine will be required in many countries for quarantine-free travel, just as it has been for polio and yellow fever vaccinations in the past". Last November, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce first advised that the airline was "looking at changing our terms and conditions to say, for international travellers, that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft". He continued: "certainly for international visitors coming out and people leaving the country, we think that's a necessity". So, when you are next able to head overseas, you'll likely to add one more thing to your pre-travel checklist. Australia's vaccine campaign is currently underway, with the Federal Government pledging to give every Aussie the inoculation for free. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Pull out that old Discman, break out the cargo pants and start practising your smoothest early noughties dance moves — the pop tour of your wildest teenage dreams is hitting Aussie shores this summer and it's got more stars than a TV Hits sticker collection. Next January and February, the inaugural So Pop festival is set to deliver a huge serve of nostalgia to stadiums across the country, pulling together an extra juicy lineup of old-school icons, headlined by none other than Aqua and Vengaboys. Stages in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Auckland will be transported back to the 90s and 00s for one glorious night each, playing host to the pop-drenched soundtrack of your youth. Heading up the show are Danish group Aqua, who promise to leave tunes like 'Barbie Girl' and 'Doctor Jones' firmly wedged in your head, and from the Netherlands, Vengaboys, with party-starting smash hits like 'Boom Boom Boom Boom!!' and 'We Like to Party! (The Vengabus)' — and none other than Lou Bega with, of course, 'Mambo No.5'. Relive more of the glory days with sounds from Irish legends B*Witched — who gifted us with the likes of 'C'est La Vie' and 'Rollercoaster' — UK heroes Blue, of 'All Rise' fame. Italy's Eiffel 65, dance pop act Mr. President ('Coco Jambo'), the USA's Outhere Brothers and The Netherlands' 2 Unlimited ('No Limit', 'Get Ready') round out the throwback showdown. SO POP 2019 DATES Perth — HBF Stadium on Wednesday, January 30 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, February 1 Melbourne — Melbourne Arena on Saturday, February 2 Adelaide — Entertainment Centre on Sunday, February 3 Auckland — Spark Arena on Tuesday, February 5 Brisbane — Eaton Hills Outdoor on Saturday, February 9 So Pop pre-sale tickets are up for grabs — on the concert's very retro website — for 24 hours from 11am AEDT this Thursday, October 11, while the rest are on sale from 10am AEDT on Tuesday, October 16.
Outback adventures don't come much more unusual than a visit to Lightning Ridge. Situated close to the Queensland border in the northwestern NSW hinterland, this rural locale is renowned for its unique black opal mines that attracted fortune-seekers from far and wide in the early 20th century. As well as exploring dinosaur fossil dig sites, ancient bore baths and quirky museums, you'll come away with many stories to tell after a visit to Lightning Ridge. In partnership with Wild Turkey, we've handpicked everything you need to explore during your visit to this slightly weird and very wonderful place. [caption id="attachment_843112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] FOSSICK FOR OPALS The history of opal mining in Lightning Ridge dates back to the 1880s, when miners discovered valuable gemstones hidden beneath the earth's surface. You can get a thorough education on these mineral-like creations at The Big Opal – the first opal mine licensed to open to the public. While there are stunning handcrafted pieces to admire in the gallery, taking a tour underground provides a more immersive perspective. With this place operating as a working mine for much of the year, wandering the sandstone tunnels offers a glimpse into this century-old treasure trove. You can even try your hand at fossicking while you're there, too. [caption id="attachment_843231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James de Mers (Pixabay)[/caption] DIG FOR DINOSAUR FOSSILS If digging for bling isn't your thing, how about searching for dinosaur fossils? At the Australian Opal Centre, visitors are welcome to register for Lightning Ridge Fossil Digs, which gives you the chance to discover opalised fossils buried for over 100 million years. With the next dig scheduled for August 2022, you can sign up for six days of adventure alongside some of Australia's leading palaeontologists and researchers. Previous excavations here have resulted in several world-first discoveries, so your trip might just make history. [caption id="attachment_843233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ester Westerveld (Flickr)[/caption] DISCOVER THE WORLD OF CACTI Lightning Ridge's arid outback climate makes it the perfect spot for Bevan's Cactus Nursery, one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Founded in 1966, the nursery is home to approximately 2500 cacti varieties of all shapes and sizes, with the oldest plant nearly 150 years old. Head along to view the incredible species on display — just watch where you put your hands. Bevan's Cactus Nursery is also home to a supremely rare collection of opals, including speckled black, crystal and white gems that are bound to catch your attention. [caption id="attachment_844634" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon / Places We Swim[/caption] RELAX IN AN OUTDOOR BATH Lightning Ridge's surrounding landscape is undoubtedly dry, but you won't notice when you slide into the Artesian Bore Baths. Situated on the outskirts of town, these openair and naturally heated thermal pools provide the ideal spot to rest and recuperate after a long day in the sweltering sun. The Great Artesian Basin — Australia's largest freshwater resource — heats these rejuvenating watering holes from deep underground, helping them maintain a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees. Free to access and open 22 hours a day, this therapeutic experience is a far cry from your average inner-city wellness spa. VISIT AN UNDERGROUND ART GALLERY It seems like much of what makes Lightning Ridge special takes place underground. Chambers of the Black Hand is another unique landmark, a sprawling opal cave featuring tableaux hand-carved into the sandstone walls. Produced by artist and opal miner Ron Canlin, this incredible artistic endeavour was started in 1996. Today, the subterranean lair is adorned with figures carved into the mine walls with a small pick-axe and a butter knife. You can explore themed sections dedicated to native animals, dinosaurs and pop culture references like Lord of the Rings. There's also an underground shop where you can purchase opals directly from the source. COMPLETE THE CAR DOOR TOURS The outer reaches of Lightning Ridge are home to a collection of fascinating landmarks and landscapes, with the self-guided Car Door Tours ensuring you journey to the very best. Just follow the green, blue, red and yellow wreckage lining the roads that leave town in all directions. You'll reach the Opal Mine Adventure on the Blue Car Door Tour, while the Red Car Door Tour swings by Ridge Castle – an offbeat mining camp with panoramic countryside views. These trips range from 10 to 45 minutes of drive time, making them perfect for a quick cruise. Even if you don't take yourself on a tour, you'll become familiar with the car doors pretty quickly — they function as de facto street signs in Lightning Ridge. [caption id="attachment_843236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] EXPLORE LIGHTNING RIDGE'S QUIRKY MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND MONUMENTS Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums is definitely a close second. Bottle House Museum is one such structure, constructed from 5800 bottles and featuring a wide variety of curiosities for sale inside. A short drive away, the Astronomers Monument is another kooky landmark dedicated to scientists like Copernicus, while the colourful Beer Can House does what it says on the proverbial tinnie. If you love off-the-wall antiques and unusual souvenirs, don't miss the Kangaroo Hill Complex. Perhaps the most emblematic of the town's unusual art spaces is Amigo's Castle. This 15-metre-tall structure, based on Italian ruins, was hand-built with ironstone boulders in the 1980s, and is home to a small gallery, underground cellars, a corner turret and no roof, while the grounds surrounding the castle contain all sorts of tongue-in-cheek oddities. [caption id="attachment_843109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John (Flickr)[/caption] If you're unable to resist the charms of Lightning Ridge and need to take a piece home with you, head to the more traditional — but no less colourful — John Murray Art Gallery, the exclusive home for works by the celebrated eponymous artist. Murray's works showcase the beauty and the character of the Australian outback with wit and whimsy. Stop into the gallery to see Murray's photorealistic works up close, and exit via the gift shop where you can pick up original paintings, prints, cards and souvenirs. Murray is also the creative mind behind Lightning Ridge's newest mascot, Stanley the Emu. Unveiled in 2013, Stanley is an 18-metre-tall steel emu made primarily from VW Beetle bonnets and doors, and is an unmissable sight that greets visitors just 10 kilometres out of town. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Craig Gibson (Flickr)
When A League of Their Own hit cinemas back in 1992, it didn't just claim that there's no crying in baseball. More importantly, it told a spirited story about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League back in the 1940s — and it hit a home run with audiences in the process. It should come as no surprise, then, that it's getting the remake treatment, this time with Broad City's Abbi Jacobson leading the show. Jacobson also co-created and executive produced Prime Video's new version of A League of Their Own, which'll slide into your streaming queue on August 12. If you've seen the movie — which starred Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell as members of a women's baseball team, plus Tom Hanks as their manager (and the person who famously decided that tears didn't have a part in the bat-swinging game) — you'll know the general gist of what's in store. As seen in the show's initial teaser trailer back in June, as well as the just-dropped full trailer, the series again jumps back to World War II to follow a group of women who dream of playing professional baseball. That said, it also promises to expand its story further that the film, charting a whole generation of baseball-loving ladies with that dream, including beyond the AAGPBL — and looking at both race and sexuality on and off the field in the process. Jacobson plays Carson, while Chanté Adams (Voyagers) plays Max — and they're joined by The Good Place's D'Arcy Carden among the players, plus Parks and Recreation favourite Nick Offerman as well. Also appearing on-screen: Gbemisola Ikumelo (The Power), Roberta Colindrez (Vida), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Better Call Saul), Kate Berlant (Search Party), Kendall Johnson (Sexless), Kelly McCormack (George & Tammy), Alex Désert (Better Things), Priscilla Delgado (Julieta), Aaron Jennings (Grand Crew), Molly Ephraim (Perry Mason), Melanie Field (The Alienist) and Dale Dickey (Palm Springs). Charting its characters' efforts to make their way onto the field — and not only be part of a team, but also discover who they really are along the way — the new A League of Their Own marks Jacobson's first ongoing on-screen TV role since Broad City said goodbye. If you're in need of a weekend-long binge in August, all eight episodes of the show will drop at once, too. Check out the full trailer for A League of Their Own below: A League of Their Own will start streaming via Prime Video on August 12.
When Andor begins, the new Disney+ series digs into the Star Wars franchise's past, tussling with its history. Starring Diego Luna (If Beale Street Could Talk) as its titular figure, the show is a two-season prequel to 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, telling the tale before that tale. Luna reprises his role from the movie — a feature that was the first official Star Wars side story to reach cinemas, and unfurled the events that led to 1977's Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. Yes, that makes Andor a prequel to a prequel. Yes, starting to stream its first season from Wednesday, September 21, it's also the latest example that this George Lucas-created realm will never stop sprawling across this, any or every galaxy. Long gone are the times when the space-opera saga's films were infrequent, and the main way to experience its ups and downs. A relic, too, is the idea that Star Wars is a rarity, or something that occurs every decade or so. And, absent is all traces of belief that huge sci-fi and fantasy hits won't take over every space they can, be it screens big or small, as Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings also have of late. That's a lot of baggage for Andor to carry — and shoulder it, it does. The result: a thrilling, confident and gloriously gritty addition to an on-screen world that viewers now either unquestioningly adore or feel like they've already seen every story ever from. An antidote to that second train of thought, Andor is a complex gem and a must-watch. With Star Wars fatigue in mind — five movies, five animated series and three prior live-action Disney+ shows have vied for wannabe Jedi and rebel eyeballs over the past decade alone, including Obi-Wan Kenobi already in 2022 — it's fitting that Andor's first moments actually recall another sci-fi franchise. Prepare to think about a different pop-culture favourite that dates back decades, recently made its own jump from cinemas to television screens and has its own debut live-action streaming series on the way, in fact. The Blade Runner aesthetic is as instantly recognisable as Star Wars' TIE Fighter roar, but Andor brings the former to the fore first, saving the latter for a few episodes down the track. That move makes a statement: there's more to Andor than being slavishly beholden to its own universe. Of course, when it arrived between Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, Rogue One also sent that message in its own spy-slash-heist flick way. It felt earthier and murkier, more urgent and complicated, and far more steeped in everyday reality — within its science-fiction confines, of course — and more concerned with the here and now of its specific narrative than the bigger saga picture. It was certainly and unshakeably bleaker, and felt like a departure from the usual template, as well as a welcome risk. The same proves true of Andor, which slips into its namesake's routine five years prior. The Galactic Empire reigns supreme, the Rebel Alliance is still forming and, when the series opens, Cassian is a wily thief living on the junkyard planet of Ferrix. The Blade Runner-esque sheen hovers over a different place, however: the industrial-heavy, corporate-controlled Morlana One, which couldn't be further under the boot of the Empire if it tried. As Monos-style flashbacks to Cassian's childhood aid in fleshing out, he's searching for his sister, but his latest investigatory trip results in a confrontation and the Preox-Morlana Authority on his trail. Back on Ferrix, he endeavours to hide with the help of his friend/presumed ex/mechanic/black-market dealer Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona, Morbius) and droid B2EMO (Dave Chapman, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker), while keeping his latest antics a secret from his adoptive mother Maarva (Fiona Shaw, Killing Eve). But, even after being told to drop the case, persistent Imperial Deputy Inspector Syril Karn (Kyle Soller, Poldark) and higher-ranking officer Dedra Meero (Denise Gough, Under the Banner of Heaven) aren't willing to give up. Also vital on-screen: Stellan Skarsgård (Dune) as the charismatic Luthen Rael, who Cassian first crosses paths with while trying to sell a still-packaged Imperial Starpath Unit (aka Andor's MacGuffin) to fund his getaway; and Genevieve O'Reilly (The Dry) as the returning Mon Mothma, a senator with a key part in the Rebel Alliance. Andor has a mission, after all: showing how Cassian evolves from pilfering whatever he can steal from Imperial ships, seeking out his lost sibling and eking out the only existence he can to discovering how he can fight the Empire, firstly; and also charting the beginnings of that rebellion, including how its pieces, people and planets come together in response to such a fraught political climate. If Morlana One plays like 'Blade Runner but make it Star Wars', Ferrix does the same with WALL-E. As the series progresses through its first three episodes (all of which debuted to kick off the show), plus the fourth episode that follows, it's easy to think of Fast and Furious and The Lord of the Rings at times, too. There's also a taut and intense spy-thriller vibe that's right out of creator Tony Gilroy's playbook, given that he has four Bourne screenplays to his name and helmed The Bourne Legacy before co-writing Rogue One. Crucially, though, Andor doesn't ever feel as if it's borrowing from elsewhere because it doesn't have its own strengths, sources of intrigue or direction. While its initial two instalments take their time, this series is too gripping, smart, meaty and fleshed out — and too bold and ambitious — for that. Also in 2022, Jurassic World Dominion showed how dire something can be when it stitches in elements from other movies (riffing on whole scenes, too) to make up for its own glaring lack of interest, but that's never Andor for a second. It helps that Andor has a magnificent cast, perhaps the best that Disney+ has assembled for its Star Wars series so far, even with The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi already in its catalogue. Also assisting immensely: that its main talents relay a grounded yet impassioned story, as the plight of folks teaming up to stop nefarious influences that've turned their existence into a dystopian nightmare should be. That Luna is mesmerising, always weighty in the emotions he's conveying, and that the look of angst that's so often on his face speaks volumes about what it takes to strive to resist when the wrong forces are lingering (and they're firmly against you), couldn't be more important. And, that Andor knows the grim end that awaits — and knows that its audience knows it — is just as essential. Stepping backwards hasn't always worked for Star Wars, as Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Episode II — Attack of the Clones and Episode III — Revenge of the Sith demonstrated, but Andor isn't driven by easy nostalgia and connecting obvious dots. Rather, it interrogates and re-emphasises what the entire space fight has truly always been about anyway, and why it matters. Check out the trailer for Andor: Andor streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, September 21. Images: ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The corner of Swanston and Lonsdale Street seems to have been a permanent construction zone for the past few years. Any attempt to shortcut through the cosmetics section of Myer or run to catch a train from Melbourne Central was always met with a hoard of men in high-vis vests yelling at us; directing us through makeshift walkways like some kind of metropolitan cattle. Now we know why. Emporium Melbourne is the CBD's newest shopping destination. With 225 stores (175 of which are currently open) spread over seven levels, this mall is a goliath. Though open less than a week, it's already making a name for itself in the realms of architecture and design, high fashion, and gourmet food courts. And, while other retailers shut up shop for a lazy Easter weekend, this dark horse utilised the break as its opening weekend. For those that wisely chose not to brave the crowds, here's the lowdown on the mysterious giant: eight things we now know about Emporium Melbourne. It's come from outer space to enslave us all The future is usually a thing that creeps up on you. For instance, no one remembers the exact moment Sony Walkmans became obsolete. One day it just became normal to own a tiny futuristic magic pod, wear fedoras, and pull stupid poses. Upon stepping inside the holy archways of Emporium Melbourne there will be no mistake you have just been transported to the future. In fact, with its clean minimalist sheen and intricate near op-art fittings, we're inclined to go one step further. This super mall of tomorrow has been sent down from the cosmic ether by retail-loving extraterrestrials to hold us all hostage. Within its confines you will feel inexplicably compelled to throw your money at Australian designers and serenely glide towards the sky on a blissful wave of metal (what you Earthlings once called escalators). It's the anti-Chadstone With no K-Mart, McDonalds or KFC, Emporium Melbourne is a mall that even anti-mall people can get behind. Centre manager Steve Edgerton told Broadsheet the retail space was developed as something uniquely "Melbourne", and on that they do not disappoint. With raw timber complementing a clear and sparse aesthetic, the space has been expertly designed by renowned architects The Buchan Group. The stores, which have a large focus on quality independent designers, ensure there is no Supre or Big W in sight. And the food court is a carefully curated selection of local favourites including I Love Pho and South Melbourne Market Dim Sims. If Chadstone is for the embarrassing bogans of the outer suburbs, Emporium Melbourne is Fitzroy latte sippers HQ. There are clothing stores with baristas frothing Bonsoy next to terrariums, for God's sake. There's no way out and no one can hear you scream However, there is one very crucial way in which it is similar to Chadstone — there is basically no way out. By entering its doors you unconsciously surrender to its whims and, if you ever want to get out, it's best to commit an hour or two to your escape. Of course this is somewhat due to the sheer size of this beast. Not only does Emporium Melbourne cover seven levels, it spans the length of six football fields and travels all the way from Bourke Street to LaTrobe. But it also corners you in with pedestrian footbridges seamlessly connecting you to both Myer and David Jones. During my visit on opening weekend, I gave up on conventional means, joined the queue to enter Uniqlo (yep, there was a queue) went up a level in store, then made good my escape via a manned fire exit. Good luck. You can't fault the fashion The recent opening of Swedish retailer H&M at the GPO has kicked the Melbourne fashion stakes into hyperdrive, but Emporium Melbourne has hit back hard. Most notable of their many fashionable findings is the Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo. Over two packed levels, this neatly ordered world of quality budget pieces (think decent wool knits for $29) will no doubt change the way many of us shop this season. Other stores open ahead of the full launch in August include Gorman, Zimmerman, Manning Cartell, Karen Millen, Calvin Klein and Sass & Bide. You can't go wrong with any of the offerings, but we recommend you listen to this while strutting around the endless shopfronts. It's really really really ridiculously good looking With its constantly reiterated branding, 'Emporium Melbourne: Reimagined' it's clear to see this retail giant is trying to reignite the often tired space of the mall. This is done not only by the futuristic and well-executed architectural design, but also the shops themselves. There will be no heaps of discount clothing or messy, unattended counters in these stores — everything is so tightly curated it feels like a pop-up. In what must be a painstaking process for shop attendants, there are two of each magazine on display in MagNation; each separated by perfectly even spaces on the timber shelves. The new Aesop store, though always beautiful in both its Fitzroy and CBD locations, offers free samples of its luxurious body balm to Emporium shoppers walking by. Your trip to the mall will quickly turn into a mission to become as beautiful as your surroundings. Even the food court is pretty Food courts are usually a terrible insight into humanity. Sweating middle-aged men are hunched over super-sized meals in neon packaging. There's usually an exhausted single mother screaming at her caffeinated child to calm down. You watch all of this while shamefully demolishing some oil-drenched faux-Asian cuisine or ironically named Happy Meal while trying to avoid eye contact from your fellow man. Emporium Melbourne is different. In what they're trying to coin a 'cafe court', the top floor of the structure houses the likes of Pho Nom, EARL, Ramen Ya and The Tea Salon. Asian street food plays a big role in the re-imagined food court, and its moves towards health and quality have been praised by none other than Masterchef's own George Colombaris. It's a little cocky Of course, this all comes with a certain amount of ego. It takes a lot of gusto to open a super mall in an economy where consumers are turning more and more towards online shopping. And its takes even more gall to announce yourself 'A Melbourne Icon' after being open only a matter of days. It's like when someone tries to give themselves a nickname — just let it happen naturally, bro. Confidence, of course, isn't a bad thing and we give credit where credit's due. But if it truly wants to be a 'Melbourne' destination, it could at least muster a humblebrag. We're going to give it all our money anyway It's just that winter's coming, you know? It's hard to say no to beautiful retail shrines that are willing to give us quality Japanese jumpers, locally designed leather boots and South Melbourne Market dim sims for $2 a pop. You know it's true. Emporium Melbourne is located at 286 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. It is open 10am-9pm on Thursday and Friday, and 10am-7pm all other days. Images: Meg Watson
Spending months on the road touring your third LP, you'd be needing some caffeine too. New York-based eclectic multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent has released her own signature coffee blend, following the release of her self-titled album in February. Collaborating with Chicago-formed coffee roasters Intelligentsia, St Vincent's blend is called 'Bring Me Your Mugs' (named for her tune 'Bring Me Your Loves', appearing on St. Vincent). Intelligentsia approached Annie Clark after learning she was a significant coffee enthusiast, having worked with artists Wilco and Anticon on previous limited editions. "I love coffee. I sometimes get excited at night thinking of the coffee I’ll get to drink in the morning. Coffee is reason to wake up," said Clark on coffee news website Sprudge. "There are other reasons, of course. But coffee is the incentive, at the very least. I love Intelligentsia coffee. I have stood at their counter waiting for my order, like a fan waiting for a show. Eager. Expectant. So when my favorite coffee shop approached me about collaborating on a signature coffee, I was thrilled." Clark's blend originates from Costa Rica, with beans from Intelligentsia's Flecha Roja project, produced by Coopedota Cooperative on El Mango Farm. "This vibrant, sugary coffee is marked by flavors of poached pear, rosewater, and yellow plum," say the roasters. Intelligentsia sent a series of samples to Clark on her Digital Witness global tour, with Flecha Roja winning the eventual thumbs up from the artist. St. Vincent joins a list of notables with their own blends: LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy famously repped his Brooklyn roots after teaming up with Blue Bottle founder James Freeman for 'House of Good'. Bonnie Prince Bill joined forces with Kona Rose Coffee for the chocolately, tobacco-like 'Bonny Billy Blend'. David Lynch even has his own organic signature blend and Leonardo DiCaprio's organic Fair Trade line of 'green' beans from coffee roaster La Colombe Torrefaction raises funds for the actor's sustainability-focused charity. Then there came the ill-fated Kiss Coffeehouse, developed by the glam rockers and churning out their own blends. Unfortunately Kiss fans preferred Red Bull to coffee, so the cafe was forced to stop rocking and rolling all night. You can pick up a bag of 'Bring Me Your Mugs' in store at Intelligentsia if you happen to be in the US or the closer to home can have the beans delivered to their door via St. Vincent's website (available in the next few days). Via Sprudge and Pitchfork.
Solar power? Wind power? Sure. But pee power? Human urine serves as an energy source for Melbourne's pop-up Greenhouse restaurant. Open March 2 through to the 21st as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Greenhouse is the brainchild of Joost Bakker, a designer who has proven that an entirely waste-free restaurant is indeed possible, and is making its debut in Melbourne after appearing in Sydney last year. The restaurant contains custom-built lavatory facilities designed to collect patrons' urine. The urine is then diluted and used as canola and soybean plant fertilizer. Nontraditional and maybe a little off-putting to some, pee collection is a surprisingly effective plant fertilising method. According to Bakker, “Urine is incredible for nitrogen, it’s so valuable — you only need the urine of 25 people to provide fertiliser for a hectare of crop.” Greenhouse boasts other eco-friendly features as well. The building is constructed out of a light gauge steel frame and ECO-ply plywood walls. Held together by glue made entirely of soybeans, the whole structure is 100% recyclable. The restaurant runs on energy generated and fuelled by pure canola oil, and is insulated by locally sourced straw bales, an agricultural by-product. [via Gristlist]
Sandals, swords, a shirtless Paul Mescal, fighting a rhinoceros, Ridley Scott behind the lens: welcome to the Gladiator II arena. The first trailer for the filmmaker's 24-years-later sequel to his 2000 Oscar-winner also includes odious Emperors — yes, multiple — plus seafaring clashes in the Colosseum. And, alongside Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington can't stop thinking about the Roman Empire Mescal's (All of Us Strangers) Lucius watched the climactic events of 2000's Russell Crowe (The Exorcism) and Joaquin Phoenix (Napoleon)-starring film, as the sneak peek explains, which is just one of the ties that Gladiator II boasts with its predecessor. Another: Connie Nielsen (Origin) returning from Gladiator as Lucilla, Lucius' mother. If the sequel's protagonist didn't have his own date with Rome's iconic amphitheatre, there wouldn't be much of a film. His stint comes after Emperors Caracalla (Joseph Quinn, A Quiet Place: Day One) and Geta (Fred Hechinger, The White Lotus) take over his home. Queue a quest for revenge, plus glory for Rome, with Pascal's (Drive-Away Dolls) general Marcus Acacius becoming Lucius' target. As for Washington (The Equalizer 3), he plays power broker Macrinus. Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise director Scott has been in blast-from-the-past mode for over a decade now, first revisiting the Alien realm with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, then reteaming with Phoenix on Napoleon, and now helming his second Gladiator flick. Of late, he's also been fond of making movies set in the past — long ago and more recent — as not only seen with Napoleon, but also with House of Gucci, The Last Duel and All the Money in the World. With Gladiator II, the British filmmaker teams up two of the internet's boyfriends in Mescal and Pascal, and promises a battle-filled time following up the feature that picked up Best Picture, Best Actor (for Crowe), Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards. Scott also earned his second Best Director nomination, after Thelma & Louise — and before Black Hawk Down gave him a third. Gladiator II hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 14, 2024, which means that local audiences will see it a week before American audiences. In the US, viewers are in for a Barbenheimer-style release day with the film and Wicked Part One arriving on the same date, Friday, November 22. Repeating that possible new moviegoing phenomenon in Australia and New Zealand had already been nixed, however, given that the first Wicked flick won't reach picture palaces here until Thursday, November 28. Check out the trailer for Gladiator II below: Gladiator II opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Spritzn' in piazzas under sunny skies trumps being in the office, but it can still be a tad overwhelming. Europe in summer is a melting pot of experiences and adventures, but sometimes these aren't as effortless as they seem on Instagram. Seemingly spontaneous trips perhaps require a bit more planning. Whether you're in a capital city or a charming regional town, it can be hard not to fall into the same obvious touristy routine, especially when it comes to food. To help you get that authentic European experience, we've rounded up some culinary adventures that leave it to the locals and pros to show you the ropes. From truffle hunting in regional France to oyster farming on the Croatian peninsula, we've got you covered. You'll eat well and have a fine old time if you're lucky enough to be trotting around Europe this summer. FOOD AND WINE TOUR WITH A SOMMELIER — BARCELONA, SPAIN Home to architectural marvels, beautiful beaches, and energetic nightlife, Barcelona also has an incredible food and wine scene to explore. If you want to dig a bit deeper and dine like a local, then embark on a Food and Wine Tour. A certified sommelier will take you around the city's coolest hidden gems, from cosy restaurants to hip wine bars. The expert will talk you through a range of delicious local tapas paired perfectly with an assortment of excellent wines from different Spanish regions. This tour will take you away from the city crowds into charming local neighbourhoods where the modern Spanish hospitality scene is thriving. You'll also be taken through the historical Sant Antoni Market, where the locals come to buy their produce. BOOK IT NOW. DISCOVER THE WORLD OF TRUFFLES AND TASTING — MAREY-LÈS-FUSSEY, FRANCE Burgundy isn't known only for its succulent wines. Another delicacy awaits your discovery: the Burgundy truffle. In the charming village of Marey-lès-Fussey, you'll find Mille Truffes House, run by the father-son duo Thierry and Yan. Let the human and canine experts take you through a specialty truffle experience, where you'll experience a truffle hunt with the ultimate pro, Julio the dog. After digging up your treasures, it's time to sample their delicate flavours with a tasting. There's no better way to embrace that old-school regional French charm while learning about a truly fascinating delicacy. Plus, it's a great way to break up all that wine-tasting and give your palate a bit of time to replenish. BOOK IT NOW. SEAFOOD TOUR — STON, CROATIA Ston and Mali Ston are charming coastal towns linked by one of the longest city walls in the world. The area is known for its blue waters and picturesque fishing villages. But most of all it's known for having some of the best oysters in Europe (and the world). Dive into the best Croatian cuisine has to offer by booking a Ston Gastro Tour on the Pelješac Peninsula. Discover the peninsula by boat and sail through the bay to see oyster farms up close. Be sure to try your fresh oysters paired with local wine. Back on land, walk through the historical town and discover local gems — choose fresh mussels or fish risotto for an authentic Croatian lunch. BOOK IT NOW. EXERCISE YOUR CHEESE GEEK — PARIS, FRANCE Whether you know your brie from your camembert or don't normally venture beyond the classic block of cheddar, a trip to Paris is not complete without a deep dive into the wonderful world of French cheese. The Become a Cheese Geek Tasting is highly rated, so we know you'll leave geekier than ever. Discover a plethora of flavours at La Cheese Room in Belleville, where you will warm up the senses with some blind tastings. Then, move on to a tasting of six farmhouse cheeses from around France, accompanied by paired beverages. Let the experts tell you all about the cheesemaking process and serving tips so you can impress while entertaining back home. You will walk out full of cheese and knowledge. BOOK IT NOW. FOOD AND WINE TOUR WITH A LOCAL CHEF — BOLOGNA, ITALY Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy, and for very good reason. This medieval city in the Emilia-Romagna region is the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano cheese (among many other delicacies). With endless trattorias, markets and wares, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Luckily, Chef Fred's Bologna Food & Wine Tour will help you make the most of your culinary journey. Avoid the tourist spots and embrace the experience of eating like a true Bolognese local at hidden downtown venues. Venture to the oldest markets, savour a traditional tigella sandwich, relish a slice of bolognese pizza or indulge in local cake. Then wash it all down with a wine tasting and finish with some gelato. Fred has a treasure trove of local secrets to share, guiding you to the very best the city has to offer. Just make sure you arrive hungry. BOOK IT NOW. VESTERBRO CULTURAL TOUR AND BEER TASTING — COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Copenhagen has been a pioneer in the hospitality and culinary scene for quite some time now. The city boasts trendy cafe spots, Michelin-starred dining, natural wine bars, and, of course, beer. Danish beer and pubs stand out as the most approachable and time-honoured expressions of Copenhagen's hospo-scene, reflecting the city's cultural landscape. At the heart of this captivating culture lies the Vesterbro neighbourhood. Once a red-light district, it is currently acknowledged by Lonely Planet as one of the coolest in the world. To truly grasp the essence of this vibrant area, embark on a Cultural Tour with Beer Tasting. You'll spend an afternoon exploring the town with locals, delving into its distinctive history and indulging in some golden Vesterbro brews at locally adored pubs and bars. BOOK IT NOW. BOGOVE WATERFALL AND WINE TASTING — BERAT, ALBANIA We've been seeing Albania, with its ridiculously beautiful scenery, pop up more and more on our feeds. This small country is gaining popularity with tourists, and rightly so. Along with its stunning nature, rich history and warm hospitality, Albania's rich terrains also make it any wine lover's dream. So, if you find yourself in Albanian paradise, be sure to experience the best of both nature and wine with a Bogove Waterfall and Wine Tasting Tour. Located in the stunning seaside city of Berat, you will find the Bogovë National Park, where the iconic Sleeping Pearl waterfall practically begs you to jump into its crystal-clear waters. The tour takes you through the idyllic park with a scenic hike and swim, plus a visit to the historical Poliçan (the 'city of weapons'). After a healthy dose of nature and history, end the day at Pupa winery. It's the perfect place to taste wine made with local grapes alongside traditional Albanian snacks. BOOK IT NOW. WINE AND TAPAS TASTING — LISBON, PORTUGAL Portugal's largest city is a global favourite, and overflowing with charm and culinary delights. If you are lucky enough to travel to Lisbon, make the most of it by embracing the rich wine and tapas culture. Let the local pros guide you with a premium two-hour wine and tapas tasting. Discover the diversity of Portuguese wine with glasses from small producers. Your drops will be accompanied by local cheeses, meats and more. The legendary Pata Negra ham will be sure to make an appearance (the most awarded ham in the world) and a selection of Portuguese extra-virgin olive oil. Your guide will tell you all the ins and outs of the local wine and produce, so you will end the day filled with delicious delicacies and knowledge to flex back at home. BOOK IT NOW. SAILING AND GASTRONOMY AROUND ATHENS — ATHENS, GREECE Greece is a must for Euro-summer travellers for a reason. Not only does it offer insane views, beautiful beaches, great nightlife and a fascinating ancient history, it also has some seriously good food on offer. And if you're stopping off in Athens on your holiday, you can taste all of it with a Sailing & Gastronomy Tour. Pick from a number of packages and enjoy a day on the sea. Gaze at turquoise blue waters and a unique view of the city while enjoying a feast prepared by a private chef. Expect a traditional menu with a variety of Greek delicacies, plus a well-chosen selection of Greek wine, beer and liquor to wash it all down. There is nothing quite like enjoying fresh Greek food under blue skies with the sea breeze ruffling your hair. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
Across four seasons of Stranger Things so far, entering a rift to the Upside Down hasn't transported anyone Down Under. But jumping into the hit Netflix series' world keeps proving a reality in Australia — first via one of those portals popping up in Bondi back in 2022, and next courtesy of Stranger Things: The Experience, which has just locked in its Aussie debut at Luna Park Sydney as part of Vivid's just-unveiled 2025 program. Luna Park Sydney and immersive experiences based on Netflix shows keep going hand in hand of late; since the end of 2024, the Harbour City tourist attraction has been hosting Squid Game: The Experience, letting small-screen fans dive into another streaming smash. At the time of writing, playing Red Light, Green Light with Young-hee in Luna Park's big top is on the agenda until late April. Stranger Things: The Experience will run from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. The must-attend event falls into the Ideas portion of Vivid's lineup. Get ready to visit 1986 — and also Hawkins, Indiana, of course — in what promises to be an interactive stint of Stranger Things-loving fun. Locations from the show are part of the setup, as is a supernatural mystery. And yes, you can expect to feel nostalgic, even if you don't have your own memories of the 80s because you hadn't been born yet. Stranger Things: The Experience isn't just about visiting recreations of settings that you've seen while watching Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, The Electric State) and the gang. The installation features its own storyline, where playing along means trying to save Hawkins from yet another threat. And yes, you will take a trip to the Upside Down. You'll also be able to drink themed cocktails. Based on its time in other cities, Demogorgons and/or Vecna might await, too, along with Christmas lights, Scoops Ahoy and Surfer Boy Pizza. The experience initially opened in New York in 2022, and has enjoyed dates with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, Toronto, London, Paris and São Paulo since, with a Rio de Janeiro stint also on the way. "The rift is open and we're excited that our Stranger Things fans will get to jump into the magic once more," said Greg Lombardo, Head of Experiences at Netflix, back when the New York iteration launched. "This time they will take on the challenges themselves and work alongside Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the gang to fight the evil monsters plaguing Hawkins. As Dustin would say, you always say we should never stop being curious, to always open any curiosity door we find," Lombardo continued. Hanging out for new Stranger Things back in your Netflix queue? That's due to happen in 2025, when the show's fifth and final series arrives — although there's no exact release date as yet. Stranger Things: The Experience arrives at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point from Friday, May 23. For more information, head to the Vivid Sydney website. Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information. Images: Netflix.
In these Netflix-obsessed, streaming video-heavy days, the words 'on demand' have been added to almost everything we watch. But it seems they're no longer restricted to screens, with a Brisbane venue bringing the concept to live theatre performances. In an Australian first, 50-seat Brisbane establishment Studio Theatre and Cafe is offering live theatre on demand. Patrons can request a staging of a show at any time of the day — and any day of the week — that takes their fancy. Yes, you can say goodbye to being at the mercy of regular sessions, and start seeing things more suited your schedule. Catching a play in the late hours of the evening or the early hours of the morning is real option. There are a few caveats though, to help minimise the impact of keeping the cast and crew on permanent standby — waiting in the wings 24/7 isn't the best situation for actors. Bookings must be for groups of ten people or more, and only certain productions are available at on-demand times. Along with the $20 ticket cost, both are a small price to pay for seeing a live performance with your friends whenever you want to. Kicking off the test period of the flexible gimmick until the end of the year is one-man musical Once in My Life, which tells the tale of a figure who probably wouldn't have played whenever the audience asked him to — aka Frank Sinatra. If the season is successful, more will follow. Find Studio Theatre and Cafe at 647 Wynnum Road, Morningside. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
If you haven't been to Barrington Tops, a lush NSW getaway spot four hours north of Sydney, then lose no time in making it your next vacay spot. Verdant greenery, intrepid trails to explore, beautiful native flora and fauna, and plenty of adventurous activities make Barrington Tops the ultimate underrated getaway spot, whether you're going with your significant other, your whole family or a big group of mates. Okay, so we know we're spoiling it a bit by writing about it, but we just couldn't keep this one to ourselves. To help streamline the plethora of awesome things to see and do in the region, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to bring you a few of our faves. [caption id="attachment_843191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A BUSH WALK THROUGH THE WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED BARRINGTON TOPS NATIONAL PARK You simply cannot go to this part of the world without checking out the massive national park for which it is perhaps best known. There's a lot of ground to cover — literally — so we recommend doing an overnight hike to explore this diverse terrain. The best way to see as much as you can is to start on the Gloucester River walking track, where you'll see the majestic namesake river (pictured above), gullies and impressive views as well as all manner of native wildlife. Make sure you pack lunch and something to swim in, as you'll have access to idyllic spots for riverside picnics and river swims along the way, too. Spend the night surrounded by ancient rainforest in the Gloucester River campground and set off the next morning on the Sharpes Creek walking track, where you can spot platypus and eastern water dragons. If you're pressed for time (or don't love the idea of camping overnight in the bush), then there are a number of tracks you can easily complete in the space of a day or less. [caption id="attachment_843945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON THE CORKER TRAIL If you fancy yourself a bit more of an adventurer, tackle the Corker trail, a challenging walking track recommended for experienced bushwalkers only that runs all the way from the Lagoon Pinch picnic area right across to Careys Peak on the Barrington Plateau. Be warned, it's not called the Corker for nothing, so expect a pretty tough slog through challenging terrain. It's well worth it at the end, though, as you'll be rewarded with a scenic lookout over the snow gums, swamps and wide open grass plains of the Barrington Plateau for a view that will leave you as breathless as the hike did, if not more. The hike will also take you by Wombat Creek campground, a perfect spot to set up camp and spend a night under the stars. [caption id="attachment_843943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A 4WD TRIP TO THE REMOTE GUMMI FALLS CAMPGROUND High in the sub-alpine region you'll find the remote Gummi Falls Campground, which is well and truly out there in the wild. You'll need to take a 4WD to access this untamed, natural bit of country, but don't worry, there are barbecue facilities and toilets once you're there. Spend your day mountain biking or horse riding through the many trails that surround the bewitchingly beautiful region, and try to spot elusive native fauna like the long-nosed potoroo, spotted-tail quoll and powerful owl. If you fancy a different angle, drop a line in the crystal clear Manning River, known for its abundant supply of freshwater bass. [caption id="attachment_843187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doug Beckers (Flickr)[/caption] MOUNTAIN BIKE ALONG THE BARRINGTON TRAIL If you've read this far, you may have already surmised that Barrington Tops is a great spot for mountain biking — and the vast array of rugged terrain and beautiful scenery are arguably even better experienced on two wheels. While you're spoilt for choice in terms of which path to take, we recommend starting with the Barrington trail, a well traversed dirt and gravel road spanning nearly 15 kilometres and, running from Mount Barrington past Brumlow Top and on to Polblue Mountain. On this trail, you'll have access to incredible views, a diverse spread of forest habitats and perfect mountain air. [caption id="attachment_843949" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TACKLE THE BLUE GUM LOOP TRAIL, AND COOL OFF WITH A DIP IN A SECLUDED RIVER AFTERWARDS The idyllic Blue Gum Loop trail runs alongside a pristine river and showcases some of the region's finest plant life — the trail is named for the towering blue gum trees that dominate the landscape here and bestow this place with an ethereal beauty. Immerse yourself in their majesty on a leisurely 3.5-kilometre looped trail, which will give you a bird's-eye view of the cascades of the stunning Williamson River from a high steel span bridge, easily accessible from the walk. There's a great spot to stop for a picnic at Fern Creek cascades, and, if you're feeling a bit hot after all that walking, wander down one of the many short detours to find a secluded spot by the riverbank to cool off with a refreshing dip. [caption id="attachment_843198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHITE WATER KAYAKING ON THE BARRINGTON RIVER RAPIDS If you're chasing more of a thrill from nature, check out the white water kayaking along the surging rapids of the mighty Barrington River. Fed by the pristine, fresh waters that run from Barrington Tops, these rapids rush after periods of heavy rainfall, when the river swells to cover ground it ordinarily wouldn't. Kayaking and rafting tours are readily available, but are subject to rainfall prior, so keep an eye on the weather and get booking when the rain falls. [caption id="attachment_843189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE IT ALL IN FROM ONE OF THE REGION'S MANY LOOKOUTS With all of this natural beauty surrounding you, it can be hard to get a sense of the region as a whole. So it's definitely worth your while to check out one, if not several, of the many scenic lookouts that offer an all-encompassing view of this stunning landscape. Devils Hole lookout sits at an altitude of 1400 metres and offers breathtaking views of the dense forestry and undulating mountains beyond. The nearby, and epically titled, Thunderbolts lookout showcases the gorgeous plateau region between Scone and Gloucester, dense with Antarctic beech trees and moss-covered forest floors. Elsewhere, Careys Peak is at the end of an invigorating walking track that will take you through heavily wooded country before giving way to a peak in the Williams Range, where you can survey the ground you've just traversed from a cracking lookout spot. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Russell Street (Flickr)
2024 marks eight years since Holey Moley first combined pop culture-themed mini-golf courses with cocktails and other beverages right here in Brisbane. How is the brand celebrating that fact? By continuing to expand. Your latest tap, tap, tapping destination is Westfield Mt Gravatt, which is now home to a shared 350-person hub featuring not only Funlab's club-swinging chain, but also Hijnx Hotel. Next time that you're keen to escape your routine with a few beverages in a bar that does more than serve up drinks, the River City has a new haven for boozy games and activities, then. First announced back in May, the southside spot opened its doors on Friday, July 26, 2024. On offer: 18 holes of putt putt and ten challenge rooms, as well as karaoke in three function rooms across the site, and two bars slinging cocktails and food. Hit up the precinct and you won't be able to say that you're bored. Funlab, which is also behind Strike, Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons, has rolled out its familiar format for both Holey Moley and Hijnx Hotel — so if you've been to either before, including the former's OG Fortitude Valley digs and its Brisbane CBD spot in the Wintergarden, and the Holey Moley and Hijnx Hotel at Chermside — then you'll know what's in store. At Holey Moley, you'll be tap, tap, tapping your way around holes themed around space, The Simpsons, art, music, other games and more. Among the mini-golf courses: the already-popular Moon & Pars and 742 Evergreen Tce, which have become favourites at fellow Holey Moley locations, alongside everything from Vincent Van Golf, The Great Holedini and A Pineapple Under The Tee to Draw Fore, Super Mega Mini Golf, and Skate or Golf. Mt Gravatt's Caddyshack bar is also keep the theming going — and the drinks. Sipping a cocktail out of a bathtub, anyone? That's one beverage that's on the brand's menu. Images: Markus Ravik.
In George Orwell’s Confessions of a Book Reviewer essay, the Nineteen Eighty-Four author describes the job as a thankless task, saying: “The prolonged, indiscriminate reviewing of books is a quite exceptionally thankless, irritating and exhausting job.” Thankless as it may be, reviewers have the power to introduce new books into the world in passionate praise or downright scathing criticism. And, as with most reviews, it really can be a matter of taste - as we’ll see here - in this list of ten early, negative reviews of literature we now consider sacred. 1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (represented here with the baby-faced Elijah Wood from the 1993 film) was banned by the Concord public library on the year of its release, slamming the novel as “trashy and vicious”. In full support of the ban, The Springfield Republican (published again in The New York Times in 1885), said: “[The book is] no better in tone than the dime novels which flood the blood-and-thunder reading population… his literary skill is, of course, superior, but their moral level is low, and their perusal cannot be anything less than harmful.” 2. American Psycho “Numbingly boring, and [for much of the book] deeply and extremely disgusting,” said Andrew Motion in 1991, printed in The Observer. He went on to criticise Bret Easton Ellis’ most controversial novel by saying: “Not interesting-disgusting: sickening, cheaply sensationalist, pointless except as a way of earning its author some money and notoriety.” 3. Catch-22 The common idiom "catch 22" came from Joseph Heller’s famous satire and today the book is regarded as one of the best in modern times. But, for Richard G. Stern, it was “an emotional hodgepodge”. The critic said, in The New York Times Book Review in 1961, “no mood is sustained long enough to register for more than a chapter.” He does, however, go on to compliment Heller (sort of): “Its author... is like a brilliant painter who decides to throw all the ideas in his sketchbooks onto one canvas, relying on their charm and shock to compensate for the lack of design…” 4. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger’s praised coming-of-age novel didn’t sit well with James Stern, who, in The New York Times (1951) said: “This Salinger, he’s a short story guy. And he knows how to write about kids. This book though, it’s too long. Gets kind of monotonous. And he should’ve cut out a lot about these jerks and all that crumby school. They depress me.” 5. The Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann’s movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby (pictured) is looking like 2013’s most anticipated film. However, not all first readers of the book were won over by Gatsby and Daisy. Published in The Saturday Review in 1925, L.P Hartley said: “Mr. Scott Fitzgerald deserves a good shaking. Here is an unmistakable talent unashamed of making itself a motley to the view. The Great Gatsby is an absurd story, whether considered as romance, melodrama, or plain record of New York high life.” 6. Lolita “[Lolita] is undeniably news in the world of books. Unfortunately, it is bad news,” announced Orville Prescott in The New York Times in 1958. Vladimir Nabokov’s novel about a middle-aged literary professor who retells his semi-incestural relationship with a 12-year-old neighbour, still provokes strong feelings from readers today. Prescott went on to say: “There are two equally serious reasons why it isn’t worth any adult reader’s attention. The first is that it is dull, dull, dull in a pretentious, florid and archly fatuous fashion. The second is that it is repulsive.” 7. Moby Dick In 1852, the New York United States Magazine and Democratic Review, stated: “If there are any of our readers who wish to find examples of bad rhetoric, involved syntax, stilted sentiment and incoherent English, we will take the liberty of recommending to them this precious volume of Mr. Melville’s". Ouch! 8. Ulysses Though a painful 265,000-odd words long, Ulysses has been hailed as one of the most important works in Modernist literature. James Joyce’s experimental stream of consciousness techniques, though popular with Ms. Monroe (above), were not popular with the writer at The Sporting Times in 1922. It said: “[Ulysses] appears to have been written by a perverted lunatic who has made a speciality of the literature of the latrine... there are whole chapters of it without punctuation or other guide to what the writer is really getting at.” And in a sense, quite true. 9. Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are is a classic children’s bedtime read, written by Maurice Sendak in 1963. Generations later, Spike Jonze directed a movie version in 2009. However, in an issue of Publisher’s Weekly in the year of its release, a reviewer says: “The plan and technique of the illustrations are superb. … But they may well prove frightening, accompanied as they are by a pointless and confusing story.” 10. Wuthering Heights “How a human being could have attempted such a book as the present without committing suicide before he had finished a dozen chapters, is a mystery,” said the Graham’s Lady’s Magazine in 1848. The reviewer was clearly not as taken by Emily Brontë’s depiction of a bleak and cruel life on the Yorkshire moors as most. Suicidal or not, the relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff still resonates today as is evident from the popularity of contemporary adaptations like Andrea Arnold's 2009 movie (pictured).
When The Haunting of Hill House hit Netflix back in 2018, it left a strong impression. The horror show clearly had that effect not just on audiences, but on the streaming platform, even though it stepped through a once-off storyline. So, anthology series-style, the service is bringing viewers a follow-up — in the form of The Haunting of Bly Manor. As the name makes plain, an eerie abode definitely plays a very prominent part once again. Created and co-directed by filmmaker Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep), just like its predecessor, The Haunting of Bly Manor adapts Henry James' 1898 horror novella The Turn of the Screw. That means that it heads into gothic chiller and even romance territory; however, given that it's set in 1980s England, you can expect a few tweaks to that story. As both the initial teaser and the just-dropped full trailer demonstrate, the show's narrative kicks off when Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas, Stargirl) hires an American nanny (Victoria Pedretti, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) to look after his orphaned niece Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) and nephew Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth). Her employment follows the death of an au pair, and her arrival at Bly Manor exposes the estate's centuries of secrets. If you're a fan of The Haunting of Hill House, you will have spotted that both Thomas and Pedretti return from that series, as do The Invisible Man's Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Gerald's Game's Kate Siegel — all playing different characters this time around. And, if you'd been wondering what you'll be watching to celebrate the spookiest month of the year — October, obviously — The Haunting of Bly Manor has you covered, as it'll drop on Friday, October 9. A word of warning: if you're not too fond of creepy dolls (are there any other kind in horror movies and TV shows?), expect to feel extra unsettled. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tykS7QfTWMQ The Haunting of Bly Manor will hit Netflix on Friday, October 9.
2022 was a huge year for Milly Alcock, with House of the Dragon bringing her into the Game of Thrones realm and Australian series Upright returning for its second season. Just a month into 2024, this year is already proving massive for the Aussie actor as well. After stepping into Rhaenyra Targaryen's shoes, Alcock is now becoming the Woman of Steel in upcoming DC Universe film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Filmmaker James Gunn, who is DC Studios' co-CEO and co-chairman — and, before getting those roles, directed The Suicide Squad — has confirmed that the Aussie talent is taking on the lead part in the upcoming flick. "Milly is a fantastically talented young actor, and I'm incredibly excited about her being a part of the DCU. Yes, I first became aware of her in House of the Dragon, but I was blown away by her varied auditions and screen tests for Supergirl," Gunn posted on social media after reports of Alcock's casting started circulating. View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn) If you're looking for more details about Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, however, little else has been revealed as yet — including who else is starring, the filmmaker behind the lens and when the movie will arrive. Under Gunn and fellow co-head honcho Peter Safran (who was a producer on The Suicide Squad), all things DC on-screen are currently undergoing a shakeup. The DC Extended Universe is over, wrapping up with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with the new DCU taking the company's movies in a fresh direction instead. In 2025, the Gunn-helmed Superman: Legacy will kick off the reborn franchise, starring Pearl's David Corenswet as the eponymous figure and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. After that will come The Authority, focusing on a team of WildStorm characters; The Brave and the Bold, the DCU's first Batman and Robin flick; Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, as now starring Alcock; and Swamp Thing. Alongside House of the Dragon and her AACTA-nominated performance in Upright, Alcock's resume includes Australian shows such as Wonderland, Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Pine Gap, Fighting Season and Les Norton. As Kara Zor-El in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, she'll take on a figure also played by Helen Slater (Chantilly Bridge) in 1984's Supergirl film, Sasha Calle (The Young and the Restless) in 2023's The Flash, Laura Vandervoort (Sullivan's Crossing) in TV's Smallville and Melissa Benoist (Clerks III) in the Supergirl television series. There's no sneak peek at Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow yet, obviously, but you can check out the trailers for House of the Dragon season one and Upright season two below: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our interview with Milly Alcock about House of the Dragon and Upright. House of the Dragon images: HBO.
Winter is coming, and that means a few important things are on their way. Firstly, and most obviously, Game of Thrones is starting to get pretty epic. We're definitely getting accustomed to staying in with a bottle of red and forgoing nights out in favour of some medieval carnage. But secondly, our ski slopes are hitting their prime. The time for snow gear is fast approaching and Concrete Playground is here to get you sorted. If our nights in are complemented by a bottle of red, our time on the slopes is inevitably coupled with three beverages: hot chocolate, mulled wine and warm cider. Fittingly, the latter is getting involved with the physical activities. Rekorderlig — the Swedish champions behind this apple and cinnamon bliss — have made you a custom snowboard this season, and we have one to give away. This special creation, which ordinarily retails for $330.50, is in a traditional shape with a rounded nose and tail. It offers traditional and zero camber options, extended carbon pop rods, a wood core, and a wide-centred stance that works for riders of all sizes and abilities. We know winter can be a bit of a drag, but this is your best bet to make the most of it — outside of boozy TV marathons that is. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Clearing out your wardrobe, sifting through your old clothing and making a pile to give to a new home rank among life's necessary but often overlooked tasks. It's also an easy process to get just partway through — pulling unloved shirts off their hangers and bagging up a heap of your old outfits to donate to charity, but then letting said bag sit in your hallway for months and months. Sound familiar? If you have the enthusiasm to gift your pre-loved clothing to a new home, but never quite get around to dropping off your old pieces for whatever reason, then you might be interested in The Iconic's new donation scheme. Called Giving Made Easy, it's an extension of the online retailer's free returns mechanism. Just print out a pre-paid shipping label from the company's website, pop it on a box or satchel filled with clothes that you're never going to wear again, then take it to an Australia Post box or office. Obviously, it still involves you actually moving your pile of unwanted clothes out of your house — but even if you never manage to make it to a Salvation Army or St Vincent's store or bin, you're never too far away from a post box. Once posted, your old threads will be sent to the Salvos to sell in their 330 shops across the country, which raise money to assist folks dealing with homelessness, addiction, domestic violence and emergency situations. To nab a label, you will need to have an active account with The Iconic. Once you've done that and printed out the label, you can stick it on any box or satchel you choose. And if you're a customer with one of the company's delivery satchels in your possession after your last order, you can also use that to send in your pre-loved pieces. The initiative is part of The Iconic's efforts to help reduce textile waste, with around 6000 kilograms of fabric and clothing ending up in Aussie landfill every ten minutes. As always when you're donating pre-worn clothes, pieces will need to be in good condition. If you'd happily give it to a friend as it is, then it's okay to give it to the Salvos. The charity is accepting dresses, tops, t-shirts, singlets, skirts, pants, shorts, jeans, coats, jackets, jumpsuits, playsuits, sweats, hoodies, jumpers, cardigans, suits, blazers, shirts, polos and activewear, as well as footwear and shoes. Used underwear, socks and hosiery won't be taken, nor anything that's damaged. To find out more about The Iconic's Giving Made Easy scheme — or to download a pre-paid shipping label — visit the online retailer's website. Top image: The Iconic.
When the beginning of 2023 rolls around, Australian and New Zealand fans of a certain former boy band star-turned-Coachella headliner will be heading in one direction: to your nearest stadium to see Harry Styles finally bring his latest tour Down Under. Just days after he wowed crowds in California and online with his first Coachella set — sequinned jumpsuit, Shania Twain duets and all — the ex-One Direction member turned solo music superstar has locked in February and March 2023 dates in Perth, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Auckland. Venue-wise, the Grammy Award-winning, Dunkirk and Eternals co-starring talent is going big — so you'll be singing along to 'Watermelon Sugar', 'As It Was', 'Adore You' and 'Sign of the Times' at arenas. And, attendees will also be listening to UK duo Wet Leg, who've scored the supporting slot. Styles was originally headed our way in November 2020; however, we all know how that panned out and why those shows didn't eventuate. That delay will mean that he won't just have two albums to play, but three, with Styles' third solo studio Harry's House set to release in May 2022. If you're keen for tickets, they'll go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, April 27, with times varying per city. Or, if you had tickets last time, there's a past purchaser window from Thursday, April 21–Sunday, April 24, plus My Ticketmaster and Live Nation pre-sales from Tuesday, April 26. HARRY STYLES LOVE ON TOUR 2023 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES: Monday, February 20 – HBF Park, Perth Friday, February 24 – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday, February 28 – Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast Friday, March 3 – Accor Stadium, Sydney Tuesday, March 7 – Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Harry Styles will tour Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2022. For further information or to buy tickets, head to the Live Nation website. Top image: Erin McCormack via Flickr.
Perusing the menu at Petite brings the restaurant's name to mind. Diners will find 20 dishes on offer, each listed next to a wine that the team at the Fortitude Valley newcomer has chosen to pair perfectly with it, whether you're opting for a glass or a bottle. The goat's cheese croquettes are matched with a sauvignon blanc from Sancerre, for instance, and the the pan-fried gnocchi with comte cream gets a grenache blanc from Rhône to accompany it. Pick an eye fillet with pepper cognac sauce among the two steak frites options instead and it comes coupled with a merlot from Pomerol. The idea behind the latest venture from Cameron and Jordan Votan is to focus on French favourites. Cue the concise offering, although a second page of the menu spans to cheeses, desserts such as creme brûlée and chocolate soufflé, sweet wines, spirits, cocktails and other beverages. The brothers have broadened their focus from the Chinese cuisine on the menu at Happy Boy and Snack Man, but remained in the same East Street strip that they clearly love. Petite also follows pop-ups Kid Curry, Nice Thai and Mini, with the latter also taking tastebuds on a trip to France. Its chef Aubrey Courtel (ex-Greenglass) now leads the new restaurant's kitchen. Petite doesn't quite embody its moniker in size, however. On the main floor, including in leather booths beneath glass chandeliers, 70 diners can tuck into the eatery's dishes. Upstairs in the private dining room, groups of between eight and 50 can get comfortable while seated. The steel-frame windows that line the corner spot, which faces Ann and James streets, also make the space roomier. They give Petite another feel, too: the team describes the setup for passersby as akin to peering into a dollhouse. Something that both those strolling along outside and patrons eating inside can't miss is the open kitchen, where everything from baked scallops and kingfish carpaccio to onion tarte gratin with creme fraiche, cordon bleu and pork terrine is also whipped up. Of course, only those dining at Petite can settle in for the night, which is heartily encouraged — complete with a special button in the online booking system tailored for those taking their time. Whether Courtel and the crew are serving up confit duck or the ice cream or sorbet of the day, they're skewing simple and humble with their ingredients. Among the vino choices, Petite also keeps cognisant of price. Glasses start from $15, with the venue ensuring its sips are affordable by sourcing its wine from smaller producers across France. Design-wise, as well as the attention-grabbing windows, concrete pillars are a big feature — another touch that connects Petite with Happy Boy. If you know your Fortitude Valley history or just look outside, you'll also know that they nod to the suburb's air raid shelters. Images: Callie Marshall.
When Wine Machine and Snow Machine first popped up, pairing vineyards and alpine settings with live tunes, one of each event's big drawcards was right there in their names. Dream Machine's moniker isn't quite as descriptive; however, it still sets the scene. Fancy hitting up a music festival in a tropical setting? That's on the bill at this dream event — including in 2023. Dream Machine first took place early in 2022, at a secluded beachside resort in The Whitsundays, after initially planning to go ahead in 2021 but getting waylaid by the pandemic. For its next event from Thursday, June 8–Monday, June 12, it's still going tropical, this time in Nusa Dua in Bali. If you've been longing to hear your favourite tunes while surrounded by your friends and while taking a trip to a beachside resort in Indonesia, this fest has you covered. 2023's dest will take place over a five-day, four-night run again, too, and bring together a hefty lineup of must-see talent. On up the party-forward bill: 1300, Boy & Bear, Client Liaison, Girl Talk, San Cisco, Spacey Jane, Sycco and Vera Blue, as well as Harvey Sutherland and Peking Duk hitting the decks for DJ sets. Yes, the list goes on. If the simple activity of grooving to tunes in tropical surroundings, including by the pool and ocean, isn't enough motivation for you, festival-goers will have a range of resorts to choose from in the fest's ticket package options. Keen to treat yo'self to a beachfront stay? You can add that to your itinerary. At the 2022 event, you could also enjoy other activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and waterside cocktails — fingers crossed they're on the roster as well. [caption id="attachment_873059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Hendel[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this isn't a cheap festival to attend, but accommodation, transfers and festival tickets are all included in the fest packages. Folks feeling particularly flush can also upgrade their tickets to gain VIP access to the festival's compound to watch the main stage shows, where there'll be a cocktail bar, chill zone, table service, fancy toilets and sit-down dinner options. And, you'll score luxury airport transfer upgrades and access to an exclusive pool party at Manarai Beach Club, complete with special guest DJs. DREAM MACHINE 2023 LINEUP: 1300 Boy & Bear Client Liaison Girl Talk (USA) Groove City Harvey Sutherland (DJ Set) Holy Holy Hot Dub Time Machine Illy Jimi The Kween Ldru Mell Hall Northeast Party House Peking Duk (DJ Set) San Cisco Sideboob Spacey Jane Stace Cadet Sycco Tori Levett Tyson O'brien Vera Blue Winston Surfshirt Dream Machine takes place from Thursday, June 8–Monday, June 12 at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, with pre-sales from 6pm AEDT on Tuesday, October 18 and general sales from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, October 19 via the festival's website. Dream Machine images: Brittany Long / Pat Stevenson. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. That includes a Bali escape surrounded by nature, if you're keen to extend your stay around Dream Machine,
When you're sitting in a pub with an ice-cold beer in your hand, and you're about to bring it to your lips to have that especially refreshing first sip, there are plenty of things that you can say cheers to. You can direct your thoughts towards the pals you're drinking with, a special occasion or good news, for instance. Or, in these pandemic-era times, you can say cheers to simply being able to have a beer in a pub — when and where that's possible around lockdowns and restrictions. Australian brewery Furphy wants to help Aussies say cheers, and to help boost the country's vaccination campaign in the process. So, it's doing the best giveaway that a brewery can do and shouting a free beer to 33,000 people that've had both their jabs. Get vaxxed, get a free brew. That's it, that's the initiative. Furphy's 'vaxxed to the pub' aims to increase the number of jabs going into arms, and therefore help get Australia's vaccination rates up — because, under both state-level and national plans, the pathway to coming out of lockdown (in New South Wales and Victoria) and easing the rules in general (in states that aren't currently under stay-at-home conditions) is tied to the number of people who've been rolled up their sleeves. Here's how it works: you fill out the online form on the Furphy website, then you'll be contacted about how you can nab your free brew. The campaign is all about getting people into pubs and clubs again, so you'll be drinking your beer in a participating watering hole — when that's allowed in your state, of course, with the giveaway running from October 1–December 31, 2021. You'll get a free Furphy Refreshing Ale or Furphy Crisp Lager for your troubles, if you're wondering what you'll be drinking. And, you'll need to use the Myy App — and prove that you've been fully COVID-19 vaccinated by showing your vax certificate, of course. [caption id="attachment_825162" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Chris Pavlich Photography[/caption] "We're urging our fellow Aussies to roll up their sleeves and get double-jabbed so that we can start to bring much needed business back to our struggling hospitality sector," said Lion Managing Director James Brindley. "We want to encourage all Aussies who can to get fully vaccinated. We can't wait for the Furphys to flow once more and give some much-needed foot traffic to our hospitality mates." Like Furphy, a heap of Aussie breweries and venues have been finding ways to support the vaccination rollout in recent months. Some pubs have been handing out free brews, Hawke's Brewing Co painted a giant mural of a vaxxed Bob Hawke sipping a frothy on its wall in Sydney and VB has given its classic "hard-earned thirst" ad a jab-friendly spin, for example. For more information about Furphy's 'vaxxed to the pub' initiative, and to register for your free beer, head to the brewery's website.
Whether he's co-writing and starring in sketch comedies, directing two of the best horror films of the past few years, producing an Oscar-nominee or reviving a science-fiction classic, Jordan Peele has amassed an impressive resume. So, whenever he adds a new project to the lengthy list, it's worth paying attention. After Key & Peele, Get Out, Us and The Twilight Zone — and producing BlacKkKlansman, too — he's now lending executive producing skills to upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Hunters. It stars Al Pacino, it's about hunting down Nazis in the 70s and it's inspired by real events. As first glimpsed in the show's initial teaser back in November and now explored in further detail in its just-dropped first full trailer, Pacino plays Meyer Offerman, the leader of a group of Nazi hunters who are intent on stopping a Fourth Reich taking hold in America. They've discovered that hundreds of escaped Nazis are not only living in the US, but have genocidal plans — and Offerman and his vigilante pals plan to thwart this conspiracy by any means necessary. Expect violence, tensions, action, thrills, and a fight between good and evil. Not just calling out oppression, injustice and hatred, but tackling it through film and television is firmly in Peele's wheelhouse, as his filmography shows. Accordingly, Hunters slots in nicely, with a ten-episode first season due to drop on February 21. Fresh from his excellent turn in The Irishman — his first collaboration with Martin Scorsese, somehow — Pacino is in less theatrical, more nuanced mode here. He's also joined by a well-known roster of co-stars, which includes Logan Lerman (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Carol Kane (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother), Lena Olin (Vinyl) and Australian actress Kate Mulvany (Lambs of God) as a kick-ass nun. Check out the full trailer for Hunters below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBGkjmfIzAw Hunters will hit Amazon Prime Video on February 21.
While most of us were urged to "stay home" by our Prime Minister (and have done so by kicking back on the couch and doing puzzles), Australia's healthcare workers were called to the frontline of COVID-19 — and have been working nonstop since. We all can't wait for our next holiday, but those in our hospitals probably need the biggest break of all. Helping out in a small way is Aussie startup Unyoked, which is offering 100 free getaways to Royal Prince Alfred ICU workers and has launched the Prescription to the Wilderness gifting initiative. The latter lets you buy a friend, family member or neighbour working on the frontline a stay at one of its off-grid cabins — once travel restrictions are lifted, of course — at a 20-percent discount. You just need to add in their place of work at checkout. The idea came about when Unyoked founders Cam and Chris Grant got off the phone with their mate Dr Jack Purcell at the RPA, knowing that, right now, our emergency services and hospital workers are working round the clock in very tense environments. So, once the crisis is over — or at least dialled down — they'll need a (very) well-deserved break. The discounted stays start at $178.4 for one night or $356.8 for two and can be used for any of Unyoked's 13 cabins across NSW, Vic and Queensland, including one designed by Matthew McConaughey. Unyoked's ethos is to connect back with nature to help unplug, alleviate stress and anxiety, which is something we're guessing many health workers are in need of right now. All properties have been placed in secret patches of wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, allowing you to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city. The off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Each cabin is designed to make you feel like you're part of the surrounding landscape, too. Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. So, even if you're not working in on the frontline, you may want to consider booking yourself a remedial weekend away once allowed. Unyoked cabins are located across NSW, Vic and Queensland. While you shouldn't book just yet, you can check them out here.
When you've already announced that you're turning 31 with Kraftwerk, what comes next? Adding an impressive list of other acts. Back in July, Meredith advised that 2023's fest would feature the German electro pioneers. Now, the beloved Victorian event has unveiled who else will be taking to its Supernatural Amphitheatre. Also leading the bill: Caroline Polachek making her first trip Down Under, plus Alvvays and Alex G. Eris Drew & Octo Octa, Flowdan and Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs join the roster, too, as well as Sneaky Sound System, No Fixed Address and Souls of Mischief — and there's more where they came from. 2023's list of talent continues to demonstrate Meredith's knack for curating its lineup to perfection. Australia boasts no shortage of music festivals, but no one puts together a bill like the Aunty crew. "From deep discovery to elementary enjoyment. Subterranean treasures to searing virtuosos, from sunlit essentials to late-nite blasts. Never-thought-it-would-happens amidst hometown heroes. A bellow of resonant revelations." That's Meredith's own suitably evocative description of everyone taking to its single stage from Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10. There's still a few more names to come — "a handful", the festival notes — for what's set to be a massive long weekend. To nab tickets to the beloved three-day BYO camping festival, you'll need to enter the ballot, which is up and running now until 10.31pm AEST on Tuesday, August 22. And if you'd like to head along by volunteering instead, applications are currently open as well. MEREDITH 2023 LINEUP: Kraftwerk Caroline Polachek Alvvays Alex G Eris Drew & Octo Octa Flowdan Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Sneaky Sound System No Fixed Address Souls of Mischief Cable Ties Blawan Floodlights moktar Telenova They Hate Change C.O.F.F.I.N. dameeeela Bumpy Kuniyuki Meninyan Miss Kaninna Gut Health Ali Milo Eastwood Watty Thompson Mary Lattimore Pachyman City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band Meredith Music Festival will return to Meredith on Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10, 2023. To put your name in the ballot to get your hands on tickets, head to the festival's website before 10.31pm AEST on Tuesday, August 22. Top images: Michael Ridley, Adam Ricco, Chelsea King, Steve Benn and Ben Fletcher.
From web searches and browsers to email and document storage, Google has its fingers in plenty of different online pies. Many of its services have become such a part of our daily lives that we no longer give them much thought, but every now and then the company has fun with one of its platforms — bringing Pac-Man, Mario Kart and Where's Waldo? to Google Maps, for example. Earlier this year, in its latest entertaining attempt to direct everyone towards a specific product, Google brought back another retro title — combining Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? with Google Earth. Sparking immediate flashbacks to the best parts of primary school, the game sent users searching for the titular red-clad international thief as part of a jaunt called The Crown Jewels Caper. And now you can do so all over again, thanks to two new games: Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin. As always, something valuable has been stolen and its your job to find it. After the first game, however, you're not hunting down Sandiego. Instead, you're working with the now-reformed ex-thief to solve cases. In Tutankhamun's Mask, you're tasked with tracking down master climber Le Chevre, who has stolen the titular artifact. And in Recover the Keys to the Kremlin, master origamist Paperstar is the target, absconding with another treasure. Anyone keen to play simply needs to head to the Google Earth app on Android or iOs, or visit the desktop version in chrome, and look for the Pegman icon. From there, it's time to start sleuthing — by hopping between countries, visiting landmarks, talking to locals and sorting through clues such as "I heard she exchanged all of her money for yen", "all I know is that he said he wanted to buy a bagel with a schmear" and "the person you were looking for was here, and she wanted a ton of olive oil". In the process, you'll put your world trivia knowledge to the test and get a hefty dose of nostalgia. Now that all three games have been released, that's it for the Carmen Sandiego-Google Earth collaboration. Of course, this trio of time-fillers aren't going anywhere, so you can spend as much time as you like playing gumshoe and reliving your childhood across the series. Or, there's always Netflix's Carmen Sandiego, a new animated series following the beloved character (as voiced by Gina Rodriguez). Check out trailers for both new games below, and visit Google Earth's Tutankhamun's Mask and Recover the Keys to the Kremlin entry points to start playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwohVk2TyaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCAeVF39H4 Via Google Earth.
