Recent months have seen a new crop of bars spring up in Thornbury. And spring so suddenly they have, it's as if the council had sent out subliminal messages promising hospitality folk good luck for life if they offered the fine people of Darebin a drinking destination. But as far as decent dining options go, there's still some room for improvement (we assume the next round of coaxing is awaiting broadcast). Northern Git, however, didn't wait for the promise of good fortune. They're making it happen on a sleepy corner just north of the village, and south of the aforementioned crop of bars on High Street. While for some the name might invoke thoughts of an old Geordie chav, you can rest assured the experience here is much more refined. Share plates abound — the asparagus dish ($16.50) was light, well-balanced and a fresh and tasty way to start, and the plate of pork crackling ($6) is pretty much the opposite, in the most decadently delicious way. Moving down the menu into the larger plates and heavier meals, the general theme here is something akin to 'sophisticated comfort food'. Calamari, corn-fed duck and slow-cooked pork cheek fit the bill nicely, and there's barely anything more comforting than a perfectly cooked steak from the 'beef' menu — particularly when it's ordered and priced by cut and size, and served with chilli and garlic sauteed spinach and a choice of red wine jus or peppercorn sauce. The 300gm porterhouse this writer tried ($13.50 per 100g) was presented sliced atop the bed of spinach, felt lighter than a 'chunk' of steak, and was closer to actually melting in my mouth than I previously thought possible for a porterhouse. So, what better to go with such a meal than a glass of red? Or, at Northern Git, a keg of red. Here the house wines (although a full-bodied shiraz from Heathcote is hardly the standard 'house' option) are stored in a keg, poured from a tap and offered in various sizes up to a litre. The rest of the list is wholly Victorian, the beers are all Australian, and while the food feels true to the suggested British-ness, is very seasonal to these parts. All up, Northern Git is doing casual sophistication well, in a pocket of Melbourne that needs and — if the full tables are anything to go by — already fully embraced it. Images: Wadette Thomson
It's been more than two decades since the Peninsula Hot Springs became one of Victoria's must-visit spots, especially if you enjoy getaways of the pampering, wellness-oriented and relaxing kind. Since then, the Fingal venue and its geothermal pools have become synonymous with blissful jaunts beyond the city. But in the coming years, it might become just one stop on a whole trail filled bathing spots — all thanks to the proposed Great Victorian Bathing Trail. First floated back in 2019, and set to gain its next new location mid-2022 when Metung Hot Springs opens its doors in East Gippsland — also stemming from the team behind Peninsula Hot Springs — the Great Victorian Bathing Trail is exactly what it sounds like. It'll span more than 900 kilometres along the Victorian coast, and have one big aim: linking the state's hot springs and other bathing spots into one must-trek route for folks fond of soaking away their woes. Also slated to join the trail: Phillip Island Hot Springs and Saltwater Hot Springs on Phillip Island, Nunduk Spa Retreat in the Lake Wellington part of Gippsland, 12 Apostles Hot Springs on the Great Ocean Road, Geelong Mineral Spa and the Eden project in Anglesea. The soon-to-launch Alba Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula is joining the lineup, too. Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon will also feature, for fans of splashing around in a regular community pool, and so will Warrnambool's existing Deep Blue Hot Springs. [caption id="attachment_845455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peninsula Hot Springs, Visit Victoria[/caption] In other words, if you're keen to escape the big smoke and kick back in a body of water — steamy or cool alike — the Great Victorian Bathing Trail will help you connect the dots. The plan will see the route stretch from Portland in the state's southwest over to East Gippsland, and also include beaches along the way. The idea: to give Victoria a calming tourist attraction to rival hot springs and spa hotspots such as Beppu and Kurokawa in Japan, Guangdong in China, and the Nordic region's many go-tos — including in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark's Copenhagen harbour bath trail. [caption id="attachment_845443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peninsula Hot Springs[/caption] The numbers for Peninsula Hot Springs certainly give the concept plenty of hope, given that about 500,000 annual visitors make the visit to the spot. 2030 has been outlined as the ideal launch date — but, given that was the plan pre-pandemic, that timing could easily change. The good news is the Mornington Peninsula's new Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, which forms part of the trail, will launch in September and is already taking bookings. And while an exact date for Metung's midyear opening hasn't yet been revealed, hot springs fans can look forward to a multi-faceted attraction and wellness precinct with steamy thermal pools and sauna options. It'll encompass various hot springs bathing facilities at the main King Cove site, and also a spa relaxation centre and further hot springs constructed at the nearby King Cove Golf Club, all-around 3.5 hours out of Melbourne. And, there's set to be a glamping site as well. For more information about the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, head to the project's Facebook page. Top image: Peninsula Hot Springs, Visit Victoria.
Sustainability, eh? Everyone's talking about it, the hospitality industry is neck-deep in it, and it's scrutinised in everything from your stool to your salmon. Sustainability has never been more prevalent — or so necessary. We've seen the introduction of the Glacier 51 Toothfish (a regulated, safe way of farming the endangered Patagonian toothfish), free-range eggs from local farms such as Green Eggs become a regular on cafe menus and people like Joost Bakker start a new wave of sustainable design While it seems like every guy who can fry a fish is slapping the sustainable sticker on their offering, there are a few venues going past the first point of call and minimising their environmental impact in big ways. From inner-city rooftop worm gardens to laneway waste dehydrators, we have a look at five of the most sustainable venues in Melbourne. Silo by Joost This is the obvious one to top the list, but only because it's wildly in front of everyone else when it comes to waste minimisation. Eco-designer, entrepreneur and all-round sustainable guy Joost Bakker created Silo (as an offshoot of Perth's Greenhouse) with the intention of creating zero waste. And when he says zero waste, he actually means nothing. Suppliers deliver their goods in re-useable crates (the milk comes in a giant steel pail each morning), produce comes sans packaging and all food scraps are taken to the waste dehydrator that sits out in the back laneway. Silo also mill their own wheat (for fresh baked bread), hand roll their own oats (for maximum nutrition) and make their own yoghurt from scratch (for showing off, mainly). Delve into their processes and it's hard not to be impressed. Every element has been meticulously implemented and translates into one smooth (very sustainable) operation. 123 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9600 0588, byjoost.com/silo Mesa Verde You might be familiar with Mesa Verde's tacos, but you probably weren't aware of their darling rooftop garden right next to Rooftop at Curtin House. But don't get too excited, because this garden (unfortunately) isn't for human social fun times — it's for the worms. As well as supplying the Mexican bar restaurant with the necessary herbs and special ingredients, the urban garden is also one of Melbourne's only rooftop worm farms. This ensures nothing goes to waste and you get some home grown coriander in your cocktail. Level 6, Curtain House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne, (03) 9654 4417, mesaverde.net Pope Joan Head out of the city to Brunswick East, where 'growing your own' is at the heigh of realisation. Pope Joan has been doing this for a while now, with chef Matt Wilkinson focussing on seasonal produce. Want to know what's going to be on the menu? Have a look at their on-site veggie patches, located in the sweet garden (which doubles as a outdoor dining area) and you can get a general idea. It's a 'paddock to plate' philosophy with a simplicity that makes Pope Joan one of the best. 75-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, (03) 9388 8858, popejoan.com.au The Grain Store Another hidden urban garden can be found on the roof of The Grain Store. The Flinders Lane cafe has always placed emphasis on the importance of sustainable, locally-sourced produce, with much of theirs coming directly from Brunswick's CERES and other local providers. But chef Ingo Meissner also has his own private rooftop garden that he uses to grow cauliflower (for their cauliflower, quinoa and goji berry dish?), tomatoes and herbs. Apparently it's just a couple of vegetable boxes, but it's another notch on The Grain Store's impressive belt of wholesome success. 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9972 6993, grainstore.com.au Taxi Kitchen They've undergone a re-branding and lost a bit of their fine dining finesse, but Taxi Kitchen (nee Dining Room) is still serving up sustainable food at the centre of town. Still located at the Transport Hotel, their green produce is picked straight from the green slopes of the Fed Square rooftop car park, which has been utilised as a pop up veggie patch for surrounding bars, restaurants and members of the public. So, there you go — even the most man-made thing in Melbourne can be environmentally sustainable. Level 1, Transport Hotel, Federation Square, cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets, (03) 9654 8808, taxikitchen.com.au
Travelling in our own backyard is one of the most sustainable and planet-friendly options we can make when planning a well-deserved getaway. If you're starting to pencil in some strategic long weekends for the latter half of this year, here's one to consider: Port Douglas, a tropical paradise conveniently located just an hour's drive from Cairns. Nestled perfectly between the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, Port Douglas offers an alluring long weekend proposition for city travellers looking to put nature at the forefront of their next holiday. Port Douglas is home to a number of sustainable tours, accommodations, and opportunities for conscientious involvement, so here are five ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your next getaway. [caption id="attachment_913642" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy[/caption] CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Consider camping if you're looking to keep your holiday footprint low. Douglas Shire Council coordinates powered and unpowered camping grounds, along with a range of caravan sites. In order to protect the unique environment, overnight stays are only permitted at licensed caravan parks and camping grounds, so make sure to plan and book ahead. If you're looking for luxury accommodation, The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort boasts over two hectares of sparkling saltwater pools in Tropical North Queensland. Lagoons on-site include spots with sandy beaches, as well as serene private cabanas nestled on the waterfront. As part of your trip, all Sheraton guests are invited to participate in a conservation activity hosted by Marriott Bonvoy in partnership with Good Travel. The Four Mile Beach cleanup is hosted by a marine biologist, allowing travelers to meaningfully engage with the environment while giving back. [caption id="attachment_888046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas[/caption] BOOK WITH ECO-CERTIFIED OPERATORS If you are keen to venture further during your stay, there are a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable tour options you can book. Locally-run and eco-certified Back Country Bliss run swimmable tours through the Daintree Rainforest, which includes a snorkel and float tour of Mossman Gorge. As part of the Mossman Gorge Back Country Bliss tour, guests can experience a Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony with a Kuku Yalanji guide. Acknowledging and paying respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands you are visiting is a great way to show deep respect for the place you're visiting. The Kuku Yalanji People are the Traditional Owners of this land. [caption id="attachment_844375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sailaway Reef Cruises - Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] CHOOSE EXPERIENCES THAT GIVE BACK Sailaway is a family business running half-day and full-day charters to Great Barrier Reef, including the Low Isles and Mackay Coral Cay on the Outer Reef. The business holds an advanced eco-certification, meaning they're recognised for their work in conserving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. A qualified marine biologist attends cruises, so you can learn about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as the boats go out. The company also donates $20 from every ticket to its reforestation and carbon offsetting. [caption id="attachment_913718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] LOOK FOR GREENER TOUR OPTIONS If you want to experience Four Mile Beach from a different angle, adventures with a twist can be booked with locally-operated Port Douglas Segway Tours. Segways use electric power to recharge but produce zero emissions and are extremely energy efficient. Cruise along a trail which features the spectacular Four Mile Beach, rainforest paths and sandy flats. [caption id="attachment_913719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES There are lots of ways you can support First Nations communities and creators during your stay in Port Douglas. Booking tours and experiences with First Nations-owned or operated businesses, purchasing locally-created art and wares or attending a Welcome to Country are all meaningful ways you can pay respect to the Traditional Owners of this land. Concrete Playground travelled to Port Douglas as a guest of The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. If you want to extend your Queensland getaway, check out our curated Whitsundays packages on CP Trips which includes a four-day stay, snorkel and sail adventure with a day cruise. Top image: Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.
A good toastie is more Australian than Bob Hawke sculling beer at the cricket. The humble toastie may just be a simple sandwich that has been toasted (whether that's in a frying pan, a sandwich press or a jaffle iron), but a world of possibilities exists within those two slices of bread. While this is something you could make at home, why would you when so many venues do it so well? These five toasties are the toast of the town. BACON SANDWICH, WIDE OPEN ROAD One sandwich rules them all in Brunswick, and that's the bacon sanga at Wide Open Road. It has crispy bacon, oozy double cheese, sweet and slightly spicy relish framed in bread so golden you know it's been fried by some kind of magic (otherwise known as a frying pan). If you don't normally come to Brunswick, this is a toastie worth crossing rivers for — whether that's the Yarra, the Parramatta, the Danube, the Seine or the Nile. BANGERS AND MASH JAFFLE, BAD FRANKIE If you get out of bed on Saturdays for the sausage sizzle at Bunnings, we'd like to introduce you to the sausage sizzle's gourmet cousin: the bangers and mash jaffle at Bad Frankie. This small bar, just off Smith Street in Collingwood, specialises in Australian whisky and jaffles. On the menu, there are toasties stuffed with cheese, supreme pizza, vego butter chicken, and, of course, the bangers and mash. Pork sausages are served on wholemeal bread, topped with potato mash and served with gravy dipping sauce on the side. It's so delicious you'll never go to Bunnings again (well, not for the sausage sizzle). [caption id="attachment_640639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] LAMB JAFFLE, TUCK SHOP TAKE AWAY Tuck Shop Take Away is a corner store in Caulfield reinventing old classics that make a variety of 'best of' lists: best milkshakes, best burgers, best fries, best treats, and, most importantly, some of the best jaffles around. Tuck Shop has three jaffle options — baked beans, three cheese or slow-cooked lamb. The lamb is mixed with Vegemite and béchamel sauce and tightly sealed in a jaffle iron – it tastes like the best gourmet pie you've ever had. There's limited seating in the cafe, so head in early and grab a stool at the counter. CHICKEN AND CHORIZO BOLOGNESE TOASTIE, CHEERIO Cheerio lives up to its name — it's a small and cheerful cafe just off Swan Street in Richmond where you can order a cheerful toastie from a cheerful waiter. And if that's not enough for you, wait until you bite into the chicken and chorizo bolognese toastie. Mixing comfort foods from Spain and Italy, in an Australian toastie, it's unapologetically indulgent. [caption id="attachment_647658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida[/caption] JAFFLE BOLOGNESE, ARLECHIN Another bolognese toastie, in a completely different setting. Arlechin is a new bar in the CBD serving up snacks and drinks til 2am. So if you've ever craved a stellar toastie after midnight, but have, maybe, lacked the 'dexterity' to do so, Arlechin is here to save the day. The rich, piping hot bolognese is sealed between slices of crisp golden bread and topped with a healthy pile of grated parmesan. Your hangover will thank you tomorrow.
Barbers of Brunswick doesn't do things by halves. Many barbershops offer clients a tipple with their trim, and though this spot does that too, it also has a dedicated space out the back that doubles as a lounge bar. There are worse places to wait for your appointment, that's for sure. When your name is called, you'll settle in to one of the vintage barbers chairs, get your hair washed in one of the brushed concrete basins and have a chat to your friendly barber as they get to work. More importantly, Barbers of Brunswick is passionate about ensuring their patrons feel good both in and out of the chair. And we're not just talking about giving them a sexy haircut that'll make them feel good about themselves — although it does that, too. But it also puts its money where its mouth is by supporting a number of charitable organisations, including Movember, Encompass Care Vic and Beyond Blue, via financial donations and volunteering.
Tasmania, with its perfectly calibrated natural conditions for turning out brilliant produce, is a paradise for foodies, attracting some of Australia's best and brightest. The locals know it and it calls acclaimed chefs and writers to up sticks and chase their flavour bliss in the rugged south. We've got five tastemakers of the Tasmanian food industry that you should keep an eye on. Passionate advocates and entrepreneurs, their food spans north to south, from flavours of the wild to tastes of terroir and the finest produce the earth and sea can offer. Whether they're homegrown Tasmanian talent or keen mainland foodies who uprooted for a more delicious life, they all share a love for this land and all it produces. We've partnered with Tourism Tasmania to find out what inspires their culinary creations, and captures their hearts — and tastebuds. MASSIMO MELE "Keep it fresh, use the best ingredients and let the produce be the hero." It's a recipe for success and it has served Massimo Mele well. Tasmanian-born Massimo has cheffed his way through restaurants in the US, London and Italy. But he found his home turf was the best place on earth to make the most of this ethos. As Food Director at Grain of Silos in Launceston, he's created a fine dining experience that shows off rustic roots, from refined riffs on wholesome classics to naming local producers. As Culinary Director at Peppina, Mele's flagship restaurant at Hobart's famous Salamanca Place, he can offer 'Italian the Tasmanian way', staying true to core principles of seasonal, local and Nonna-inspired. That means championing artisans, handpicked produce, small-batch, single-vineyard wines, and the home comfort of a porchetta roast and tiramisu — all made for enjoying with others. KIM SEAGRAM Did you hear? Launceston is an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy. And culinary industry overachievers like Kim Seagram are one good reason why. Her passion has helped launch a multitude of exciting hospitality endeavours. One example is Black Cow Bistro, which serves up "Tasmania on a Plate" in its Launceston home. Black Cow's culinary approach is centred on the sacred power of the cow as a symbol of nourishment, abundance… and flavour. She is the co-founder of Launceston's Harvest Market and is also the Chair of Fermentasmania. Stillwater, the luxury accommodation and restaurant offering that was developed with the help of Kim's talent and expertise, has an unparalleled location — sitting right beside Cataract Gorge. With water sourced from Cape Grim, food from passionate local producers, sustainably harvested seafood and character-filled rooms filled with Tassie products, it's a true immersion. Finally, there's Abel Gin — Seagram's collaboration with distiller Natalie Fryar, capturing the tastes of the Tasmanian wilderness. And that's why we referred to her as a culinary overachiever. BEN MILBOURNE Influenced by his dad's seafood cooking, his grandmother's passion for great ingredients and his home in the unique landscape of Tasmania's north west coast, Ben Milbourne's life as a professional foodie was inevitable. He's grown up on some of the best produce in his own backyard. After his success on season four of MasterChef Australia, he continues his commitment to celebrating the people who farm, fish and make the incredible ingredients he has been lucky enough to have access to. His TV series Left Off The Map showcases the best of the best in Tassie, a grand tour every locavore should take notes from. Where to eat, where to stay — a true foodie's guide to exploring Tasmania. Plus he has recipes to do that produce justice. Fact is, travelling in Tasmania gives you access to the kind of ingredients chefs go absolutely wild for. Why not try it out, if you have the chance to cook with the best? [caption id="attachment_867641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Gibson[/caption] ANALIESE GREGORY What drives an acclaimed young chef from Michelin star restaurants of Paris and Sydney to leave it all behind with a dramatic tree change? The call of idyllic cottage life in one of the finest food and vino regions in the world. Analiese Gregory wrote her book, How Wild Things Are, to share her knowledge of farming, fishing, hunting, foraging and sourcing food from the farms and wilderness of Tasmania, and — of course — how to cook it beautifully. If you've watched her SBS series A Girl's Guide To Hunting, Fishing and Wild Cooking… you'll already know some of her favourite small-batch, local growers and makers of Tasmania. And if you're lucky, you might find her making culinary magic with this produce at events and pop-ups when you visit. MATTHEW EVANS Champion of sustainability, regeneration and learning farming by trial and error (and now great success), Matthew Evans is a writer, cook and farmer. Evans, together with his partner in life and in business, Sadie Chrestman, established Fat Pig Farm in the beautiful Huon Valley. He thinks Tasmanian producers are worth making noise about, and he's published numerous books on food, farming and even good soil. You can follow his journey from food critic to food producer on SBS series Gourmet Farmer, where he shares the spotlight with many local mates and collaborators, including Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese and Glen Huon Dairy Farm. Sign up for a workshop in sustainable farming skills or try the food for yourself at a Fat Pig Farm Feast, a long afternoon celebration of sharing seasonal produce sourced as much from the farm as possible, with matched drinks and a guided tour, so you can see exactly where it all comes from. It doesn't get more farm-to-table than this ultra-locavore experience. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more of what the island state has to offer, visit the website.
If good things come in small packages — Tiny Away's newest rural addition is one of the better things to come out of the start of this year. The quaint studio space dubbed Little Sprout is only 155-square-feet in size, but the real treat is its location. Situated on an idyllic 60-acre olive grove in regional Victoria with a regenerated eucalyptus forest as its backyard, Little Sprout has got to be set in one of the most secluded spots in Gippsland. The charming, eco-friendly tiny house is perched atop the rolling hills of Bass Coast Hinterland and on the grounds of The Grove Gippsland. Little Sprout is equipped with a queen-sized bed, ensuite, kitchenette, air-conditioning and heating — because we all know how temperamental Victoria's weather can be. The bathroom facilities follow ecologically sustainable principles, including a waterless eco-friendly compost toilet, hand basin and gas heated shower. It's around a 90-minute drive from central Melbourne to the tiny house, but with self-guided bush walks, olive groves and a sculpture park, you'll have plenty to explore on the whopping 60-acre property. At the moment The Grove's restaurant is temporarily closed, but ordinarily, guests at Little Sprout can treat themselves to an immersive food and nature experience with the restaurant and winery located within an easy walking distance. A four-course dinner for two ($180) that features a seasonal menu with plenty of the local produce — often harvested straight from the garden — will be one of the options available when The Grove reopens. Alternatively, The Grove also offers takeaway options — think big bowls of fresh pasta with potato focaccia — or picnic hampers full of local cheeses and charcuterie. Bookings at Tiny Away's Little Sprout start at $179 a night. For more information and to book your stay, head to the Tiny Away website.
For viewers, much that occurs in Such Brave Girls inspires two words: "here's hoping". Here's hoping that no one IRL has ever been contractually obliged to slip their hand down the pants of the boyfriend that they despise twice a week and on special occasions, for instance. Here's hoping that no one has ever sat in a doctor's office caked in green wicked witch makeup waiting for an appointment about deeply intimate matters, either. The emotions that both situations capture in this brilliant new three-time BAFTA-nominated British sitcom— one digging into the feeling of being stuck on a path that's anything but your dream and dispiritedly going with it, the other surveying life's uncanny ability to put everyone in circumstances so absurd that they seem surreal — are that raw and resonant, however, that watching resembles looking in a mirror no matter your own experiences. If Such Brave Girls seems close to reality, that's because it is. In the A24 co-produced series — which joins the cult-favourite entertainment company's TV slate alongside other standouts such as Beef, Irma Vep, Mo and The Curse over the past two years, and streams via Stan in Australia — sisters Kat Sadler and Lizzie Davidson star as well as take cues from their lives and personalities. This isn't a play-by-play retelling, though. It doesn't claim to bring anyone faithfully and exactly to the screen. But it understands the truth of dealing with trauma, and its fallout and damage, making that plain vividly and with unflinching commitment. "Death, silence, hate" is this duo's personal spin on "live, laugh, love", they jest in a joking-but-not-joking way in-character; Such Brave Girls gets everyone giggling at the idea, but also backs it up. Making their TV acting debuts together — Sadler has previously written for Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Joe Lycett's Got Your Back and more — Sadler and Davidson also play siblings. Josie and Billie, their respective on-screen surrogates, are navigating life's lows not only when the show's six-episode first season begins, but as it goes on. The entire setup was sparked by a phone conversation between the duo IRL, when one had attempted to take her life twice and the other was £20,000 in debt. While for most, a sitcom wouldn't come next, laughing at and lampooning themselves, plus seeing the absurdity, is part of Such Brave Girls' cathartic purpose for its driving forces. If you've ever thought "what else can you do?" when finding yourself inexplicably chuckling at your own misfortune, that's this series — this sharp, unsparing, candid, complex and darkly comedic series — from start to finish. As well as creating the show and penning it, Sadler leads it as Josie, a bundle of nerves and uncertainty that's always earning Billie and their mother Deb's (Louise Brealey, Lockwood & Co) brutal honesty rather than sympathetic support. She's in her twenties, struggling with her mental health and aspiring to be an artist — but, above any firm sense of a career or a dream, she's largely working through a never-ending gap year as she tries to get through day after day. She receives a paycheque from a bookstore job that she abhors, usually while catching her colleagues off guard with her anecdotes. After hours, Josie's doting boyfriend Seb (Freddie Meredith, A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou) awaits — hovers at her side, pleads for sex and moves in without anyone telling her, to be precise — but she's certain that she's queer and only passionate about bartender Sid (Jude Mack, I Hate Suzie). Davidson's Billie is the eternally optimistic opposite of her sister — albeit really only about the fact that Nicky (Sam Buchanan, Back to Black), the guy that she's hooking up with, will stop cheating on her, fall in love and whisk her away to Manchester to open a vodka bar bearing her name. There's nothing that she won't do to make that happen, whether it means bleaching her hair to look identical to her competition (Carla Woodcock, Tell Me Everything) or agreeing to be Nicky's cover when he's busted at a nightclub for drugs. The other thing that Billie has an unwavering belief in, to a delusional degree: that their dad, who went out for teabags a decade ago and never came home, has just gotten lost at the shops because it rearranges its aisles all the time. Both girls live with the exasperated Deb, who also sees a relationship as the solution to her problems, setting her sights on the iPad-addicted Dev (Paul Bazely, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves). She's saddled with debt thanks to Josie and Billie's father going AWOL, and has picked her latest paramour as a path to financial stability thanks to his sprawling house alone. So, when she's not sternly advising her daughters to settle for what's easiest — "I know it's hard, but as you get older, you learn to love with less of your heart — less and less until eventually there's nothing left anymore" is one such piece of guidance; "work isn't about fulfilment, it's just so you can buy stuff to make you feel fulfilled" is another — she's telling them not to do anything to jeopardise what she considers the best chance they've all got as a family for a solvent future. With actor-slash-director Simon Bird behind the lens — alongside first-timer Marco Alessi on one episode — if Such Brave Girls seems like it belongs in the same acerbically comedic realm as The Inbetweeners and Everyone Else Burns, there's clearly a reason for that, too. That said, in its mix of humour and bleakness, alongside its dedication to diving headfirst into the messy existences of its three key female characters, it's also in Fleabag's wheelhouse. Nothing is too grim to find guffaws in, though, whether it's depression, existential malaise, suicide, termination, abandonment, daddy issues, death, grief, narcissism, infidelity or realising how much about life is simply learning to stomach disappointment. Call it searing, call it ruthless, call it insightful, call it hilarious: each one applies. Here's another "here's hoping" for Such Brave Girls' audience to put out into the world: here's hoping that there's more to come. Actually, here's yet one more: here's hoping that this is the start of big on-screen comedy careers for the show's sisters, who bring such a layered rapport to Josie and Billie that viewers who don't know that they're genuinely related will guess quickly, and who deliver masterclasses in comic timing again and again in the process. Brealey, who has Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches and Back also to her name, might appear to have a hard task, then, playing a convincing mum to real-life siblings. But Such Brave Girls doesn't just feel blisteringly authentic, even at its most ridiculous, whenever Sadler and Davidson are in the spotlight; it's that unvarnished with everyone. Check out the trailer for Such Brave Girls below: Such Brave Girls streams via Stan.
There seems to exist this strange notion that things that are good for you can't be delicious. An extreme extension of this notion is the idea that vegan food is equally as unsatisfying and unfulfilling. Alexandra Pyke, however, disagrees with the perception that food being vegan and delicious are mutually exclusive, showing the greatest skills in culinary diplomacy since Mia asked why we can't have both soft and hard shell tacos in one packet. Pyke, fresh home in Melbourne after a lengthy stint in the US, has partnered in legendary eateries like The Fat Radish, Leadbelly and vego joint The Butcher's Daughter, and is chomping at the bit to bring her expertise to her hometown. The Alley, which is now open on St Kilda Road, provides clean, wholesome food made from sustainable and local ingredients that also punches you in the face with bold flavours. The idea is to cross the divide between vegans who won't even look at a picture of a cow and the everyday consumer who can't look at a picture of a cow without finding themselves drawn to a steak restaurant. The menu features playful dishes like the maple bacon burger with smoky paprika, and the gluten free Mac 'n' Cheese with coconut bacon and crispy kale, plus sides such as air-baked sweet potato fries, of course. It goes without saying that a vegan cafe has salads but, much like meatloaf, it's what you do with them – The Alley, for example, boasts a 'fiery' kelp noodle salad, which sounds both extremely dangerous and extremely tempting, like sky diving or downloading all the original Doctor Who serials. Cold craft beers and biodynamic raw wines are also on offer in abundance. Or, opt for a caffeinated brew courtesy of iced coffee with a choice of almond, soy or coconut milk, or an almond latte. Dessert-wise, The Alley has whipped up some plant-based soft-serve to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, as well as vegan chocolate brownies. Open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, The Alley caters for 35 bums on seats at any time, but also maintains a healthy focus on takeaway, given the demand for food on the go in the area. Find The Alley at 417 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. Visit their website and Facebook page for further information. By James Whitton and Sarah Ward.
The Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is making its grand return in 2024 with a fantastic epicurean program worthy of a journey to the Sunshine Coast. There aren't many events that bring leading chefs, acclaimed restaurants, live music and beach parties together, but this event offers all that and more in one of the country's most picturesque coastal destinations across four days from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2, 2024. From multi-course lunches at Noosa's buzziest hotspots to celebrity chef masterclasses and sunset drinks on the beach, read on for the various mouthwatering ways to experience Noosa Eat & Drink in 2024. Festival Village The heart of the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is the two-day Festival Village across Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Grab your tickets for one of the interactive chef-hosted masterclasses including a Bandita Masterclass with Jason Jones and Seabourne Distillery, and a dessert masterclass with sweets superstar Anna Polyviou. Then grab a wine, beer or cocktail from world-class purveyors as you explore the Producers Pavilion throughout the day to procure local honey, condiments, ceramics and more. This year's Main Stage program at the Festival Village will showcase cooking demos led by notable foodie personalities and celebrity cooking competitions. Once the sun goes down, a lineup of entertaining performers will keep the crowds warmed up, from guest DJs to six-piece live band Bermuda Social. You can regularly recharge with a bite from one of the pop-up restaurants and stalls, or unwind in style at the VIP Lounge. VIP ticket-holders can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink of Chandon Garden Spritz and catering by Lanai Noosa in lounge seating on a private lawn. They'll also get front-row seating by the main stage and priority entry. Book your Festival Village tickets here. Beach Events The festival will take over Noosa Main Beach with back-to-back twilight events and a Sunday brunch from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2. These sprawling oceanside shindigs are so sought after that one of them sold out within a couple of days of tickets going on sale. That's right, tickets for the official opening party on the Friday evening have already been snapped up entirely. However, the Sunday Festival Sundowner — the beach party that caps off the weekend with tequila, dancing and revelry — is now on sale so get in quick. Earlier on the Sunday, The Minuty Beach Brunch will take place with a menu curated by George Calombaris and MasterChef alumni Sarah Todd, paired to complement the flavour profile of Château Minuty rosé which will be flowing on the day. Book your tickets now. On Saturday, June 1 Noosa Main Beach will be taken over as the Saturday Beach Club where groups can book tables or picnic rugs and enjoy Italian-style grazing platters by Locale and drinks for a leisurely hang to make the most of the gorgeous setting. Rally your crew and book in for a session pronto. Restaurants It wouldn't be a spotlight on Noosa's food scene without the involvement of beloved local restaurants. Refined classics Locale, Noosa Waterfront and Season will join fresh favourites Seabourne Distillery, Mariella Mexicantina, Bandita Mexican and Sum Yum Guys for special menus and exclusive events. Among the highlights: The Locale Long Italian Lunch presented by Cloudy Bay for which the terrific Hasting Street Italian eatery is collaborating with visiting chef Will Cowper of Otto Brisbane for a traditional Italian-style feast paired with Cloudy Bay wines. Tickets go on sale from March 14. Another option is going down a little further south at the Peregian Beach Hotel for the Local Love Lunch where guests will enjoy a four-course lunch starring the best local and native produce with beverages courtesy of Seabourne Distillery and wines from Alpha Box & Dice. Get tickets here on March 14. If a Mexican feast with mezcal is more your speed, get on board for the Bandita Late Lunch, where the Bandita Noosaville team will join forces with Mextrade — Australia's top distributor of tequila, mezcal and Mexican craft spirits. Tickets will be available here from March 14. And one of the waterfront institutions of Noosa Main Beach, Season Restaurant, is hosting a lavish Asian dining feast at the Season Restaurant x Shaw + Smith Lunch with wines courtesy of the renowned Mclaren Vale winery at which winemaker Adam Wadewitz will be on hand to guide you through each pairing. Bookmark this link to secure your tickets. There's also a special collaboration between Khanh Ong and Betty's Burgers, a gin tour, a local craft beer tour, and a laneway party at Noosa Junction. There will also be a floating dining experience on the luxe Catalina Noosa and even an island takeover. Tickets are strictly limited and sold separately per event, so make sure to get in quick. Purchase tickets and find out more at the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival website.
As far as unnerving settings go, The Third Day's couldn't be better, with the HBO miniseries unfurling its story on Osea Island. The real-life locale boasts an intriguing history, including its purchase in 1903 by brewing company heir Frederick Nicholas Charrington, his passionate efforts to turn it into a treatment centre for addicts and alcoholics, and the fact that he was once apparently suspected of being Jack the Ripper. Osea also spans just 1.5 square kilometres, sits within an estuary along England's east coast and is connected to the mainland via a Roman-built causeway, which can only be accessed during low tide. Both within the show and in reality, that means that cars are limited to making the journey during two four-hour windows each day. At all other times, travellers can only get to and from the island by boat. So, if you venture over but don't time your return drive just right, you'll end up stuck there until the tide next subsides — whether you like it or not. That's exactly what happens to Sam (Jude Law, The Nest) and Helen (Naomie Harris, Spectre). The Third Day tells its main tale via two separate halves, with its three 'summer' episodes focusing on Sam and its trio of 'winter' segments switching to Helen. Their experiences have unmistakable parallels, but start out differently. Sam doesn't intend to visit the island, only making the trip after he rescues a teenage girl nearby. Helen books a holiday rental with her daughters Ellie (Nico Parker, Dumbo) and Talulah (debutant Charlotte Gairdner-Mihell), but those plans don't pan out. Accordingly, both Sam and Helen are forced to adjust to a sudden change in circumstance, and miss their initial windows to leave Osea in the process. The longer they stay — and the more they interact with the island's residents, such as pub proprietors Mr and Mrs Martin (The Outsider's Paddy Considine and Chernobyl's Emily Watson) — the harder it becomes to head home. Each of The Third Day's halves takes place over three days, as per the show's title. Each day proves even more chaotic than the last, too. And, each altercation that Sam and Helen has with Osea's inhabitants only plunges them both deeper into the small island's many big mysteries. Here, Osea is a place of distinctive traditions, beliefs and rituals. The locals are not only fighting among themselves to retain their way of life, but will do whatever it takes to preserve the customs they proudly claim date back to ancient times. So, when Sam notices that a bathroom floor is covered in salt, and Helen and her daughters keep spotting the same symbol graffitied on the island's buildings, that's just the start of their strange journeys. Both groups keep seeing dead animals, too — and they're hardly greeted warmly by the insular community, including those who do and don't wear masks. If you're already thinking about Midsommar, you won't stop while you're watching. As horror's creepy cabin subgenre has shown, good things rarely happen when someone finds themselves in a secluded spot on-screen. That idea proves just as true in tales of island trips gone awry — including shows that ran for too long such as Lost, terrible horror remakes of decades-old TV series like Fantasy Island and now The Third Day. The details vary (no one in Lost intended to end up on a beach, for instance), but the underlying concept is simple. Take a picturesque setting, fill it with folks eager to escape their troubles, then use those gorgeous surroundings and that bliss-seeking mentality to augment their underlying woes. When done well, however, the notion is far from straightforward. And, thanks to the exceptional work of its main screenwriter and co-creator Dennis Kelly (Utopia) and his colleague Felix Barrett (director of Britain's Punchdrunk theatre company), The Third Day takes to the idea in an instantly engaging and involving way. Plenty about the miniseries' storyline feels familiar at first, by design. An unsettling tone radiates from The Third Day's opening moments, though, working hard to push everyone out of their comfort zone. For Sam and then Helen, that happens easily as their trips to Osea just get weirder and weirder. For the show's viewers, the efforts of directors Mark Munden (The Secret Garden) and Philippa Lowthorpe (Misbehaviour) and their cinematographers Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman) and David Chizallet (Mustang) couldn't be more crucial. The Third Day is a striking piece of folk-horror TV all round, but what often proves most staggering is its constant ability to immerse its audience so firmly in its characters' headspace. Roving visuals that feel cast adrift, toying with focus and perspective, placing the camera unnaturally close to Law's face, letting Harris's stare bore through the screen, colouring the island's forest with almost-otherworldly hues — they're all deployed here, and they all work a treat. Also excellent are Law and Harris, with the former turning Sam's swift unravelling into riveting viewing, and the latter as steely as she has ever been on-screen. The Third Day's entire supporting cast is terrific, too, which includes Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) as an American visitor obsessed with the island's history and the imposing John Dagleish (Farming) as a local who doesn't take kindly to strangers. It isn't streaming in Australia along with the show's six main parts, but The Third Day also boasts a third section. 'Autumn' screened overseas as a twelve-hour live event, and is set during the big festival that Osea's residents are preparing for during Sam's half of the story. You don't need to have seen it to get the full tale, but even just knowing it exists paints a picture — because this is a series that dives headfirst into its sea of eeriness. Check out the trailer for The Third Day below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T43V6z9wYyE The Third Day is available to stream via Binge. Images: Liam Daniel/HBO.
If you're looking for a 'gouda' time with charcuterie boards, thick slices of cheese and generous pours of wine, then this limited-time Melbourne high tea experience is made for you. From now until Saturday, October 25, The Westin Melbourne's Allegro Restaurant is serving up a moreish High Cheese in collaboration with The Studd Siblings and Zonzo Estate. For $89-$110, you get a three-tiered selection of cheese-filled sweet and savoury bites, making for one indulgent evening of fancy feasting. Put together by The Westin Melbourne's Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte, the menu is a feast for the senses packed with cheeses sourced by cheese connoisseurs The Studd Siblings, so you can rest assured you're only getting the tastiest varieties. Expect pairings like Aphrodite Barrel Aged Organic Fetta with tomato and lychee tartare, or baked le conquérant camembert with thyme and garlic. You'll then finish with decadent desserts such as a chocolate basque cheesecake with blistered padron pepper and Tasmanian pepper berry salt. The High Cheese experience is available from Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9.30 pm. Wednesday to Friday sittings are $89pp, while Saturdays are $110pp. Make sure to book ahead of time, as walk-ins are not welcome.
iAustralia's COVID-19 vaccination rollout has been unfurling at a snail's pace, and amid much confusion — especially regarding which jabs are available to Aussies under 40. They're not the only dilemmas when it comes to getting vaxed, however. Actually being able to access the vaccine is a big issue, obviously, but getting to and from appointments might also be causing you troubles if you don't drive and aren't too keen on catching public transport. To help make travelling to vaccination appointments easier, ridesharing service DiDi is offering discounted rides to hubs and clinics, and to GPs giving the jab — and back as well. The special will give you up to $10 off both trips, with each person getting access to two discounted fares. The discount is available in all areas that DiDi operates in, which includes plenty of places. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra are all on the list, as are Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Geelong, both the Gold and Sunshine coasts, Newcastle, Ballarat, Bendigo, Townsville, Toowoomba and Wollongong. Also included: Bunbury, Bundaberg, Busselton, the Central Coast, Gladstone — Tannum Sands, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Shepparton and Wagga Wagga. All up, DiDi is committing $1 million to the scheme, which'll equate to around 100,000 trips. Folks eager to take advantage of the discounted program — which the company is calling DiDi Vaccinate — just need to jump onto the company's app and complete a short questionnaire to get access. "The recent lockdowns across the country, particularly in Sydney, has shown that Australia's vaccination rollout needs to kick up a gear to avoid future snap lockdowns occurring," said DiDi Australia spokesperson Dan Jordan in a statement. "We're happy to be able to play our part in supporting the vaccination drive as we are aware that not everyone has easy access to a vaccination hub, so we're trying to make the process as easy as possible to support Australia's full recovery from the pandemic." DiDi Chuxing launched in China in 2012 and has quickly become a huge player in the global ridesharing game — it has since bought out Uber's Chinese operations and has stakes in numerous companies, including Ola, Taxify, Lyft and Grab. To get your two discounted DiDi Vaccinate trips, download the service's app (for iOS or Android).
If you've ever walked around a gallery eavesdropping on people discussing art, and felt that pang of intimidation, you'll know that talking about art is actually kind of hard. Sure there's the 'if I was rich would I hang it in my house?' test or the 'could I do that?' questioning session, but there's much more to art appreciation than that. In order to save you from awkwardly lurking behind a tour group, taking notes on the important-sounding things the guide says so you can later impress your friends, we've done the lurking for you. Here's our list of the top five talking points of this year's Archibald Prize so you can rest assured that those shifty weirdos who are listening in on your conversations will think you know what you're talking about — though we'd suggest you make no judgements because that was you not so long ago. [caption id="attachment_631052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 winner Mitch Cairns: Agatha Gothe-Snape.[/caption] MITCH CAIRNS' PORTRAIT WIN It wouldn't be the Archibald without a little art world controversy, and this year is no exception. Prize winner Mitch Cairns, whose work has been hung in the prestigious prize on four occasions, even hinted at the potential throwdown saying, "I composed this portrait with love in the full knowledge of its inevitable and palpable quake." Cairns' work, a beguiling portrait of his partner and fellow artistic powerhouse, Agatha Gothe-Snape, has seen its audience divided and heads tilted, which begs the question: do the judges strive to make a choice every year that will incite debate and stir conversation? Gallery curator Anne Ryan said of the contentious decision, "It came down to two works in the end, but the judges voted for Cairns' work because of its success in revealing the character of its sitter, and its excellence as a contemporary painting." There's no doubt the work is striking, and the composition and finish are immaculate — and surely a painting that results in gallery-goers debating its merits long after they've departed counts for something? [caption id="attachment_636773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist what: Robert Forster.[/caption] THE ROBERT FORSTER PAINTING BY 'WHAT' Let's face it, standing in the corner of a crowded gallery googling "Australian artist what" or "identity of what" will result in you looking like the ultimate creeper. Spoiler alert: there are 12 million results and hardly any of them are remotely helpful, which is why we're here to help. The son of a truck driver, the mysterious artist what, was born in Queensland and grew up in Western Sydney, graduating from the National Art School in 1992. His practice spans sculpture, painting, installation and performance, drawing from his own life, politics, religion and culture. A portrait of Go Between's frontman Robert Forster, what's work is unlike the majority of the paintings in the gallery. With a light-hearted poem accompanying the portrait rather than paragraphs of explanation, his approach definitely incites some consideration of what it means to have your art speak for itself, without being tainted by an artist's identity. [caption id="attachment_637078" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Tjungkara Ken: Kungkarangkalpa tjukurpa (Seven Sisters dreaming), a self-portrait.[/caption] SELF PORTRAITS — THE CONFIDENCE TO PAINT YOURSELF FOR THE PRIZE According to the rules of the Archibald Prize, all entries must be "painted from life, with the subject known to the artist, aware of the artist's intentions and having at least one live sitting with the artist." And every year there are a handful of self portraits featured in the Archibald. So do these entries actually pass the criteria? AGNSW curator Anne Ryan suggests that they indeed do. "A self portrait gives an insight into the character of an artist that comes from deep within," explains Ryan. "It can lay bare their self-perception, presenting themselves to the world in a way that can sometimes be very brave, very raw or alternatively, how the artist wishes the world to see them." Another point in the entry criteria is that the subject should be, "of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics". Often people will debate whether choosing to paint yourself is conceited, but there's something so bold about an artist who, casting off those pesky shackles of imposter syndrome, decides to say, "you know what? I've been doing this art thing for a while and I'm great at it, so I deserve to be here." [caption id="attachment_636775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Vincent Namatjira: Self portrait on Friday.[/caption] GRANDSON OF A LEGEND, VINCENT NAMATJIRA Whether you're a fan or not, there's no doubt that Vincent Namatjira's work, Self portrait on Friday, is one of the few pieces in the Archibald that immediately makes people smile. The painterly style is bold and honest, the no nonsense title is self explanatory and the work elicits an immediate sense of warmth. Vincent Namatjira has developed his own unique artistic style, but it's worth noting that he is the grandson of Australian art master, Albert Namatjira. Albert Namatjira is no stranger to the Archibald. He's appeared in the prize a number of times both as an artist and a subject. In 1944, his work Gorge, MacDonnell Range was included in the Wynne Prize, and he has been depicted in either paint or sculpture in the exhibition by artists Rex Battarbee, Sylvia Connick and William Dargie. Most recently, Imants Tillers won the Wynne prize with an ode to Namatjira in 2013. Namatjira is now honoured in every major art institution in Australia, but that wasn't always the case. In the 1960s, he fell victim to a curator's 'funny' prank when the artist's work was hung next to the ladies' toilet with a vase of gladioli. Thankfully, curators have developed an actual sense of humour since then. [caption id="attachment_634781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Andrew Lloyd Greensmith: The inner stillness of Eileen Kramer.[/caption] ANDREW LLOYD GREENSMITH'S PORTRAIT OF EILEEN KRAMER There's probably only one thing more impressive than the recent ex-chief of the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital's Department of Craniofacial Surgery being accepted into the Archibald after he decided to "pursue painting seriously". And that more impressive thing is his subject, Eileen Kramer. At 102 years old, Eileen is the world's oldest working choreographer and dancer, as well as a costume designer, artist and poet. Born in 1914, she's seen the whole world, having lived in Paris, New York, London and India. She only returned to Australia recently — at the ripe age of 99 — to continue her artistic practice. The illustrious careers of both Eileen Kramer and plastic surgeon Andrew Lloyd Greensmith are pretty much all the proof you need that you can achieve pretty much anything you set your mind to — provided you're already incredibly talented and live for over 100 years. The 2017 Archibald Prize will wrap up soon, so if you haven't already, get yourself to AGNSW before Sunday, October 22. You can also catch the exhibition along with some mid-week laughs and live music at one of the Archibald After Hours events, every Wednesday until 10pm. Images: AGNSW.
You don't have to go to Tokyo to have an immersive Japanese experience. You can when borders reopen, and everyone should at some point — because there's really nowhere else in the world quite like it. But if you're eager to eat like you're already there, watch performances and browse market stalls, you can save yourself the airfare at the Yokoso Collingwood Fitzroy Japan Festival. A one-day celebration at Peel Street Park from 12.30–7pm on Sunday, January 17, it's Melbourne's own ode to the country that brought us sushi, katsu, yakitori, sake, matcha lattes and more. Expect to find more than a few things from that list on offer, and plenty to see and do as well — with admission free. In the park, live music will feature everything from harps and Japanese drums to rap and hip hop. Both in Peel Street and at the Chotto Motto Vintage Market, you'll be able to shop for new and retro goods either from Japan or made using traditional Japanese materials. But the big highlight is the Taste of Japan passport, which costs $36.50 and serves up six mini dishes from six restaurants in the area. You'll mosey to Aka Shiro for battered vegetable and octopus puffs, head to Chotto Motto for gyoza, and hit up Wabi Sabi Salon for smoked tofu katsu curry. And, you'll stop by Shimbashi Soba for chilled soba noodles, tuck into Neko Neko's tofu with spring onions, ginger, daikon and nori, and enjoy a tasting of sake or some yuzu soda at Tamura Sake Bar. Top image: Chotto Motto
Australia's much-loved cook, author, restaurateur and The Great Australian Bake Off host Maggie Beer is helping you become a culinary whiz while you're spending more time at home. So, next time you're reaching for the instant noodles, do yourself a favour and turn to Maggie. Dubbed Cooking with Maggie, the series features the cooking legend whipping up delicious dishes in her Barossa home. She'll be putting up a new video every day via Instagram or Facebook, showing you how to make an easy rustic-style dish in under 20 minutes. From eggplant and eggs to a caramelised onion and Persian feta side dish and Maggie's take on a panzanella salad, every recipe uses simple ingredients, which you probably already have most of sitting in your pantry. Otherwise, a quick trip to your local grocer — or your garden if you've a green thumb like Maggie — will sort you out. But perhaps best of all is watching Maggie in her own kitchen, offering up little wisdoms. Her enthusiasm and charm is undeniable and will warm your soul. So, even if you're not looking for dinner inspiration, you may want to watch the affable cook anyway. Because, we're all in need of a little comfort — food or otherwise — right now. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMaggieBeer/videos/242070486919378/
Named for Shanghai's ancient narrow streets and alleys, the popular Hutong Group first set up shop in the CBD. The Prahran branch — specialising in peking duck and dumplings — has been around since the end of 2009 and is often as busy as its sibling. The addition of peking duck in its name supposedly indicates their specialty with the dish, however the boast that they are "the original one to make the Peking Duck since 1978 in China" is confusing as a statement and one that is not necessarily fulfilled. As in their other venues, Hutong Peking Duck & Dumpling offers Shanghainese food from eastern China, where dishes are traditionally small and designed for sharing. Their xiao long bao (also known as XLB or soup dumplings) command a rather large and dedicated following. Thin — but not too thin — dumpling skins expertly envelop the fragrant, soupy crab and pork filling ($13.50 for eight). Challenging to eat perhaps, but, having been advised by a dumpling maker that this is what you're after in a dumpling, juices running down the chin is not a problem you should worry about with these morsels. You can have the aforementioned peking duck in dumpling form, or their signature half or whole peking duck with steamed pancakes ($36.90-68.90). This is a build it yourself deal, with the menu instructing you to take a pancake, fill it with roasted and sliced duck meat, swathe this with special duck sauce, some cucumber strips and spring onions, roll it up and put it in your mouth before it all falls apart. It's a pretty dish and rather ceremonially presented with its flower adornment and bamboo steamer full of pancakes. As far as flavour is concerned though, there's just something missing. The gloriousness of the first bite of hot, crispy skin giving way to a melting mouthful of sweet, savoury, smoky duck fat and meat experienced with our previous peking duck endeavours was absent here. While the service was fast and efficient, there is little interest in conversation — or time for explanation or recommendation. You'll want to take a dumpling savvy friend and allow them to order up a storm. Otherwise you may feel a little overwhelmed by the vast menu and lack of navigation assistance. Disinterested service is often part of the deal in dumpling venues — as is a flask of complimentary Chinese tea, lots of dumplings for your dollar and laminated tables. But don't expect any of the latter at Hutong. A lot of care has been put into the décor here with its of mixture of wood, tiling, glass, contemporary art and ornaments. It's very much about the look. All of the surfaces are hard ones, which makes for some tricky acoustics once people start competing for their voices to be heard. If you're after a cheap and cheerful dinner — or a lot of dumpling bang for your buck — Prahran's Hutong isn't for you. But if you feel like mulling over a few xiao long bao and a glass of wine in a refined environment, this is the place to do it.
Those lucky enough to have roamed the streets of Florence might just have come across Vivoli Gelato, a family-run coffee shop and ice-cream parlour that has stood the test of time since the 1930s. While the gelato is stellar, this bustling spot is best known for its square-cut affogato, with around 350 sold day in and day out. Now you can experience this renowned affogato without travelling to Italy, as ST. ALi has teamed up with Piccolina to serve its own version inspired by the original. With the collaboration recently extended to Friday, August 22, this square-cut affogato stays true to the classic recipe while adding a little of its own imagination. Featuring a careful balance of sweet, bitter, hot and cold notes, gelato is packed into a chilled cup before a neat square is carved into the centre. Then, a hot shot of freshly brewed ST. ALi espresso is poured into the middle, creating an eye-opening beverage. In fact, this might just be the first square-cut affogato sold in Australia. Going the extra mile, each location selling this tasty collab uses La Pavoni's timeless manual lever espresso machines to achieve a deep and clean espresso shot. Plus, you're welcome to choose any Piccolina gelato flavour to be flooded with coffee. Get one for $10 at ST. ALi South Melbourne and all Piccolina stores — or start booking your airfare to Italy.
While a dish similar to what we now know as tiramisu may have existed as far back as the 17th century, it wasn't until the 70s that it became widespread in Italy and then the 80s that the little Italian 'pick-me-up' went viral (before viral was a thing) and started appearing on menus all over the world. Now, in 2019, this coffee-soaked sponge topped with creamy mascarpone has had a resurgence in Melbourne's Little Italy (not that it ever, truly, went away). To check out three of the hottest new ones hitting red-and-white menus across the suburb, head to Carlton's Tiramisu Golden Mile (1.4-kilometres to be exact) to see what all the fuss is about. Start at Leonardo's Pizza Palace, then wander around the corner and onto Rathdowne Street to Capitano, and finish up at Giro D'Italia further down the road. [caption id="attachment_707894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] LEONARDO'S PIZZA PALACE In keeping with the retro Italo-American vibe at this dimly lit, 70s-arched den of possibility, the tiramisu is a no-frills affair. "It is what it is," was the description provided by waitstaff, and there is a certain glory in that. What it actually is, is a big wedge of tiramisu 'pie', with a layer of coffee soaked savoiardi and a thick layer of mascarpone cream dusted with cocoa. It's texturally satisfying and not overly rich or sweet — and is the perfect finale to an evening of pizza and pasta. How much? $10. [caption id="attachment_708707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] GIRO D'ITALIA The tiramisu at Domenico De Marco's Giro D'Italia might look like any other tiramisu you have encountered, but De Marco follows his Nonna's recipe and makes everything from scratch. This includes the savoiardi biscuits and the mascarpone. And the trick to his lighter-than-usual version? He beats the egg whites with sugar syrup for 45 minutes. When this is then folded through the mascarpone, it creates a texture so light and fluffy it tastes as though you could be eating a cloud. It is served as Nonna would have served it, too, spooned out on a plate in one big dollop of deliciousness. How much? $14. [caption id="attachment_683824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] CAPITANO It is hardly surprising that exquisite local liqueur would feature in Capitano's take on tiramisu, given the owners also run Fitzroy wine bar Bar Liberty. Here the tiramisu is made to order, and features sponge cake soaked in coffee cream and Marionette orange curaçao (made from navel, Seville and blood oranges sourced directly from 'Glenn', a third-generation citrus farmer in Mildura). You'll find a splash of Rutherglen muscat in the mascarpone cream, too. The suggestion is to share and the dessert comes out in a wide, flat circular dish with several spoons. How much? $15.
We're seeing a surge in Euro-inspired drinking and dining spots across Melbourne right now, as well as an increase in all-day diners, which transition from cafe to wine bar and restaurant as the day progresses. The growth of all-day diners is great to see, as these spots change things up throughout the day to increase opportunities to make profits — delivering a range of different menus and vibes. South Melbounre's Kirbie is the latest joint to do just this, championing low-fuss, high-quality comfort food from 11am until late every day of the week except Sundays. Drop by for snacks and starters like pan con tomate with anchovies and manchego cheese, crudités with whole-braised beets and labneh, meatballs in a rich sugo and mussels with fennel and Pernod liquor. You can order these as classic starters before mains or only get a bunch of small bits when having a sip-and-snack session. Larger bites then include beef tortellini in broth and braised lamb rigatoni as well as chicken cotoletta and NY strip steak with Kirbie butter and parsley sauce — each of which can be paired with sides. You can finish on a sweet note with a Greek galaktoboureko (filo pastry filled with custard and topped with honey), chocolate tart du jour or lemon sorbet with extra virgin olive oil. As this is a Euro-inspired spot, there is, of course, an obligatory cheese board as well. "For the menu, I've turned to all the incredible authentic home cooks who've inspired me over the years. Kirbie is about well-executed dishes that aren't overworked or over-plated, and let the flavours speak for themselves. Our specials will offer everything you look for on a menu but can't find anymore - all the things I love to eat," shares Owner Kirbie Tate. Drinks include classic cocktails — focusing on top-shelf spirits — and a selection of local and international wines. As with the food, everything is kept simple, focusing on good produce that doesn't need theatrics nor unnecessary flourishes. This is all served up within the intimate 40-seater space on Clarendon Street, which has a smattering of outdoor dining spots — on the street, in the small courtyard and along the connecting laneway. You'll be encouraged to stand and snack in the laneway and sit on the steps out in the courtyard — leaning into those casual neighbourhood vibes. Even though we are getting a little bored with all the new European-inspired wine bars, cafes and restaurants popping up around Melbourne (we'd love to see a more diverse range of cuisines and dining concepts join the fold), this does seem like a legitimate neighbourhood gem that is sure to be a hit with locals. You'll find Kirbie at 323 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, open 11am–late from Monday–Saturday. For more information, you can visit the venue's website.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local playing tourist, Sydney's energy is magnetic. It's not the kind of city you can tick off in one weekend — just when you think you've done it all, there's a surprise new basement bar to check out, a pop-up art show in a back alley gallery, or an up-and-coming chef serving a dish that'll knock your socks off. Sydney always delivers — and then some. If you're planning a weekend in the Harbour City, Marriott Bonvoy is offering 10% off your stay across six hotels — all you need to do is sign up to become a member (for free). It's also the perfect excuse to extend your stay. Haven't explored Sydney in a while? We've pulled together a hit list of new buzzy restaurants and bars, bathhouses, cultural experiences, and citywide sights to make your next visit one to remember. Sweat, Soak and Reset 1Remedy, Potts Point Following in the footsteps of European bathhouses, this sleek new sauna house in Potts Point is all about the ancient trifecta: sweat, plunge, reset. Founded by Dave Darvill, Dave Veksler and Tina Cha, 1Remedy is built for physical recovery and mental clarity. Think hot rock saunas, multiple temperature-controlled ice baths, ambient beats, an electrolyte bar, and even sauna hats to dial up the comfort. It's guided, stylish and social — designed for those who like their wellness with a bit of vibe. Soak, Alexandria Spanning 700 square metres, Soak isn't your average day spa. This chic communal bathhouse invites conversation and connection, not whispers and robe-shuffling. You'll find warm magnesium pools, infrared and dry cedarwood saunas, cold plunges and aromatic steam rooms. The best part? It's designed to be social — come with friends, soak as a crew, and leave feeling restored and recharged. AWAY Spa, Sydney CBD Tucked away inside one of Sydney's most dazzling hotels, the AWAY Spa at W Sydney is as luxe as you'd expect. Found in the heart of the CBD, this five-room sanctuary offers everything from facials and body scrubs to couples massages and mani-pedis. Designed for solo escapes or social sessions, it's the perfect prelude to checking in upstairs and making a full night of it — because nothing says self-care like a treatment followed by room service and a robe. Shop Shiny, New Designer Stores Monclear, Sydney CBD Modern French outerwear label Moncler has expanded its Sydney presence with a new flagship boutique at Westfield Sydney, flaunting a luxurious monochromatic fit-out. Designed by renowned Parisian studio Gilles & Boissier, the 313-square-metre space is awash with dramatic marble finishes and punctuated by striking sculptural accents. Equal parts fashion destination and architectural marvel, it's a must-visit for the style-savvy and design-curious alike. LOEWE, Sydney CBD Part art gallery, part fashion boutique, LOEWE's second Sydney store in the CBD is a visual and tactile experience. Designed by Jonathan Anderson and LOEWE's in-house team in Madrid, the space evokes the feel of an art collector's Mediterranean home, complete with glistening emerald and cobalt tiles, textured tapestries, and sculptural ceramics. It's an idyllic setting to shop for one of fashion's most coveted labels. Hot tip: Sydney's best designer shopping is just a short stroll from Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. [caption id="attachment_906009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] Explore Inspiring Exhibitions and Performances Sydney Modern, The Domain One of Sydney's most significant recent cultural openings, the Art Gallery of NSW's Sydney Modern, is a must for any Sydney itinerary. While it opened just over a year ago, its ever-evolving program of globally renowned contemporary art means there's always a reason to return. Designed for art and architecture aficionados alike, it's also Australia's first-ever public art museum to earn a six-star green rating. Don't miss The Tank — a repurposed World War II naval bunker reimagined into a 2,200 sqm subterranean gallery space dedicated to large-scale immersive installations. Keen to stay locally? Check into the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — just a short stroll from The Domain. 'Circle Mirror Transformation', Sydney Theatre Company Catch Circle Mirror Transformation, Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Baker's acclaimed play at Sydney Theatre Company. Starring Aussie legends Rebecca Gibney and Cameron Daddo, the play tells the story of five strangers who sign up for an amateur acting class. What starts with awkward theatre games quickly unravels into something deeper — funny, raw, and painfully real. Directed by Dean Bryant (Dear Evan Hansen), this one-act gem playfully turns the ordinary into something quietly profound. Make a night of it with a stay at Pier One Sydney Harbour, only moments from the theatre. Phoenix, Chippendale Conceived by philanthropist and White Rabbit Gallery founder Judith Neilson, Phoenix Central Park is an architecturally striking, state-of-the-art performance space unlike anything else in Sydney. With a capacity of just 150, it delivers an intimate and immersive experience that breaks away from traditional theatre seating. Audiences spiral around the space, peering down on an eclectic lineup of performances spanning music, contemporary dance, spoken word and experimental sound. Tickets are free but allocated via an online ballot, adding a sense of exclusivity to this already elusive and enchanting venue. Head Outdoors And Soak Up The Sun Shark Beach, Neilson Park Sydney is brimming with glistening harbour beaches, but Shark Beach at Neilson Park might just take the cake as one of the city's most idyllic oases. Reopened in late 2024 after a three-year hiatus of seawall upgrades, this eastern suburbs gem boasts pristine parklands and a protected swimming area with calm water perfect for every level of swimmer. Nab a box of hot chips dusted with chicken salt from the newly revamped Kiosk, roll out a rug under the towering fig trees or hit the scenic Hermitage Walk that winds along the coastline back to the city. URBNSURF, Homebush Sure, Sydney has surf, but scoring a solid set, or even a spot on the sand, isn't always guaranteed. You might be circling for a park and bobbing around in your wetty for a while before the ultimate wave rolls in. URBNSURF, on the other hand, delivers perfect waves on demand. Set out west in Olympic Park, this high-tech surf park is a playground for surfers of all levels, offering consistent waves every single time. It's open seven days a week with eight types of surf lessons on offer, and is also home to RAFI — a coastal-inspired all-day restaurant with sweeping views of rolling, man-made swell. Dine and Dance 'Til Late Bar Freda's at The Abercrombie While Sydney's nightlife might have taken an unexpected hit a few years back (cheers to lockout laws and pandemics), it's bounced back bolder and better, thanks to a wave of hospitality heroes and community legends. Freda's at The Abercrombie is a shining example. Filling a gap in Sydney's late-night scene, Freda's serves a rotating menu of gourmet sandwiches, share plates, and pasta, all washed down with "fun drinks" like a fishbowl G&T, natty wines, and cold tinnies. And if you're partial to a dance floor? Freda's comes alive every Friday and Saturday night with DJs spinning tunes from 8pm 'til late. Ready to dance until dawn? Four Points by Sheraton Sydney at Central Park makes for a stylish base just around the corner. Book your Sydney escape before September 30 to access 10% off your stay and dining with Marriott Bonvoy. All you have to do is sign up as a member — and it's completely free. With access to exclusive member rates, your stay will also earn points towards free nights at over 30 hotel brands around the world. Find out more here. T&C's apply and vary by participating hotels including blackout dates, cancellation restrictions and more. Offer may not apply in properties not participating in the award and redemption of Marriott Bonvoy. By Elise Cullen
Romance. Kidnapping. A farm girl called Buttercup. A scheming prince. A swashbuckling saviour. A giant. When William Goldman threw them all together, The Princess Bride was the end result — first in his 1973 novel, and then in the 1987 film that the late, great writer also penned. For more than three decades, viewers have watched Fred Savage hear the world's best bedtime story, Robin Wright and Cary Elwes frolick in fields, and Andre the Giant tower over everyone around, with The Princess Bride one of those beloved 80s flicks that never gets old. That said, if you've ever found yourself enjoying all of the above and thinking "a musical number or two wouldn't go astray", you're about to be in luck. Despite what outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) might exclaim, a musical version is no longer inconceivable. Instead, Disney is channelling another famous Princess Bride line: as you wish. While the project has been in various stages of development for more than a decade, a new creative team has been hired to finally make this all-singing take on the tale a reality, The Hollywood Reporter notes. Fresh from nabbing a 2018 Tony Award for The Band's Visit, David Yazbek will take care of The Princess Bride's original music and lyrics, while book fellow Tony winner Bob Martin (The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone) will pair up with Rick Elice (The Cher Show, Jersey Boys) on the book. If The Princess Bride musical does come to fruition this time, it'll join the ever-growing list of movies leaping to the stage, including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bring It On, Mean Girls, Clueless, The Bodyguard, Amelie, Waitress, Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge!, with versions of The Devil Wears Prada, Empire Records, Mrs Doubtfire, The Notebook and Aussie classic Starstruck also in the works. No timeframe has been given for The Princess Bride; however the film's trailer will help tide you over until more news comes to hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9FRDyTerZA Via The Hollywood Reporter.
These days, it's not like you need much of an excuse to ditch your house, get out of town and do some exploring. But just in case, here's a great one: a luxurious overnight alpine hiking retreat has arrived in Victoria's high country. Combining a guided hiking tour with high-end glamping accommodation, the Get Outside Under The Stars experience is the latest premium offering from local tour crew Get Outside Melbourne. And, while the first run of dates this past March and April sold out quickly, bookings are now open for the next lot, kicking off in September — once the snow season wraps up. The new overnight retreat will see you spend two days hiking through stunning bushland near Mansfield, guided by seasoned experts and covering around 14 kilometres in total. The trails call for moderate fitness levels, with a few steep bits promising to get your pulse up. After the first day's hike, you'll head back to camp to enjoy a chef-prepared feast, matched local wines, and some down-time spent toasting marshmallows and mingling with your group around the fire pit. The rest of your evening is looking pretty luxurious, too, thanks to the plush glamping set-up featuring comfy queen-sized beds, roomy bell tents and proper bathroom facilities. The next morning, a sunrise yoga session will help fire up those muscles, and a fresh breakfast will fuel you up for the next hiking leg, which runs for about four hours. Groups for the Under The Stars experience are capped at a maximum of 14 guests, with prices starting from $539 per person twin share. Get Outside Melbourne started back in 2019, leading one-day hikes around the city — which are still on its agenda, should you feel like a wander without the overnight stay. The next edition of the Get Outside Under The Stars retreat will run from September 18–19. For more information, head over to the Get Outside Melbourne website.
Call it self-isolation, quarantine or lockdown — whichever label you choose, your daily routine has changed drastically over the past few months. Everyone's baking and cooking more. You probably now have a sizeable stash of jigsaw puzzles and/or Lego to play with. You might've mastered the indoor workout, including revisiting Aerobics Oz Style. And, you've likely spent more than a little time watching old-school flicks from back in the day. Yes, nostalgia is very definitely in the air at present, as we all stay home and reminisce about different times. And, when you're next feeling retro — and feeling extra comfy inside your house, too — you can now build yourself an old-school pillow fort. Of course, you can always do that anytime and anyway you like; however IKEA Russia has just released a range of instructions that detail how to construct your own cosy hideaway using the company's products. Feel like building a house out of a table and a sheet? Or some chairs and whatever material you have handy? Prefer not one but two different styles of tent? Perhaps you were always a "throw a blanket over the back of the couch to make a cave" kind of kid — or you might have a way with rearranging the couch cushions. Six different designs are available, as created by IKEA and creative agency Instinct. They're designed for children — or, for adults to build with their children — but, let's be honest, they're also perfect for kidulting at home. You're never too old to turn your with flatpack furniture into forts, after all. And, if you want to whip up IKEA's famed Swedish meatballs first, the company has also released its recipe. Via IKEA Russia.
Eight of the country's most talented cocktail makers have been unveiled as finalists in the 2025 Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition. The national final for this global competition takes place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, June 30, and will bring together drinks industry leaders for a high-stakes day of creative cocktail mastery, as finalists shake, stir and pour for their chance to represent Australia on the world stage at the global finals in Toronto later this year. Now in its 16th year, World Class has established itself as one of the world's most prestigious bartending competitions, running in more than 60 countries and having helped to foster the development of more than 400,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy program. The eight Australian finalists represent a cross-section of some of the country's most talked-about venues, from Brisbane's Milquetoast and Adelaide's trap., to Saint Peter in Sydney and Caretaker's Cottage in Melbourne, currently ranked number 21 on the World's 50 Best Bars list. [caption id="attachment_1010120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Irvine[/caption] This year's finalists come from around the country, and feature a mix of established and emerging talent. Returning to the competition this year are Shirley Yeung from Perth's Foxtrot Unicorn and Samuel Cocks from Sydney restaurant Saint Peter — and they'll be joined by Darren Leaney and Tom McHugh (Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne), James Irvine (Merivale, Sydney), Aidan Perkins (Milquetoast, Brisbane), Darren Burton (Kiin, Adelaide) and Lachlan Gunner (trap., Adelaide). The national final will put competitors to the test across three distinct challenges, designed to push each bartender's creativity, speed and technical skill. Proceedings open with the Single Origin Soirée, which will see these mix masters craft original cocktails with Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. Next is Celebration, Curated, where bartenders must deliver a trio of drinks, including one using Tequila Don Julio Minis. The final test marks the return of Diageo's signature Check On! Reserve Challenge, in which competitors race against the clock to produce up to nine classic cocktails using Diageo's premium spirits portfolio. Events will take place in the hotel's bar tilda and the expansive outdoor terrace of Wentworth Bar. The winner will earn themselves the right to represent Australia at the Global Finals, set to take place in Toronto, Canada, from Saturday, September 27–Thursday, October 2, where they'll compete against bartenders from around the world in a unique multi-format event. "Diageo World Class stands as the ultimate showcase of bartending excellence, and the Australian competition never fails to inspire," says Kate McGraw, Diageo's Head of Trade Advocacy. "This year's top eight finalists represent the epitome of talent and innovation in the industry. Their mastery, creativity, and dedication to the craft of hospitality promise a final round that will be nothing short of extraordinary." [caption id="attachment_1010121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Irvine[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shirley Yeung[/caption] The Diageo World Class Australian national final takes place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, June 30. For more information, head to the Diageo Bar Academy website.
Bored within the confines of your 4-wall bedroom? Embrace your bohemian desires by trading in your modern accommodations for a whimsical gypsy wagon. England's Gypsy Caravan Company creates wagons fit with a double bed, seating, a pull-out table, storage lockers, wardrobe, a secret den, and bookshelves. These miniature homes are also furnished with all the romantic decor appropriate for such a home design: birdcages, crocheted curtains and wood stoves. The company asserts a myriad of uses for such a structure, ranging from a child's playhouse to and artist's studio. These caravans are the perfect hideaway for those who want to unleash their inner romantic or who lead a gypsy-esque nomadic lifestyle--each wagon is equipped with a set of wheels. [via Flavorwire]
Tasmania is home to brilliant restaurants and cafes that rival the mainland's best. And if you're looking to get a richer understanding of where phenomenal food actually comes from, there really is no better place. With the island's inland farms and coastal regions bursting with remarkable produce, Tassie is full of growers ready to guide you through an enlightening, hands-on adventure that will give you a unique culinary and agrarian perspective (not to mention the very likely chance that they'll feed you very, very well indeed). Here, we've teamed up with Tourism Tasmania to highlight a selection of experiences that offer hands-on foodie encounters to seek out and savour. [caption id="attachment_865676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] 41 DEGREES SOUTH Set a 40-minute drive west of Launceston on the outskirts of Deloraine, 41 Degrees South is a salmon farm, wetland and ginseng plantation. Featuring 20 freshwater ponds filled with water sourced from nearby Montana Falls, the farm invites you to take a self-guided tour to explore the sustainable processes that support this world-class producer of salmon. The property's owners, Ziggy and Angelika Pyka, also make the most of Tasmania's cooler climate with a thriving grove of Korean and American ginseng. Wander through the crops before making a purchase at the on-site store and stopping by the cafe to enjoy a dish made with the freshest salmon washed down with a local wine or beer. [caption id="attachment_866893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] TWAMLEY FARM Twamley Farm is a picturesque working farm spread across 7000 acres flanking the Tea Tree Rivulet near the charming village of Buckland. The property offers farmyard activities, accommodation and cooking classes that provide an opportunity to level up your skills in Italian and French cooking. Hosted by the gourmet catering business, Gert and Ted, the classes — fronted by the eponymous Gert — will show you how to prepare a range of dishes before you sit down for a long lunch with your fellow attendees. With several classes to choose from, including spring harvest feasts and festive season treats, Twamley Farm's stunning setting is the ideal place for a countryside culinary escape. [caption id="attachment_866852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pure Foods[/caption] PURE FOODS EGG FARM Head to a top-notch cafe in Tassie and there's a good chance it's using Pure Foods Eggs in the kitchen. Experience what goes into this superior product via a 'Pure Tour' a foodie experience touted as the "ultimate eggspedition" that'll take you on a journey through the company's scenic property in the Northern Midlands region and the largest free-range egg farm in Tasmania. Throughout the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour, you'll explore the custom-built facilities and see how its high-tech production methods set a new industry standard. After seeing the happy hens in action, you'll receive a dozen free-range eggs to take home so you can whip up your favourite dish with the finest eggs on the island. [caption id="attachment_866851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sirocco South Forage and Feast[/caption] SIROCCO SOUTH FORAGE AND FEAST Mic Giuliani, the man behind Sirocco South, is a local foraging master with over 50 years of experience. So yes, Mic was doing it before it was cool. You can catch him serving delicious Tassie-inspired Italian cuisine at Hobart's Farm Gate Market every Sunday or on one of his Sirocco South foraging trips where he'll show you how to find food in the wild. Once you've collected enough seasonal ingredients, Mic goes to work producing a six-course lunch featuring quality meat and seafood paired with award-winning wines from Bream Creek Vineyard. Overlooking the spectacular Frederick Henry Bay, Sirocco South is a deluxe foraging experience in an idyllic location that helps guests appreciate the wonders of wild food. In short: it's heaven on earth for foodies. [caption id="attachment_866889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] UNEARTHED CHEFS TOUR Get a rare glimpse into the operations of some of Tasmania's top growers and producers via an Unearthed Chefs Tour. This morning or afternoon adventure sees you transported from your accommodation to the seriously delicious Tasting Trail Cradle to Coast to meet some of the North-West's finest culinary creators. The tour will take you around a saffron farm, to search for truffles and then on to a luxurious wine tasting at Lake Barrington Estate, with a stop to admire the coastline along the way. A heavenly lunch prepared by chef Naomi Parker is also on the agenda, as is a wander through Sheffield — the Town of Murals — before arriving back at your accommodation. [caption id="attachment_865666" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] FORK N FARM HOMESTEAD The ForknFarm Homestead is a striking 24-acre property set in the scenic surrounds of the West Tamar Valley. It's a popular destination for farm-stays thanks to its charming cabins and it also hosts artisan cooking workshops where you can level up your talents with owners Cassie and Aaron "Lob" Lobley. Over the years, this enterprising duo has mastered a host of agrarian culinary skills, ranging from cheesemaking and open-fire cooking to pickling and preserving. There's a host of one-day and two-day sessions to consider or you can create a personalised experience if you attend in a group of four or more. [caption id="attachment_865674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] BLUE HILLS HONEY Blue Hills Honey's distinctly Tasmanian product comes from 2000 beehives hidden deep within the lush takayna/Tarkine rainforest. While this award-winning apiary specialises in leatherwood honey, the honey house also offers a selection of other varieties like manuka, blackberry and meadow. This craft honey farm has been in operation for over 60 years and you can see how it all works on its rural property in the community of Mawbanna. Alongside a factory for touring and a tasting room, there's a cafe overlooking the surrounding farmland that serves everything from honey-baked brie to Thai beef salad. [caption id="attachment_865672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] OYSTER BAY TOURS AT FREYCINET MARINE FARM Freycinet Marine Farm is beloved for its Pacific Oysters and Tasmanian Blue Mussels. Owned by Giles and Julia Fisher since 2005, the cafe makes for the perfect pitstop if you want to sample the region's famed cuisine. You can discover how the product arrives in the shop with a fantastically hands-on (and knees-in) Oyster Bay Tour. With the help of an expert guide, the tour will see you wade into shallow waters to harvest oysters straight out of the sea and show you how to shuck 'em like a pro. To finish, you'll get to enjoy your freshly claimed oysters and mussels with a glass of local riesling. [caption id="attachment_865678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania[/caption] CURRINGA FARM In Hamilton, about a one-hour drive from Hobart, Curringa Farm presents an idyllic chance to experience life on a Tasmanian working farm. Spanning 750 acres, this sheep and cropping property has won numerous awards for its charming cottage accommodation. Whether you're heading along for the day or staying overnight, Curringa Farm has two immersive tours on offer to suit your travel plans. The 'Shearers Smoko' is a two-hour walking tour of the farm where you'll meet and greet sheep and farm dogs alongside a morning or afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the 'BBQ Lunch & Farm Tour' presents an outstanding paddock-to-plate experience. [caption id="attachment_866894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Roberts[/caption] THE TRUFFLEDORE On the foothills of Cradle Mountain is where you'll find this truffle-filled farm, accommodation and shop. From October till April, The Truffledore is open for tastings and tours on Fridays and Sundays from 9am–4pm. Head off on the 45-minute tour to feed the farm animals and discover where the delicious winter truffles are grown. During the winter months, you can hunt and harvest truffles for yourself on Saturdays. Just make sure you book ahead of time to secure a spot. If one day on the farm isn't enough, book into one of the charming cottages for a delightful overnight stay. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more, visit the website. Top image: Tourism Australia
It's hard to get a true snapshot of a place you're holidaying in when you don't know a resident who can show you around. Sydney can be a particularly hard nut to crack — how do you balance seeing its famously show-offy coastal and harbour landmarks, with getting a peek at its less well-lit and polished contemporary underbelly? To help you explore more of the city, we've gathered up a few of the very best, and some lesser known, experiences around town. And to do it, we've enlisted the help of Pullman Hotels and Resorts bar manager Jason Song and executive chef Daniel Simpson, because nobody knows a good secret like someone who works in hospitality. Over at the Hacienda, the bar at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Song slings drinks with the best of them, having developed an interest in mixology after years of working in a bank. Simpson, meanwhile, has traversed the world, making a living from cooking, and climbing the ladder all the way to the Pullman Sydney Airport. With our combined mental capacity, we've pulled together some of Sydney's best experiences to be had in the realms of food and drink, leisure and wellbeing, and contemporary art and design. So get your Dora on and start exploring. Check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. FOOD & DRINK ARCHIE ROSE While Sydney has a booming beer brewing history, Archie Rose was the first dedicated spirit distillery to operate in Sydney for a very long time. Far too long, some might say. In addition to the creation of unique Australian spirits, a fine cocktail bar is attached to the distillery, and they offer a number of masterclasses on distilling and blending beverages. And while it's a favourite for after-work drinks, the cozy nooks in the bar are also perfect for a date, a solo mission or a get-together with old buddies. Very worth the trip to the industrial area of Rosebery. Don't miss: The Archie Rose signature dry gin and fresh pear and ginger juice ($9) 678 SYDNEY With Sydney's cultural identity being as multifaceted as it is, it's no surprise that some of the best food to be had made its way to our plates from far-off shores. Located in Haymarket in the centre of Sydney, 678 Sydney prepares some of the most delectable Korean barbecue that you'll ever have the pleasure of supping on, and they'll overload you with all the traditional sides that you can handle. If you're a believer in the maxim that if you want something done right then you have to do it yourself, you're in luck, because the responsibility of manning the barbecue rests entirely on the customer. Don't miss: For the more adventurous, have the sliced beef tongue. For everyone else, the soy marinated pork ribs are pretty incredible. COFFEE ALCHEMY From time immemorial, a deep battle has waged between Australia's two largest cities, all about who can combine water, milk and ground coffee beans the best. Cafe and roastery Coffee Alchemy is one of Sydney's coffee heroes, with the product coming out of their Marrickville digs slaking the lust of many a coffee connoisseur with exceptional regularity. While there are more cafes in Sydney than one could poke a stick at, Coffee Alchemy is one of the few that illuminates just how seriously residents of the Emerald City take their coffee. Can't make it to Marrickville? Coffee Alchemy have a number of side projects, including Gumption in the CBD's Strand Arcade. Don't miss: On a hot day, order a Sparkler — carbonated brewed coffee poured from the tap and served in a beer glass. BODEGA As incredible as they are, there's more to the cuisine of South and Central America than tacos and nachos, and Bodega gives you the opportunity to have a crack at a whole lot of it. The menu is a contemporary take on Latin cuisine based around tapas and share plates, with the addition of a booze list that's got something awesome for everyone. The venue itself is an experience, with its '50s-inspired fittings and a playlist of music you'll actually want to listen to. Great for groups, dates and everything in between, Bodega's the perfect place to explore more of Latin America, in Sydney. Don't miss: The Porky Occy Gnocchi is a guiso (stew) of pork shoulder, chorizo and octopus, and is destined to blow your mind. WELLBEING & LEISURE WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN Despite the heaving metropolis that's at the heart of Sydney, it's not hard to find oneself pleasantly lost among a splash of greenery without venturing to the hinterlands. One of the finest examples of this is the stunning and, as the name suggests, secluded Wendy's Secret Garden. The garden was built under the design and direction of Wendy Whiteley, who has said that she knew nothing about horticulture when she started work on the grounds — located in front of the home she shared with her husband, artist Brett Whiteley — and instead built the garden with an emphasis on aesthetic appeal. The never-ending artwork creates a retreat from the urban jungle. Wendy Whiteley was awarded Australia's highest honour, the Order of Australia Medal, for her construction of the garden, and they don't just give those to anybody. Don't miss: Paths wind, diverge and converge within the garden, creating many quiet corners for picnics. SPIT BRIDGE TO MANLY COASTAL WALK Australia has a simply shocking abundance of stunning coastline — a perk of living on what is essentially a gigantic tropical island. One of the best ways to see this coastline is to hike alongside it — there are dozens of such walks in Sydney, each with their own unique character. The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is a great choice, as it not only lets you appreciate some of the most picturesque harbour scenery in the north, it also means you can take the Manly Ferry back to Circular Quay. Start out at the Spit Bridge, about 10 kilometres north of the CBD and trace the headlands all the way to Manly, wandering through bushland, along cliffs, and onto beaches. Don't miss: Take your swimming gear, because the you'll traipse through a number of hidden beaches that are perfect for cooling off from the walk. LA PEROUSE Although perhaps not as well known as some of Sydney famous beach suburbs, La Perouse offers a perfect snapshot of the city's coastal splendours. Snorkelling, scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding all have their place along this stretch of coastline, which features sheltered, calm beaches like Frenchmans Bay, Congwong and Little Congwong (the latter sometimes trends nudist). La Perouse is located on the northern headland of Botany Bay, so there are also some landmarks of Australia's European colonial history, which you can see on the walk from the beaches to Bare Island. Don't miss: The tower at Bare Island, still functional and intact today, started life as a customs tower to guard against smugglers, then became a home for veterans of the First World War, and has even been a set in Mission: Impossible 2. ART & DESIGN WHITE RABBIT GALLERY Opened in 2009, Judith Neilson's White Rabbit Gallery is home to one of the world's biggest collections of contemporary Chinese art. Focusing solely on artworks created after 2000, the gallery constantly rotates the works on display, and its collection is constantly growing. Works come from some of the most important figures in the Chinese art world (including Ai Weiwei), and entry is free of charge. It'd be nice to leave a donation, though — White Rabbit is a registered charity. Don't miss: If all that culture has made you a touch peckish, the Teahouse in the gallery serves excellent dumplings and snacks, as well as a huge range of Chinese and Taiwanese teas. WE ARE HERE MURAL, FOLEY STREET Far from a raggedy bunch of graffiti, the We Are Here mural that runs for 75 metres parallel to Oxford Street on Foley Street is a coherent story of the vibrant history of the area. From its beginnings as humble track through the dense scrub to the thriving arts and entertainment precinct it is today, the work (a collaboration between artists Sarah Howell, Dylan Demarchi, byrd, The Dirt and Gui Andrade) describes the many and varied parades that have traipsed up Oxford Street over the millennia. Since the land's traditional owners trekked along the route from Botany Bay to Sydney Harbour, Oxford Street has remained an important symbol of Sydney's identity, no more so than every March when thousands march for Mardi Gras, and We Are Here paints this picture perfectly. Don't miss: A recurring motif runs through the mural, portraying the hands that built the area as we know it today, from the artist to the final V for Victory at the conclusion of the piece. CARRIAGEWORKS Converted from a decommissioned train workshop, this arts centre gathers together a little bit of everything that Australia and the world has to offer to the aesthetic appetite. As well as art exhibitions, Carriageworks also hosts regular performances, including some pretty big names in music and theatre. Be sure to grab a coffee or a cocktail and a bite to eat at the in-house bar and cafe, Cornerstone. Don't miss: Carriageworks is open every day, but every Saturday it holds a top-notch farmers' market with fresh produce and some killer breakfasts in the covered outdoor area. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Malvern welcomes a fresh new bakery this week, located in the heart of Glenferrie Road, from Dessert Masters winner John Demetrios and his wife, Martina. While Melbourne-born Demetrios brings Aussie classics to the table, Martina's Scandinavian heritage will imbue the space with unexpected, cardamom-scented surprises. The opening of Butter Days is a big tick off the bucket list for John and Martina, who have long held the dream of opening a bakery. John won the MasterChef Australia spinoff, Dessert Masters, in 2024, beating a previous winner of MasterChef and dessert aficionado Emilia Jackson. Demetrios sharpened his skills in some impressive kitchens, including a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Stockholm and the renowned Vue de Monde, where he held the title of Executive Pastry Chef. With his first independent venture, John will use his classical training and refined skills to create carefully considered pastries that are playful, joyful, and above anything else, full of flavour. As John says, "more butter, more better." The luminous, airy space, designed in collaboration with Blackmilk Design Studio, is influenced by the weathered beauty of a flour mill, with pale timber, whitewashed walls, and an enviable green and blue marble bench. That's all background noise, though, compared to the sweet treats that can be found inside the cabinets, showcasing both nostalgic Aussie staples and classic Nordic pastries. In a space as cheery and pleasurable as Butter Days, with its bright, crayon-green facade and smiley face logo, it's only fitting that the hero pastry should be named the Sunshine Bun. The sure-to-be-favourite golden, crisp and flaky round pastry, which is a blend of both John and Martina's backgrounds, is filled with a lemon-cinnamon custard. Other sweets to sample include biscuits made with browned cultured butter, macadamia swirls, chocolate-coated profiteroles and fresh-fruit custard pastries. Butter Days will make your mornings better with their signature savoury offering, the BMO (bolle med ost, meaning 'bun with cheese'). Demetrios' take on a Danish morning bun sees sourdough rolls, spread thick with salted butter and layered with quality Comte cheese. So thick, in fact, that there is actually a Danish word which translates as 'teeth butter', referring to butter spread so thick that when you take a bite, you leave tooth marks in it. Other savoury delights include ham and cheese pinwheels, pastrami sandwiches, and njuja, ricotta and honey pizza slices. "At the end of the day, it's about bakes you want to keep eating. There are no rules and we'll use that to our advantage. No one says we can't flood the room with trays of boozy sweet buns, caramelised apple pies or those cardamom-infused Scandinavian treats Melburnians have come to love," John says, "We want the space to feel calm and inviting, never stiff or intimidating — somewhere you want to come back to." Images: Pete Dillon.
They're small, they're located off the beaten path and they're nestled among nature — and they're your next reason to make your way to Byron Bay. You probably don't need an excuse to head to the popular New South Wales town now that the country is opening back up, but Unyoked's new tiny cabins in the surrounding hinterland are as good a motivating factor as anything else, especially if you're keen to end 2020 or start 2021 with a stint of seclusion. If your idea of a perfect escape is a remote cabin, surrounded by wilderness with no Wi-Fi, this news may just have you hitting 'book' straight away. The Aussie startup already has a number of compact cabins located around NSW, Victoria and Queensland, but it has just launched its first two in NSW's Northern Rivers region — about an hour out of Byron Bay, at the end of a valley and surrounded by citrus trees (and plenty of quiet, obviously). Like its other properties, newcomers Ashi and Pana have been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. Ashi is located next to a creek, and both tiny houses boast their own outdoor bath. So, yes, they're perfect for summer stays. [caption id="attachment_794493" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] trentandjessie[/caption] The exact locations are still under wraps as Unyoked aims to make sure your stay is a bit of an adventure, by only revealing the address for your chosen house two days before you're due to set off. It has revealed that it's upping its food game, though — with Unyoked launching packages called 'Food Sorted' to help take care of your sustenance needs while you're switching off. A collaboration with Ragazzi Pasta and Wine and Fabricca, they're available for Sydneysiders to pick up before they head to their chosen cabin, and include Ragazzia pastas, toasted sandwiches, a range of meats and cheeses, and pre-prepared restaurant-style desserts in jars. Everything is designed to be cooked over the fire or in the tiny house, too. [caption id="attachment_794498" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] If you're wondering about Unyoked's story in general, it was founded and is run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, with the company's off-the-grid cabins bring you the convenience and comfort of four solid walls — alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. With the help of Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built Unyoked's houses, and they're all sustainable and solar-powered. Bookings for the two new spots are already open, so we suggest you hover over the website if you're keen to book one in. Once you've booked on in, all you need to do is jump in your car, disconnect and recharge. The two new Unyoked cabins are located across in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and are available to book via unyoked.co. Looking for more off-the-grid escapes? Check out our favourites in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Top images: trentandjessie,
When you scroll through Netflix's menu, everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton might catch your eye. Over on Disney+, you could make a beeline to The Mandalorian and WandaVision, while Amazon Prime Video may pique your interest if you're keen on The Boys or Tales From the Loop. But, if you're fond of homegrown films and television programs, you might've noticed that the huge range of streaming platforms on offer Down Under don't typically fund, create and make available all that much new Australian content. The current situation is somewhat better than it was. When Netflix officially launched in Australia back in 2015, its buffet of streaming movies and TV shows noticeably lacked new original local content (indeed, it took more than two years for the popular platform to finally announce that it was making its first Aussie series, Tidelands). It still doesn't overflow with Aussie fare, although it did give Aunty Donna its own delightful comedy. Fellow streamer Stan has been beefing up its catalogue with Aussie movies and shows, though, with the likes of No Activity, Wolf Creek, Bloom, Bump, After the Night, A Sunburnt Christmas, Relic and True History of the Kelly Gang among the local titles joining its ranks. If a group of Australian creatives has anything to do with it, however, there'll be much more local content added to streaming platforms in the future. High Ground's Simon Baker, Hungry Ghosts' Bryan Brown and Justine Clarke, and Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt)'s Marta Dusseldorp are all part of the Make It Australian campaign, which is lobbying the Australian Government to implement quotas. The proposal: that all streaming services operating in Australia that have at least 500,000 subscribers are required to spend 20 percent of their local revenue on new Aussie dramas, documentaries and content for children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVoYKwTc4E If the idea sounds familiar, that's because it has been under consideration before, and for some time — with a green paper on the topic published in late 2020, and a consultation period currently open — but nothing has come to fruition as yet. This time around, the group behind the move put forward their case at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, March 16, particularly noting the importance of Australian audiences being able to watch local stories as streaming platforms grow in popularity. Similar quotas are in place regarding Australian programming on both commercial free-to-air television and pay TV — although requirements were altered in 2020 due to the pandemic. And if you're thinking that the Aussie screen industry seems to be in good shape at the moment considering that a huge number of Hollywood titles are being filmed here at present — including everything from Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder to Nicole Kidman-starring TV series Nine Perfect Strangers, plus new movies directed by Ron Howard and starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts soon to shoot — the current situation isn't the norm. Big productions have been coming to our shores during the pandemic given that Australia's COVID-19 case numbers are low, protocols are in place and it's safe to film here as a result, but that isn't guaranteed to continue once life returns to normal in the US. For more information about the Make It Australian campaign, head to its website. For more information about the media reform green paper, head to the Australian Government website.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences can't flock to the Sydney Film Festival in person this year — so SFF is bringing the movie magic to audiences at home instead. First, it's teaming up with 19 other top fests from around the world to present We Are One: A Global Film Festival, a free ten-day festival that'll be streamed on YouTube. Then, a couple of days after that's all done, SFF is holding its own ticketed online event. Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition will run from Wednesday, June 10–Sunday, June 21, focusing on three of the annual event's popular programming strands: the Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary, the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, and Europe! Voices of Women in Film. That means that when you're not spending ten days watching brand new world-premiering Aussie docos from the comfort of your couch, you can check out the best short flicks from emerging filmmakers and the latest features from Europe's talented female directors. The program will drop on Wednesday, May 27, which is when tickets will go on sale — but, because SFF is moving online for the first time in its 67-year history, cinephiles will be able to buy a ticket and watch virtually no matter where they're located. SFF will also hand out its usual prizes for Aussie documentaries and Aussie short films — so you'll be watching award-winners, too. The full program launch and ticket sales for Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition begin on May 27.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas — or, at least, it is inside two particular rooms of the DoubleTree Hilton Melbourne, which have been transformed into twinkling festive wonderlands in honour of the impending Yuletide season. For the second year, a couple of the hotel's Flinders Street Station View Rooms have been decked out in full Christmas regalia, available to book for festive stays right up until Tuesday, January 10. In the White Christmas room, you can escape to the northern hemisphere as you snuggle up with plush sheepskin slippers and throws courtesy of UGG Express. You'll find a frosted Christmas tree dripping with lights, plus candy cane and gingerbread decorations aplenty. An even wilder time awaits guests in the red, green and gold Santa's Workshop room, where the dazzling Christmas lights are out in force. A giant wreath and Christmas tree are brimming with baubles and globes, while the words 'HO HO HO' are splashed in neon across one wall. You'll spy classic decorations and toys all around the space, and you'll have reindeer slippers and sheepskin rugs to keep you cosy on your Christmas adventure. Guests staying in the DoubleTree's Christmas rooms will also enjoy the hotel brand's signature warm cookies on arrival, plus specialty hot chocolate and marshmallows, and complimentary breakfast for two at the onsite restaurant. Find DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne at 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Book your stay online, using the promo code "PR40EB", or call the hotel on (03) 9654 6888. The Christmas rooms are available up until Tuesday, January 10.
When Australia has just thrown one of the world's biggest LGBTQIA+ parties, what comes next? Incorporating hits from 2023's Sydney WorldPride into 2024's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. For everyone who loved revelling on the sand at the fest's Bondi Beach Party, we come bearing excellent news: it'll be back next year for 15,000 attendees. Mardi Gras' full 2024 lineup spans 100-plus events across the Harbour City, taking place from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3. While 2023's iteration marked the 45th anniversary, don't go thinking that turning 46 isn't being taken just as seriously — all around the theme "our future". "For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows," said Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith. "In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change." "Beyond the individual events, and there are many, the 2024 festival underscores our commitment to inclusivity, unity and remembrance. The 2024 festival celebrates our past, our present and most crucially, the promising future we're building. Here's to another unforgettable Sydney Mardi Gras," continued Beckwith. As well as the return of Bondi Beach Party, Mardi Gras will also give Sydney WorldPride's Ultra Violet a second run, celebrating LGBTQIA+ women in an event that takes place as day turns to night at the National Art School. Similarly huge: a one-night-only special performance of musical & Juliet, which will occur just days after the production arrives for its Sydney season. Also on the lineup: the Welcome to Country via citywide event Festival First Light; floating venue Glass Island hosting trans and gender-diverse celebration Hot Trans Summer; and Diamond Dance, which will mark Pollys Club's 60th year. Or, there's talks and ideas series Queer Futures, the Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service of Reflection to honour 70s- and 90s-era victims of homophobic and transphobic violence, two-week fringe fest Oxtravaganza in Darlinghurst and the boozy Darlo Big Drag Brunch. Yes, the parade is back — so mark Saturday, March 2 in your diary and prepare for a big night with 200-plus floats on Oxford Street. Plus, Mardi Gras' premium parade viewing areas will feature again to help the hundreds of thousands of folks heading along get a prime view of the 12,000-plus marchers. Throw in the also-returning Mardi Gras Film Festival, Progress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud and Sissy Ball — and Queer Art After Hours as well — and Sydney will be jam-packed with things to do and ways to celebrate, as it is during every Mardi Gras. Other highlights include a dance party at ivy Pool Club, SEA LIFE Aquarium hosting drag storytime and a queer formal, with more events still to be announced as Mardi Gras gets closer. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 will run from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3, 2024. For more information, or for tickets, head to the event's website. Select images: Jeffrey Feng Photography, Lexy Potts
Fancy hitting the road for a camping adventure, but don't have quite the right wheels for it? Before you fork out the big bucks to hire from a rental company, meet Camplify — a new Aussie sharing platform for campervans and RVs that works a bit like Airbnb. Using the peer-to-peer rental platform, owners can rent out their vehicles when they're not in use (read: gathering dust in the garage). As for hirers, they can get a taste of caravanning life whenever they like, without actually having to own one themselves. Each party has a Camplify profile, owners approve each hire and reviews are exchanged via the platform. The prices are reasonable too, starting at around $30 per night for a standard camper trailer. A caravan will cost you about $80, while that top-of-the-line luxury motorhome you hire for a romantic weekend getaway might see you stretching to $500. For minimal effort, you can even have the vehicle and gear set up for you at a campsite or holiday park, so it's holiday-ready as soon as you rock up. Insurance is covered in the cost, as well as Australia-wide roadside assistance from Camplify's mates at NRMA. Share your own caravan, or start planning that camping trip, over at Camplify.
At Belle's Hot Chicken, Christian Robertson and Morgan McGlone have made a hero of natural wine, just as much as of their beloved spicy fried chook. But that less-is-more, organic-focused philosophy that's so big in the wine world, had yet to sneak its way into the rest of the pair's booze program. That is, until now. Dreamed up on a recent jaunt to Japan, McGlone and Robertson's latest venture is Kyoto Protocol — a pop-up cocktail bar concept named after the city where their idea was hatched. "It's built on the idea that we could have a natural wine approach to a cocktail program," explains Belles Beverage Director Robertson. Debuting at this year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the bar puts a fresh spin on the whole cocktail caper, showcasing four of what the boys call "lo-fi" drinks. They're easy to make, easy to enjoy and crafted on organic ingredients, with no unnatural additives and minimal garnishes. Operating out of a repurposed shipping container at MFWF's House of Food and Wine, Kyoto Protocol will be slinging all four concoctions from March 9 to 11. Clocking in at an easy $12 a pop, you'll find creations such as the Basic B, which blends vodka, organic yuzu from NSW, Japanese yuzu soda, cold-pressed watermelon and a cucumber syrup. Another, dubbed the Hentai, mixes peach bitters, Hennessy and a peach iced tea, made to a recipe McGlone picked up over in Nashville. Backing the stronger stuff, there'll be a hefty selection of natural wine, as the boys raid their extensive, long-built cellar collection. Expect a good 100 bottles featured across the weekend, with plenty of hard-to-find options and a solid range on offer by the glass. "They're bottles that people don't get the opportunity to taste very often," hints Robertson. Sticking with the natural approach, the bar will be using only 100 percent wheat straws and biodegradable cups. What's more, all those used cups will be collected and displayed throughout the pop-up, to help keep customers mindful about another important impact of their boozing. The final haul of waste will be recycled and repurposed into something useful — think, a park bench, rail sleepers, or plastic bricks — by the legends at Closed Loop. Kyoto Protocol will be popping up alongside a slew of food stalls and masterclasses from some of Australia's — and the world's — best chefs. You'll be able to down the lo-fi cocktails alongside eats by Belles, Sundae School, Mamasita and more. Day passes to the House of Food and Wine start from $65 and can be purchased here. Find Kyoto Protocol at Melbourne Food and Wine Festival's House of Food and Wine at The Coopers Malthouse Theatre, Southbank, from March 9–11, 2019. Images: Parker Blain and Daniel Mahon.
If you're a massive fan of refined Japanese fare paired with a crisp yet flavoursome martini, we have good news for you. Two luxe Japanese restaurants in Melbourne are serving complimentary martinis made with House of Suntory's Haku Vodka to omakase diners from Tuesday, September 3, to Tuesday, October 15. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini, which showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese spirit. Haku Vodka frequently collaborates with notable omakase restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne to showcase its versatility and celebrate stunning Japanese cuisine. Head to these restaurants to enjoy a bespoke martini paired with an incredible meal for the ultimate Japanese-themed night out in Melbourne. Komeyui The artistry of Japanese cuisine is particularly celebrated at this South Melbourne restaurant. Komeyui was brought to life by chef and owner Motomu Kumano, who came from humble beginnings in a small fishing town in Hokkaido and brings his philosophy of balance and simplicity to this stunning eatery. Komeyui offers two omakase experiences to guests: Seasonal Omakase and Classic Omakase. The omakase experiences comprise seven intricately crafted dishes designed to ignite the senses with a balance of textures and flavours. During spring, the talented team at this eatery will serve a complimentary martini with the first course of the omakase meal, dubbed the Sakura Martini. It is a delicate Japanese take on the classic martini made with Haku Vodka, Suntory Kanade Sakura Japanese craft liqueur made from fully-bloomed cherry blossoms to impart a gentle floral taste and Sake Bermutto — a dry vermouth made from sake wine. Book your spot on the Komeyui website. Ronin At Ronin, Chef Patrick Kwong is redefining omakase in Melbourne, breaking away from the formality of traditional Japanese dining. Trained by a Japanese sushi master, Kwong learned the art of precision but refuses to be bound by the rules. His omakase is playful and more like a lively house party than a quiet fine-dining affair. With just ten seats at the bar, Kwong might join you for a chat and a drink. But don't mistake his laidback vibe for a lack of seriousness when it comes to food — his 13-course menu is crafted with masterful technique and unexpected twists, like Malaysian-infused nigiri and glitter-topped sushi. During spring, omakase diners will enjoy a Ronin Haku-tini Martini on the house with their first course. The martini is made with Haku Vodka, sake, Dover Shiso liqueur for a herbaceous element and three dashes of yuzu bitters for a touch of zesty freshness to counter the delectable dishes on offer. Book your spot on the Ronin website. Make your booking at either of these restaurants from September 1 until October 17 and receive a complimentary martini to enjoy with the first course of your omakase meal. To learn more about Haku Vodka, head to the House of Suntory website. Image Credit: Arianna Leggiero
In the trailer for Midsommar, a group of people trek through a forest, all saddled up with backpacks and sleeping bags. They're outside a Swedish town, with the locals putting on a mid-summer event. "It's like a crazy nine-day festival; it only happens every 90 years," visitor Dani (Florence Pugh) is told. As anyone who has ever seen a movie should know, this situation usually goes one of two ways: raucous festivities ensue, with friendships tested and lessons learned, or unnerving antics do instead. With Hereditary writer/director Ari Aster behind Midsommar, anyone who saw the 2018 horror hit will know that this flick is destined to fall into the latter category. The details are being kept scarce, even in the movie's just-released first trailer, with the film set to hit cinemas worldwide from early August this year. But if you're expecting another visibly dark and sinister flick from Aster, think again. Instead, Midsommar looks light, bright and filled with bohemian-looking folks — even as it seems to step firmly into creepy cult territory Story-wise, Dani is accompanied by her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor), a whole heap of people wearing white await their arrival and things aren't quite what they seem when the duo gets to their destination. The Good Place's William Jackson Harper and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch's Will Poulter also feature among the cast, and what this first sneak peek offers in the way of idyllic natural surroundings and flower crowns, it counters with glimpses of chilling rituals. Check out the nightmarish first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0UWIya-O0s Midsommar opens in Australian cinemas on August 8.
No matter who you are, the need for a nice, long holiday is real. And, while far-flung adventures on the Mediterranean may not be in your cards, you can find a wealth of sensational coastal destinations right here in your own backyard. The stretch of the Mornington Peninsula offers sandy beaches, untouched bushland and award-winning wineries, all less than two hours south of Melbourne's CBD. You can find luxury retreats peppered throughout the region, ranging from plush waterfront hideaways to peaceful farm escapes. Get into holiday mode and start scrolling for some of the most luxurious stays you can book on the Mornington Peninsula. Because if ever there was a time to treat yourself to a taste of the high life, it's now. Recommended reads: A 48-Hour Guide to the Mornington Peninsula The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Summer Day Trips From Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria Monterey Stud, Shoreham Set among rolling green hills, this designer farmhouse boasts both good looks and a tranquil setting. Plus, a stunning wraparound deck for sunset drinking sessions. Sleeps eight, from $900 a night. Barefoot, Blairgowrie A stylish holiday pad with a breezy indoor-outdoor flow, nestled right on the beach. This spacious beauty has loads of modern features and a solar-heated pool. Sleeps nine, from $775 a night. Bay Crest Manor, Mount Eliza Perched on top of the cul-de-sac of the Morning Peninsula, this manor resembling an ancient Greek temple boasts an unbeatable bay view. Watch the sun set in the infinity pool or take on your friends in life-sized lawn chess. Sleeps eight, from $1023 a night. Hart's Farm Retreat, Shoreham This smartly appointed farm stay makes for an idyllic couples' retreat, featuring high-end furnishings, a sun-drenched private deck and a magical outlook over olive groves and vineyards. Sleeps two, from $650 a night. Coastal Bush Retreat, St Andrews Beach Unwind in style at this quiet, leafy beach escape which boasts modern interiors, a chic coastal style and a roomy deck primed for sunset drinks. Sleeps four, from $250 a night. The Red Hill Barn, Main Ridge This charming barn has been reworked into a stylish couples' studio, featuring a bright, breezy fit-out and secluded setting in the heart of wine country. Sleeps two, from $470 a night. Crown Cove Villa, Safety Beach A luxury waterfront stunner with open-plan indoor-outdoor living that'll take your breath away. Enjoy the private jetty, dedicated dining room and spectacular heated pool. Sleeps 12, from $1590 a night. Coastal Luxe, St Andrews Beach Decked out in soothing natural tones, this designer beach pad is a dreamy home away from home. Spa, pool table and incredible outdoor living, all included. Sleeps 12, from $836 a night. Portsea Dairy, Portsea This lovingly restored farmhouse will win you over with its modern features, sun-drenched yard and spacious deck complete with an outdoor spa. Sleeps four, from $329 a night. Sunset Coastal Retreat, Mount Martha 180-degree views of Port Phillip Bay await you in this modern abode tucked away on Mount Martha. Enjoy the solar-heated pool, unwind in the spa, or take in the stunning city skyline from the expansive balcony. Sleeps nine, from $1219 a night. Images: Airbnb FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
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.
It's a familiar problem: your lounge room corner or kitchen windowsill is screaming for a bit of greenery, but finding time to shop for a fiddle leaf fig or a monstera is easier said than done. That's where plant delivery services come in, whether you're after something new each month or a one-off parcel of nature's goodness. And, in the latter camp, Australia has a new site ready to send a baby rubber plant, bird of paradise or peace lily to your door. That'd be The Plant People, a Brisbane-based nursery that takes care of the whole process, including seeding, growing, potting and delivery. At the company's base in Burpengary, green babies are nurtured by propagators and horticulturalists, then sent to eager customers — not only in Brissy or on the Gold and Sunshine coasts, but throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. Greenery-wise, The Plant People specialises in low-maintenance plants that can be grown indoors and arrive room-ready, with its range spanning familiar names and more creative types. You can nab a birds nest fern, Swiss cheese plant or string of pearls, or perhaps a philodendron, string of dolphins, Chinese money plant or manda succulent. The collection will continue to grow, following the latest trends and adding new varieties. The Plant People also sells pots, which are made by an artisan in Vietnam, as well as handy accessories such as garden scissors and moisture meters. Prices range from $14.95–$395 — and, no matter where you're getting your plant delivered to in its custom-designed box, shipping is free. The Plant People delivers to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. For further details, visit the company's website.
As Brisbane's annual LGBTQIA+ celebration, Melt Festival has seen Sophie Ellis-Bextor grace its stage, and Chappell Roan as well. It has also hosted Spencer Tunick's nude photography works, including shutting down the Story Bridge for one installation. They're just some of the event's highlights from recent years, but it's about to add another in 2025: a Brisbane-only show by Broadway icon Bernadette Peters. In New York's famous theatre district, she originated the role of The Witch in Into the Woods, and of Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. She has two Tonys, for Song and Dance and Annie Get Your Gun. She won a Golden Globe for Pennies From Heaven on the big screen, and featured in The Jerk and Annie as well. On TV, she boasts Smash, Mozart in the Jungle, The Good Fight, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist and High Desert on her resume. Now, Peters is doing an Australian-exclusive performance in the Queensland capital — and it's her first Aussie gig in more than a decade. An Evening with Bernadette Peters has a date with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, October 24 — and is also the first event announced for Melt Festival, which runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. The star kickstarts the lineup not just as a Broadway legend, but as an icon of the LGBTQIA+ community, including thanks to her work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to raise funds for AIDS patients and research. How will a talent with six decades of performing to draw upon — including the current Broadway season of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends — whittle that down into one Brisbane show? You'll need to head along to find out. [caption id="attachment_998044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drama League via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Melt takes place in spring, and returns in 2025 after being reborn in 2024 as a fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture that not only fills Brisbane Powerhouse, but spreads across the city. Last year, more than 120 events popped up in 70-plus venues across southeast Queensland, complete with a Wicked-themed Halloween ball, a pool party and plenty more. In her Brisbane performance, Peters boasts support by Camerata — Queensland's Chamber Orchestra. [caption id="attachment_716453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Evans[/caption] An Evening with Bernadette Peters will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of Melt Festival 2025. Head to the festival website for more information, and to join the waitlist for tickets. Melt Festival 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. Hit up the festival website for more details. Top image: Drama League via Wikimedia Commons.
There's something hypnotic about those viral 'is it cake' videos. You know the ones. Seemingly inanimate object, knife appears, oh wow, it was cake all along. Even when you know it's cake, you still stay for the reveal. Why? Well, we're humans, we like cake, and we like art — we like cake art! Therefore, we like that Le Yeahllow is opening a bricks and mortar store in Melbourne. That's right, the once online-only dessert vendor can now be found on the corner of Elizabeth and Little Collins — perfect if you're in the city and feel like grabbing a bite of an edible work of art. To celebrate the opening — and the festive season — Le Yeahllow has crafted a bunch of creations for its annual Christmas gift guide featuring two limited-edition cakes, artisanal chocolates and other mouth-watering treats. The Chestnut Blackcurrant Yule Log, a festive twist on the traditional Christmas cake, layers chestnut cream, blackcurrant puree, and vanilla sponge, crowned with chantilly cream and festive gift wrapping. Meanwhile, the Christmas Cherry — a fan favourite — makes its return this year, combining chocolate sponge with Valrhona chocolate mousse, cinnamon Bavarian cream and orange cremeux topped with a sprinkle of chocolate crumble. The Christmas lineup also includes a Chocolate Gift Box ($29), a Macaron Gift Box ($29), a deluxe Homebake Gift Tin ($95), and a Christmas Hamper ($135), giving you a variety of options if you feel like being the most popular person at Christmas lunch. Le Yeahllow is open Monday–Friday, 7am–6.30pm, and weekends and public holidays 9am–6.30pm. Find it at 366 Little Collins Street.
Breakups are hard. But, they also makes for some pretty great stories. And you'll unearth plenty of those heartbreaking tales when the Museum of Broken Relationships rocks into town. The internationally acclaimed, Croatian-born exhibition will make its Aussie debut next month, as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival's love-themed 2019 program. It's set to hit the CBD's No Vacancy Gallery from September 1–29, showcasing a thought-provoking collection of real-life relationship relics. For the museum's Melbourne pop-up, curators (and exes) Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic are pulling together an assortment of local stories and pieces, as well as objects from the exhibition's permanent collections in Zagreb and Los Angeles. Expect to find symbols of heartbreak, nostalgia and ended relationships — and the captivating stories behind them. And if you've got your own object of long lost love lying around, it can be part of the show, too. Vistica and Grubisic are collecting Melbourne contributions to add a bit of local heartbreak to the pop-up, which might then go on the road and become part of the Museum's permanent collection. To donate your item, fill in a contribution form by August 7.
Not only a destination to soak in crystal-clear waters during the warmer months and explore undeveloped islands, New Zealand's Far North has a food culture worthy of shouting from the rooftops. With a big focus on seasonal produce, menus are ever-changing and no two visits to the Bay of Islands will taste the same. Thanks to its handy placement on the fringe of the world's largest ocean, you can expect to lap up an abundance of seafood plus locally made cheese, chocolates and wine all year round. This is your guide to eating and drinking in the Bay of Islands. Before even setting off on your island adventure, the outskirts of Kerikeri has a number of eateries worth swinging into. The Rusty Tractor is a good place to get a feel for the community and refuel with generous portions. The family-friendly cafe is the kind where everyone knows everyone. On this visit the barista could be found hopping between the coffee machine and working in the gardens, while another local was spotted making himself at home behind the counter for a chat. The menu offers a contemporary (and hefty) take on breakfast classics, including mince on toast with poached eggs and onion rings, mushrooms in a cobb loaf with pea and feta salsa verde, and cinnamon sugared doughnuts. If you're in the business of caffeine, the cafe uses first-rate Supreme beans and has the option of a four-shot coffee bucket. If you have an afternoon to wile away, Marsden Estate is a short trip from the airport. At the winery you can enjoy an educational wine tasting before settling on your preferred varietal. We also suggest grabbing the antipasto platter of local cheeses, handmade terrine, dips and spreads and perching under the vines in the courtyard. Afterwards, take a stroll around the subtropical vineyard gardens with another glass of vino in hand. [caption id="attachment_986518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Packhouse Market[/caption] For something on the run (especially if you're around on a weekend), head to The Old Packhouse Market. Found in Kerikeri, literally in an old packhouse, the weekly gathering of more than 100 vendors is the perfect spot to load up on supplies before heading off on a road trip. Expect to pick up everything from homemade pies to raw milk, deep-fried oyster po' boys and fruit and vegetables from producers that reside just around the corner. Enjoy your finds while listening to live music, receiving a palm reading or getting a reflexology massage. Across the road is another must-visit attraction. As soon as you enter Makana Confections the smell from the adjoining factory will be tugging on your heartstrings. The best part is that free samples are handed out upon arrival in the gift shop so you can try before you buy — you'll also see staff crafting the exact same thing through the window, so you know it's fresh. The cafe offers a lineup of gelato, chocolate truffles, cakes and slices for dine-in or takeaway. While you're in Kerikeri, head to Cafe Jerusalem for authentic Israeli cuisine that encapsulates the flavours of the Levant. En route to Russell, you'll pass through Paihia. Here you'll have the option of quick bites spanning kebabs, pizza and ribs. On the other side of the one-way bridge from the township lies the official birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi. As part of the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds you can enhance your visitor experience by witnessing the unveiling of a traditional hāngi — a Māori method of cooking in the earth with hot stones. Hāngi chefs will introduce the cooking process before you tuck into the feast. [caption id="attachment_986502" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paroa Bay Winery[/caption] Once off the car ferry en route to Russell, make a short detour for Paroa Bay Winery, a family-owned property set against the rolling hills and overlooking Paroa Bay. The boutique vineyard has a big focus on sustainability, using techniques of dry-grown vines across chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, syrah, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and merlot. Go for a tasting flight and stay for the Mediterranean and European-inspired menu at onsite restaurant, Sage. With its award-winning restaurant set right on the water, The Duke of Marlborough is a pristine destination to stop in Russell for a bite to eat. The property was erected in 1827 and later became the first licensed hotel in New Zealand. The property still retains its vintage appeal; the rooms are grand with high ceilings, the walls are covered with marine memorabilia and the solid furniture certainly has a story to tell. The restaurant is all about showcasing local seasonal produce and modern interpretations of classic favourites. You can expect to sample local oysters or oven-roasted fish that was caught directly in front of the hotel. The beverage list is extensive with over 100 wines and 30 beers from the Bay of Islands to Burgundy. The wine tasting rack is a good option for indecisive diners, offering three generous samples to sip back as the sun drops over the inlet. [caption id="attachment_986497" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gables[/caption] Just down the main strip from The Duke is The Gables, the oldest licensed restaurant in the country. The building was originally built by an immigrant shoemaker who purchased the land from a Māori chief. It's now owned by Robert and Jenny Loosley, who have retained the old world charm and a collection of documents — including the original deed of sale. The kitchen aims to showcase classic New Zealand flavours, with fresh local seafood and grass-fed meat big players on the menu. Elsewhere is Hone's Garden in the warmer months offers wood-fired pizza, fresh beer and friendly community vibes; and Hell Hole is a great option to start your day with loaded bagels and fresh coffee. GETTING THERE Kerikeri Airport is the region's main port of call. From Auckland Airport it's a breezy 50-minute flight to the sleepy terminal. Alternatively, it will take you just over three hours to drive from Auckland to Paihia and Russell. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
Don't mess with Vin Diesel's on-screen family. Since 2001, that's been a basic cinema rule, holding hard and fast — and furiously, of course — in the Fast & Furious franchise. Back then, it didn't seem like a high-octane take on Point Break with a heap of extra Coronas and 100-percent more street racing would span ten sequels and a spinoff, and also become one of the biggest movie series there is. But here we now are awaiting the arrival of Fast X, and knowing that there's another flick to come after that. The saga's penultimate ride (well, supposedly) races into cinemas on May 18 and, after dropping a first trailer a few months back, it has just given audiences another sneak peek. All the essentials are covered, which really means Diesel (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special) glaring at everyone who threatens that brood, an ever-growing list of other famous faces, speedy-driving vehicles everywhere, ridiculous dialogue, OTT action setpieces and more than a few explosions. In Fast X, Dom's grandmother (Rita Moreno, West Side Story) joins the series — and so does his new nemesis Dante (Jason Momoa, Dune). The latter is going after the usual F&F crew to avenge his own blood, another franchise staple. He's on that quest because he's the son of Fast Five's drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida, Warrior Nun), which is a handy way go get him threatening Dom and company for slights against his own family. Seasoned viewers will remember that that's how Jason Statham's (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) Deckard Shaw originally came into these films. Accordingly, this new stint of ride-or-die, quarter-mile-at-a-time chaos can only be resolved by high-action stunts and ties back to past movies, as Dom faces off against Dante. Statham does indeed make an appearance, as he's done since Fast & Furious 6 and in spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Also featured are a whole heap of franchise regulars, such as Michelle Rodriguez (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves), Jordana Brewster (Who Invited Charlie?), Ludacris (End of the Road), Tyrese Gibson (Morbius) and Sung Kang (Obi-Wan Kenobi) as Dom's wife Lottie, sister Mia, and pals Tej, Roman and Han. And, Nathalie Emmanuel (The Invitation) returns as Ramsey, Scott Eastwood (I Want You Back) as government operative Little Nobody, John Cena (Peacemaker) as Dom's brother Jakob (see: Fast and Furious 9), Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) as Deckard's mother Queenie and Charlize Theron (The School for Good and Evil) as criminal mastermind Cypher. Every F&F flick also throws new famous folks onto its road — and while sadly Keanu Reeves has yet to grace its frames to cement the Point Break ties, or Channing Tatum in a Magic Mike/F&F mashup that'd be a ridiculous dream, Fast X adds Momoa, Moreno and Brie Larson (Just Mercy). Also, while not a household name by any means, Leo Abelo Perry (Cheaper by the Dozen) joins the series as Brian Marcos, Dom's young son. As for how it'll all turn out when Fast X unfurls its wonders — in what's meant to be the first film in a two-part finale for the franchise, and what feels like it'll have to be a five-hour movie itself just to fit the entire cast in — the two previews so far are filled with chases and aerial feats, ample mentions of family, twist reveals and glorious F&F vehicular mayhem in general. Now You See Me and Grimsby filmmaker Louis Leterrier directs, fresh from helping make TV series Lupin such a hit, and also reteaming with Statham after The Transporter and The Transporter 2 back in the 00s. Yes, we'll count that as another F&F instance of family ties. Check out the latest Fast X trailer below: Fast X releases in cinemas Down Under on May 18, 2023.
Sydney's CBD has landed a major dose of the Tokyo-esque practical and compact, with the former Bar Century space reopening in May as The Capsule Hotel, a three-storey, luxury boutique stay. The George Street cheap drinks den, which closed in 2016, was taken over by developer Walter Guo, who invested a massive $5 million on a full interior refurb, carried out by interior design consultants Giant Design. The heritage building has somewhat retained its vintage fit-out but with more of a nod to the futuristic space-like capsules of The Fifth Element. The bar and hotel are running as separate entities, with the first two levels acting as The Century Bar, while the top three floors of the building are dedicated to the capsules. Each of the 70 capsules contains a large flatscreen TV and entertainment system, Wi-Fi, and a climate control panel. Guests can choose from single or deluxe beds with entry from either the side or the end of the capsule. The communal facilities include a kitchen space, breakfast bar, lounge area, rooftop terrace and individual bathrooms. If you're worried about security, don't be — each capsule is fitted with a secure lock and the security desk runs 24-hours. But let's set the record straight — The Century is not a hostel, and it's not aimed at overindulgent locals that can't seem to make it back home. "The accommodation, which is not quite hotel nor hostel, is aimed at solo travellers looking for something more private than a typical backpackers and those who want the designer hotel experience on a budget," says Christopher Wilks, an associate at Giant Design. It's set to sit well within your budget, with prices ranging from $50-90 a night. Which, depending on how far from the CBD you live, could be a lot cheaper than a cab home at 1am. Find The Capsule Hotel at Level 3, 640 George Street, Sydney. For bookings, head to the website or call (02) 8957 7763.
They're the stories we all lapped up as kids, telling us about enchanted creatures, magic and more. They're behind plenty of movies that still grace our screens, too. And, they're the focus of a huge Australian-exclusive exhibition coming to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in the summer of 2023–24. Yes, we're talking about fairy tales. The just-announced showcase is indeed called Fairy Tales and, taking over GOMA's entire ground floor, it'll explore how these folklore-, myth- and legend-related narratives have fascinated audiences through art and culture over not just years and decades, but centuries. If creepy woods have influenced sculptures, or tales of princes and princesses have inspired painters, expect to see it here, in a blockbuster showcase that'll run from December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024. [caption id="attachment_758872" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama[/caption] Also included: everything from drawings and installations through to fashion, as well as films and filmic elements, such as props, and costumes. GOMA hasn't unveiled an accompanying movie program in its Australian Cinematheque just yet, but you likely don't need to wish for that to happen — just wait for further details late next year. Wicked witches, magic animals (fierce and friendly alike), coming-of-age tales, shifting gender roles, bravery, loyalty, castles, coaches, pumpkins — they'll all feature in some way. Artists involved include GOMA favourites Yayoi Kusama and Patricia Piccinini, plus Jana Sterbak, Kiki Smith, Abdul Abdullah, Ron Mueck and Charles Blackman. The list goes on, like breadcrumb trails. And, if you like huge site-specific installations, the South Brisbane gallery has commissioned something special from Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira. He'll transform the building's architecture into a sure-to-be-stunning gnarled and twisted woodland (a sure-to-be-snapped piece, too, naturally). [caption id="attachment_845376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] H Walker[/caption] GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), its sibling venue at South Bank, have also dropped their full 2023 lineups, with Fairy Tales among a feast of art that Brisbanites — and culture-loving, gallery-attending visitors to Brisbane — can look forward to. The already-announced Air exhibition kicks off at GOMA in November 2022 and runs through till April 2023, and follows on from Water back in 2019 and 2020. Or, there's Michael Zavros: The Favourite, showcasing 90-plus paintings, sculptures, videos, photos and performances by the Queensland artist — and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness, an extensive retrospective (the most extensive to date) about the Canberra-based artist. They'll both head to GOMA as well. And, Gone Fishing will draw pieces from the gallery's Indigenous Australian Art collection, including fibre sculptures, paintings, prints and installation, to ponder traditional sea rights, plus freshwater and saltwater fishing practices. [caption id="attachment_874638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Zavros / Australia b.1974 / V12/Narcissus 2009 / Oil painting on board / 20 x 29.5 x 2cm / Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Gift of the artist 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Image courtesy: Michael Zavros / © Michael Zavros.[/caption] Over at QAG, Living Patterns will examine contemporary abstraction, forming one of the venue's major exhibitions. The list of artists contributing new and recent works there is also impressive; think: Paul Bai, Helen Johnson, Lindy Lee, Dhuwarrwarr Marika, Reko Rennie, Hossein Valamanesh, Jemima Wyman and more. QAG will also survey landscape and marine paintings by 19th-century artist Isaac Walter Jenner; explore Indigenous Australian artistic practice from the north to north-west of southeast Queensland to the top end of Western Australia; showcase the exchange enjoyed between Australian and Filipino artists in the 90s and 00s; and serve up a big focus on self-portraiture, including musing on selfie culture. Prepare to spend most of 2023 in Brisbane's two major art galleries, clearly. [caption id="attachment_874639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Griggs / Australia/The Philippines b.1975 / Frog boy's dissertation into a new karaoke cult 2008 / Synthetic polymer paint on sewn canvas with aluminium frame, wood and medium density fibreboard, rope and projected DVD: 34.54 minutes, colour, silent, 730 x 860 x 620cm (installed); tent wall: 286 x 2520cm / Purchased 2008 with funds from the Queensland Government's Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund and with the assistance of the Melbourne Art Fair Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © David Griggs.[/caption] QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY AND GALLERY OF MODERN ART 2023 PROGRAM: Air at GOMA — November 26, 2022–April 23, 2023 North by North-West at QAG — February 11, 2023—March 2, 2025 Lies, Magicians and Blind Faith at QAG — March 4–July 30, 2023 Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait at QAG — March 11–August 6, 2023 Gone Fishing at GOMA — May 20, 2023—January 21, 2024 Michael Zavros: The Favourite at GOMA — June 24–October 2, 2023 eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness at GOMA — June 24–October 2, 2023 Isaac Walter Jenner at QAG — September 2, 2023—January 28, 2024 Living Patterns: Abstraction at QAG — September 23, 2023–February 4, 2024 Fairy Tales at GOMA — December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024 Fairy Tales displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from December 2, 2023–April 28, 2024. For further details — or to find out more about the gallery's full 2023 slate — visit its website. Top image: Henrique Oliveira / Brazil b.1973 / Baitogogo 2013 / Palais de Tokyo, Paris / Plywood and tree branches / 6740 x 1179 x 2076cm / Courtesy SAM Art Projects, Galerie GP&N Vallois, Galeria Millan / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: André Morin / This work is indicative of a new commission by Henrique Oliveira for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.
