When the director and lead of one of 2021's best Norwegian films — and best movies from anywhere that year — joined forces again, of course the Scandinavian Film Festival needed to get the resulting picture on its program. Accordingly, Sentimental Value from The Worst Person in the World filmmaker Joachim Trier, once more starring Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent), is one of the big highlights at 2025's Australian showcase of cinema from the Nordic region. Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) also feature, and the results won this year's Cannes Grand Prix (the award below the Palme d'Or). At the Scandinavian Film Festival, Sentimental Value is getting the centrepiece treatment. Movies from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are always in the drawcard at this Aussie fest — so a Norwegian spy drama to kick things off in 2025, then an Icelandic black comedy to wrap things up, are both on the itinerary. This year's national tour starts on Friday, July 11 in both Melbourne and Ballarat, with Scandinavian Film Festival's opening nights staggered as it then heads to Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Byron Bay and Ballina on various dates, wrapping up countrywide on Wednesday, August 13. Launching the fest: Number 24, the latest from The Burning Sea and The Quake director John Andreas Andersen, recounting a true espionage tale from World War II. The aptly named Grand Finale comes in at the other end, spinning a Reykjavik-set story about a struggling chamber orchestra's efforts to endure. Alongside Sentimental Value, Quisling: The Final Days is another of the festival's big-name titles, this time from The King's Choice and Utoya: July 22's Erik Poppe, with the trial of its controversial namesake head of state the film's focus. Cannes favourites, blasts from the past, laughter-inducing fare: they're all on the lineup, then. Add watching Björk's daughter in her first feature role, multiple dates with Danish actor Trine Dyrholm (The Girl with the Needle) and celebrating the 25th anniversary of a Swedish romantic-comedy to the list, too. The first comes courtesy of The Mountain, a coming-of-age and road-trip flick starring Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney. Dyrholm pops up in both the healthcare-centric Second Victims and the David Dencik (Other People's Money)-co-starring Beginnings. And Jalla! Jalla! is marking its quarter-century milestone. Audiences keen to spend Australia's winter feasting their eyes on colder climes from the other side of the world can also look forward to the Faroe Islands-set The Last Paradise on Earth and heading into an Icelandic seafood restaurant with Odd Fish. Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Riders of Justice) leads Way Home, about a Danish father endeavouring to save his loved ones. With heist effort The Quiet Ones, Denmark's biggest-ever robbery makes its way to the screen. Finnish relationship dramedy Sudden Bursts of Emotions, the nation's great Heikki Kinnunen playing 'The Grump' in Long Good Thursday, three siblings returning to the house they grew up in in Everything Must Go, the couch-surfing antics of Live a Little, the beer-brewing sisters of 100 Litres of Gold, My Father's Daughter's focus on a Sámi teenager: add them to your Scandinavian Film Festival list as well. Scandinavian Film Festival 2025 Dates Friday, July 11–Sunday, August 3 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre, Melbourne Friday, July 11–Sunday, August 3 — Palace Regent Cinema, Ballarat Wednesday, July 16–Sunday, August 10 — Palace Electric, Canberra Thursday, July 17–Sunday, August 10 — Palace Norton St, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, July 23–Wednesday, August 13 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, July 23–Thursday, August 14 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Wednesday, July 24–Wednesday, August 13 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square, Perth Wednesday, July 24–Wednesday, August 13 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina The Scandinavian Film Festival tours Australia in July and August 2025. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
On Tuesday, December 17, Chef Keisuke Kita (ex-Nobu and Sushi Baby) quietly opened his 28-seat omakase-style restaurant Nori Maki in Melbourne's CBD. Here, Kita and his crew are combining traditional Japanese cuisine and culinary techniques with contemporary Californian and Melburnian style — placing made-to-order handrolls at the very core of the dining experience. But don't expect your big Aussie-style sushi rolls. These are significantly more classic in their delivery, although Kita has played a little with the recipe, crafting them with a higher nori to rice ratio — really driving that umami flavour home. And while it isn't strictly an omakase restaurant, it is giving real omakase energy. Twenty-three of the 28 seats are overlooking the kitchen, giving you the opportunity to watch the chefs create each of the dishes before serving you directly. Price-wise, you'll also be pleasantly surprised to see a less-than-daunting bill grace the table after experiencing a proper feed at Nori Maki. Its generous set menu omakase experience only costs $69, and it comes with a sashimi plate, four handrolls, a signature roll, chawanmushi and a dessert. That's a damn good price for these eats, especially considering Kita's impressive experience. Not only has he worked as the Head Sushi Chef at Nobu in Melbourne and helped open Atlantic Group's Sushi Baby, but his entire family has a long tradition of working in this field. His family's culinary heritage spans over 180 years and is associated with the highly prestigious Shijoryu cooking tradition. By striking out on his own, he now has a lot more space to play with the art of sushi-making, putting his own contemporary twist on handrolls. Just make sure you get in early as it looks like this small fine-diner is going to fill up fast. You'll find Nori Maki at 7/235 Bourke St, Melbourne (within the newly redeveloped Tivoli Arcade), open 11.30am–9pm from Tuesday–Saturday. For more details, you can check out the venue's Instagram.
Halloween's just around the corner and if you're anything like us you're busy collecting classic horror films to scare your weak-willed friends and family. For those not inclined to dress up as zombies from The Walking Dead and make trouble all over the city, the scary movie marathon is naturally the go-to plan. But it wasn't always that way. Every good horror fan got their start somewhere a little more tame. And, if you were young or shameless enough in the early 1990s, that start was through the work of R.L. Stine. The legendary Goosebumps writer responsible for a ridiculous number of YA hits, R.L. Stine was a God in every primary school. In the popularity pecking order, your coolness was inevitably judged by how many of his books you had read and everyone would have a copy handy to retreat into during reading time. It was the closest thing we could get to the blood and gore our parents wouldn't let us watch on screen. But, what if all that hysteria and literary mystery never had to end? Some bona fide genius on Tumblr has solved all the problems we never knew we had — they've re-imagined our favourite horror flicks as Goosebumps books for adults (or very inappropriate reads for children). Covering classics like Friday the 13th, The Shining, Carrie and Psycho, If It Were Stine looks at all the hardcore stories through the gloriously pulpy lens of Stine. Of course, if these were available in our childhood we would have grown up with serious problems. Paranoia, sleep problems and anxiety to say the least. When I was eight, my dad let me watch The Candyman with him because I thought it was about Willy Wonka. Who knows how I would have turned out had that been avoided. But, on the plus side, these books would make bestsellers for adults. Let's bring it back; make it cool again. Copyright, be damned. Someone should launch a Kickstarter campaign to make this a reality ASAP. Via AV Club. All images via If It Were Stine.
Chef Tom Sarafian's debut restaurant on Smith Street is a 40-seat ode to his grandfather Zareh, whose journey from Egypt to Melbourne sparked a multigenerational love of hospitality. The venue deftly marries the generosity of Middle Eastern hosting with the sleek and moody ambience one would expect from its Collingwood postcode — it's cool, but not cold. At Zareh, the kitchen finds the centre of the room — fully open and built around a charcoal barbecue and woodfired oven by The Brick Chef. The restaurant's menu draws on a mix of Sarafian's family heritage, his stints in renowned Melbourne and London kitchens (Cumulus Inc, Rumi, Petersham Nurseries, St John, to name just a few) and travels through North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East — but is ultimately defined as Armenian-Lebanese. Expect fresh Victorian produce seasoned with 'Mouneh' (pantry goods sourced directly from organic farms in Lebanon) like high-quality za'atar, sumac and pomegranate molasses, plus pine nuts, cedar oak honey and fermented pepper pastes. Zareh's wine list spotlights producers from Armenia and Lebanon, alongside thoughtful local and international labels. Bartender Matt Linklater leads the cocktail program, with a focus on arak (an anise-flavoured alcohol traditionally served in Middle Eastern countries) — including Arak Farid, discovered by Sarafian and partner Jinane Bou-Assi in Lebanon and now imported to Australia for the first time. Notable drinks include the Zareh Gilda Martini, an icy martini laced with arak and finished with Sarafian's take on the classic Gilda, plus a selection of world-class Armenian brandies. The space, designed with Min Tseng and MIC Projects, channels family nostalgia and Beirut's colour palette: soft green banquettes, pink-hued limestone walls and a flowing tahini-coloured curtain, anchored by a warm timber bar wrapped around the open kitchen. There are details nodding to Sarafian's grandparents' house, too — from bar tiles to a retro glass sliding door. Zareh also retails Sarafian signature pantry favourites alongside authentic Lebanese mouneh — distilled waters, vinegars, honey and jams, spices, za'atar and freshly ground sumac — via a partnership with Droubna, a mother-and-daughter team in South Lebanon preserving traditional farming practices and village food culture. It's an invitation to take the flavours home with you. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
First, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under sashayed its way Down Under. Now, the series that's been known as Drag Race Down Under since RuPaul handed over hosting duties to Michelle Visage for season four is sharing its talents with the world. Or, to be more accurate, Drag Race Down Under vs The World is welcoming queens from around the globe to compete against Drag Race Down Under favourites. Stan has announced that Drag Race Down Under vs The World is on its way — although there's no exact release date as yet. The streaming platform has also revealed that Visage, who has been involved in the Drag Race world as a judge since the third season of the OG RuPaul's Drag Race, is hosting. PLus, Rhys Nicholson is back on the judging panel, joined by season four's winner Lazy Susan. Whenever it hits, there'll be eight hour-long episodes of Drag Race Down Under vs The World, all pitting Down Under competitors from the four seasons so far of Drag Race Down Under against contenders from beyond Australia and New Zealand's shores. Viewers will also be tuning in for a show that's following in the footsteps of other Drag Race spinoffs such as UK vs The World and Canada vs The World. The drag queens at the centre of the series haven't yet been announced, either, and neither has the lineup of guest judges. "After four incredible seasons of Drag Race Down Under, we're delighted to bring back our Aussie drag fan-favourites and unleash them onto the world stage," said Michael Healy, Nine Entertainment's Executive Director, Entertainment Content Commissioning. "With a formidable and familiar panel, and the reigning queen Lazy Susan joining the esteemed judges' desk, Drag Race Down Under vs The World will showcase the extraordinary talent we have in Australia and give local audiences a front-row seat to watch our queens shine globally." Drag Race initially made the leap Down Under in 2021 — and if you've been watching since, it's time to start guessing which past queens will be making a comeback for Drag Race Down Under vs The World. Of course, there's no trailer yet for Drag Race Down Under vs The World, but check out clips from past seasons of Drag Race Down Under below: Drag Race Down Under vs The World doesn't yet have a release date, but will stream via Stan and TVNZ when it returns — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
Melbourne's dining scene is no stranger to ambition — and Lexy is no exception. The Flinders Lane restaurant and bar fuses bold design with creative, contemporary pan-Asian fare, delivering an experience that's just as much about style as it is about substance. Designed by Tom Orton and Kim Lai of Brunswick creative studio We Are Humble, the 80-seat venue takes its cues from the worlds of fashion, architecture and theatre. You'll find considered design choices throughout the space, from tan suede upholstery and brushed silver finishes to the shimmering ceiling that evokes a twinkling blanket of starlight, all anchored by an open kitchen that adds to the sense of theatre. There's also a sleek private dining room for more discreet affairs. In the kitchen, Head Chef Oak oversees a menu that blends heritage with rule-breaking flair. Calamansi soy-cured king salmon, for example, is dressed with smoked yarra roe, cucumber and coconut gel. Crispy rice bibimbap is elevated with perilla leaf, nori and egg floss, while an eggplant katsu terrine is given a lift with confit garlic tofu, orange glaze and fennel. Desserts include a sultry dark chocolate mousse served with a mantou rum baba, coffee cream and cherry compote. If you like your dinner with a side of drama, pull up a chair at the four-seat chef's table, where you can get an up-close look at the creative process as it unfolds. Lexy's high-spec equipment includes UNOX combi ovens and a Josper charcoal oven from which Oak and his team are serving the likes of miso-braised leek with burnt cream wasabi, roasted half chicken with yuzu tamarind and charred corn, as well as M9 and M9+ wagyu. Lexy's bar runs on a zero-waste ethos, using fermentation, clarification, tinctures and oleos to craft cocktails that are both inventive and familiar, with a spotlight on native Australian ingredients. There's also an evolving sake list featuring rare drops you won't find anywhere in Australia — except under Lexy's gleaming ceiling.
What music goes best with turning eight-million Lego bricks into the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled? 'Luke's Theme', aka the franchise's main tune? 'The Imperial March' when things get tricky? 'Parade of the Ewoks', just because? That's a question for Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of a galaxy far, far away. The end result: Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, which is a world-first showcase of Lego models based on the George Lucas-created space saga. It'll arrive in Australia in 2025, making its global premiere — and it sparks another question for attendees: which tracks will pair well with walking through this Lego Star Wars wonderland? The force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is. Exactly where all of those millions of Lego bricks will display hasn't been revealed as yet, and neither have exact exhibition dates, but you can start getting as excited as a Skywalker learning how to first use a lightsaber. The full list of models that'll feature also hasn't been unveiled so far, but battle scenes between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader will be on display, plus Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul duelling, and also Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards. If you're in Melbourne and Sydney, you can also get a sneak peek right now — with the first two at Westfield Doncaster from Wednesday, May 1–Monday, May 6, and the third at Sydney Arcade's huge Lego store (the world's largest, in fact) for the month of May. As it constructs an immersive experience and follows in the footsteps of the Jurassic World franchise, which has also scored the Lego treatment from Brickman, Star Wars: The Exhibition has plenty of material to draw upon. On-screen, the series spans the initial film trilogy that released from 1977–83, then the prequels from 1999–2005, then the sequels — including The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker — from 2015–2019. Rogue One, Solo, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka: the list goes on across the big and small screens. There's also TV's The Acolyte, which arrives in June 2024, plus the wealth of animated efforts in the saga. "Building real people and characters is one of the hardest things you can possibly make out of Lego bricks. Each model not only has to represent who it is in incredible detail, but also needs to capture the moment, the emotion, the struggle, the tension," said McNaught about Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition. "Translating those epic scenes, iconic characters and spacecraft from Star Wars into little bricks is really hard and that's why they are rarely done, and even more so on this scale. Nobody has ever recreated these fight scenes at this scale out of Lego before — and I'm excited to be able to help premiere this in Australia for the first time in 2025." Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition will hit Australia in 2025, with when and where still to be revealed — we'll let you know more when it is announced. Head to the exhibition's website to sign up for updates in the interim.
2016: what a year. We saw powerful figures do battle on more than one occasion, witnessed pop culture figures return (and unexpectedly flourish), explored multiculturalism in several western nations, examined the impact of unforgiving and inflexible government bureaucracy, and watched a fascist try to dispense with naysayers — and that's just in the realm of film. Many a superhero flick, plenty of remakes and sequels, and the likes of The Hateful Eight, Goldstone, I, Daniel Blake and Green Room can attest to that. We also experienced everything from alien attacks to bear maulings to ghosts needing busting, and we've still only just scratched the surface of the last year at the cinema. In short, it was a great year to be a movie buff. So what's worth watching? Well, Concrete Playground's film critics have been hard at work staring at screens for the past 12 months watching an insane amount of cinema. So here's our picks for the best films of the year — if you only have time to watch ten films this holiday season, be sure to choose these ones. AMERICAN HONEY As directed by Fish Tank and Wuthering Heights' Andrea Arnold, American Honey takes an almost three-hour road trip through the vast, bewildering, heartbreaking disparity between the have and have nots in American society. A streetwise teen looking for a different life proves our guide after she crosses paths with a smooth-talking travelling magazine salesman with an epic rat tail. The latter is the best work of Shia LaBeouf's career, however it's the revelatory efforts of first-timer Sasha Lane as the former — and Arnold's ability to make her film feel as wide-ranging as its roaming narrative, and as intimate as its boxed-in imagery — that packs the strongest punch. Well, that and the eclectic yet expressive mixtape-like soundtrack. — Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHOmrolJEiY THE HANDMAIDEN Dripping with sex, Park Chan-wook's adaptation of Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith is a pulpy, stylish delight. Transplanting the story from Victorian era England to 1930s Korea, the film follows a maid out to steal her mistress's fortune, only for the pair to end up falling in love. Of course there's a lot more to it than that, with the director of Stoker and Oldboy taking viewers on a ride that is both ludicrous and utterly compelling. Aesthetically speaking, every single frame feels perfectly considered, while the twisting narrative will keep you guessing until the end. — Tom Clift MIDNIGHT SPECIAL It's been a great year for showing affection for sci-fi from years gone by — and, before Stranger Things set '80s-loving, TV fans' hearts aflutter, Midnight Special did the same in the cinema. The fourth film from Take Shelter and Mud director Jeff Nichols not only marks his fourth collaboration with the oh-so-great Michael Shannon — and his latest exploration of folks trusting in something bigger than themselves — but also offers an awe-filled, ambitious effort that's also a road movie, a chase thriller, an intimate drama and an otherworldly adventure. — SW THE NEON DEMON Director Nicholas Wending Refn turns his lens on the LA fashion scene with extremely unsettling, occasionally nauseating results. Bringing the same sleek, detached style (punctuated with violence, of course) that he did to his previous films including Drive and Only God Forgives, the Danish provocateur intentionally apes the aesthetic of the world his film inhabits, in order to expose the ugliness underneath. The Neon Demon has its detractors, and understandably so — the last act especially seems designed to test the audience's boundaries. But even those who despise the film would be hard pressed to deny its artistry. — TC CAROL As an actor skilled at bringing complex roles to life, Cate Blanchett just keeps getting better. As a filmmaker fascinated by stories of yearning for a more fulfilling existence, Velvet Goldmine and Far From Heaven director Todd Haynes does too. Combine the two with Patricia Highsmith's ahead-of-its-time 1952 novel The Price of Salt, add a disarmingly delicate performance by Rooney Mara as a shy shopgirl instantly smitten witg Blanchett's glamorous but conflicted older woman, and slow-building romance doesn't get much emotionally resonant and visually radiant than this. — SW DOWN UNDER Although tragically underseen in cinemas, writer-director Abe Forsythe's pitch black comedy set around the Cronulla riots is one of funniest and most insightful Australian films of the decade so far. A satire in the vein of Team America and Four Lions in which the stupidity of the protagonists belies the film's hidden intelligence, Down Under holds a mirror up to the ugly parts of Australian society, while painting bigots and racists as the idiots they so clearly are. Hysterically funny one moment and deeply troubling the next, it's a must see film that feels distressingly relevant today. — TC LA LA LAND It starts with sunshine, colour and song, then often lurks in moody bars and clubs. It spirits aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and avid jazz enthusiast Seb (Ryan Gosling) on a rollercoaster-like romance, and yet doesn't shy away from the pain and heartbreak of both following your passion and falling for someone. It references '50s musicals and '80s pop, but turns its influences into its own tale, proving nostalgic, celebratory and knowing all at once. Yes, Whiplash director Damien Chazelle's La La Land does many things, including bewitch audiences with its block-coloured, big crooning, bittersweet dream about life and love. The film has already been released overseas, but will officially hit cinemas here on Boxing Day. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8Xvsjy57X0 HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE Somehow outdoing his previous effort, the sidesplitting vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, Kiwi filmmaker Taika Waititi delivered one of the funniest and most charming films of the year with Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Carried on the shoulders of veteran actor Sam Neill and his talented young costar Julian Dennison, this heartwarming indie about a pre-teen delinquent and his foster father on the run from the authorities in the New Zealand wilderness delivers big laughs and an even bigger emotional payoff, and will endear itself to you even further on second, third, fourth and fifth viewings. — TC THE WAILING Films about cops chasing killers are common. Movies about brutal murders and sinister forces with potentially supernatural elements aren't all that uncommon either. And yet, South Korean effort The Wailing well and truly stands alone within a crowded field — and not just because the slow-burn horror effort clocks in at two and a half hours. It takes its time and still proves packed with everything from gorgeously moody landscapes to an increasingly dark atmosphere, plus the undead, exorcisms, ghosts and the kind of nods to genre greats that most scary movies only wish that they could manage. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0 HAIL, CAESAR! While it may strike some as a lesser entry in the Coen Brothers canon — lacking the obvious dramatic heft of something like No Country for Old Men or Inside Llewellyn Davis — this seemingly silly comedy about a blackmail plot in 1950s Hollywood is as ingenious and subversive as anything the siblings have ever made. Ostensibly a love letter to the golden age of movie-making, Hail, Caesar! is in fact a barbed satire about misplaced faith in artificial institutions, from politics to religion to tinsel town itself. Throw in an A-list cast hamming it up and having a ball, and you'd be absolutely screwy not to give it a watch. — TC These are our favourite films of 2016, but we've also put together a list of the best films hardly anyone saw this year — y'know, the ones that sort of went in and out of cinemas without much fanfare but definitely deserve a watch. Co-written by Sarah Ward and Tom Clift.
We're sorry to break it to you, but summer is officially nearing its end. To soften the blow while it's warm or when a freakishly toasty day pops up in the cooler months, why not visit some of Melbourne's rooftop bars? Picture you and your mates, a drink in hand, sun on your face (chaotic Melbourne weather pending) and epic views – what more could you want? We've narrowed down some of those rooftop spots around town for you to check out. Skinny Dog Hotel, Kew Being Kew's only rooftop bar, a couple of drinks at the Skinny Dog Hotel is never a bad idea. A perfect blend of classic pub fare with fresh energy, you can enjoy a cold pint and a delicious meal outside on the deck, or if you prefer the comfort of the indoors, the expansive glass roof means you'll still feel any sun on your skin. Public House, Richmond With a rooftop garden and panoramic views of Melbourne's CBD and beyond, you'll feel miles away at Public House. Plus, the vibes here are always high. There's a happy hour every Friday from 5—8pm, featuring $5 pots, $10 pints, house wines and spirits, and our personal favourite – $14 espresso martinis and margs. Once the sun goes down, it's worth staying around for DJs, which hit the decks from 9pm. Gardiner Hotel, Malvern Tucked into the heart of Malvern, Gardiner Rooftop Terrace offers a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. Unlike many other rooftop bars in Melbourne, the roof here is retractable, and there is ample heating, so it's perfect for those classic Melbourne days that hit all four seasons in one. Available for exclusive or semi-private events for up to 180 guests, this rooftop is luxe yet relaxed—the perfect spot to kick back with a couple of cocktails. The Provincial, Fitzroy One of Melbourne's best rooftop bars, The Provincial is Fitzroy's latest rooftop gem. Head upstairs for golden hour and watch Brunswick Street come alive, all the while enjoying generous happy hour deals from 5—7pm every day. Whether midday vino, knock-off drinks during the week or a cheeky boogie, The Provincial Rooftop bar has got you covered. Morris House, Exhibition Street Conveniently located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, Morris House Rooftop is the ultimate city retreat where you can enjoy signature cocktails, share-friendly plates and DJs every Friday and Saturday, as well as panoramic views, of course. Our tip? This spot is famous for its selection of cured meats, house-made focaccia and reimagined pub classics, plus a cocktail menu perfect for any occasion. State of Grace, King Street Perched up high above King Street, State of Grace is one of the top rooftop spots you can get in the Melbourne CBD – perfect for a long lunch on a sunny workday or a glass of the good stuff on a weekend golden hour. If you love a casual vibe, you can never really go wrong with a quick pop-in for a cold beer, summery cocktail or pizza here. Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street Much loved by Melbourne sports fans, what many don't know is that the Imperial Hotel on Bourke Street also has an unrivalled rooftop space. And yes, there is a huge screen up there, too, so you don't miss out on any of the sporting action. And if you're team is losing, simply gaze at the view instead and let all the frustration go. Designed for the everyday punter, the huge range of tap beers and dedicated rooftop menu means you'll never want to leave. The Duke of Wellington, Flinders Street Perched above Melbourne's oldest pub, The Duke Rooftop is a charming drinking hole loved by locals and visitors alike. You'll find cosy undercover nooks, high-top tables for sunny sips and big tables for meals with your mates. Enjoy a tipple while you immerse yourself in views of Flinders Street Station on one side and the MCG on the other. The perfect place for Friday night knock-offs, and everyone else has the same idea, so you'd benefit from leaving work early to nab a spot. Fargo and Co, Richmond Another of Richmond's most popular rooftop bars, Fargo and Co is the perfect spot for a cheeky beverage (or a spritz bucket) and a bite to eat. But the main event here is the famous weekend bottomless brunch sessions. Come night, the terrace is transformed into a pool party paradise, with DJs bringing the beats every Sunday from 2pm. Harlow, Richmond One of the finest bars for Melbourne CBD views, Harlow Rooftop is a great spot to enjoy the sun while you're in the big smoke. The food here is always on point, as are the cocktails, and the weekly specials and Drag Bottomless Brunch make it one of the more lively spots to go for a drink in Melbourne, no matter the occasion. Richmond Club Hotel, Richmond Richmond Club Hotel is a local institution found in the heart of Richmond. The multi-level pub is known for its laidback vibes, simple quality menu items and classic drinks. Pair this with sweeping views of Melbourne's skyline and ultimate sunset views, and you'll soon find out why this place is always packed. For more information on The Pass and perks you can unlock, visit the website. For more bars and restaurants around Melbourne, explore more on Concrete Playground. Images: supplied
We've all been there. It's 6pm on a Wednesday. You've just commuted home from a long day at the office, and all you want is to switch your brain off with a good doom scroll. The temptation to tap your trusty delivery app in this moment is high. What could be easier than having a takeaway arrive straight to your door? But we all know the truth. From missing items to cold meals and soggy cardboard, the dream of a takeaway is often tastier than the reality. That's why we've partnered with MasterFoods™ to give you three quick and easy midweek dinner ideas that'll curb your cravings and save some precious dollars (and time) without compromising on flavour. Keep reading (and save this article) to have some easy mid-week meals in your kitchen arsenal. [caption id="attachment_1027005" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Zesty Chicken Wrap Rather than ordering a Greek wrap via delivery (which, realistically, will end up a soggy, mushy mess), this 25-minute dish will have you eating a fresh and flavoursome meal before the delivery driver has even left the restaurant. Ingredients: 500 grams of chicken breast MasterFoods™ Lemon and Pepper Seasoning 1 tbsp of olive oil 4 pitas or flatbreads Sliced red onion Sliced tomato Shredded Lettuce Crumbed Feta (optional) MasterFoods™ Zesty Lemon & Herb No Rules Sauce Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast and MasterFoods™ Lemon and Pepper Seasoning. Cook until cooked through. Heat the pita in a dry pan or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for a couple of minutes. To serve, spread a generous spoonful of MasterFoods™ Zesty Lemon & Herb No Rules Sauce onto the warm pita, add your chicken, then top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and feta. Fold, serve and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_1027006" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Smokey BBQ Beef Burger Is there anything worse than a cold burger after a long day? (And dropping $30 for the privilege?) This Smokey BBQ Beef Burger takes just 30 minutes, makes four serves, and guarantees a hot, mouth-watering meal. Ingredients: 500g regular minced beef 1 tbsp MasterFoods™ All Purpose Seasoning 1 tbsp MasterFoods™ Smokey Barbecue Sauce ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 2 white onions, thinly sliced 1 egg 2 tbsp of olive oil 1 large tomato Iceberg lettuce Pickles Method: Add the minced beef, MasterFoods™ All Purpose Seasoning, egg and panko breadcrumbs into a bowl and mix until combined. Thinly slice the onions and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure extra crispiness. Divide the seasoned mince into four balls and set aside while you preheat the barbecue — no need to chill. Turn your barbecue flat plate or griddle to high and place the meatballs down, ensuring you have space between each to smash flat. Each meatball should be loaded with a generous handful of sliced onion before being smashed as flat as possible into the pan or barbecue plate. Cook for 3-4 minutes and flip. After another one to two minutes, add cheese, let it melt and remove from the heat. Toast your buns and load up with salad: tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, pickles, etc. Don't forget the MasterFoods™ Smokey Barbecue Sauce to top it off. Hot tip: If you're a huge fan of sauce, why not also add a squeeze of MasterFoods™ No Rules Zesty Lemon & Herb Sauce as well? [caption id="attachment_1030078" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Chipotle Mushroom Tacos A guaranteed crowd pleaser, this vegan recipe will spice up your midweek dinner rotation. Featuring MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix of paprika, oregano and cumin, this four-serve recipe packs a punch and will be on your plate in just 30 minutes. Avoid the takeaway tax (and time) and turn your week around with these delicious mushroom tacos. Ingredients: 400g king oyster mushrooms 4 tbsp MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix 1 small white onion, finely diced 1 tsp tomato paste 2-3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for GF version) ¼ cup water 3 tbsp olive oil 1 ripe avocado MasterFoods™ Smokey Chipotle No Rules Sauce 2 limes, halved Pickled red onion Vine-ripened tomatoes, diced Lettuce Vegan sour cream 8 tortillas (flour or corn) Method: Rinse the mushrooms and remove and finely slice the caps. For the stems, make incisions with a fork and pull them apart with your fingers to resemble pulled pork. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan, add the chopped onion, and cook gently for about 10 minutes until translucent and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2-4 minutes until fragrant. Stir in four tablespoons of MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix and cook for one minute. Mix in the mushrooms, soy sauce, and water, cooking until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Season with pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Spread the pulled mushrooms on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 15 minutes to add a nice crunch. Assemble the tacos with pulled mushrooms, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and add lime and vegan sour cream or MasterFoods™ Smokey Chipotle No Rules Sauce as a topping. Craving more flavour-packed ideas? Head to MasterFoods™ for inspiration. MasterFoods™ — You Made It. Lead image: Getty Images
Coming up with Christmas gifts for the entire family isn't always easy, but there are a few things most people can agree on, like a good cup of coffee. That's why a gift like ST. ALi's annual Christmas coffee blend is a godsend when you're stuck for ideas. Back again for another festive season, this year's limited-edition and in-demand blend is the Nutcracker. Primed for going under the tree or straight in the grinder, expect a flavour profile that's delightfully on the nose when it comes to evoking holiday spirit. Jam-packed with notes of stollen and fruit cake, you'll also encounter warm toffee undertones alongside dark chocolate, roasted chestnut and candied orange. Effectively Christmas in a cup, the beans (whole or pre-ground) are also thoughtfully packaged, making them the ideal stocking stuffer for that coffee-obsessed relative who'll appreciate a festive brew. But if that's more of a you thing, trust that your December caffeine needs are covered. Drawing inspiration from the unapologetic spirit of the namesake old-world tale, the strictly limited Nutcracker blend is proud to be more than a little bold and dramatic. Load up on this Christmas coffee before it's gone and avoid snapping like a doll if you, or your relatives, don't get their morning brew. ST ALi's limited edition Nutcracker blend is available now. Head to the website for more information.
What do the Australian comedy scene, YouTube, international festivals, Netflix, wine and picture books all have in common? Aunty Donna have conquered them all. Here's another thing to add to that list: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. The Chris Pine (Don't Worry Darling)-, Regé-Jean Page (The Gray Man)-, Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious 9) -and Hugh Grant (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre)-starring film doesn't just bring of Stranger Things' favourite role-playing game back to cinemas — it does so in Australia with Aunty Donna among the cast. Since forming over a decade ago, the Aussie comedy troupe led by Zachary Ruane, Broden Kelly and Mark Samual Bonanno hasn't stopped making audiences laugh — in-person in Australia, online and around the world; while watching the side-splitting Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun; over a $30 bottle of wine literally called '$30 Bottle of Wine' and while flicking through Always Room for Christmas Pud. Later this year, they'll get folks giggling over their upcoming ABC sitcom Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe, too. But for now, playing corpses revived by Pine, awakening from their eternal slumbers to talk about century-old battles and cats, does the trick first. Aunty Donna are no strangers to Dungeons & Dragons. Back in 2017, on YouTube Channel Insert Coin, they gave D&D an Aunty Donna twist in a now-classic sketch — one that did for owlbears what 'Morning Brown' has for calling your wake-up cup of caffeine "morning brown". And, a couple of years back, they also endeavoured to create their own D&D monsters. How did those comic ties to Dungeons & Dragons lead to Aunty Donna playing undead in Hollywood's latest D&D flick, and the latest movie based on Hasbro's toys and games after the Transformers series, the GI Joe films, Battleship, Power Rangers and more? We chatted to Ruane, Kelly and Bonanno about their new on-screen stint, comedy goals, D&D podcasts, missing out on the first Fast and the Furious movie, visiting cemeteries, flatlining and getting buried alive. So, just a normal Aunty Donna chat, then. ON LIVING THE DUNGEONS & DRAGONS DREAM Zachary Ruane: "We'd talked about it at length. So, when we first got together as a comedy group, we made a list of goals. This was at a Starbucks in…" Broden Kelly: "Melbourne." Mark Samual Bonanno: "Southern Cross Station." Zachary: "We sat down and we had a list of goals. One of them was a comedy festival show. And on that list was 'if Hollywood ever moves towards a more IP-dependent business structure and Paramount teams up with Hasbro to reboot the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, we' — and this is on the list — 'we would like to do voice work for the Australian release of that film'. We didn't think it was going to happen. I'd pretty much given up on that dream. And then, when we got the call from Paramount, I wept." Mark: "You wept for days." Zachary: "I wept for days." Mark: "It was too much." Zachary: "It was a very emotional experience for me, because that was the final thing to cross off the list, you know — so a really big moment for me and for all of us in our careers." ON COMEDY'S FONDNESS FOR DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Broden: "When I started, I'd never played Dungeons & Dragons before. I only knew it as a board game from the 80s. But being in comedy, Dungeons & Dragons is constantly just adjacent to it. There's so many funny people doing podcasts about it. So if you're in the comedy world — I'd never played it but I've been on every podcast about Dungeons & Dragons. And what it is, it seems to be just a community of people who are very warm and welcoming, and it's a world where you can do everything and nothing's wrong, which is just really fun and cool. It nurtures creativity. It nurtures imagination. Even just from doing this, we've seen how warm that community is." Zachary: "I should say, the film isn't just for those fans. It's really for everyone. It's a romp, it's an adventure." Mark: "Well, it's not about people playing D&D, is it? It's a fun…" Zachary: "It's a romp." Mark: "It's a fun romp set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Owlbears..." Broden: "I didn't know an owlbear until I did that sketch, and now I feel ashamed that I didn't know an owlbear before." Mark: "Don't be ashamed!" Zachary: "We watched the film with a big Dungeons & Dragons fan, and she was telling us all the little references. She was saying 'oh, they got perfect and that right'. And then I was like 'that's so crazy' because that was her experience, but then for me who hasn't played it that much, I just had a great time. It's really funny and fun." ON HOW AUNTY DONNA CAME TO BE IN A DUNGEONS & DRAGONS MOVIE Broden: "Well." Zachary: "Well." Mark: "Well, they just kept knocking at our door until we said yes. [To Zachary and Broden] How many times did we turn them down?" Zachary: "We were initially offered the part of — Broden was offered the part that Chris Pine plays in the film, I was offered the Michelle Rodriguez part. Which is funny because I was also offered that part in the first Fast and the Furious film, and I turned it down. And if I had known what franchise would become — oh my goodness!" Mark: "Sometimes you just miss your shot with those kinds of things." Zachary: "Yeah, absolutely. [To Mark] And then you were up for which part?" Mark: "For every other part in the film." Zachary: "So it was going to be a three-hander." Mark: "Originally it was going to be a vehicle for Aunty Donna to promote our YouTube channel — and we were just like, 'we're so busy'. We were so busy. [To Zachary and Broden] What did we have on?" Broden: "A birthday party or something." Mark: "Yeah, we had a party, and we were going to do half a run at Edinburgh Fringe. A two-week run at Edinburgh Fringe." Zachary: "And then when they folded in the Dungeons & Dragons layer to it, because originally it was just a sketch series of ours, it just became a little too big for us. And we said 'you know what, I'm going to handball this to the real professionals over at Hollywood'. And you'll see the film, you'll see — you're going to have a great time." ON PREPARING TO PLAY CORPSES REVIVED BY CHRIS PINE Broden: "I went to a lot of cemeteries, and it didn't do the trick. So I went back with a shovel, and someone stopped me — but I was going to get in there and really…" Mark: "That was me. I was like 'Broden, if you start digging up corpses to play this role, for this role, even though I know that's under false pretences...'. [To Broden] Because you love robbing graves, don't you?" Broden: "Yeah. Yeah. You can't go back from that." Zachary: "We call him da Vinci. He loves robbing graves and drawing really intricate drawings of the bodies." Mark: "Oh and of flight machines." Zachary: "Like Leonardo da Vinci. Me, I flatlined. I did some flatlining, like the movie Flatliners starring Kiefer Sutherland. So I stopped my heart until I was through the tunnel, and then I was reanimated. So I was able to experience death and coming out of it. And I think you'll see that with the corpse when I go [groans and gasps loudly]. That's from a real place." Mark: "Perfectly recreated." Zachary: "Yeah." Mark: "Broden and I ended up — I just buried myself in my backyard, Broden came and dug me up. It was kind of like a role play." Zachary: "How apropos." Mark: "How apropos! [To Broden] And then did you get enough out of that Broden, that experience?" Broden: "Yeah, so we do that every Saturday morning now, where we…" Mark: "Chuck on Cheez TV." Broden: "Yeah, I'll bury Mark in a garden with a little straw out for air." Mark: "Yeah." Broden: "And then I'll dig him up." Mark: "It's just for lunch." Broden: "And then we'll go have lunch at a cafe, or…" Mark: "That's what Hollywood is so great for: bringing friends closer together." Zachary: "I don't flatline anymore. I discovered that there's a darkness in the other realm and I realised that I had to stop." Sarah Ward: "Just like the movie." Aunty Donna [in unison]: "Just like the movie." Check out the new Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves trailer below: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves opens in cinemas Down Under on March 30.
In Melbourne's fast-moving restaurant scene, some of the best bites and sips are here for a good time, not a long one. That's why, each month, we're scanning menus around town for standout specials worth your time, from seasonal happy hours and brunch spreads to limited-time dishes worth a detour. Here's what's on the specials board this month — get 'em while they're hot. Limitless at Lexy Lexy, Flinders Lane's glam Asian-fusion bar and restaurant, has launched a new bottomless drinks and lunch menu. For 90 minutes, you can enjoy free-flow signature cocktails, wine and tap beers for $69 — and if you're heading back to the office afterwards, you can add a seven-course set menu for an additional $30 that includes fresh Pacific oysters with red chilli granita, coconut and chilli oil, wagyu larb tartlet with cashew cream on a fried betel leaf and a crispy rice bibimbap lifted with perilla leaf, nori and egg floss. The menu is available Tuesday through Saturday, 11.30am–3pm. Find out more here. New summer specials at 98 Lygon East Brunswick's homely neighbourhood bistro 98 Lygon has unveiled new dishes — and an intimate new courtyard space — for summer. Overseen by Head Chef Brian Macalister (Builder's Arms Hotel), the seasonal selection features dishes like shell-baked scallops with wild garlic butter, a shallot tart tatin and market fish with leek beurre blanc. Making a night of it? Head in from 4–6pm daily for the new aperitivo hour, which brings a holiday-mode feel to the intimate new courtyard, with a complimentary snack for every two cocktails. Find out more here. Sunday roast at Rufio St Kilda rooftop hangout Rufio is putting a Latin twist on the classic Sunday roast — and it'll only set you back $30. Swing by from midday for your pick of smoke-roasted picanha, crispy pork belly or a vegetarian filet champignon loaf, plus sides like roast potatoes, chipotle pumpkin, sweetcorn salsa and a gluten-free Yorkshire pud. You can finish it with bone marrow jus or chimichurri, depending on your mood. Find out more here. Christmas treats at Pidapipo Once again, Pidapipo is going all-in on Christmas this year, kicking off with the return of its cult-fave Pandoro Gelato Cake. This year, it's sporting a raspberry chocolate exterior and an edible milk-chocolate bauble you can hang on the tree, while the inside is a full festive stack, layered with chocolate, cherry cream and sour cherry gelato, strawberry and cream gelato, redcurrant jam, redcurrant straciatella gelato and pandoro sponge. Those baubles, handmade from single-origin Dominican Republic chocolate, are also available to purchase individually, with packs of four sold in keepsake tins. And, throughout December, the gelateria will be scooping a whole slate of limited-edition flavours — think fig leaf and redcurrant swirl, mangomisu, lime and cucumber sorbetto and, of course, a Christmas pudding flavour — rolling out across all stores. Find out more here. A grand festive feast at Collins Kitchen Grand Hyatt Melbourne's Collins Kitchen is cranking its famous buffet into festive mode this December. Expect an all-you-can-eat spread that spans grill and woodfired favourites to fresh seafood, sashimi, festive desserts and a dark-chocolate fountain for good measure. It kicks off on Thursday, December 4, with lunch buffets on Thursdays and Fridays and dinner seatings from Thursday through Saturday. Get the details here. Christmas hampers are back at Maha Maha has brought back its much-loved Christmas hampers — a luxe heat-and-eat feast designed for two. This year's spread covers all the hits, from seafood starters, housemade dips, honey-glazed carrots and freshly baked Iraqi flatbread to heavy hitters like slow-roasted lamb shoulder and Turkish beef dumplings. Desserts keep the festive mood going, with Christmas pudding, rocky road, mixed Turkish delight and a ready-to-bake brownie mix. Hampers are $125 per person, with pre-orders open now and available for pick-up from Bar Jayda on December 23 and 24. Find out more here.
People seeking thalassotherapy — swimming in saltwater for health and wellness — have been taking in the enclosed sea waters of Brighton Baths since 1881. A day pass to the Brighton Baths Health Club gives you access to the only private beach and boardwalk in Victoria. Do some laps, float around in a complimentary inflatable tube, and maybe rent a paddleboard or kayak. Then, wander along the enclosed boardwalk to dry off and admire the sea view from every angle. If you've fallen in love with this spot (we don't blame you), also consider becoming a member, which gives you year-round access to the indoor and outdoor gyms, steam room, classes and SUP/kayak hire, too.
If Melbourne's famous for anything, it's a sense of discovery. Nothing beats the absolute thrill of ducking down a laneway, following the scent of coffee, and stumbling into something you didn't even know you were looking for. In one particularly special part of the city — Little Collins street — that discovery will bring you to Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. The hotel and its close neighbours are stitched together from historic buildings that once housed everything from Turkish baths to grand music retailers. Inside, things get even cooler. Its interiors are threaded with local stories, from a statement spiral staircase inspired by the drapery sold by Sidney Myer (yes, the founder of the eponymous department store) to a huge lobby mural by renowned Melbourne artist Lisa King. Best of all, the hotel's position on Little Collins street puts you right in the centre of Melbourne's CBD. Here's how to plan your next weekend exploring the neighbourhood. Begin in the Laneways Forget Google Maps for a while. The best part of this Melbourne neighbourhood is its grid-like layout, meaning it's almost impossible to get lost. In fact, the laneways around Little Collins are best explored without a plan. Hosier Lane is the obvious icon, its walls splashed with artwork and graffiti. But veer off course and you'll also stumble upon AC/DC Lane with its nod to Aussie rock, or Centre Place where tiny cafes and restaurants are packed with the local lunch crowd. Take Coffee Seriously It might sound cliché, but in this neighbourhood coffee really is the fuel that keeps everything moving. Pellegrini's, which opened in 1954, is a time capsule of Melbourne's espresso beginnings, when Italian immigrants kickstarted the city's coffee culture. Nearby, Brother Baba Budan is instantly recognisable for the chairs hanging from its ceiling, and Dukes on Flinders Lane is where the locals queue for their morning fix. Staying nearby means you're never more than a few minutes from a genuinely great cup. Dine Like a Local Melbourne is nothing if not a food city and around Little Collins, you'll find flavours from every corner of the globe within walking distance. Fern Bar and Dining, tucked inside Hotel Indigo, is a slick all-day spot where menus lean into seasonal Victorian produce and good vibes. It's perfect for a pre-theatre bite or early-morning brekky. Venture outside the hotel and you're spoiled for choice: Cumulus Inc serves refined share plates in a converted warehouse, Grossi Florentino is your go-to for old-school Italian, and Embla is the best place to crack a bottle of natural wines and seriously good bar food. Our best advice? Come hungry. Soak Up The Architecture From gothic banks to Victorian-era buildings and Art Deco beauties, Melbourne's skyline is a result of decades of boom and reinvention. Design lovers will want to check out the Gothic Revival spires atop the Manchester Unity Building, look up at Gaunt's Clock in Royal Arcade, and explore the intricate mosaic floors inside the Block Arcade. If you're planning a trip for next winter, Open House Melbourne also gives you the rare chance to peek inside heritage buildings usually closed to the public. Around here, even the spaces between buildings are just as interesting as what's inside them. The Perfect Base When you're done wandering, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins makes for a fitting place to land. Home to 179 modern, stylish rooms, it's built in a historic building and filled with nods to the neighbourhood. With a beautiful lobby area, luxe outdoor courtyard garden, and views across the city from almost every window, the space feels less like a cookie-cutter hotel and more like a continuation of the streets outside. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins here.
Magic Mountain Saloon. An otherworldly alliteration with a cowboy twist. Interesting. Hardly surprising that a name like this comes from the team that brought us Cookie, The Toff, Revolver and Boney — all venues with names that both intrigue and totally suit their quirky nature. Like the other members of its family, Magic Mountain is the lofty result of longtime collaborators, owner Camillo Ippoliti, chef Karen Batson and architect Philip Schemnitz. Three levels of wood, brick and Italian steel — with just a hint of a New York warehouse feel — see the space stand tall on Little Collins Street. It's a fully-fledged bar (open 'til 3am every night), and it's also an all-day eatery, open for lunch, dinner, bar snacks and, most notably, breakfast. It's the breakfast menu that really sets Magic Mountain apart from its siblings. As in her other venues, Batson's menu blends Thai flavours with a modern Australian palette. The lunch and dinner menu has a range of appetizers, dishes from the wok, salads, wings, ribs and curry pots — as well as a Thai-inspired wood-fired grill menu. But breakfast is not breakfast as you might expect it. Diners are encouraged to extend their tastes beyond eggs and bacon to a range of fairly substantial Thai options, both sweet and savoury. Enthusiastic staff are quick to demystify the menu. If you are feeling less ambitious there are omelettes, and — as the waitress explained — if you think of the black sticky rice with coconut granola and dried mango granola ($14.50) as porridge and liken the roti bread, almond butter, grilled banana and condensed milk as pancakes, then the choices aren't nearly so confronting. Coddled egg and chicken ball congee ($14.40) is a very popular and traditionally Thai choice, and the daikon hash brown, morning glory, mushrooms, eggplant and ginger blossom relish ($16.50) is a good-sized vegetarian breakfast — complete with a hint of chilli that leaves you with the feeling of goodness coursing through your veins. For something fresh and a little different, the soy milk, coconut pikelets and papaya, while being pretty much exactly what it says, somehow manages to be a whole lot more. House-made soy bean milk, warmed with palm sugar, infused with pandan leaves and served in a little bottle with a carnival straw is comforting and the perfect accompaniment to the sticky coconut pikelets and tropically fresh papaya. Quiet and mellow by day, Magic Mountain Saloon is transformed by night into a restaurant, bar and music venue. With so much to offer and something for everyone, why don't you climb the mountain and discover it for yourself. Images: Letícia Almeida.
The gift-buying season is about to ramp up. But with cost-of-living concerns putting the pinch on many households, not to mention the environmental cost of buying a bucketload of brand-new presents, taking a different approach might not be such a bad thing. That's where the secondhand superstore Vinnies comes in as we get ever-closer to Christmas. On now until Wednesday, December 24, the team is hosting the curated Good Gift Pop-Up Market from its Fitzroy digs. Featuring pre-loved collections across a huge range of categories, including ceramics, vintage books and retro glassware, there's every chance you'll discover a top-quality gift that's more thoughtful than most. "The rise of conscious gifting points to a new mindset, consumers are actively seeking ways to make their giving simpler, kinder and more sustainable," says Neil Harvey, General Manager, Retail at Vinnies Victoria. "It's a way to save money, find something thoughtful, and support vital community services at the same time." The value for shoppers is also off the charts, with customers who spend $40 in-store scoring a Vinnies Christmas Vault Card featuring $54 worth of credit for your next shop. With research from Vinnies Victoria revealing that nine out of ten people are open to receiving a pre-loved pressie, perhaps doing your wallet and the earth a favour is the way to go this festive season.
Maverick is the new contemporary brunch venture from brother-sister duo Adam and Elisa Mariani, the same brains behind Richmond local favourite Mayday Coffee & Food. A playful space filled with deep navy accents and pale pink terrazzo, their latest venue is nestled within the sleek new 80 Collins Street precinct. Settle into a booth or perch at the central communal table to enjoy pastries from Richmond's Penny for Pound and speciality coffee by Axil. From the kitchen comes a seasonal menu of creative brunch fare, starring updated classics alongside familiar favourites. Melbourne mornings are made far more palatable with the likes of thick-cut rye topped with mushrooms, hazelnuts and smoked curd ($17), or the house-made pastrami benedict featuring lashings of bearnaise sauce atop potato hash ($19.50). A herb-roasted chicken roll comes loaded with avocado and buttermilk dressing ($17), the chilli scrambled eggs are infused with three types of cheese ($19), and the answer to that sweet tooth craving lies in the waffles, crowned with fresh strawberries and double cream ($18). [caption id="attachment_774224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maverick, CBD[/caption] Looking for something a little stronger than coffee with your lunch? Maverick's daytime-friendly drinks list extends to a considered handful of Aussie wines, local tinnies and classic cocktails, martini included. Dishes and drinks are available from 7am.
Little monsters, get excited: Lady Gaga is coming to Australia. Been watching with envy as the music superstar has locked in dates on The MAYHEM Ball tour everywhere from Las Vegas, New York and Toronto to London, Stockholm, Berlin and Paris? You can now start making plans to see Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on her next Down Under visit, with shows confirmed for Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Lady Gaga is heading this way in December 2025, with three gigs announced: on Friday, December 5 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, then Tuesday, December 9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Friday, December 12 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. When the 14-time Grammy Award-winner takes to the stage at the trio of massive concerts, she'll not only play her first Australian shows in 11 years — she'll do her first-ever Australian stadium concerts as well. [caption id="attachment_998819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frank Lebon[/caption] The tour kicks off in Las Vegas in July, after Lady Gaga headlines Coachella — which everyone worldwide can livestream across both of the Californian festival's two weekends on Saturday, April 12–Monday, April 14 and Saturday, April 19–Monday, April 21 Australian time. Before The MAYHEM Ball tour begins, she's also doing shows in Mexico City, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. Given that this is Gaga's first Aussie visit since 2014's ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball gigs (with the Joanne and Chromatica Ball tours bypassing this part of the world), expect tickets for the local leg to go fast. When she added 13 new dates to the initially announced first shows on the tour, they all sold out swiftly. As the name makes plain, Germanotta is touring on the back of MAYHEM, her latest album — and seventh in a row to go to number one on the Billboard 200. It also debuted in the top spot on Australia's charts, and gave Gaga her biggest streaming week ever by notching up 240-million streams on its first week alone. As well as MAYHEM tracks such as 'Disease', 'Abracadabra' and 'Die with a Smile', fans can likely look forward to hits from across the artist's career, such as 'Poker Face', 'Bad Romance', 'Paparazzi', 'Born This Way' and 'Rain on Me' — plus, of course, seeing Gaga live onstage, rather than getting your fix via her film work in recent years in A Star Is Born, House of Gucci and Joker: Folie à Deux. Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Tour Australia 2025 Dates Friday, December 5 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday, December 9 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Friday, December 12 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Lady Gaga is touring Australia in December 2025, with ticket presales starting at 10am on Monday, April 14 and general sales from 12pm on Thursday, April 17 — with times varying per city. Head to the tour website for more details. Live images: Raph PH via Flickr.
You've probably heard a thing or two about POP MART. In recent times, the Chinese toy maker has taken the world by storm with its viral figurines and plush monsters, like the all-conquering Labubu. Now the brand is ready to launch its newest Melbourne location on Bourke Street, with the ribbon being cut on Saturday, July 19. This is no ordinary POP MART store either. Themed entirely around one of the brand's most iconic characters, SKULLPANDA, motifs of this dark and whimsical symbiont will make the destination an even more immersive visit for fans and curious shoppers. This approach to store design is just one way POP MART is changing the retail game in Australia. "Bourke Street is one of Melbourne's most iconic shopping strips and the perfect place for us to grow our community," says POP MART Australia and New Zealand General Manager Yuki Wu. "This store's SKULLPANDA theme sets it apart. We're inviting fans to step inside a world they know and love, discover exclusive products, and be part of something special." Inside, visitors can expect wall-to-wall collectibles, from limited-edition releases to new arrivals that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, launch events are planned across the opening weekend, including a special guest appearance that might send fans into a tizzy. Get down from 10 am to see the ribbon cut and be among the first to explore this striking retail concept.
A lot of Melbourne's new bars and restaurant makeovers are leaning into Euro-centric flavours, designs and vibes. It's somewhat of a safe bet in Melbourne — a city with deep European roots and a great love for Italian, French and Greek food. But despite the crowded market, Melburnians are regularly filling up each of these new spots. We're into it. Because, after all, who doesn't love easy-drinking European wines paired with pasta, steak and charcuterie boards? It's an easy win. And Wally's in Albert Park is yet another to latch onto the trend, opened in 2024. Owner Baxter Pickard (surprisingly, not named Wally) brings his long history of drinking and selling wine to the site, curating an impressive list of European vinos. He's made sure to cover a lot of price points at Wally's, ranging from affordable bottles starting at $50 to vintage and hard-to-find drops that'll cost you around $200 a pop. Those who opt for the more spenny varieties will be getting wines that Pickard and his team have won at auction. These will change depending on what's available at the time, so be sure to ask the crew to talk you through these extra-special options. But few wine bars in Melbourne can get by with only having great drinks on offer. We are sip-and-snack people now, needing fabulous bites to accompany our drinking sessions. That's why Pickard has brought on Damon McIver (ex-Waxflower and Vex Dining) to run the kitchen pass. He's dreamt up an oft-changing menu of European-inspired dishes that are made to be paired with the evolving wine menu. A few small plates will make an appearance — think cured bonito, barbecued leeks, fresh oysters with house-made hot sauce and skewers — as well as larger plates that'll include pasta and steaks. It's all quite classic and simple food, made to complement rather than outshine the wine. The Melbourne-based studio a.mi has also kept things fairly traditional, using plenty of natural finishes and mirrored ceilings to create a French-leaning bistro vibe. Punters can either sit within the light-filled wine bar or perch out on the street — where pets are more than welcome to join. It seems like a welcome addition to Albert Park — great for local wine lovers who want to have a casual drink with mates or go all out and explore some really special vinos. Images: Pete Dillon
Brimming with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, Collingwood and its surrounds has become one of Melbourne's most vibrant areas. From bustling Smith Street into Abbotsford and the leafy corridors around Victoria Park, there are so many different places to explore in these once overlooked neighbourhoods. To help you find your way around, we've teamed up with American Express to put together a guide to the best local shops and traders in the area. Whether you're after vintage threads, Scandinavian furniture, rare streetwear, or locally produced beer and wine, you can be sure that a visit to any of the shops on this list will have you supporting businesses in your community. Plus, all these spots will accept your American Express Card, so you'll be able to shop small without any hassle.
Cycling and drinking are both familiar pastimes for us Melburnians. Though there's much room for improvement, our city is regarded as one of the best in Australia for those on their bikes. Fixies are chained up along every sidewalk in the city and inner suburbs, and our foodie culture is second to none. Now these two very good things are being combined to make something extraordinary. Melbourne is getting its very first bier bike. Inspired by the tourist-heavy mobile bars that roam the streets and festivals of Germany, Munich Brauhaus have created The Munich Bier Bike. A 14-seater unit powered by those on board, the bier bike will be hitting the streets of the CBD and Southwharf just in time for Oktoberfest. If you had a problem with cyclists on the roads before, just wait until you're stuck behind this beer-swinging, lane-veering monstrosity. But really, it's not as dangerous as it sounds. Though anyone who's visited Munich or Berlin will be familiar with the sight of six drunkards weaving through traffic on what looks like a piece of adult play equipment, this Australian equivalent will be super safe. For starters, you don't have the power to steer it. The bier bike will be controlled by an outside operator who will importantly remain sober — the road rules still exist, y'know? While that's all well and good, there are a couple of other rules you should know about before sliding into you lederhosen and cycling lycra. Namely, all the beer on board is strictly non-alcoholic. Unlike the German version where you only have to start the journey sober, you're going to be riding out this whole thing dry. Also — pesky road rules again — you'll have to wear a helmet. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle used his bright pink socks as a distraction while he jumped on without one, but you might not be so lucky. For more information on how to hire the bier bike or how much it will cost you, keep and eye on the Munich Brauhaus website.
We know it's nothing revelatory, but we've spent far more time staring at our own four walls these past 18 months. Our homes have become our havens (and our hells), meaning it's high time to spruce up our pads. And one surefire way to give your living room a lift or brighten up your bedroom — even if you rent — is with some brand-new homewares. But this is your sanctuary, so any old couch won't do. Instead, pick up some wares that'll spark serious joy, and save yourself from the less-than-joyful activity of assembling flat-pack furniture while you're at it. In partnership with Great Southern Bank, we're helping you skip the flat-pack struggle — and still stick to your savings goals. In fact, with Great Southern Bank, you can actually top up your savings account with The Boost, which lets you add small amounts (between $0.01 and $5) to your savings as you spend on stunning new wares. So, if you're after colourful handmade ceramics, plush sofas, linen sheets and quirky chairs, check out these eight stores with homewares that won't break the bank. CASTLERY If you'd describe your taste in homewares as 'modern minimalist' then check out Castlery. There's something decidedly homey and comfortable about its affordable furniture range, though it still has a sleek edge. This 100-percent online store also makes it dead easy to browse from the comfort of your couch. Want a new dining room set? Take your pick of retro-style sideboards, mango wood tables and sleek dining benches. Or, maybe it's time to finally get rid of your nan's hand-me-down sofa and replace it with a luxe sectional. Whatever you're looking for, Castlery probably has it — and at a competitive price — so jump online stat. Be sure to sign up to its mailing list for a cheeky $50 off your first order, too. BED THREADS The clue is in the name here, so if you're looking to level up your bedding, look no further. Bed Threads is your go-to for linens and will set you up with the snoozing ensemble of your dreams. You can mix and match its 100-percent flax linen sheets, with more than 20 colours to pick from. Plus, you can currently score 20 percent off its 'build your own bundle' sets. The great news, though, is that Bed Threads services other rooms, offering a great selection of bath and table accessories to bring some pep into every space, including waffle towels, vibrantly hued table linens and quirky serveware. It's got a concise-but-killer collection of cookbooks, too. [caption id="attachment_798511" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] OPUS DESIGN Fun and functional, Opus Design's homewares range from subtle and understated to ostentatious and fun. Whether you're after a new set of knives or big-ticket items like coffee tables and chairs, everything here looks and feels high-end — but without the hefty price tag. A great shout if you're looking to pick up a few pieces to breathe new life into your living room, it also offers free delivery across Australia on orders over $100. Result. THIRD DRAWER DOWN Melbourne-based shop Third Drawer Down is a top homewares contender (which thankfully has a comprehensive online store, too). Stocking bold (and sometimes tongue-in-cheek) designs from an impressive list of local and international artists, Third Drawer Down celebrates individualism and playfulness with its carefully curated selection of wares. Everything here is as much a work of art as it is a functional piece of furniture, so expect a heap of bright colours, out-there drawings, crude knick-knacks and pop-culture influences. This is a great store if you're after a fun statement piece (or a few) without wanting to fork out a fortune. GOODSPACE Goodspace is a humble Instagram page dedicated to redeveloping and repurposing preloved furniture. Not only will you score something unique for your pad, but you'll also be doing the earth a solid with these sustainable pieces. The social media store sells all manner of small and large storage units, tables, chairs, sofas and lamps, to name but a few. The price on these beauties varies greatly, so be sure to check its swag regularly. It also recently launched its own line of bright-hued checkerboard rugs that'll add a splash of colour and help spiff up any room. MUD Founded in 1994, Mud has been going strong for 27 years with its minimalist ceramic designs. Perhaps best known for its handmade porcelain range brought to life by designer Shelley Simpson, Mud is all about clean, colourful pieces that are as much about the artistic process as they are functionality. So, if you're in the market for a statement salad bowl, a new mug or some unique hanging lights, check out its online store. SUNDAY SOCIETY This Brisbane-based store delivers across Australia, which is the first bit of great news you need to hear. The second? Sunday Society embraces individualism and creativity while remaining approachable in aesthetic and, perhaps more importantly, price. It has a diverse range of lounge and bedroom furniture as well as a timeless selection of outdoor wares. Style and sophistication go hand in hand every step of the way here, so no matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find something that suits your taste. LOUNGE LOVERS Whether it's the comfortable, stylish sofas or rustic, asymmetrical tables stocked at Lounge Lovers, you may find yourself being surprised at the price tag on these slick pieces. Lounge Lovers keeps things simple by offering concise variations on a number of easily workable themes. Classic and contemporary designs are brought to life via chic colour palettes that range from neutral to jewel tones, allowing you to add your personal flair to any of these accessible pieces. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: Opus, Cassandra Hannagan
Melbourne is chock-full of rooftop bars, but there's always room for more. Especially when they come in the form of Melbourne Place's Mid Air. Completed at the end of 2024, this hotel rooftop bar is an absolute stunner, from its mid-century modern design and city views to the next-level Med-inspired eats and cocktails. It's hitting all the right spots, much thanks to Hatted Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis (ex-Audrey's). He's running the food program for the whole hotel — excluding Marmelo and Mr Mills — but Mid Air gets most of his love. Being a rooftop digs, there's a strong focus on small bites — perfect for those spending long lunches sipping and snacking in the sun. Start with fresh oysters and scallops with urfa and kelp butter before moving on to some damn tasty skewers. These will change somewhat regularly, but if you make it for the wagyu and quail renditions, be sure to add a few to the table. Those looking to remove all decision-making from the rooftop dining process can also opt for the $95 per person tasting menu. Cocktails, like the food, will change seasonally, with plenty of signature sips adorning the list. They cover all bases, from the fruity and sour side of the spectrum right through to rich and bitter amaro-heavy tipples. The bloody mary is also a must-try, especially if you're dropping by for a boozy weekend brunch. Yup, these folks are also opening up the rooftop to non-hotel guests every day of the week, making the most of the space. Get around shakshuka, eggs royal, house granola and damn good breakfast roll packed with bacon, hashbrowns, cheddar, tomato jam and a fried egg. This spot is picture-perfect, especially if you can nab a seat by the large cut-out circles in the open-air part of the rooftop bar. Here, you get uninterrupted views of the city, plus all of the sunshine. But most of Mid Air lies beneath a retractable roof, so you can enjoy a moody rainy Melbourne day up here without a worry. It's an absolute banger of a Melbourne rooftop bar — open from breakfast right through to late-night cocktails. And it just so happens to be perched right on top of one of Melbourne's best hotels. If you really want to treat yourself, consider booking a stay in one of the top-class rooms so you can take in more of these views and stunning interiors. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
If you had to pack up and run for your life, what would you grab? Clothes? Food? Phone charger? Australians and New Zealanders are in one heck of a lucky situation, we haven't had to throw essentials in a bag and flee because of war, genocide or unbridled violence. But nearly 100,000 people from the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa have had to do just that — this year alone. Refugees don't have the luxury of packing ten Louis Vuitton suitcases of unnecessary crap for their travels. They travel light, for the road is incredibly dangerous. It's only necessities that refugees throw into their bags before getting the hell out of their home country: medication, little food, phones, maybe a toothbrush. To get an insight into exactly what refugees are travelling with, the International Rescue Committee and photographer Tyler Jump asked an artist, a mother, a family, a child, a teenager and a pharmacist, who are all refugees from war-torn areas like Syria and Afghanistan, to show us what they'd managed to bring with them on their journey — what they'll need on the road to a (hopefully) more peaceful future. All images and quotes were originally published by Medium. A FAMILY OF 31 From Aleppo, Syria “I hope we die. This life is not worth to live anymore. Everyone closed the door in our face, there is no future.” 1 shirt 1 pair of jeans 1 pair of shoes Toiletries 1 diaper, 2 small cartons of milk and some biscuits Personal documents and money Sanitary pads A comb A TEENAGER Iqbal, 17, from Kunduz, Afghanistan “I want my skin to be white and hair to be spiked — I don’t want them to know I’m a refugee. I think that someone will spot me and call the police because I’m illegal.” 1 pair of pants, 1 shirt, 1 pair of shoes and 1 pair of socks Shampoo and hair gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, face whitening cream Comb, nail clipper Bandages 100 U.S. dollars 130 Turkish liras Smartphone and back-up cell phone SIM cards for Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey AN ARTIST Nour, 20, from Syria “I left Syria with two bags, but the smugglers told me I could only take one. The other bag had all of my clothes. This is all I have left.” Small bag of personal documents A rosary (gift from his friend; Nour doesn’t let it touch the floor) A watch (from his girlfriend; it broke during the journey) Syrian flag, Palestinian charm, silver and wooden bracelets (gifts from friends) Guitar picks (one also a gift from a friend) Cell phone and Syrian SIM card Photo ID 1 shirt A MOTHER Aboessa, 20, from Damascus, Syria “Everything is for my daughter to protect her against sickness. When we arrived in Greece, a kind man gave me two jars of food. Another man gave us biscuits and water when he saw my baby.” Hat for the baby An assortment of medication, a bottle of sterile water, and a jar of baby food A small supply of napkins for diaper changes A hat and a pair of socks for the baby Assortment of pain relievers, sunscreen and sunburn ointment, toothpaste Personal documents (including the baby’s vaccination history) Wallet (with photo ID and money) Cell phone charger Yellow headband A BOY Omran, 6, from Damascus, Syria 1 pair of pants, 1 shirt A syringe for emergencies Marshmallows and sweet cream (Omran’s favorite snacks) Soap, toothbrush and toothpaste Bandages A PHARMACIST Anonymous, 34, from Syria “I had to leave behind my parents and sister in Turkey. I thought, if I die on this boat, at least I will die with the photos of my family near me.” Money (wrapped to protect it from water) Old phone (wet and unusable) and new smart phone Phone chargers and headphones (plus extra battery charger) 16GB flash drive (containing family photos) Via Medium. Images: Tyler Jump/International Rescue Committee.
Lucky for us Melburnians, some of Australia's most breathtaking hiking terrain is within easy reach of the city limits. And, since hiking is a year-round activity in Oz, it's always a good time to swap the city streets for dirt roads, bush tracks and fresh air. Victoria is plentiful in coastal walking trails, inland waterfalls, hidden swimming holes and alpine terrain — so whether you want to stop for a swim, stroll for half a day or spend the weekend trekking up a mountain, these walks will cover just about any whim and time constraint. Here's our pick of the best one-day hikes near Melbourne. It's about time you ticked them off, one by one. Recommended reads: The Best Caves to Visit Near Melbourne The Best Melbourne Metro Walks The Best Bike Rides In and Around Melbourne The Best Country Towns to Visit on a Day Trip From Melbourne [caption id="attachment_614770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexandra Milne[/caption] Kalimna Falls Trail, Great Otway Park Hiking to Kalimna Falls is the ideal activity for a balmy afternoon, thanks to the cooling fern-framed waters that await you. Start off with a scenic drive to Lorne along the Great Ocean Road; alternatively, the inland route is substantially quicker (though not nearly as picturesque). The hike itself is eight kilometres return from the Sheoak picnic area, with the option to back-track along the same path or via the 4WD-friendly Garvey Track. The highlight of this walk is the peaceful lower falls — during off-peak hours, it feels like your own private swimming hole. If you like a bit of rock climbing, be sure to push on and head up to the 15-metre-high upper waterfalls as well. [caption id="attachment_923789" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson for Visit Victoria[/caption] Mount Feathertop Via Razorback Trail, Alpine National Park The Razorback Trail up to Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second highest peak, is a 22-kilometre return trek through the Alpine National Park — and it's not for the fainthearted, nor for windy days. But for all the commitment and hardship, this hike is truly worth it for the simply stunning views. Be sure to wear in your hiking boots prior to setting out and take lots of water and sunscreen. If you want to tackle the walk over two days instead, there is a campsite on the way up. That said, even if you hike it all in one go, you'll need to stay one night in the area, since the park is located over a five-hour drive northeast of Melbourne. Luckily, you won't have any trouble finding a cosy cabin to spend the night in — there are plenty of accommodation options at Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, Harrietville and Bright. [caption id="attachment_703509" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steve Collis via Flickr[/caption] Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Werribee Gorge State Park If you're looking for a hike that will get you home by lunchtime, head to Werribee Gorge State Park, located just an hour out of the CBD. Starting at the Quarry Carpark, the main circuit takes you around the top of the gorge and back down to the bottom. With the great rock faces looming on either side of you, it feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park — which makes sense, given Werribee Gorge has been forged by 500 million years of geological history. The main circuit is around eight kilometres long, takes approximately three hours to complete and is clearly signposted. You're best not to attempt this trek after heavy rainfall though, as there's plenty of rock scrambling involved. [caption id="attachment_787519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grampians National Park by Ain Raadik Photography via Visit Victoria[/caption] Mount Rosea Walk, Grampians National Park The Grampians are among the most spectacular mountain ranges in Victoria and are home to one of the region's most epic multi-day hikes. But if you're looking for a shorter stay, the 12-kilometre Mount Rosea Walk takes just four to five hours to complete — though that doesn't mean it's a total breeze, either. Without a clear path, you have to hunt for markers scattered along the trail and occasional rock scrambling keeps things interesting. You'll also cross a suspended bridge at great heights along the way. And a four-wheel drive is recommended to traverse the unsealed roads that lead to the walk. Given all that, this track is best tackled by those who are a little adventurous. While the national park is a three-hour drive out of the CBD, there are plenty of campgrounds and hotels in the area if you plan on staying the night. [caption id="attachment_923795" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cameron Murray Photography for Visit Victoria[/caption] Currawong Falls Track, Great Otways National Park Aireys Inlet is a quiet town located 90 minutes from Melbourne. Close to both the beach and the Otways, the area boasts plenty of great hiking, but our pick is the trail that runs along Ironbark Gorge to Currawong Falls. Clocking in at just over 10 kilometres, this circuit starts at Distillery Picnic Area and takes around three to four hours to complete. There are a number of hikes that begin from the same spot, so make sure you pay attention to the signs to avoid getting lost. Along the way, you'll pass through spring wildflowers in the Ironbark Forest, traipse through heathlands dotted with tree ferns and maybe even spot a few wallabies in the melaleuca swamp. Ancient flowering grass trees can also be seen throughout the trail. Once you've looped all the way back, you'll enjoy some seriously stunning vistas with the Split Point Lighthouse in full view. [caption id="attachment_614775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tamyka Bell via Flickr[/caption] Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur Trail, Alpine National Park Mount Bogong is the tallest mountain in Victoria, and the Staircase Spur Trail — as the track is very appropriately named — will get you all the way to the summit. The 16-kilometre return walk can be completed in either one or two days as there are campsites with huts, drop toilets and water along the track. For primo views, be sure to check the weather beforehand and plan the hike on a clear day when you'll be rewarded with spectacular, panoramic vistas of the alpine area. If you go in dreary weather, well, you're likely in for some discomfort and disappointment. Needless to say, this walk is best suited to those with hiking experience and decent fitness. [caption id="attachment_923792" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Surf Coast Walk, Great Ocean Road The Surf Coast Walk is a whopping 44-kilometre track connecting the towns of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, though you don't have to cover the entire monster in one day. With 12 trail heads to choose from, just pick a section that suits you. The walk is one-way, but regular car shuttles and local buses run throughout the day (be sure to check the timetables ahead of time). Your best bet is to leave early in the morning so you can fully enjoy the beachside walks before high tide — one of our favourites is Bells Beach. This popular hike is great for beginners, but not for those who hike for seclusion. But these astounding ocean views are well worth battling the crowds for. Top Images: Razorback Trail by Mark Watson for Visit Victoria
D.O.C Espresso has sat on the same spot of Lygon Street for 20 years, playing a big part in Melbourne's contemporary Italian restaurant renaissance — which saw a more modern style of Italian dining take over the city. After so many years of business, the crew thought the space needed a little love, and so shut up shop for renovations back in August 2024. But the team didn't just redo the interiors during this break. The chefs also redesigned the menu and the owners renamed the venue D.O.C Osteria. It reopened later the same year, and a new fitout saw the space gain a little more glamour while still holding onto its semi-casual charm. Gold finishes, luxe red marble countertops and banquette seating were included. The weatherproof streetside dining area and courtyard out back also got a little revamp, and the team expanded the kitchen to help the chefs make more fresh pasta onsite. As it was with D.O.C Espresso, Osteria has a strong focus on pasta — keeping a few dishes from the previous menu while reworking others and creating a smattering of new creations. Regulars will be glad to see that the famed lasagne remains — as does the funghi pasta, but in a slightly different form. We will admit that we preferred the original version, but this porcini and portobello number is still worth ordering. The mixed seafood linguine, though, is an absolute banger. Packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and rockling, and dowsed in garlic and chilli, it is more or less a must-order. The small bites have also been given a heap of love, helping D.O.C become a great destination for sipping and snacking — either alone, on a date or with a few mates. Get around the trio of cicchetti, its succulent marbled Rangers Vallery black Angus skewer, and a moreish crochetta — a crumbed and deep-fried cube of bucatini pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese and black pepper. The playful take on a classic panzanella salad is also a huge win, made with ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce and a balsamic crunch. There's a really good blend of simple comfort food and more elevated interpretations of classics — letting diners choose their own kind of Italian dining adventure.
Siglo is an old favourite amongst many a Melbourne city worker. It was once somewhat of a hidden gem, located up a narrow set of stairs on Spring Street — but the word is well and truly out these days. The rooftop bar gets packed with business folk after work on weekdays, with late-night drinkers also flocking here until close at 3am. Up here, it is all very European, from the old school Parisian-style chairs and tables topped with white linen to the food and drinks menu. During hot afternoons, the rooftop is full of spritz drinkers, and as the sun sets over Parliament House, the vermouth sipping, red wine swirling Melburnians take over — adding some small plates of charcuterie and olives to their luxe bar experience. High quality cigars are also on the menu at Siglo. Don't be surprised to see some smokers puffing Cohiba, Partagas, Upmann and Punch varieties, all the while nursing a peaty single malt or an XO Cognac. It is a boojie spot, but it doesn't have to be. You can easily pop up to this fab Melbourne rooftop for a few cheeky spritzes and then head out to other city spots for more drinking, dining and theatre watching. Nonetheless, a smart casual dress code is enforced at Siglo, so be sure to leave the thongs and bin tang singlets at home. [caption id="attachment_876886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hisco (Visit Victoria)[/caption] Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
History was made. For once, the vibe was casual and relaxed rather than tense and overdone. And it seems that even the Academy itself was surprised by the very last winner of the night. Yes, the Oscars have now been and gone for 2021, albeit a couple of months later than usual — one of the many changes implemented in response to the pandemic. First, the exceptional news: after nominating two female directors for the first time ever — yes, the first time in the awards' 93-year history — the Academy also gave one of these talented ladies the nod. Only The Hurt Locker's Kathryn Bigelow has ever won the coveted field before, so Chloé Zhao's win for Nomadland is the hugest kind of deal there is when it comes to finally recognising that women helm movies, too. Zhao is also the first woman of colour to ever win the Best Director prize. Also phenomenal: the wins that went Daniel Kaluuya and Yuh-Jung Youn's ways, for their supporting roles in Judas and the Black Messiah and Minari respectively. Their individual speeches were something special as well. When you're thanking your parents for having sex and therefore bringing you into this world, and trying to cosy up to Brad Pitt, you're going to grab attention. But, in a year filled with worthy winners and just-as-deserving nominees, the thing that everyone will be talking about for the next 12 months is the Best Actor field. It seems that the folks behind the Oscars thought that Chadwick Boseman would win posthumously for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, with the category moved to the last slot of the evening — breaking with tradition. But, then Anthony Hopkins emerged victorious for The Father, wasn't in attendance or available via video, and the show came to a close without a big speech. Perhaps that kind of chaos is apt, given that nothing about the past year has been normal — in cinema, or in life in general. It's also worth remembering that this year's Oscars ceremony was partly brought to the world by Steven Soderbergh, with the prolific filmmaker producing the awards broadcast. Yes, that means that the man who made the most prophetic movie of the past decade, aka Contagion, had a hand in the making Hollywood's night of nights happen in the pandemic era. Now that the longest Oscars season in memory is done and dusted for the year, more fun awaits. Whether you're watching them for the first time or the tenth, a list of stellar winning films is there to be seen by your movie-loving eyeballs. Some you can stream at home right now. Others, you'll need to head to the biggest screen near you. Either way, we've rounded up ten of 2021's Academy Award-winning must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSFpK34lfv0 NOMADLAND Frances McDormand is a gift of an actor. Point a camera her way, and a performance so rich that it feels not just believable but tangible floats across the screen. That's the case in Nomadland, which has earned McDormand her third shiny Oscars statuette just three years after she nabbed her second for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Here, leading a cast that also includes real people experiencing the existence that's fictionalised within the narrative, she plays the widowed, van-dwelling Fern — a woman who takes to the road, and to the nomad life, after the small middle-America spot she spent her married life in turns into a ghost town when the local mine is shuttered due to the global financial crisis. Following her travels over the course of more than a year, this humanist drama serves up an observational portrait of those that society happily overlooks. It's both deeply intimate and almost disarmingly empathetic in the process, as every movie made by Chloé Zhao is. This is only the writer/director's third, slotting in after 2015's Songs My Brothers Taught Me and 2017's The Rider but before 2021's Marvel flick Eternals, but it's a feature of contemplative and authentic insights into the concepts of home, identity and community. Meticulously crafted, shot and performed, it's also Zhao's best work yet, and the best film of 2020 as well. Won: Best Picture, Best Director (Chloé Zhao), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Frances McDormand). Where to watch it: In cinemas, still — and it'll be available to stream via Star on Disney+ from Friday, April 30. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0ox9ExOA1M&feature=youtu.be THE FATHER Forgetting, fixating, flailing, fraying: that's Florian Zeller's The Father, as brought to the screen in a stunning fashion from Le Père, the filmmaker's own play. Anthony's (Anthony Hopkins, Westworld) life is unravelling, with his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman, The Crown) springing the sudden news that she's about to move to Paris, and now insistent that he needs a new carer to replace the last home helper he's just scared off. He also can't find his watch, and time seems to jump suddenly. On some days, he has just trundled out of bed to greet the morning when Anne advises that dinner, not breakfast, is being served. When he brings up her French relocation again, she frostily and dismissively denies any knowledge. Sometimes another man (Mark Gatiss, Dracula) stalks around Anthony's London apartment, calling himself Anne's husband. Sometimes the flat isn't his own at all and, on occasion, both Anne (Olivia Williams, Victoria and Abdul) and her partner (Rufus Sewell, Judy) look completely different. Intermittently, Anthony either charms or spits cruel words at Laura (Imogen Poots, Black Christmas), the latest aide hired to oversee his days. So goes this largely housebound film, which is also a chaotic film. Despite its visual polish, and that mess, confusion and upheaval is entirely by design. All the shifting and changing — big and small details alike, and faces and places, too — speak to the reason Anne keeps telling Anthony they need another set of hands around the house. And, diving into it all is simply heartbreaking. Won: Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Adapted Screenplay (Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbE96sCJEjo MINARI Although they can frequently seem straightforward, films about the American dream aren't simply about chasing success. The circumstances and details change, but they're often movies about finding a place to call home as well. Such a quest isn't always as literal as it sounds, of course. While houses can signify achievement, feeling like you truly belong somewhere — and that you're comfortable enough to set your sights on lofty goals and ambitions that require considerable risks and sacrifices — transcends even the flashiest or cosiest combination of bricks and mortar. Partly drawn from writer/director Lee Isaac Chung's (Abigail Harm) own childhood, Minari understands this. It knows that seeking a space to make one's own is crucial, and that it motivates many big moves to and within the US. So, following a Korean American couple (Steven Yeun, Burning and Yeri Han, My Unfamiliar Family) who relocate to rural Arkansas in the 80s with hopes of securing a brighter future for their children (first-timer Noel Cho and fellow newcomer Alan S Kim), this delicately observed and deeply felt feature doesn't separate the Yi family's attempts to set up a farm from their efforts to feel like they're exactly where they should be. Complete with a film-stealing performance from Youn Yuh-jung (Sense8) as Monica's mother, the result is a precise, vivid, moving, and beautifully performed and observed film told with honest and tender emotion — so much so that it was always bound to be equally universal and unique. Won: Best Actress in Supporting Role (Yuh-Jung Youn). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ivHf4ODMi4 JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH The last time that Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield appeared in the same film, Get Out was the end result. Their shared scene in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning horror movie isn't easily forgotten (if you've seen the feature, it will have instantly popped into your head while you're reading this), and neither is Judas and the Black Messiah, their next exceptional collaboration. With Kaluuya starring as the Black Panther Party's Illinois Chairman Fred Hampton and Stanfield playing William O'Neal, the man who infiltrated his inner circle as an informant for the FBI, the pair is still tackling race relations. Here, though, the duo does so in a ferocious historical drama set in the late 60s. The fact that O'Neal betrays Hampton isn't a spoiler; it's a matter of fact, and the lens through which writer/director Shaka King (Newlyweeds) and his co-scribes Kenneth Lucas, Keith Lucas (actors on Lady Dynamite) and Will Berson (Scrubs) view the last period of Hampton's life. The magnetic Kaluuya has already won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance, and now he has an Oscar as well — and if he wants to keep acting opposite his fellow Academy Award nominee Stanfield in movies this invigorating, ardent, resonant and essential, audiences won't complain. Won: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Daniel Kaluuya), Best Original Song ('Fight For You' by HER, Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas). Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Chadwick Boseman didn't end up winning an Oscar for his last screen role, but the late, great actor really should've. Boseman is just that phenomenal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He has earned that term before in Get on Up, Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, but his performance in this stage-to-screen production is such a powerhouse effort that it's like watching a cascading waterfall drown out almost everything around it. He plays trumpeter Levee Green, who is part of the eponymous Ma Rainey's (Viola Davis, Widows) band. On a 1920s day, the always-nattering, big-dreaming musician joins Ma — who isn't just a fictional character, and was known as the Mother of Blues — and the rest of his colleagues for a recording session. Temperatures and tempers rise in tandem in the Chicago studio, with Levee and Ma rarely seeing eye to eye on any topic. Davis is in thundering, hot-blooded form, while Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Glynn Turman (Fargo) also leave a firm impression. It's impossible take your eyes off of the slinkily magnetic Boseman though, as would prove the case even if he was still alive to see the film's release. Adapting the play of the same name by August Wilson (Fences), director George C Wolfe (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) lets Boseman farewell the screen with one helluva bang. Won: Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson), Best Costume Design (Ann Roth). Where to watch it: On Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs--6c7Hn_A SOUL Released early in 2020, Onward definitely wasn't Pixar's best film — but Soul, its straight-to-streaming latest movie that capped off the past year, instantly contends for the title. The beloved animation studio has always excelled when it takes big leaps. Especially now, a quarter-century into its filmmaking tenure, its features prove particularly enchanting when they're filled with surprises (viewers have become accustomed to seeing toys, fish, rats and robots have feelings, after all). On paper, Soul initially seems similar to Inside Out, but switching in souls for emotions. It swaps in voice work by Tina Fey for Amy Poehler, too, and both movies are helmed by director Peter Docter, so there's more than one reason for the comparison. But to the delight of viewers of all ages, Soul is a smart, tender and contemplative piece of stunning filmmaking all on its own terms. It's Pixar at its most existential, and with a strikingly percussive score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to further help it stand out. At its centre sits aspiring jazz musician-turned-music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy). Just as he's about to get his big break, he falls down a manhole, his soul leaves his body, and he's desperate to get back to chase his dreams. Alas, that's not how things work, and he's saddled with mentoring apathetic and cynical soul 22 (the always hilarious Fey) in his quest to reclaim his life. Won: Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste). Where to watch it: On Disney+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vdaJcoKk0s PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN Promising Young Woman would've made an excellent episode or season of Veronica Mars. That's meant as the highest compliment to both the bubblegum-hued take on the rape-revenge genre and the cult-status private detective series. Writer/director Emerald Fennell clearly isn't blind to the parallels between the two, even casting Veronica Mars stars Max Greenfield (New Girl) and Chris Lowell (GLOW) in her feature debut. Don't go thinking the Killing Eve season two showrunner and The Crown actor is simply following in other footsteps, though. At every moment, the brilliant and blistering Promising Young Woman vibrates with too much anger, energy and insight to merely be a copycat of something else. It's a film made with the savviest of choices, and provocative and downright fearless ones as well, in everything from its soundtrack to its weaponised pastel, peppy and popping Instagram-friendly imagery. You don't include Italian quartet Archimia's orchestral version of Britney Spears' 'Toxic', Paris Hilton's 'Stars Are Blind' and an abundance of vibrant surface sheen in a movie about a woman waging war on the culture of sexual assault without trying to make a statement — and Fennell succeeds again and again. She has also made the smart decision to cast Carey Mulligan (The Dig), and to draw upon the acclaimed actor's near-peerless ability to express complex internalised turmoil. Mulligan's fierce lead performance scorches, sears and resounds with such burning truth, and so does the feature she's in as a result. Won: Best Original Screenplay (Emerald Fennell). Where to watch it: It's available to rent or buy via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFOrGkAvjAE SOUND OF METAL When feature filmmaking debutant Darius Marder begins Sound of Metal just as its title intimates, he does so with the banging and clashing of drummer Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed, Venom) as his arms flail above his chosen instrument. He's playing a gig with his girlfriend and bandmate Lou (Olivia Cooke, Ready Player One), and he's caught up in the rattling and clattering as her guttural voice and thrashing guitar offers the pitch-perfect accompaniment. But for viewers listening along, it doesn't quite echo the way it should. For the bleached-blonde, tattooed, shirtless and sweaty Ruben, that's the case, too. Sound of Metal's expert and exacting sound design mimics his experience, as his hearing fades rapidly and traumatically over the course of a few short days — a scenario that no one wants, let alone a musician with more that a few magazine covers to his band's name, who motors between shows in the cosy Airstream he lives in with his other half and is about to embark upon a new tour. That's not all the film is about, though. Ruben's ability to listen to the world around him begins to dip out quickly and early, leaving him struggling; however, it's how he grapples with the abrupt change, and with being forced to sit with his own company without a constant onslaught of aural interruptions distracting him from his thoughts, that the movie is most interested in. Won: Best Sound (Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés and Phillip Bladh), Best Film Editing (Mikkel EG Nielsen). Where to watch it: In cinemas and on Amazon Prime Video. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5R46NgopPw&feature=emb_logo ANOTHER ROUND Even the most joyous days and nights spent sipping your favourite drink can have their memory tainted by a hangover. Imbibe too much, and there's a kicker just waiting to pulsate through your brain and punish your body when all that alcohol inevitably starts to wear off. For much of Another Round, four Copenhagen school teachers try to avoid this feeling. The film they're in doesn't, though. Writer/director Thomas Vinterberg (Kursk)) and his co-scribe Tobias Lindholm (A War) lay bare the ups and downs of knocking back boozy beverages, and it also serves up a finale that's a sight to behold. Without sashaying into spoiler territory, the feature's last moments are a thing of sublime beauty. Some movies end in a WTF, "what were they thinking?" kind of way, but this Oscar-shortlisted Danish film comes to a conclusion with a big and bold showstopper that's also a piece of bittersweet perfection. The picture's highest-profile star, Mads Mikkelsen (Arctic), is involved. His pre-acting background as an acrobat and dancer comes in handy, too. Unsurprisingly, the substances that flow freely throughout the feature remain prominent. And, so does the canny and candid awareness that life's highs and lows just keep spilling, plus the just-as-shrewd understanding that the line between self-sabotage and self-release is as thin as a slice of lemon garnishing a cocktail. Won: Best International Feature. Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI MANK In 2010's The Social Network, David Fincher surveyed the story of an outsider and upstart who would become a business magnate, wield significant influence and have an immense impact upon the world. The applauded and astute film tells the tale of Mark Zuckerberg and of Facebook's development — but it's also the perfect precursor to Fincher's latest movie, Mank. This time around, the filmmaker focuses on a man who once spun a similar narrative. A drama critic turned screenwriter, Herman J Mankiewicz scored the gig of his lifetime when he was hired to pen Orson Welles' first feature, and he drew upon someone from his own life to do so. Citizen Kane is famous for many things, but its central character of Charles Foster Kane is also famously partially based on US media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who Mankiewicz knew personally. Accordingly, Mank sees Fincher step behind the scenes of an iconic movie that his own work has already paralleled — to ponder how fact influences fiction, how stories that blaze across screens silver and small respond to the world around them, and how one man's best-known achievement speaks volumes about both in a plethora of ways. Mank is a slice-of-life biopic about Mankiewicz's (Gary Oldman, Crisis) time writing Citizen Kane's screenplay, as well as his career around it. It's catnip for the iconic feature's multitudes of fans, in fact. But it also peers at a bigger picture, because that's classic Fincher. Won: Best Cinematography (Erik Messerschmidt), Best Production Design (Donald Graham Burt and Jan Pascale). Where to watch it: In cinemas and on Netflix. Read our full review. Top image: Nomadland. Image courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2020, 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved
Sometimes, you've got to put the green juice down and dive right into a very large plate of carbs. You can't deny how good that feels in the moment; it's all about taste, the quality of the forkful of pasta going into your mouth and all the butter or sauce bringing it to life. And Tipo 00 understands this. Named in a nod to the traditional flour used to make pizza and pasta, the Italian restaurant in Melbourne sure knows a thing or two about the gig. Tipo 00 is built a whole pasta bar around the idea of sitting down to a top-notch, memorable bowl of the stuff, where quality, care and fresh produce are far more important than what it might do to your waistline. Don't think of it as a problem for future you. Current you will be very, very happy. Of course, there are some excellent things that come before the pasta at here. Open decadently with plates like stracciatella with radicchio and saffron, chargrilled king prawn with olive crumb or perhaps the grilled ox tongue with balsamic and pink peppercorn. Salumi rotates through a daily-changing chef's selection. But for the main event, there's no denying you're in especially good hands. For perfectly-executed simplicity, go with the likes of pumpkin tortilla with amaretti crumb, prawn spaghettini finished with anchovies and broccolini, or rigatoni in a lush ragu of wagyu beef, tomato and confit chilli. Finish off strong with creations like the Tipomisu, or panacotta with carrot, sunrise lime and mint. Or, if your version of sweet leans to the savoury, the cheese selection is always a good idea. Meanwhile, the Tipo 00 wine lineup takes a knowledgeable jaunt through the homeland, with no shortage of fitting pairings to the generous Italian flavours on your table. Local beers and Euro-centric cocktails round out the fun. [caption id="attachment_871973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023 Where to Find the Best pasta in Melbourne for 2023
It's getting to that time of year when the idea of putting some original thought into gifts can start to seem too noble a cause — especially when a Myer giftcard is just in arm's reach. But it doesn't have to be so difficult. Whether you've made a dent on your gift shopping list or not (because let's face it, you probably haven't), take note of these online stores perfect for uncommon and sure-to-delight Christmas gifts. SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is making gift-giving less torturous and more fun again with a quiz that helps you track down the ultimate gift. By asking a few questions ('What were they like a kid?' or 'What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?'), Sorry Thanks I Love You actually tailors their gift list to your loved one. It does help if your gift recipient is a fan of artisanal creature comforts as gourmet food and beverages, flowers and accessories are what Sorry Thanks I Love You does best. www.sorrythanksiloveyou.com OXFAM SHOP Regret purchases are virtually nonexistent at Oxfam's online shop, which features handmade, Fair Trade gifts crafted by skilled people from 136 producer groups in 38 different countries. Boasting a wide variety of homewares, fashion accessories and gourmet food and drink, Oxfam Shop has answered your Christmas gift shopping prayers with presents for your 96-year-old grandmother down to your two-year-old niece all neatly taken care of. And let's not forget how delicious fair trade chocolate can be. www.oxfamshop.org.au THIS IS WHY I'M BROKE Collating the wackiest gifts from all corners of the internet, This Is Why I'm Broke will perplex and amaze you, or at least, make you laugh audibly at some of the downright ridiculous things on sale. With edge-only brownie pans, suit pajamas, crystal-clear canoes and countless other brilliant inventions, it does take a bit of trawling to find just the right gift, but once you start, there's no knowing when you'll stop. Don't blame us if you forget you're not shopping for yourself. www.thisiswhyimbroke.com HUNTING FOR GEORGE Hunting for George is the project of Melbourne-based sisters Jo Harris and Lucy Glade-Wright who hand-pick local and international pieces which accord with their own brand's emphasis on quality and originality. Featuring creatively curated gift guides and product descriptions that feel less like manufacturer dribble and more like a friend's recommendation, Hunting For George is gift hunting without the headache. It's the place to go for indoor/outdoor Milk & Sugar stools, pastel-splashed Pop & Scott plant pots and Iris Hantverk's old-school birchwood house essentials. www.huntingforgeorge.com SIX THINGS Following an Alice in Wonderland guiding light — "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast" — Six Things is the prime place to shop for gifts for the friend who can quote entire movies backwards. Founded by the Queensland-based designers at j6 design, Six Things allows you to shop by theme or by type and discover people-pleasing gifts like Tea-Rex mugs, ghetto car fresheners or Pulp Fiction/Sesame Street fusion cushion covers. Alternatively, slip into the rabbit hole and treat your friend (or even yourself) to a mystery blind date… with a book. www.sixthings.com.au SOCIETY6 Founded by Justin Cooper, Lucas Tirigall-Caste and Justin Wills, Society6 is breathing new life into printed clothes, wall art and homewares. Shop for your gifts on Society6 if you think your partner's shower curtains need some refreshing, or if your best friend's wall clock is looking a bit drab. Society6 sources artwork from thousands of artists worldwide and allows artists to actually profit from sales without giving up their creative rights. A printed iPhone case never felt so morally good. www.society6.com MOMA DESIGN STORE The MoMA Design Store is a special place. One of New York City's most exciting galleries, it has a number of retail spaces where you can purchase all of the designy gifts you have ever wanted. And if you can't just fly over to New York for a shopping weekend anytime soon, they've got you covered with their comprehensive online store, which provides modest international shipping rates to Australia. www.momastore.org ETSY Cutesy might be the first thing you think of when someone says Etsy, but there's no denying that Etsy is queen of the online boutique, hosting over 1 million online handcraft and vintage stores from all across the globe. If searching for the perfect gift among Etsy's online treasure trove is a bit daunting, we recommend eyeing the Etsy Design Award Nominees, a handpicked bunch of designers that stand a little taller than the rest. www.etsy.com THE DOWNTIME AGENDA Keeping true to this website's policy of absolute zen, your Christmas shopping for those who do their downtime right — from curling up with a scented candle to finding inner peace with earthy incense — is right here at the click of a button. With selections of gift packs for mothers, gardeners and blanket enthusiasts, the Downtime Agenda has all your 'chilling' needs covered. If your zen friend is not so much the materialistic type, you can also buy 'experiences' such as yoga classes and 'blend your own gin' workshops. www.thedowntimeagenda.com HARD TO FIND This hidden Australian gem brings together all the best elements of gift shopping and makes them super easy to find, putting presents for Christmas, birthdays, friends, dads, grandmas and girlfriends together for a beautifully designed stroll through the online market. Hard To Find offers an array of treasures sourced from across Australia and around the world, with gifts from France, England and beyond sure to satisfy even the pickiest family member on Christmas morning. www.hardtofind.com.au UNCOMMON GOODS From a water bottle for your dog to personalised whiskey barrels, Uncommon Goods definitely delivers what it promises, alongside a host of more sophisticated, grandmother-approved gifts for the whole family Christmas. This website has a particular section for more fun and quirky gifts, along with a section entirely for all your festive needs, allowing you to choose personalised wares that suit everybody's individual style. www.uncommongoods.com JAPAN TREND SHOP Have you ever woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror, and realised you absolutely can't go without a Panasonic Beauty Ion Effector? Neither have we, but you can buy one at the Japan Trend Shop — if you can believe it. With a range of beauty wears including USB-heated leggings and boiled egg-shaped headbands, this kitsch online emporium really does stock whatever you can imagine. www.japantrendshop.com HIM & 1 Specialising in all that is fine and functional across household goods, art and body care products, Him & I is a wholesome Australian online store that houses the current obsessions of site creators Kara and Josh. From boldly coloured bedding by Kip & Co and sophisticated watches by The Horse to simple tableware by Made in Japan and earthy art designs by Kristina Krogh, Him&I is a feast of gift ideas by brands definitely not seen at your nearest Westfield. www.himandi.com.au By Katie Davern, Eden Faithfull and Matthew Abotomey. Top image: Basil Bangs, available at Hunting for George.
At a time when much of Melbourne's food-related buzz is reserved for the boundary-pushing contemporary, The Recreation is a refreshing nod to the old-school. It's a wine bar, bottle shop and bistro, all wrapped up in one delightful package and helmed by the expert trio of chef Steven Nelson (ex-Bistro Gitan and Jacques Reymond), sommelier Mark Protheroe, and FOH gun Joe Durrant (both ex-Grossi Florentino). To one side, the bar space of any wine lover's dreams boasts a huge communal table and a jam-packed wall of bottles, carefully plucked from all over. There's something here for every budget and palate, whether you're dropping in for after-work sips, or grabbing a take-home treat. Next door, the dining room is an instant charmer, with its rustic mix of timber and exposed brick, and affably crisp service. The kitchen's plating up modern iterations of some classic French flavours, with just the right amount of cleverness shining through. It's comfort food with a sophisticated edge — a study in beautifully executed, classic Euro flavours. And, just as that hefty retail collection alludes to, the wine list here is brimming with gold, and the waitstaff know how to help you get the most out of it — whether that involves amping up your meal with a 2007 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes from the cellar, or ambling through the global range of pouring wines. There's even the option of bringing along a special bottle of something from home for a $20 corkage fee.
Located at 105 Swan Street Richmond, Tartine is an elegant addition to the burgeoning Melbourne French culinary scene. It sits within a striking three-storey Edwardian corner block, painted a dazzling winter white, with street side dining and a private salon for special events. The interior is rustic with a gorgeous wooden bar that curves around the room and a few low marble tables to dine at. It's the perfect venue for a date or a catch up with old friends. Alternatively, pull up a stool at the bar and enjoy some alone time with a pastis. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes small bites such as oysters (mixed up daily), hash browns with foie gras and cognac, Cantabrian anchovy toast with shallots and butter and Basque style octopus with charred cos and lettuce. The venue takes its name for a style of French open sandwich, and the options here are absolutely mouth-watering. Vegetarians can enjoy a tartine of roasted mushroom, chèvre, walnut and thyme on brioche, or the brie de meaux with caramelised onions and walnuts on an open baguette. For carnivores, there's the wagyu bresaola with fennel remoulade or the house salmon gravlax with avocado, cucumber and dill on sourdough. For mains, the French classics are all here with steak frites and Montpellier butter the highlight, while the gnocchi Parisienne with eggplant, zucchini, tomato and goat curd caters to all diners. There is a full bar and stunning wine list at Tartine as well — be sure to give yourself plenty of time to sit back, relax, and soak up the atmosphere which is earnestly and effortlessly Parisian. Appears in: The Best French Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
If you wander into Aunty Peg's looking for a latte, you won't find one. But rather than being turned away, you'll be sat down at the bar. You'll be talked through the coffee, perhaps given a taste or a smell (no obligation, of course). And before you know it, you'll probably be sipping a nitrogen-charged cold brew straight out of a beer glass. That seems like standard practice at Aunty Peg's, which opened way back in 2014 to showcase and sell the best beans Proud Mary can find. The drop-in coffee bar is attached to the newly relocated Proud Mary roastery, which is conveniently just a hop, skip and jump from their flagship cafe. There is one bar, three coffees on rotation, and two options. Filter or espresso. Everything's black. You might try the fragrant Colombian Popayan Reserve Washed Decaf, or perhaps go for a nitrogen cold brew. This one is special: the Panama Geisha beans (a relatively new varietal) are brewed for 52 hours at 4 degrees and then poured straight from the keg, giving it a beer-like texture. It's easy drinking and perfect for summer. The guys here know their coffee, and they want you to know about it, too. Watch them make your pour-over filter at the bar or drop in during the week, and find out how to brew your beans just right. Always wanted to learn how to use your French Press? This is your chance. It's a vast space, and the bar is just a small part of the Proud Mary story. As well as the warehouse and roastery, there's the retail corner, training area and upstairs bakery and event space. For a coffee nerd, Aunty Peg's is the ultimate school. And if you're still after that latte, Proud Mary is just around the corner. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
There is always one of two things that stick with you after a visit to Curtin House on Swanston Street — those stairs, or the inevitable hangover the next morning. By the time you get up a few flights — even before Rooftop — the drinks are well deserved. Found on level six, Mesa Verde is an open, wood-clad room filled with personality. A Mexican influence is heavy on the food and drinks front. A seriously curated wall of tequila is what you'll find behind the bar as you peruse the menu where you'll find that cocktails rely heavily on the Mexican spirit. For those in the mood for a cocktail try the margarita de la casa a classic mix of tequila, lime and agave or one of the concoctions inspired by Mexican figures like Frida Kahlo, El Santo and even El Chupacabra. If you're a group in the mood to party, go for a cocktail to share like the house sangria, with red wine, curacao, orange and jalapeno, or the lager-ita with tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave and Coronas. Cocktails at Mesa Verde aren't the only ones invited to the party. The taps pour a rotating roster of independent brews, while the wine list features a list of predominantly Australian wines, bar the Champagne and sparkling lists. To accompany the liquids, there is a pretty extensive food menu to sit alongside the drinks list. Keeping in theme, snack on things like Victoria-grown corn tortilla chips with guac or the hiramasa ceviche with lemongrass and salsa macha. For something more substantial, try the tacos with fillings like barbecued goat with salsa, onion and coriander or the braised ox tongue with fermented morita BBQ and grilled mustard greens. Sweet tooths will be happy to know there is a banging dessert menu. You can top off the evening with horchata ice cream with corn meringue, dulce de leche and soft chocolate, churros and mezcal hot chocolate sauce. Mesa Verde is adding something a little different to the already full Curtin House. It earns its place as a stopover to one of the many other venues, or as a destination in itself. [caption id="attachment_888764" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chip Mooney[/caption]
Alphonse Gangitano must have left abruptly when he abandoned his underground casino in the early 90s. The Melburnian crime boss — now immortalised as a character in Underbelly — may have met a grisly demise, but he left behind some sweet real estate on an unassuming Fitzroy North side street. Untouched for 20-odd years, it was only in 2013 that a trio of hospitality entrepreneurs stumbled across the venue and went about returning it to its former glory. But this time without the gambling. The original venue was so well preserved that there wasn't a lot to do in terms of renovation, other than wipe off the dust and restock the wine racks. The interior — with its rich textural palate of blood-red surfaces, antique wood finishes and brocade wall features — is rather lush. Rather than coming across as intimidating, however, it manages to create an atmosphere of intimacy and homeliness. "What we didn't want was a very stiff and formal wine bar," says owner Almay Jordaan. "So we tried to create to a place that feels like your local watering hole. Something family-friendly, but with a focus on wonderful wine and seasonal food." French trained, Jordaan says she draws inspiration from European peasant food, and has created a daily changing menu that's responsive to the seasons and to Melbourne's notoriously bi-polar weather. In the cooler months, expect dishes such as pork shoulder, prune and hazelnut terrine, caper mayonnaise and toast, or slow roast jumbuck, broad beans, watercress and hazelnut dressing. Your only challenge will be choosing a wine to match from the expansive offering; with a collection of over 300 bottles, and new additions each week, the neighbourhood Wine owners might need to start investing in some IKEA storage solutions. But don't fear if you're no professional sommelier — the slick, approachable staff are more than happy to talk you through the wine list and suggest an ideal match. For those going by the glass, there are six whites and six reds on offer, as well as a small selection of sparkling, rose, sherry and fortified. As the crowds bloom on a Friday night, things become even cosier at Neighbourhood Wine. Couples playing footsie over a glass of sherry happily coexist with a group of boisterous blokes who hog the enormous snooker table in one room; a table of Mum and Dad diners sit amongst the debris of half-empty wine bottles and plates of cured meats in the next (all indicators of a meal thoroughly enjoyed). The noise level's high, but so are spirits — and if you listen closely, you might just hear the clinking of cash and casino chips ... remnants of the gangster ghouls who once ran the neighbourhood. Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Thanks to the warm mornings and late sunsets of summer, there's no better time to reunite with your two-wheeled friend and power through on the pedals. Whether you want to ride across town, whiz downhill, or simply take it slow and meander leisurely through suburban parks and gardens, there's surely a Melbourne bike track that can lure you back into the saddle. So gear up for a Sunday afternoon ride — or a sweaty Saturday morning calve-defining workout — because Melbourne has plenty of bike trails that will get you wheeling all around the city and the suburbs. Recommended reads: The Best Walks Around Metro Melbourne The Best Places to Go Kayaking and Canoeing Near Melbourne The Best Snorkelling Spots Near Melbourne The Best One-Day Hikes Near Melbourne [caption id="attachment_711645" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers via Visit Victoria[/caption] For a Salty Sea Breeze: The Bayside Trail Give your helmet hair a touch of the beach windswept look on this leisurely 18-kilometre trail along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay. Start your cycle along The Bayside Trail at the Westgate Bridge and pedal past Albert Park and Port Melbourne before arriving at the huge mouth of Luna Park in St Kilda. Your destination is the lovely bayside town of Brighton. Don't let the length scare you — it's mostly flat and should only take about two hours. Once you arrive in Brighton, sink your feet into the soft sand and treat yourself to fish and chips. If there's more fuel in those legs, keep riding another 27 kilometres along the coast to reach Carrum. [caption id="attachment_711647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackman via Visit Victoria[/caption] For Postcard-Perfect Views: Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Most likely the inspiration behind 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', this 40-kilometre path will have you testing the gears on your bike (and the muscles in your calves) as you climb and fly from mountain to valley to river. Following the historical railway line that begins at the old Lilydale Rail Station, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail passes through the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, over quaint restored bridges and through lush farmland and forests. Apart from the stunning mountain views, you'll likely catch plenty of horse riders and walkers on the way too. Finish off at the quaint town of Warburton, where you'll quietly collapse — rightfully so. [caption id="attachment_642892" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kilcunda Trestle Bridge; Image Credit: Kilcunda General Store[/caption] For Regional Coast Tranquility: Bass Coast Rail Trail Get out of the city and into the saddle with this track on the Gippsland coast, which has been extended to cover 21 kilometres. Offering broad views of the coastline and rolling hills of the regional area, the Bass Coast Rail Trail will take you through old coal mining country. The trail starts at the old Wonthaggi railway station and winds through to the Woolamai Racecourse. It's rough and patchy in parts, but the adventurous soul will find joy crossing the old Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, which is surrounded by the crashing surf — not to mention the stunning views of Bass Strait. [caption id="attachment_622414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] For Mid-Ride Picnics: Merri Creek Trail This 21-kilometre Merri Creek Trail meanders through the best of northern suburbia — starting at the inner city waterfall oasis at Dights Falls and continuing past hidden horse paddocks and up to Coburg. It's an easy ride full of wide open spaces, perfect for throwing down a rug for a picnic luncheon or for a spot of frisbee along the way. Highlights include Coburg Lake Reserve (which offers the most impressive playground you will ever lay eyes on), the Brunswick Velodrome and the CERES Community Environment Park. If 21 kilometres isn't enough for you, you can continue the trail where it joins the Western Ring Road Trail to the north or the aforementioned Capital City Trail to the south. [caption id="attachment_711646" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers via Visit Victoria[/caption] For Iconic Melbourne: The Capital City Trail For a cycling journey that winds past Melbourne's most historical and iconic landmarks (and with plenty of opportunities for coffee stops, to boot), you can't go wrong with this flat and car-free 30-kilometre Capital City Trail. Grab a share bike from a CBD corner and enjoy being a tourist on wheels, whizzing along the Yarra River past Docklands, Melbourne Zoo, The Royal Botanical Gardens and Dights Falls. If 30 kilometres sounds a bit too far, it's easy enough just to do a portion of it, whether that's South Bank to Burnley Gardens, Moonee Ponds Creek to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre or Abbotsford to Parkville. Just watch out for pedestrians, as this is a much-loved Melbourne walking trail too. [caption id="attachment_711649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roberto Seba via Visit Victoria[/caption] For a Riverside Ride: Main Yarra Trail A local favourite among cyclists for its sparkling river views of the Yarra (yes, even the Yarra can sparkle), the Main Yarra Trail starts in Southbank and stretches out to Melbourne's eastern fringe for 33 kilometres — and you can ride it in either direction. Pleasant on the old legs, the compact dirt path is fairly flat for a blissful ride past ancient gums and billabongs. You might even get to hear the sweet native calls of the competitive rower. Finish off with a picnic at Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. Be sure to give your legs a good rest before you make the long (yet leisurely) return trip. [caption id="attachment_711694" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Larkin via Flickr[/caption] For Beauty and Glory: The 1 in 20 Climb Serious lycra-clad road cyclists need look no further than testing out their Tour de France skills on this steep climb (animal blood transfusions not required). Named after the average gradient of this lush and green route in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 6.8-kilometre 1 in 20 Climb is a beautiful one, but also terribly challenging. It climbs along the Mountain Highway from The Basin into the dreamy village of Sassafras. On the way, you'll cycle through the fern gullies and grassy forests of Mount Dandenong's western side. This trek is genuinely for serious cyclists only, so do not attempt it if you're a newbie. For a Bit of Art: Banksia Park to Heide While you never forget how to ride a bike, your body might be a tad unkind if you don't move from the couch enough. Blow the cobwebs off your two-wheeler and get that body moving again, starting with this short five-kilometre track. Begin at Banksia Park and follow the fruit trees and gums along the Yarra River and into Heide Sculpture Park, where a new healing garden is located. Whizzing past contemporary sculptures, it's not a bad way to get active and see some art at the same time. And it'll take you just two hours return to make this trip from Banksia Park to Heide, so it can easily be done in an arvo. You can find Abbott's Bakery products at all major supermarkets — and discover more tasty sandwich recipes via its website. Top images: The Bayside Trail by Josie Withers via Visit Victoria.
Many would agree that it was Mamasita, opening her doors back in 2010, that led Melbourne's still-simmering Mexican charge. Now, six years, a couple of family additions, and plenty of location hunting later, owners Matt Lane and Nick Peters are at it again, having launched their second venue. The hotly anticipated Hotel Jesus has set up shop in the iconic Collingwood Post Office building, with the lofty, light-filled space now setting the scene for Smith Street's own Mexican fiesta. As a casual tostaderia, Hotel Jesus eschews Mamasita's well-loved restaurant formula in favour of a more easy-going drinking and dining affair. Here, you can drop by for house-made tostadas, cocktails on tap, and Mexican beers, served straight from a supersized ice trough behind the bar. With Yasser Garcia on the pans, expect a food menu that's authentic, lively and mostly familiar, running from ceviche and seafood, to tacos and those tostadas. Meanwhile, a "tacowey" (that's their way of saying takeaway) section has a more experimental edge, dabbling in a looser interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Those looking to jump on the mescal bandwagon will find plenty of opportunity to do so here. Peters is Australia's only Master Mezcalier (it's a thing), and the drinks list he's created provides a solid introduction to the agave spirit — which comes just in time for summer. Backing that up, there's an expectedly great tequila lineup, a tight selection of natural wines, and plenty of easy-drinking, imported brews. UPDATE JUNE 29, 2017: Because tacos taste even better when they're dirt cheap, Hotel Jesus has introduced $2 Taco Tuesdaze. Every Tuesday, they'll be whipping up $2 vego, chicken and beef tacos from 5–9pm. Book a table or rock up early. Images: Thomas Friml and Carmen Zammit.
Last month, we brought you news that Melbourne was set to gain a vibrant new hotel, with the Hannah St Hotel slated to open this summer. Now, it has been announced that The Mullberry Group, one of Melbourne's renowned hospitality collectives, will be responsible for opening five new venues inside the hotel. The 188-room hotel, set to open in Southbank, is the latest ambitious project from Flack Studio. Hotel General Manager Peter Minatsis says, "Hannah St Hotel offers more than just a place to stay — it's an experience that will deliver the best of Melbourne's cultural identity in one exciting destination. From our locally inspired interiors by Flack Studio to the curated art, food, and design collaborations, every detail is curated to reflect the city's creative spirit." The Mulberry Group operates a number of restaurants in Melbourne, including Lilac Wine, Hazel and Dessous. Its founder, Nathan Toleman, brings a wealth of hospitality experience to this latest project, having been instrumental in defining the Melbourne cafe scene through venues such as Top Paddock, Higher Ground and The Kettle Black. With Hannah St, Toleman will realise a long-held dream of bringing hospitality, community and design together in one project. "From a young age, I've been obsessed with hotels — the excitement of checking in, exploring every corner, and discovering the magic of each space. Some of my best memories are tied to hotels: Ett Hem in Stockholm, Chiltern Firehouse in London, and Chateau Marmont in LA," says Toleman. "For me, a hotel represents an escape from the outside world — a place where every detail tells a story. With Hannah St, we wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement, but with a Melbourne heartbeat. A place that feels alive, authentic, and inclusive — not just for travellers, but for locals too." The Mulberry Group will operate five venues at Hannah St, each with a distinct feel and offering. A hole-in-the-wall cafe, Hannah St Coffee, will serve Square One Coffee, baked goods and grab-and-go lunches, and Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar will be an all-day Euro-leaning restaurant for everything from early morning brekkie to late night suppers. There will be no shortage of options for a nightcap with the Terrace Lounge offering rooftop views and cocktails, Bar Hannah serving as a classic lobby bar, and The Carriage Lounge designed for an intimate and elegant pre- or post-dinner beverage. Images: Supplied. Hannah St Hotel is expected to open over the coming summer. If you need a staycation in the meantime, check out the best hotels in Melboure.
The laughs started with an opening monologue that had Jimmy Kimmel exclaim "Ryan, you're so hot. Let's go camping together and not tell our wives". The cheers began with Messi, the Palm Dog-winning pooch from Anatomy of a Fall, being spotted sitting in the audience. And the tears commenced not with Da'Vine Joy Randolph's Best Supporting Actress speech — where she said that she really didn't think that she was supposed to be doing this as a career, which did indeed inspire waterworks — but before that, with Lupita Nyong'o's introductory tribute to The Holdovers' actor. That's how the 96th Oscars kicked off — already five minutes over, as Kimmel noted, because Hollywood's night of nights doesn't quite believe in time — on Monday, March 11, Down Under. From there, the highlights kept coming. The Boy and the Heron winning Best Animated Feature was another big standout. So were Mstyslav Chernov wishing that he'd never had to make Best Documentary-winner 20 Days in Mariupol, which nabbed Ukraine's first Oscar; Godzilla Minus One taking out Best Visual Effects for a team who went up on the stage holding Godzilla figurines; American Fiction writer/director Cord Jefferson's plea for more support for films that don't cost $200 million when he won Best Adapted Screenplay; and Poor Things' stunning look and lead performance getting so much love. The awards' big winner: Oppenheimer as predicted, picking up seven awards. But it took until almost 90 minutes in for Christopher Nolan's J Robert Oppenheimer biopic to collect any gongs, ensuring that other movies earned recognition, too. When it was the film's time to shine, it resulted in a dedication to the peacemakers everywhere from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr thanking his terrible childhood. Yes, Barbie won best song, for 'What Was I Made For?'. Yes, Gosling's performance of 'I'm Just Ken' was a showstopper, complete with Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and America Ferrara singing along from the audience. And yes, everything from Wes Anderson nabbing his first-ever Oscar for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar to starting the In Memoriam tribute with footage from Navalny also happened. Kimmel calling out the fact that Gerwig wasn't nominated, Kate McKinnon thinking that the Jurassic Park movies are documentaries, The Fall Guy's Gosling and Emily Blunt bickering while paying tribute to stunt performers, John Cena appearing almost naked, and Twins and Junior co-stars (and past Batman villains) Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger co-presenting: that all occurred as well. That's how the ceremony panned out — with much to celebrate, plenty of banter and, as always among the films that go home empty-handed, disappointments as well. Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives and Perfect Days are all still excellent pictures, for instance, and can always call themselves Oscar-nominees. (It's always worth remembering that a plethora of stellar films don't even get nominations, which doesn't make them any lesser flicks, either.) Now that the Academy Awards are all done and dusted for 2024, here's the full rundown: who won and what else was in the running, that is. You can also check out what we predicted would and should win, nine winners that you can and should watch right now in Australia and New Zealand, and our full lists of where most of this year's contenders are screening or streaming in both Australia and New Zealand. Oscar Winners and Nominees 2024: Best Motion Picture American Fiction Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer — WINNER Past Lives Poor Things The Zone of Interest Best Director Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer — WINNER Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Carey Mulligan, Maestro Emma Stone, Poor Things — WINNER Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Bradley Cooper, Maestro Colman Domingo, Rustin Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer — WINNER Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple America Ferrera, Barbie Jodie Foster, Nyad Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers — WINNER Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Sterling K Brown, American Fiction Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer — WINNER Ryan Gosling, Barbie Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Best Original Screenplay Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari — WINNER The Holdovers, David Hemingson Maestro, Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer May December, Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik Past Lives, Celine Song Best Adapted Screenplay American Fiction, Cord Jefferson — WINNER Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan Poor Things, Tony McNamara The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer Best International Feature Film Io Capitano, Italy Perfect Days, Japan Society of the Snow, Spain The Teachers' Lounge, Germany The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom — WINNER Best Animated Feature The Boy and the Heron — WINNER Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Best Documentary Feature Bobi Wine: The People's President The Eternal Memory Four Daughters To Kill a Tiger 20 Days in Mariupol — WINNER Best Original Score American Fiction, Laura Karpman Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Williams Killers of the Flower Moon, Robbie Robertson Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson — WINNER Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Best Original Song 'The Fire Inside', Flamin' Hot, Diane Warren 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt 'It Never Went Away', American Symphony, Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson 'Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)', Killers of the Flower Moon, Scott George 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell — WINNER Best Cinematography El Conde, Edward Lachman Killers of the Flower Moon, Rodrigo Prieto Maestro, Matthew Libatique Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema — WINNER Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Best Film Editing Anatomy of a Fall, Laurent Sénéchal The Holdovers, Kevin Tent Killers of the Flower Moon, Thelma Schoonmaker Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame — WINNER Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Best Production Design Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer Poor Things — WINNER Best Visual Effects The Creator Godzilla Minus One — WINNER Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Napoleon Best Costume Design Barbie, Jacqueline Durran Killers of the Flower Moon, Jacqueline West Napoleon, Janty Yates and Dave Crossman Oppenheimer, Ellen Mirojnick Poor Things, Holly Waddington — WINNER Best Makeup and Hairstyling Golda Maestro Oppenheimer Poor Things — WINNER Society of the Snow Best Sound The Creator Maestro Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer The Zone of Interest — WINNER Best Documentary Short Subject The ABCs of Book Banning The Barber of Little Rock Island in Between The Last Repair Shop — WINNER Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó Best Animated Short Film Letter to a Pig Ninety-Five Senses Our Uniform Pachyderme WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko — WINNER Best Live-Action Short Film The After Invincible Knight of Fortune Red, White and Blue The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar — WINNER The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website.
It was the year 2002 when Bubble Cup first opened in Melbourne, popularising the milky, boba-studded beverages we've come to know as "bubble tea". First created in Taiwan about twenty years prior, boba or bubble tea — typically made from sweet milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls — wasn't quite an overnight sensation. But these days, it's a household term that Australians of all ages and demographics are at least familiar with, if not regularly consuming. Today, bubble tea has become a catch-all term for sweet, takeaway tea-based drinks. But according to Orlando Sanpo, brand manager and head of marketing for Molly Tea Australia — one of China's biggest tea exports — this was just the first ripple in a much larger wave. The landscape has come a long way since the days of Bubble Cup, with new variations, many from mainland China, redefining what takeaway tea can be. "They get offended if you call them bubble tea," Sanpo says of the latest entrants, many of which don't offer tapioca pearls at all. "Now it's real tea, and they actually tell you, 'this tea is from this district in China.' There's an education about it." First Wave – Taiwanese Milk Tea Bubble Cup sparked the trend, but Taiwanese brands like Gong Cha, Chatime and Sharetea — which arrived about a decade later — cemented it. Built on powders, syrups and pre-made pearls, these chains offer affordability and customisation with a strong suburban presence and menus suited to almost anyone. For a time, this was the epitome of takeaway tea. But younger, health-conscious consumers and the churn of food trends have left these brands feeling more nostalgic than aspirational — still popular, but entry-level compared to what's come since. Second Wave – Fruit Tea The next shift came with fruit tea: colourful, layered drinks combining fresh fruit or juice and tea bases. Machi machi and YiFang, also from Taiwan, alongside local chain Top Tea, popularised the style with combinations like grapefruit green tea slush with cream cheese foam or jasmine tea with fresh lychee, lychee jelly and strawberries. Taning, a Chinese brand that landed here in 2023, took it a step further with its "hand-punched" lemon tea made from hand-picked green tea and vigorously, somewhat suggestively muddled green lemon sourced from the Mornington Peninsula. Taning's Australian director Hui Chong says the spectacle of the tea-making process — amplified by social media — is as important as the drink itself, signalling a new wave of tea where experience counts as much as flavour. Third Wave – Premium Loose-Leaf Tea The current wave of newcomers pushes tea back towards its origins — slow, intentional and centred on quality. Drinks are built on premium loose-leaf teas and far more pared back than their predecessors. But the real hook is the brand appeal. Luxury fashion-inspired packaging, loyalty programs and limited-edition merch have turned takeaway tea into a collector's item. It's not unusual for fans to queue for a seasonal cup design or branded keychain more than for the drink itself. "A lot of people want luxury, but they cannot afford luxury every day," Sanpo says. "So this is part of the luxury they can afford. It's not just the tea; it's the lifestyle." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 茶理宜世Charlie's tea (@charlies_tea_melb) Molly Tea has perfected this balance, combining strong branding with a streamlined product range. Its menu spans jasmine, oolong, champaca and osmanthus teas, with toppings like pistachio cream, matcha cream or the crowd favourite, jasmine whipped cream with salted pecan. These tall towers of cream have become a hallmark of third-wave tea, also seen at spots like Charlie's Tea, Tea White and Tingtea. The cream toppings add a playful spin, but the focus on quality reconnects tea with its roots in ancient China, where it was a ceremonial drink meant to be savoured. Some shops even recommend a narrow straw so the tea hits the palate more gradually, highlighting its fragrance and slowing down the experience. "The whole thing about tea in Chinese culture is sitting down, enjoying the tea, not rushing," Sanpo says. "It's telling you to take a step back, enjoy life, just like the old tea culture." Of course, this isn't pure tradition. These teas are still takeaway-friendly and designed to shine on social media. But compared with earlier waves, they put provenance and intention back at the centre. Images: supplied Want to try some for yourself? Check out some of our favourite spots.
It is said that the Lord Krishna opened his mouth and revealed the entire universe inside. Want to wear the entire solar system on your wrist, orbiting in real time? Try the Midnight Planetarium, which may well be the most beautiful watch ever made. Leading watchmakers went head to head at a private trade fair in Geneva, showing off their latest designs and being incredibly punctual. All manner of elegant and unusual timepieces debut at this convention, putting your plastic Swatches and iPhone clocks to shame. At the 2014 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Van Cleff & Arpels unveiled a watch like no other, a watch so original, finely crafted and whimsical that its US$245,000 price tag almost seems reasonable: the exquisitely named Complication Poetique Midnight Planetarium. So what's the deal with this thing? How do you even read the time? The watchface contains tiny globes representing the planets visible from earth, from Mr. Sun to Saturn. Made of precious and semi-precious gemstones like red jasper, blue agate, turquoise, serpentine and more, our celestial neighbours are encased on their orbit inside an 18 carat rose gold mount, with a black alligator strap to hold your personal planetarium in place. They rotate on a glittering starscape, accurately mimicking the movement of the planets IRL — yes, that means the Mercury gem will rotate fully in three months, and Saturn? Twenty-nine and a half years. Such a meticulous and gradual rate of motion is truly a feat of fine engineering. The process of painstakingly assembling the 396 components must have required nothing less than a Pacific Ocean of Red Bull. As for clocking regular Earth hours, a tiny shooting star along the outer rim of the watchface indicates the hour. There's also a cute bonus in the form of a whimsical 'Lucky Star' which you can set to appear over the Earth on an appointed day, casting luck on all your doings. The Midnight Planetarium is one of a series of Complication Poetique watches which explore time in its poetic as well as literal dimensions. They're all worth checking out here. As for our little stargazer, watch the video below for more angles on this artistic marvel.
There's getting away. And then there's disappearing to your own private, tiny house in the wilderness — miles from any sign of human interference. Meet Unyoked, a new, Australian independent accommodation option that lets you do just that. Importantly, this is not a hotel. Founded and run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, the off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Here's how. With the help of designer/builder Alice Nivison and builder/eco-consultant Richie Northcott from Sydney design studio Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built two tiny houses — both sustainable and solar-powered. They've been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. Anytime you want to flee the city, disconnect and recharge, all you have to do is book one and jump in your car. Both houses are no more than two hours' drive from Sydney. "We grew up camping and hiking," the Grants say. "But once we started to work full-time, we noticed we weren't doing that as much. We were spending too much time in the grind. Unyoked came about because we wanted to get back to nature." The idea is that, rather than having to wait for your annual vacation, you can add a nature escape to your regular routine. "We wanted to give people more of a balance ... to give them the chance to get off the grid, but without necessarily having to go to Nepal," the Grants say. The houses aim to "make you feel like you're part of the environment". Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. Plus, the locations have been carefully selected. "We went through a detailed process of finding the right properties," the Grants say. "There's a set criteria. Each property must be secluded, away from the sight or sound of any human-made elements and have wildlife." For example, the first-built tiny house, which is named Miguel, sits on a 300-acre property, surrounded by 400-year-old rainforest, waterfalls, walking trails and kangaroos. Unyoked aims to make sure your stay is a bit of an adventure, by keeping the exact address of your chosen house secret until two days before you're due to set off. You'll be given a vague idea of the location, but nothing more. "We want people to feel like they were walking in the wilderness and suddenly came across a cabin." More Unyoked tiny houses are on their way — Melbourne's next. https://vimeo.com/202315726 Images and video: Samantha Hawker.
There's plenty to see and do in and around Daylesford, whether you're up for adventure or just want to spend your whole weekend blissing out. Located in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria's northwest, this cute country township is close enough for you to make an afternoon, a day or a whole afternoon of it. Take your time exploring this lush spot and be sure to pick up some local produce to ferry back home to Melbourne — a tasty reminder of a delightful weekend away. Together with our Victorian road trip partner RACV, we've put together a guide to a perfect weekend in Daylesford. And don't forget — if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels. [caption id="attachment_581973" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Lake House[/caption] STAY There is truly a plethora of bed and breakfasts here — Daylesford is that sort of place. But if you want something charming in the centre of town you can't go past the Central Springs Inn. Basic but cosy, be sure to request a room with a fireplace to maximise those winter feels. It can't be beaten on location either, with this central spot only a five-minute walk to The Convent Gallery and many other local sights. If you want to treat yourself, then head directly to the Lake House. Check in and take a turn about your tastefully decorated room before heading out to the luxurious spa for a private treetop treatment before dinner. Later, sink into your it's-so-fluffy-I'm-gonna-die bed before drifting off to sleep tucked into what feels like one million thread-count sheets. [caption id="attachment_581981" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, s13n1 via Flickr[/caption] SEE AND DO Kick things off with a walk through the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. In this Victorian Heritage-registered oasis of calm, you can wander verdant paths lined with towering trees and lush greenery. Once you've had a good ramble, maybe grab a coffee at Wombat Hill House. Afterwards, you can get your art on with a visit to The Convent and its adjoining gardens. Tread the old floorboards and enjoy local and international art displayed in what is arguably one of the prettiest galleries around. Once you've soaked up the culture, head out for a wander around the grounds and admire the range of bronze sculptures seamlessly interspersed with the stunning gardens and native plants. Insert obligatory TLC joke about chasing waterfalls, and then head out to see this one. Right near Daylesford is Trentham Falls, one of the longest single-drop falls in Victoria. Plunging a respectable 32 metres over basalt columns, these falls were forged by volcanoes five million years ago and are now a great spot for a walk and a few pics. [caption id="attachment_581987" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hepburn Bathhouse[/caption] Haven't had enough nature? Good! Head to Lavandula, a special spot just north of Daylesford. Wander the stunning European-style gardens and perhaps take a tour of the original 1850s stone farmhouse. Afterwards, nibble on a lavender scone and enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade for a fragrant sweet treat. After all that exploring you need to take some time for yourself. This is pretty much expected in a region that is perhaps best known for the revitalising mineral waters of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Slip into a fluffy robe at the Hepburn Bathhouse and settle in for a day of utter bliss. A popular spot since 1895, it's safe to say that this spa has got the whole relaxation thing down pat. Choose from a range of spa therapies including facials, wraps and scrubs, or simply recline on an underwater spa couch and enjoy a hydro massage like it's something you do every day (we wish). And if you just don't want to leave, you don't have to. The spa offers some luxe accommodation too. [caption id="attachment_581994" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cliffy's Emporium[/caption] EAT Hungry? You're in the right place. Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at former general store, Cliffy's Emporium, where you can tuck into an excellent brunch menu that showcases celebrates producers and is dotted with a clever selection of international influences — laksa or Turkish eggs, anybody? Larder is also a great option for breakfast, brunch or lunch, and a feast for the eyes, too — the cafe features an proud selection of art by local creatives. After breakfast take a wander through town and stock up on treats for a picnic lunch later on. Choose smallgoods from local salami legends Istra and load up on dips and cheeses while you're at it. And if you're the kind of person who plans your next meal while you're eating your current one, you might also want to start thinking about dinner. For fantastic food and wonderful wine, wedding-venue-favourites Lake House or Sault are your go-to options. [caption id="attachment_581992" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lake House[/caption] This region boasts some truly magnificent produce, and you'll find it heavily and beautifully on show at Lake House. This celebrated spot under the direction of culinary legend Alla Wolf Tasker AM has been on the radar of Melbourne foodies for years — and it's not hard to see why. Enjoy the elegance of the venue perched on the shores of Lake Daylesford as you settle at your table, perhaps taking a seat at one of the spots against the expansive windows. If you have any restraint then you can try not to fill up on out-of-this-world, crusty fresh-baked sourdough before your main meal arrives. Good luck. Impressive is one word that might spring to mind as you approach Sault, a 100-acre property which comes complete with lake, manicured gardens and lavender fields. The restaurant offers a stunning array of seasonally changing Modern Australian plates that celebrates local produce — the venue is a member of the Daylesford Macedon Produce group — so you can be assured that the food miles are minimal here. [caption id="attachment_581997" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sault[/caption] If you're into classic French farmhouse cooking with a real honest vibe (and who isn't?) then Annie Smithers is your go-to. She's doing amazing things at du Fermier with her ethos of fresh, locally-sourced food. There's no set menu, it's simply Annie crafting an offering each week, which showcases the spoils of her garden and the finest meats and poultry from the region. You have to call to book and lunch runs Friday to Monday each week. But if you're just after a good old pub meal then head for the red-brick charm of The Farmers Arms. Grab a seat at the long wooden bar or one of the tables, order a drink and choose a meal from the selection of well-executed pub classics. Plump for crispy roast pork belly with a house-made apple and cranberry relish, or a juicy porterhouse, or perhaps a warming miso-glazed pumpkin with lemon tahini. [caption id="attachment_581999" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Belvedere Social[/caption] DRINK Passing Clouds is the winery to visit if you want to sample the drops that have turned the heads of sommeliers and wine lovers everywhere. Graeme Leith and Sue Mackinnon, friends and partners in wine, started the winery in 1983 with a humble goal: to create the best wine in the world. And after winning gold at the Melbourne Wine Show with their 1982 shiraz, they didn't look back. Passing Clouds wines are on the lists at Attica and Rockpool, and remain a firm quaffing and cellaring favourite among their loyal fanbase. Enjoy fragrant, cherry-red pinot noir and fine, crisp, citrusy chardonnay at the cellar door before enjoying a relaxed family-style lunch, a three-course feast cooked entirely over a charcoal fire pit. For a nice drink in town, head for a cocktail at The Convent's snazzy Altar Bar, or pair your drink with live entertainment at Palais in Hepburn. [caption id="attachment_582006" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Convent Gallery[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Daylesford is 70-minute drive from Melbourne CBD travelling by car and just under an hour from Tullamarine Airport. The Hume, Calder and Western highways, and the Tullamarine Freeway, all lead to the region. V/Line operates several services daily to Daylesford, via train to Woodend, Ballarat or Castlemaine, with a connecting coach service to Daylesford. Road tripping this summer? Make sure you're covered with RACV. Top image: Lake House
Perfect for a nature-filled long weekend, Grampians National Park boasts some of Victoria's best mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife. For those looking to temporarily ditch the hustle and bustle of city life, or are after a secluded getaway surrounded by lush greenery, visitors to Halls Gap and surrounding areas can hike to famous mountain lookouts including the Pinnacle, explore the town's food and drink options, or just stay in, light a fire and take in the scenery. That sounds relaxing. In order to keep it relaxing, we did the research and found some of the best stays in the area to rest, relax and enjoy great views. These are some of the region's best Airbnbs for your next kangaroo-and-cockatoo-filled weekend getaway. Recommended reads: The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria The Best Dog-Friendly Stays in Victoria The Best Places to Stay on the Great Ocean Road Blue Ridge Retreat, Halls Gap After a day of exploring Grampians National Park's bushland, pour yourself a glass of wine and settle into this property's spa bath with leafy outlooks from all angles. From $370 a night, sleeps five. Hemley House, Halls Gap Take in the picturesque view of the Grampians' notable wildlife against the backdrop of the mountains from your seat in this property's heated jacuzzi. From $368 a night, sleeps eight. Wine Down, Halls Gap Within walking distance to Halls Gap town centre, this cosy spot offers plenty of activity options. Explore the town's food and drink options, walk any of the several nearby nature trails, or light a fire and unwind in the outdoor kitchen area. From $210 a night, sleeps four. School House Villa, Halls Gap Nestled amongst the trees not far from Halls Gap town centre, visitors of this cottage can enjoy the best of both worlds: the creature comforts of town and the rugged charm of the bushland. From $190 a night, sleeps two. Aztec Escape, Halls Gap Light a fire and ease into a bottle of wine in property's picturesque living area, or step outside and relax on either of its patio areas. From $240 a night, sleeps four. Awonga Cabins, Halls Gap Rent out one of these six cabins for their proximity to an easy 1.3 km walking path to Main Street or to enjoy an evening BBQ on the deck. From $180 a night, sleeps two. The Escarpment, Halls Gap What better way to end a day than by relaxing in the outdoor hanging chair of this treetop-level home with sandstone cliff views — plus, this particular stay is kid-friendly with highchairs and cots provided. From $180 a night, sleeps six. Mountain Hideaway, Halls Gap Enjoy views of the Pinnacle from this property's front verandah or take the 20 minute stroll along the path into Halls Gap for an evening in town. From $205 a night, sleeps six. Heath House, Halls Gap You'd be hard-pressed to find better panoramic mountain views than from the floor-to-ceiling windows of Heath House. From $514 a night, sleeps eight. Redgum Log Cottage, Halls Gap Trade out your usual address for this rustic log cabin with epic mountain views and you might be personally greeted by the local emus, kangaroos, birdlife, and the property's free-ranging chooks. From $289 a night, sleeps six. Halls Gap Cottages Couples Retreat, Halls Gap Under the famous Pinnacle, lay out on this property's outdoor sectional and enjoy the fresh mountain air, views and nearby wildlife. From $317 a night, sleeps two. Hillrise Cottage, Moyston If you're willing to venture a little further, this remote cottage is the perfect base for the explorer. And, if you happen to overheat during your adventures, you can cool off in the nearby dam. From $250 a night, sleeps five. Ironstone, Hills Gap If you want to splurge, check out Ironstone. Designed to be the ultimate couples' retreat, this home's best asset is its spectacular mountain views from the living area, bathroom and bedroom. From $524 a night, sleeps two. Views at Pomonal, Pomonal Settle onto this home's front porch that is the epitome of rural single-level Australiana living with a drink in hand and watch as sunsets colour the skies. From $175 a night, sleeps five. Bush Lodge Retreat, Halls Gap Centrally located in Halls Gap, this cosy holiday home has all you need to relax indoors or out. From $317 a night, sleeps four. Romantic Tiny Home, Halls Gap If you're looking to see if the tiny house craze is for you, this tiny home is compact without sacrificing comfort. However, it also has easy access to trails into the mountains and to town just in case you decide you need to temporarily escape the close quarters. From $177 a night, sleeps three. Dacelo, Halls Gap If you're seeking out an eco-friendly option, there are many places to take in the mountain views in this two-storey home, although the soaker tub might be hard to beat. From $310 a night, sleeps eight. Mount Ida View, Halls Gap Hang out with the visiting cockatoos and kangaroos and take in the scenery on this home's shaded back deck. Or, enjoy a short stroll to the town of Halls Gap and explore the area. From $220 a night, sleeps six. Top image: Redgum Log Cottage courtesy of 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.
