Leaving the safety net of university life can be daunting. Taxes, health insurance, budgeting and eating greens are all tricky requirements of adulting, not to mention trying to get a job ("Graduate position, minimum two years of experience required..." what is this madness?). But fear not, there is hope. We've profiled five young go-getters who hit the ground running after uni and achieved their success through unconventional means. They did it and you can too (stop that, yes you can). [caption id="attachment_562120" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @sedgebeswick.[/caption] SEDGE BESWICK, 26, GLOBAL SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY MANAGER AT ASOS For most of us, using social media is just that a social activity. For others it’s a way of life and a strategic marketing tool; when wielded properly can elevate a start-up and polish a personal brand no matter how small. Sedge Beswick is one such social media maven and part of a young generation of digital natives that are coming up through volunteer positions and internships to absolutely kill it at the media game for big companies. That playful tone you adore on ASOS social media? That’s Beswick. And while managing the global social media for ASOS, she’s also racked up a neat little 11k on her personal Instagram, written a book about using Twitter strategically and designed a line of t-shirts emblazoned with social media slogans. She’s literally #killingit. BECKY SUI ZHEN, 31, MUSICIAN Sui Zhen is one of the many monikers of Melbourne-based musician Becky Sui Zhen who has risen through the ranks of the music scene to be hailed as a 'social media musician' due to her pristine and eye catching artistic vision. She’s put in the hard yards over the years, studying graphic design and Japanese, winning grants, releasing EPs in Japan and doing overseas residencies and all while playing prolifically around Australia. She also produces and edits the iconic film clips for Sui Zhen and has collaborated with artist and photographer Phebe Schmidt. She’s poised to take over the world in 2016 following the late-2015 release her first Australian LP ‘Secretly Susan’. The LP caught the attention of FADER who clocked her as one of 25 international artists to watch and she’s supported Toro Y Moi in Melbourne on his 2016 Aussie tour. We imagine 2016 is only going to get better for this kawaii gem. GERMAINE STATIA, JAMAL OULEL + AYOUB AOURAGH, 23, 25 + 24, FOUNDERS AND DEVELOPERS AT REFUGEE HERO When the Syrian refugee crisis peaked in 2015, Dutch trio Germaine Statia, Jamal Oulel, and Ayoub Aouragh, responded with a contemporary and altruistic solution. Refugee Hero, hailed as the Airbnb for refugees, is a platform that allows people to offer their spare room up to refugees who have just arrived in their country. “We want to give back humanity to mankind,” says Statia. The service is 100 percent free and mobile-friendly. It allows individuals or institutions to offer help and shelter whether or not their government is pro-refugee. The team hopes the service can one day expand to cover all elements of resettling, from applying for passports to finding a new school for children and is a shining example of how modern technology can be used for good in the face of adversity. EMMA MULHOLLAND, 27, DESIGNER There’s something about Emma Mulholland that Australia is crazy for. The young designer hit the ground running after graduating from TAFE in 2010 and hasn’t stopped since. Her latest project, a collaboration with iconic Aussie label Mambo, proves that in a few short years, she’s explored, honed in on and defined exactly what makes her work so popular. The garish '80s and '90s themed prints and icons of our childhood combined with a(h)ctivewear references hit the nostalgia nail right on the head and the collection has resonated with Aussie kidults who grew up wearing bike shorts and climbing trees. Far away from the catwalks of Paris and Milan, Australia often struggles to define itself outside of a European reference and it’s no easy feat to export a uniquely Australian line, but Mulholland has done so with aplomb, straight outta TAFE. [caption id="attachment_562121" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @louislazarus.[/caption] LUKE HAMPSHIRE AND ALEXANDER ROBINSON, 28 AND 32, AVIATION ENTERPRENEURS AT AIRLY In January, the Australian aviation scene had a sorely need shake up. Two young guns, 28-year-old Luke Hampshire and 32-year-old Alexander Robinson announced their airline company Airly which completely turns air travel on its head. Airly members pay a fee of $2550 (minimum) per month to fly as much as they like on the company’s private jets which operate between Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. For frequent fliers, the minimum waiting time and luxury service is a tasty drawcard. Hampshire, a former Air Force pilot, recognised a gap in the marketplace and despite the pair’s youth, turned an insight into an industry shake-up and paved the way for more options and versatility in air travel. Top image: Sedge Beswick.
Evie's Disco Diner is everything you hope it'll be when you first hear it's name mentioned. It's bright, unapologetically eighties, loud and queer friendly. With Queeraoke every Thursday and bingo every Wednesday, there is no shortage of fun to be had here. Whether it's (badly) belting out your favourite tune or polishing off a bucket of bingo wings, grab a group of mates, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to boogie. The food at Evies Disco Diner is described as vegan friendly comfort food, taking inspiration from a classic New York diner. Vegan options include classics such as pickles, corn chips with guac, beer battered onion rings and jalapeño poppers for entrees. Mains include nuggets with house dipping sauce, celery sticks with ranch sauce or a range of hot dogs which can be either vegan or not. If you're a carnivore, the 1kg bucket of fried chicken with bread, pickles and ranch is hard to pass up, while the Philly cheesesteak with onion, green capsicum and provolone cheese is another hit. For dessert opt for the fried apple pie with vanilla ice cream or the New York cheesecake with berry compote. Cocktails include classics such as Aperol spritz and espresso martinis, while house options include the Coco Chanel with Coco Pops, creme de cacao, vodka and horchata, or the leamington martini with wildflower and lamington vodka. The drinks are fun and visually impressive, so be sure your phone is fully charged as there'll be plenty of pics. On Saturdays they offer up a bottomless brunch, with four hours of vego food plus two hours of mimosas, bubbles, wines, beer and seltzers. But once the night comes, the dining tables at Evies Disco Diner are pushed aside and this space becomes more of a club, full of the usual Smith Street crowd of party-goers staying up late and getting rowdy. Appears in: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne of 2023
Escaping the big smoke every now and again is crucial to many a city dweller's survival. But weekends away don't always come cheap. Luckily for Melburnians, Victoria is dotted with stacks of free campgrounds where you can pitch your tent without forking out even a cent. Here, we introduce you to ten of the best free camping spots near Melbourne. Whether you want to surround yourself with ancient forest, sleep over in a volcanic crater, stay within a stone's throw of a tumbling waterfall or use your pitch as a base for exploring wineries and restaurants, your mission is, indeed, possible. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Places to Go Camping, Swimming and Hiking in Victoria The Best Beach Campsites in Victoria The Best Multi-Day Hikes Near Melbourne The Best Glamping Sites in Victoria [caption id="attachment_841072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Uriel Mont via Pexels[/caption] Butts Reserve, Maldon One free campground near Melbourne that makes for a handy base is Butts Reserve, on the outskirts of Maldon, a gold rush town about two hours northwest of the city. From here, you can wander among Maldon's beautifully preserved 19th century architecture, grab some fresh produce from the farm gate at Maldon Cherry Farm and delight your gourmet side by exploring the local food and drink haunts. For epic vistas across the region, follow Mount Tarrengower Road to the Tarrengower Lookout. The campground itself is better equipped than most free camping sites in Victoria — features include loos, water taps, bins, fire pits, woodfired barbies, picnic tables and a large shelter. [caption id="attachment_669874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Walker via Flickr[/caption] Plantation, The Grampians If you want to spend your weekend among the dramatic sandstone formations of The Grampians, park your tent at Plantation. Despite being the biggest campground in the Grampians National Park, it's free and dog-friendly (as long as they are leashed). By day, you can go sightseeing in your car, checking out well-known landmarks like The Balconies, Mackenzie Falls and Mount William; or conquer an idyllic hiking trail or two. Meanwhile, Halls Gap is just nine kilometres south, so you're not far from good coffee, friendly pubs and cosy restaurants. There's room for 30 pitches at Plantation, which is in The Grampians' northern section, about three hours' drive northwest of Melbourne. Among the facilities are non-flush toilets, bush showers, picnic tables and fire pits fitted with barbecue plates, though you'll have to take any rubbish back out with you. But if you prefer a little more comfort, we've also created this guide to the best Airbnbs in the Grampians. [caption id="attachment_669765" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Stevensons Falls, Otway Forest Park This idyllic campground is sheltered in a valley in Otway Forest Park, just over two hours' drive southwest of Melbourne. On the Colac Water Pipeline Track, it's a lovely stop along the Great Ocean Road and a springboard for adventuring around Great Otway National Park. Here, 50 pitches perch on the banks of the Gellibrand River, where you're welcome to fish or swim. Be sure to stroll along the closest walking track, which follows the river to a platform overlooking Stevensons Falls. Dogs are permitted as long as they're on lead, and facilities consist of composting toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired barbies. [caption id="attachment_669864" align="alignnone" width="1920"] px_0205 via Instagram[/caption] Andersons Garden, Mount Disappointment Another quick getaway is Andersons Garden, located in Mount Disappointment State Forest, just nine kilometres off the Hume and a 70-minute drive north of the city. It's a pretty, grassy campground on the banks of Sunday Creek, which is filled with swimming holes that are ideal for cooling summer dips. There are plenty of walks to keep you busy, taking in Strath Creek Falls, Sunday Creek Reservoir and the Summit of Mount Disappointment. If you'd prefer to drive, then jump in your car and cruise along the Mount Disappointment Forest Drive; a three-hour scenic adventure. Back at the campground, you'll find facilities including composting toilets, wood-fired barbies and picnic tables. [caption id="attachment_669873" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathalie Dessing via Instagram[/caption] Meredith Park, Lake Colac This expansive, flat, grassy campground hugs the shores of Lake Colac. So prepare for tranquil water views and dreamy sunsets, which will make you feel as though you're worlds away from offices and trams. If you're keen on fishing, throw in a line and try your luck at catching a redfin or trout. Or, jump on your bike and cycle the entire foreshore along the shared path that circumnavigates the lake. This dreamy spot is easily one of the best free camping spots in Victoria — but do note that you'll need to apply for a permit now if you are staying longer than 24 hours. There are also botanic gardens and the Colac Bird Reserve sanctuary to visit. Meredith Park is on the northern edge of Lake Colac, about two hours' drive southwest of Melbourne. It's kitted out with toilets, fireplaces and a boat ramp. [caption id="attachment_669891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parks Victoria[/caption] Kurth Kiln, Dandenong Ranges If you're desperate to immerse yourself in trees, but don't have much travel time to spare, make a beeline to Kurth Kiln, one of the closest bush campgrounds to Melbourne and a dog-friendly one at that. This site is about 90 minutes west of the CBD in Kurth Kiln Regional Park, offering around 40 pitches across its two camping areas, Scout Loop and Magazine. Facilities are limited to bush toilets and Parks Victoria encourages you to take your own firewood with you; though the tranquil, leafy surrounds make any small hassles worth the effort. While there, go wandering through mountain ash and heathlands, looking out for wombats, swamp wallabies, echidnas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. As the name suggests, there's also a historic kiln, built during World War Two to make charcoal for cars. [caption id="attachment_669768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takver via Flickr[/caption] Mount Franklin Reserve, Near Daylesford This rather spectacular free camping spot in Victoria puts you in the middle of a volcanic crater. You'll find Mount Franklin — known as Lalgambook by the Djadja Wurrung people — located 11 kilometres north of Daylesford and about 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne. The free campground here is filled with towering deciduous trees, which are particularly beautiful during autumn. It's easy to spend your whole weekend wandering about, taking in the scenery, or you can treat Mount Franklin Reserve as a base for exploring Hepburn Springs. Given all the money you'll be saving on accommodation, a long soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse might be tempting. In terms of facilities, there are composting toilets, wood-powered barbies, picnic tables and access to washing water. [caption id="attachment_669878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Gunbower National Park, Murray River Make a proper escape from the city with a visit to Gunbower National Park, on the banks of the Murray River, about three hours' drive north. This precious strip of forest dotted with billabongs and wetlands is actually an island, made up of 26,400 hectares of flood plain. The area is famous for its birdlife, which is extra active after heavy rainfall. If you're a keen walker, conquer one of the park's idyllic walking tracks. Alternatively, take a canoe with you and paddle along the five-kilometre Koondrook Canoe Trail. There are loads of free Victorian camping areas here, home to a hefty 139 pitches, which you'll find dotted along the Murray and Gunbower Creek. Just keep in mind that many have limited facilities. [caption id="attachment_669892" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parks Victoria[/caption] Aberfeldy River, Baw Baw National Park For picturesque, sub-alpine scenery and proximity to some of the fastest white water rafting in Victoria, head for Baw Baw National Park to camp gratis beside Aberfeldy River. The campground is in Baw Baw's northeastern section, about 17 kilometres north of Walhalla, where you can tour a 19th century gold mine. Spend your time swimming and gazing at wildflowers or hike to the summit of Mount St Gwinear, passing through snow gum forests and heathland. You'll be well rewarded with extraordinary views of the Australian Alps. The free Victorian campground has pitfall toilets, fire pits and picnic tables, and offers some primo fishing if you're keen to cast a line. [caption id="attachment_841073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toolangi State Forest, russell2pi via Flickr[/caption] Toolangi Recreation Reserve, Yarra Valley To pitch your tent near both stunning old-growth forest and wineries, make tracks to Toolangi, which lies about 90 minutes' drive northeast of Melbourne. The campground, kindly maintained by a bunch of local volunteers, is beside a cricket oval on the banks of Yea River. For adventures by day, don your hiking boots and explore Toolangi State Forest, where the enchanting Tanglefoot Track carries you through lush fern gullies and majestic mountain ash woods; or hop between some of the famed wineries and villages of the Yarra Valley. Campsite facilities include flushing toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables. Top Image: Uriel Mont via Pexels
Before 2020 became a thing of the past, Victoria's 61-day run of no new locally acquired COVID-19 cases also came to an end, and new mask requirements and gathering restrictions were introduced. The state presently has 38 active cases at the time of writing on Tuesday, January 5, and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is continuing to release updates regarding new numbers — and it's updating its map of the confirmed cases broken down by area, too. In 2020, DHHS released an interactive daily report of COVID-19 in the state, with a daily updated map as well. That system has undergone a bit of a revamp, but Victorians will still find the details they're looking for. Live on the DHHS website, the state-wide map now provides two options: confirmed cases by local government area, and by postcode. Thanks to a handy colour code, it's easy to see which parts of the state have active COVID-19 cases at present. Regions without any cases remain white in colour on the map, while shades of grey get darker depending on the numbers in each particular area. For example, if you're viewing by local government area, Monash, Booroondara, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Casey, Whitehorse and Maroondah all have cases as of 11.33am on Tuesday, January 5. By postcode, 3192, 3193, 3914, 3204, 3168, 3169, 3124, 3132 and 3136 are all on the list. If you click on a specific local government area or postcode, you can also see the population, the active rate per 100,000 population, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the area during the pandemic, the current active cases and the number of new cases in the past 24 hours. Scroll down on the same webpage, and you can view a state-wide breakdown of the cases by age group and sex, as well how the cases were acquired. And, you can drill down into the data yourself, with .CSV files available for download as well. DHHS is also frequently updating its list of exposure sites, which is broken down into groups depending on the action needed. Some require anyone in the vicinity at specified times and dates to get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure, others require folks to get tested immediately and then quarantine until you receive a negative result, and a third category asks people to monitor for symptoms and, if any develop, to get tested immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result. At the moment, gatherings at private homes in Victoria are limited to 15, and masks are mandatory in all indoor settings — except from when you are eating and drinking. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria and have a look at the interactive daily report, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Services website. Top image: the DHHS Coronavirus COVID-19 in Victoria map as of 12pm on Thursday, January 7.
Starting in Melbourne in 1987 and seeing its first in-store customers in 2004 at a former underground car park ramp space in St Kilda, Aesop is slowly infiltrating the world skincare market one unique store at a time, from Berlin to London's Covent Garden, the Hamptons to Shibuya, Tokyo. Luring us in with their disarmingly aromatic street samples, these local skincare greats are now unsurprisingly set up all over Melbourne (not to mention Melbourne's cafe bathrooms). At these stores you can expect expert service, a bevy of lotions, balms and scrubs for all skin types and a particularly strong urge to part with your credit card. Aesop now has ten locations in Melbourne.
The much-hyped 80 Collins Street dining precinct might be a good 320 kilometres away from Gippsland. But, even so, resident Farmer's Daughters is dedicated almost entirely to celebrating and showcasing the region's finest produce and ingredients. The three-level restaurant is the work of acclaimed chef Alejandro Saravia (Pastuso) — not only a longtime champion of the area, but the Official Food & Beverage Ambassador for Gippsland. With this homage to all things Gippsland, Saravia is out to take guests on a full-blown exploration of his favourite Victorian region, minus the four-hour road trip. On the first floor, you're greeted by a gourmet deli, food store and eatery, turning out share-friendly fare like handmade mozzarella paired with macadamia and black garlic and Amber Creek confit pork belly matched with pepperberry and roasted quince. Available to go, there's a strong curation of pantry items and food products, heroing both Gippsland and other renowned Victorian regions. One storey above, the Farmer's Daughters restaurant plates up a more formal celebration of provenance, complete with an open kitchen fuelled by charcoal and wood. A sophisticated space by Agents of Architecture's Luke Hickman marries a nature-inspired colour palette of gentle greens and greys with tabletops made from reclaimed Gippsland timber. But it's the custom-made campfire kitchen at the dining room's heart that will really transport you, nodding to nights spent out bush beneath the stars. Expect a seasonal set menu (from $125, with matching wines available), featuring plates like baked Baw Baw alpine trout with mountain pepper cream, or Yarragon rabbit elevated with preserved carrot. It's backed by a Gippsland-focused drinks list, showcasing drops from the likes of William Downie, Patrick Sullivan and Loch Brewery & Distillery, alongside other wines sourced from across Australia and Europe. [caption id="attachment_833163" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Farmer's Daughters Rooftop, by Dan Castano for City of Melbourne[/caption] Finally, there's the venue's crowning glory: the rooftop bar, where you can unwind against a backdrop of native mountain pepper trees and potted herbs. Up here, you'll find a botanical-driven cocktail list featuring the exclusive Farmer's Daughters Gippsland vermouth in many iterations, along with wines by the glass and a range of beer that includes multiple pours from Orbost's Sailor's Grave Brewing. Images: Arianna Leggier. Updated August, 2023.
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.
There are 8222 islands within Australia's watery borders. You could spend your entire life hopping from one Aussie island to another and never quite make them all (well, unless you're very, very quick). So, we thought we'd save you some time by teaming up with Jim Beam and handpicking 12 of the best islands in Australia. That should at least get you started. Next time you start imagining you and your best mates on a white-sanded beach with quokkas close by, sea lions in the distance and your desks a few hundred kilometres away, these are the spots to catch a boat, plane, or ferry to. Remember: an adventure like this is best enjoyed together. Right? Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia [caption id="attachment_688591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coral Coast Tourism[/caption] Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia The Houtman Abrolhos isn't just an island, it's an archipelago. 122 isles make up the marvel, more or less clustered in three groups across 100 kilometres. They lie 60 kilometres off the Coral Coast, west of Geraldton, which is four hours north of Perth. Lose yourself snorkelling or diving among colourful coral, spotting Australian sea lions and looking out for more than 90 species of seabirds, including majestic white-breasted sea eagles. For mind-blowing views, jump aboard a scenic flight and see the best Australian island from a bird's eye view. [caption id="attachment_688571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Ewart for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] North Stradbroke Island, Queensland Located 25 minutes by ferry off the Queensland coast, Stradbroke Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane. It's the second biggest sand island in the world after K'gari (more on that Australian island later). For swimming in gentle waves, head to idyllic Cylinder Beach; for wilder surf, make your destination the 38-kilometre-long Main Beach. Overnight stays include beach camping, as well as an array of cottages, hotels and B&Bs. Just north of Straddie is Moreton Island, a wonderland of long beaches, clear lakes and a national park. Consider sleeping over at Tangalooma, an eco-friendly resort where you can hand-feed wild dolphins and swim around a shipwreck. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, a two-hour flight east of Sydney, is explorable within a few days. Whenever you travel on this top Australian island, you won't have to fear tourist crowds: only 400 visitors are permitted at any one time and the population is just 382. Prepare to have pretty beaches, spectacular diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourself. Among the best adventures are the Mount Gower Trail, a steep, eight-hour trek that carries you 875 metres above sea level, and Erscott's Hole, a natural wonder where you can snorkel among staghorn coral, bluefish and double-headed wrasse. With all this natural beauty, it's easy to see why it made our list of the best islands in Australia and best overall places to visit in Australia. [caption id="attachment_770035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny feels completely remote, yet it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast and, with driving time added, 50 minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the wilderness, you can find some top nosh: for fish and chips head to Jetty Cafe; for pub grub swing by Hotel Bruny; for cheese visit Bruny Island Cheese Company; and for a tipple, there's the Bruny Island House of Whisky. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. [caption id="attachment_688568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khy Orchard for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Magnetic Island, Queensland There are hundreds of islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, offering everything from secluded campsites to five-star luxury resorts. But, for convenience, outdoor adventures and, most importantly, koala spotting, Magnetic Island is hard to go past — found just 20 minutes from Townsville. Get active with sea kayaking tours and yoga classes, get artsy at beachside markets and galleries or relax at stunning beaches like Horseshoe Bay. If you're keen to venture further, jump aboard a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, diving or sightseeing tour. [caption id="attachment_688400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isaac Forman for SA Tourism Commission[/caption] Kangaroo Island, South Australia With a whopping 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island could have you exploring for weeks. To get there, take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula — around 100 kilometres south of Adelaide. Then gear up to share your holiday with sea lions, fur seals, little penguins, echidnas, koalas and, you guessed it, kangaroos. The Australian island is a haven for creatures who've struggled to survive elsewhere, especially local sea lions, who were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous national parks and conservation areas, and the almost 5000-strong population is big on food and wine. You also can't talk about this Aussie island without mentioning the spectacular beaches — our favourite being the one and only Stoke's Bay. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] The Whitsundays, Queensland In total, The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. It's hard to choose the best, especially as each depends on what kind of holiday you're after. You can go camping on the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, live it up at The InterContinental Resort on Hayman Island or even escape to an adults-only oasis like Elysian Retreat on Long Island — one of the best adults-only accommodations in The Whitsundays. From any of these small islands in Australia, you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef and countless other stunning natural landscapes. This region is also one of Australia's national parks, so it will continue to be preserved for many years to come — even if the reef itself does die off. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a 90-minute ferry ride from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, or 25 minutes from Fremantle. Like Kangaroo Island, Rottnest has given a big dose of much-needed love to Australia's wild creatures, particularly quokkas, which now number 12,000 or so. Dedicate some time to spotting them (though please don't go touching, patting or feeding) before visiting pristine beaches, such as The Basin, where you'll find an underwater playground, and Little Parakeet Bay, backdropped by striking rock formations. The best way to explore the Aussie island is by bike, but we are also big fans of getting on a sea kayak for the arvo as well. Prefer to stay here longer than a day? We recommend spending a few nights in Discovery Rottnest Island's luxe glamping tents by the beach. Phillip Island, Victoria Phillip Island's biggest drawcard is its penguin parade. Every night, at sunset, the island's resident little penguins return to their terrestrial homes, having spent the day out and about fishing. Beyond wildlife watching, go wine and craft beer tasting, bliss out with a massage or spa treatment or conquer a trail on foot, such as the Cape Woolamai Walk, which traverses dramatic clifftops along Phillip's southernmost point. Follow the links for suggestions on where to eat and drink and the best outdoor activities on Phillip Island. Unlike most of the other Australian islands on this list, you can reach this one by road: it's around 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne, making it one of the most accessible islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_911608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort[/caption] K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the biggest sand island in the world. There are 184,000 hectares of the stuff, made up of 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. If you've time on your hands, take on the Great Walk, an eight-day epic that visits many of K'gari's 100 freshwater lakes. If not, jump aboard a 4WD and cruise along 75 Mile Beach (one of our favourite adventure experiences in Australia), take a dip at Champagne Pools along the way and pay a visit to awe-inspiring Boorangoora(Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. [caption id="attachment_688583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Wilson for Tourism Tasmania[/caption] King Island, Tasmania You might have no idea where King Island is, but may have seen its cheese at the supermarket. King Island Dairy's decadent triple cream brie is an Aussie gourmet staple. But it's far from the only treat you'll be sampling in this lush place, which lies in the Bass Strait, halfway between Victoria and Tassie. Count, too, on super-fresh seafood, flavourful beef and a cornucopia of produce from local growers. When you're finished feasting, stroll along the white sands of Disappointment Bay, visit a 7000-year-old calcified forest and go horse riding by the sea. This under-the-radar travel destination is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_856441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Bribie Island, Queensland Bribie Island isn't that far from Brisbane (a little over one and a half hours), but is a haven for local wildlife. That's because this Australian island is home to the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park where you'll find dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife. All the classic Aussie land animals will be found all over the island, too. And, of course, the beaches are just stupidly beautiful. Whether you're a local or tourist, this island offers all the quintessential Australian sites you must see. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: K'gari Island, courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Kirk's Wine Bar is almost unfortunately placed. Everyday city-goers and tourists waltz down down Hardware Lane, hassled by waiters trying to lure people into their restaurants. But on the corner is Kirk's. No one stands outside with a menu board, which is exactly why you should walk in. Glancing at the peeling paint exterior takes you back in time a little. Upon entering, you're almost transcended to a Florentine wine bar. The space is sprinkled with small, round timber tables, really only big enough to seat two. Which is fine with us, because, honestly, who wants to share a bottle of wine with more than one other person? Nice thinking Kirk's — you're onto us. Why is it called Kirk's anyway? Isn't that the creaming soda guy? Well, it was also the name of the wine bar's previous tenants. One of the city's first ever pubs, Kirk's Bazaar Hotel, who first occupied the space in the 1860s. Naturally, the wine selection has been carefully curated, including a nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy and a French muscadet from Domaine de la Pepiere. And don't worry, your Australian wines haven't been forgotten — there's a few of them in there too. A spiralled staircase reveals a wine cellar with a 12-seater table, great for a large group of friends. You could probably spend hours down there — an CBD bunker filled with wine and imported cheeses, tucked away from all the noise? Perfect. Image: Brook James.
First films are special. With Aftersun as her feature debut, Charlotte Wells knows this. Ahead of dedicating time to writing her second movie, a project eagerly awaited by the cinema-loving world, the Scottish filmmaker is deep in celebrating fellow directors starting out — leading the jury for the Bright Horizons competition at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival, then jumping to Venice afterwards to do the same for its debut film accolade, the Luigi De Laurentiis Award. She's an apt choice for both, given Aftersun's dream run from its premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival onwards. Widespread acclaim came the coming-of-age gem's way, and deservedly; so did a strong bond with viewers who saw themselves in a picture that Wells drew in part from her own experiences. When Concrete Playground first interviewed Wells at the beginning of 2023, as Aftersun was about to enjoy its Australian theatrical release — after its local premiere the year prior in MIFF's the Bright Horizons competition, fittingly — she advised that she "had naively not thought about what came after making the film". She continued: "it's been really special. I don't think you set out to make films to get that type of award recognition, but it's been really nice to see the work recognised, and the work of my collaborators recognised". At the time, Wells and Aftersun had been nominated for four BAFTAs, but hadn't yet won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. (Among the prestigious award's other recipients before and since: We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here's Lynne Ramsey, Senna and Amy's Asif Kapadia, Pride & Prejudice and Atonement's Joe Wright, American Honey and Bird's Andrea Arnold, Shame and Widows' Steve McQueen, Moon and Source Code's Duncan Jones, Four Lions' Chris Morris and, most recently, Rich Peppiatt for Kneecap.) Speaking with Concrete Playground again now, Wells is grateful for the opportunities that Aftersun's recognition gave her to share in that success with its cast and crew, and with her family. "I kind of took each of them as an opportunity to recognise different people who had a role in the shaping of the film," she explains. For portraying Calum, father to 11-year-old Sophie (then-debutant Frankie Corio), in a movie that sees the adult version of the latter (Celia Rowlson-Hall, Vox Lux) look back on the dad and daughter's 1999 holiday to Turkey, Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) earned his own acclaim for Aftersun: an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and the same recognition from the BAFTAs, Gotham Awards, Film Independent Spirit Awards and a wealth of critics' associations, plus winning the field at the Irish Film and Television Awards. Speaking about the experience to GQ in 2024, he shared that he was keen to have "a De Niro–Scorsese relationship" with Wells. She's eager to collaborate again as well, she tells Concrete Playground. "I'm excited to work with him again." Casting Aftersun wasn't simple, Wells stressed to us in 2023. "I think when before I worked on things that were inspired by experiences that I had or people that I knew, my instinct was always to cast away, as far away as possible, and that was my instinct here — and yet I was constantly drawn back, apparently, as Barry Jenkins [the Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk and Mufasa: The Lion King filmmaker produced Aftersun] likes to point out in public when we're together, to people who were fairly close in resemblance to their sources of inspiration. And that was really challenging in the casting process," Wells told us at the time. "And Lucy [Pardee], our casting director, was really patient with me as I was constantly articulating wanting something and then responding to something very different, and I think that's just the push and pull of one's subconscious throughout this process. And some things were easier to separate from myself than others. Casting proved to be really quite tricky in that way. But ultimately, I don't think it was a physicality that I responded to most of all, but I think it was an energy more that I was looking for. I think it was the stability that I feel in Paul, and the vulnerability that he's able to portray." Back to 2025: in Melbourne for her Bright Horizons Jury President stint, Wells also chatted with us about Aftersun's BAFTA, the film's resonance with and love from audiences, becoming closer with Mescal and Corio while actually taking the movie around the world, and, yes, what's next. [caption id="attachment_1018670" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA[/caption] On Aftersun's Widespread Recognition, Including Winning the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer — and Its BAFTA Scotland Award Wins "The special thing about home screenings and home awards was the opportunity to share it with my family. My mum and brother were there that night, and the film team. Any time I was anywhere with our crew, in whatever configuration that was — that night was with my producers and Paul and Frankie — it was just a really special place to be. I just enjoy all of those people so much. And that felt like in many ways — I think that was the last event that Frankie, or maybe there were a few in the US after, but if felt like one of the last events with kind of all of us there, and it felt like very much the peak, I think, collectively of that experience for the three of us, Paul, Frankie and I. It was a really special night, and it definitely helped the film continue to be seen and pick up momentum with audiences. It played really well in the UK, which was a really special thing. But more than anything, I think about that night, I think about having my mum there and just having the opportunity to acknowledge her. I think that's what was so nice about many of the award ceremonies is, I kind of took each of them as an opportunity to recognise different people who had a role in the shaping of the film — either directly, like our team, or indirectly, like family." On If Wells Has Any Thoughts on Why Aftersun Resonated So Strongly with Audiences "Yeah. Maybe. No. I don't know. I think there's something about a parent-child relationship that is a lot more relatable than I maybe thought. I had always thought personally of Aftersun as Sophie story, I suppose because to the degree it was a personal film, that was my story, and I saw the film as being through her eyes — and the overarching point of view of the film was Sophie as an adult looking back. I didn't really count on so many people connecting with Calum, which I think really broadened people who felt like the film was also about or for them. But I think ultimately, themes of grief, specifically parental grief and that pivotal coming-of-age moment — not just for Sophie age 11 or so, but also for Calum kind of tipping into his 30s, just connected with a lot of people. I think the alchemy of those things together just gave it a certain reach. At least, that's how I think about it. But I'm always curious on other people's take on this, because it's just a special thing, I think — a moment in time where people happen to connect with something that you've made. I think it's always hard to identify exactly why, but those are the things I tend to think of when I reflect back on it — and I consider that every film I make will not be about themes or characters that can connect with so many people." [caption id="attachment_1018669" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images[/caption] On Paul Mescal Saying That He Wants to Have "a De Niro-Scorsese Relationship" with Wells "I love Paul. I'm excited to work with him again, and definitely giving present consideration as to what that next project will be. It's kind of funny, because I think on set, Frankie and Paul really had the closest relationship between the three of us — and that was what was important. That was the most-important thing to me, was that those two were connecting and that they had a foundation on which to build the performances on-screen. But really afterward and through the distribution and sharing of the film, I really got to know both of them a lot better. So it's kind of a funny thing. I feel like the three of us became a lot closer in the sharing of the film than we were on set, just because we were pulled in the directions of our respective roles there. So it will be really nice to get back on set with Paul at some point and have that foundation, and I think we were able to have a certain trust in the making of Aftersun that you're able to have in a feature that is very difficult in a short. The idea of building on that in future projects is really exciting. Yeah, I'm all for it." On How Taking the Film Around the World, Including Festivals and at Awards Ceremonies, Brought Wells, Mescal and Frankie Corio Closer Together "I think for a film, the vast majority of it is not production — unfortunately, because production is, in so many ways, the most-fulfilling part, at least for the director. It's the part I would like to be experiencing a lot more often, but it's really the shortest part. You're editing for two, three, four times as long. You're writing for many times more than that. And then you're promoting the film for more as well. So yeah, it's a funny thing. I think people tend to think about production itself, but it's just a small, although very important, obviously, part of the process of making a film." On What's Next for Wells — What She Can Share Right Now, At Least "Can? Want to? I think I went into this post-Aftersun process wanting not to be in the position I'm in right now again, which is to say not knowing exactly what comes next. I think I had a fancy of when I got into the edit for Aftersun I would start writing again, which really turned out to be not so much a fancy as a delusion as to what's possible — because the edit process was so consuming. And I took a bit of time. It was nice to have that time just to live my life a little bit again. And I wanted to know not just what's next, but what's next after that, so inevitably that takes a little bit of time. So now there are a few things in the works, I suppose, is all I'll say — a couple of which are kind of New York-based, where I've lived for a long time now, which is exciting." The 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, visit the MIFF website. Aftersun is available to stream via SBS On Demand and iTunes. Read our review, and our interview with Wells from 2023. Aftersun images: Sarah Makharine.
When Thomas Weatherall was in high school, that he'd eventually spend his days pretending to be back there wasn't his plan. Until his final year, neither was acting. Dancing was the dream, and he had no awareness of Heartbreak High, which aired its seven 90s seasons before he was born. Now, he's one of the stars of Netflix's revival of the show. For his performance as Malakai Mitchell in the 2020s take on Australia's most-beloved teen series — which itself has become a huge hit that's rocketed up the streaming platform's viewership charts with both its first and second seasons, and has a third and final season locked in — he's now an AACTA- and Logie-winner. Weatherall's acting career started with ABC miniseries Deadlock back in 2018, when he was finishing high school. So, it didn't kick off with Heartbreak High. Next came short film Shed, short-form comedy series All My Friends Are Racist, the detective-driven Troppo and RFDS, which was also follows on from a past series — The Flying Doctors — that aired in the 90s. Onstage, his playwriting debut Blue premiered in Sydney, and now heads to Brisbane, with Weatherall also starring. But Heartbreak High and Malakai have been life-changing by his own account ("it feels cliched to say," he tells Concrete Playground about how that description rings true). Next up: two very different TV series, with Exposure a thriller led by Alice Englert (Bad Behaviour) that's bowing at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival and The Narrow Road to the Deep North a page-to-screen drama with Jacob Elordi (another on-screen high schooler in Euphoria). Weatherall knew that Malakai, the sporty Bundjalung student who is new to Hartley High in season one, was a standout role from the get-go. "I just hadn't seen a character like this," Weatherall tells us. The depth of the writing in fleshing him out on the page, the fact that he was an Indigenous teen pushed to the fore and never a token inclusion, that his culture wasn't what defined him: they all left an impression. After getting cast, so did the script for season one's fourth episode — the unforgettable instalment that sees Malakai experience police brutality — which he read in one sitting in his car. He was then willing to do whatever it took for the part. Again, his performance earned him Australia's top TV accolades. That episode had a title that means something in Heartbreak High history: 'Rack Off'. Utter the phrase to anyone familiar with the 90s iteration and they'll instantly think of Hartley High's first run on-screen. Weatherall didn't go back to watch the OG show when he got the gig, but there's no escaping the legend of those two words, and that they were as strong as a free-to-air series could get in its language. "It is funny, I forget — I read the script sometimes and the things that we're allowed to say, I just imagine if we had that same network TV censorship, you're probably cutting about 80-percent of the show. So we're probably lucky in that regard," he advises. In season two, as Hartley's students keep expressing themselves in not-safe-for-90s-Aussie-television terms — and also getting caught up in an ideological battle about toxic masculinity, and terrorised by a mystery figure they dub Bird Psycho — Malakai's journey takes him from stairwell hookups with Amerie (Ayesha Madon, Love Me) to connecting with the latest newcomer in Dubbo export Rowan (Sam Rechner, The Fabelmans). A love triangle, exploring both his sexuality and his identity, and yearning to connect all follow. It's another complicated path for the character, as for each of Heartbreak High's main figures. Crucially, it also satisfies one of Weatherall's aims as an actor. "It can feel like quite a selfish career a lot of the time, because you're often on your own, and you have to put a lot of time and effort into breaking down characters, and spending time on your own and things like that — but for me, I never want to just be playing the one character. That's the beauty of Malakai, it feels like you're playing several different characters and notes in one person," he says. From how the response to the first season felt through to the way its second season ended for Malakai, we chatted with Weatherall about all things Heartbreak High — choosing not to check out the original, what excited him about stepping into Malakai's shoes in the first place, how he sees the character's story across the two seasons so far and making the leap to acting from dancing all included. On the Massive Success of Heartbreak High's First Season "Very surreal. Very unexpected. It's a funny thing, I think you never know how a show's going to come out while you're making it — and while we were making it, and once we wrapped, you knew that we had something special. It felt really good. I think that was pretty unanimous across the board. There wasn't any real stress. Sometimes, I think you can also finish a job and know if it's a dud. But for it to then get picked up the way that it did, and for people to care about it in the way they did, was pretty shocking. And it's very flattering and humbling to be in that position. I was having dinner with Bryn [Chapman Parish, Mr Inbetween], who plays Spider, and we were chatting about that. Because it's your job, it's a great job to have, but you do get used to it and it becomes a normal part of the career. You forget that it means as much as it does to some audiences — and I think that's the special thing. It's lovely that it had a big reach and that it was successful, but when you get to actually talk to an audience member who really identifies with Malakai, or one particular storyline, or the show as a whole, that's — I've been very lucky that I've got to do quite a few shows now and all I'm very proud of, but none have landed in that way and built that connection with an audience. And for it to kick off in the awards and things like that, it really, it feels cliched to say, but it is pretty life-changing once that conversation starts and you find yourself in that world professionally and artistically. It opens you to a lot more professional opportunities. It then does make the second season a bit more terrifying, because there's something to, I guess, try to live up to and match. But it's a very lucky position to be in at the same time." On Starting the Show as a Heartbreak High Newcomer Off-Screen — and Not Going Back to Watch the Original "I was at drama school at the time when I got cast, and the only reason I knew about the show was the head teacher at my drama school played one of the teachers in Heartbreak High. And so it was this whole thing always that she'd mention Heartbreak High — and all of us, it was a bit of an eye roll. We were like 'okay, we get it'. But it wasn't something that I had seen before. It was before my time, and I didn't even, with my older siblings, I didn't really have any gauge on it. When I got cast, initially I was going to go back and watch the show. That felt like the right thing to do, and it would be helpful. But once the scripts came through, it felt as if it was going to be quite different, and much more obviously rooted in today's climate and what's going on for young people now — it became too scary and intimidating to go back and watch it. Because you also don't want to try to recreate something. That show was great and did everything that it did, but it is a product of that time. I think there's still similarities between the two versions. We're speaking to a lot of the same truths. But for me, I didn't want to confuse those contexts, and try to not have any anticipation or idea of trying to replicate anything — and just stay true to what we're trying to say in this show." On What Excited Weatherall About Playing Malakai When He Was First Cast "I'm still quite early on in my career, but it was very early on back then. I'd been up for a few things and I'd done a little bit of work. I was getting good auditions, but I just hadn't seen a character like this. I had never been sent a role like this, obviously, for a show with this scale or anything like that. But to see — he was just a really well-written character, and that was it for the self-taped scenes before the audition, and that was exciting to be seen for that. It wasn't till when I got offered the role and was sent the scripts, they sent me episode four of season one, which is a very significant episode for Malakai. And I finished that episode and just called my agent straight away and went 'I'll do anything to play that'. I think back to when I was 16 and the sort of the shows that were being made. There were some for young people that I felt were doing a pretty decent job and honestly depicting what it's like to be a teenager, but it always felt like they were holding the punches a little bit. And this show was just not afraid to do that at all. And then to have that lens of this young Indigenous character not just being a side plot point but being one of the lead characters — and being one of the main lead romance arcs as well, and then having a very dramatic storyline. A lot of the scripts that I'd seen and read, or a lot of the shows that I had watched growing up and even lately, often those characters, they're one little subplot. They're one little mention. They serve one capacity or another. And suddenly you had this young Indigenous kid, one of the leads of the show and getting to do a bit of everything, and that was really refreshing. He's part of the massive ensemble, but I hadn't read anything like that. He wasn't ashamed of his culture, but it also wasn't the most-important thing in his life, and he was going through the same experience as every other kid from every other culture and every other gender and every other experience. And for me, that was a really refreshing take, rather than trying to tokenise it in any way. Then, as I said, pretty much I'm in credit to the writing team. The moment episode four landed in my emails, I read it in one sitting on my phone. I didn't even get out of my car. I just read the whole thing and went 'yep, okay, anything for that'." On Stepping Back Into Malakai's Shoes for Season Two — and What Changes, and What Gets Easier and Harder "I was shooting the second season of this other show I do called RFDS, and I had four days off between wrapping that and starting the second season of this. I flew in from Broken Hill, where we shoot the other show, and it was just four days of existential crisis because I was going 'do I still remember how to play this character? How does he sound like? What does he look like?', you know, and trying to tap into that again. I think it's a credit to the writing on this that all of the characters are fully formed. Really, the writing does all the work for you. You don't have to bring much to them and they kind of jump off the page. But I also noticed the difference, as we get to know the writing team and the producers, I think they tend to tweak little things to match you and your sensibilities as well, which is nice. The moment you shave and you go into makeup, and they do that Malaki haircut, and they put the colourful jumpers on me. Music's a big thing for this character, back to those playlists — it really was muscle memory and just kicked in, which was nice to still feel that that was there. So the actual transforming and getting back into the character was quite easy and swift, which was a relief, frankly. But that first few weeks of filming, it was that voice in the back of your head going 'you've got to make sure that you're staying to that same level as last season'. I'm very grateful for the recognition it got and the success that I received from the show, and that the show was a whole received, but it definitely did put that pressure on trying to go 'well if you don't get nominated for an AACTA again, did you do your job?' sort of thing. It was lovely that audiences responded well to Malakai, but you want to make sure that you sustain that throughout the second season. But the more days on shoot and the more I get to spend time with this cast — we have a lot of group scenes that we tend to load at the top of the show as well, and once that dynamic creates — all that concern sort of falls away and you can just get the job done." On Weatherall's Take on Malakai's Journey in Season Two "Once I read the whole show and knew the entire arc, it was really bittersweet. I don't mean it in a rude way, but I don't tend to get too attached to the characters. I sort of go 'whatever services the story, that's the job'. But I really felt for him, and I don't know if it was just a reflection of where I was in my life. I often think back to myself at 16 and there's a few similarities between us, but we are very different. But really at the heart of it, he's just searching for contentment and he's trying to find his people in a romantic sense, but in just a friendship and community sense as well. I think he's this charming and charismatic guy, but underneath all of that, there's this real search for belonging, which I can definitely relate to at 16. I mean, I can relate to it at 23. I noticed that. It was hard, because he's charming and he knows how to have fun, and there's all the romance and things like that — that was a big thing that stuck with me this entire season, that journey and never quite getting it right, or the times where he thinks he is and something changes, and the indecision of being 16 and not knowing what the right choice is but also desperately attempting to make that decision. When you're 16, everything feels like the most important thing in your life, and then you leave high school and you go 'yeah, life goes on'. I definitely I felt for him a lot this season. I think he's crammed a lot of a self-discovery journey into a term of high school. I don't know how I would have held up if I was 16 doing that." On Balancing Malakai's Charm and Outgoing Nature with His Interiority, Uncertainty and Being Caught in a Love Triangle "That's kind of the best — it's a blessing as an actor, is that you've always got that in the back of it. So it's the question of when he is being that charming, charismatic, loud, funny, whatever it is, that he's using the persona that he's putting on, how much of that is a facade to cover up either that insecurity or that questioning or discomfort? Again, Malakai and I are quite different, but I remember at 16, that's exactly how I coped with those questions or with whatever was happening in my life — that facade that you can put on. As I said, for an actor, it's wonderful that you get to play both sides of that. And in this show particularly, you have one scene where you're on the top of the world and it's this beautiful romantic moment, and it's all about love and the joys of being a 16-year-old, and being ignorant and free. And then the next scene, you're crying on an airplane, because you know you also have very little control over a lot of the things that happen to you at that age. Because you're still a minor. You're still figuring things out. And you're at the mercy of your peers in school and your parents, and all of those bigger concepts. As an actor, that's the best thing to do, rather than just having to be the funny guy or be the heart of the show or the introspective one. He fluctuates between all of them." On the Acting Dream When Weatherall First Made the Leap From Dancing "There wasn't one, to be honest. I'm still just holding on for dear life and seeing where it goes. I was certain to be a dancer. That was the be-all and end-all of my life. And I got interested in acting through writing. I was really interested in writing and filmmaking towards the end of high school, and got cast in this ABC series in year 12 and that was just it. My first day on set, I just went 'this is it. I want to do this'. I remember telling my mum after 11 years of 40-hours-plus dance training a week, I was like 'I'm going to be an actor, no more dancing' — and just quit on the spot and made that decision. And to her credit, she completely supported that. I think I've always been interested in creativity in a larger sense, with writing, and the thought of maybe directing or producing one day and creating work. And I think acting is a part of that, and it's a part that I love and I hope I can do for as long as people keep giving me jobs. I like to think of it in a bigger sense in creating a bit more work. If you had told 17-year-old Tom who's getting his first audition that he'd be on a Netflix show or doing some of the other work I've been doing recently, I wouldn't have believed a word of it. I've been very lucky, again, to be on a show like this and have the reach it has. I've been able to work with actors I really admire, and creatives that I've sort of genuinely dreamt of working with. So yeah, it's been very surreal." Heartbreak High streams via Netflix. Read our reviews of season one and season two. Images: Netflix.
98 Lygon Street quietly opened its doors in early 2025, but quickly became a neighbourhood go-to with its old-world charm, generous food, and warm service. A table in the refreshed courtyard is the perfect place to perch for a relaxed summer afternoon of drinking, snacking and hanging out. "98 Lygon St has always been about warm hospitality and the kind of generosity you find in the best European bistros. Summer gives us the perfect opportunity to bring more colour, more vibrancy and more simple pleasures to the table," says co-owner Ben Clark. Head Chef Brian Macalister, hailing from Ireland, brings a breadth of experience from Michelin-starred international kitchens to leadership roles across some of Melbourne's most beloved restaurants, such as the Builders Arms Hotel and Cutler. His menu blends classic bistro dishes and Mediterranean flavours, while also showcasing local produce. Depending on the season, you might be lucky to sample starters such as crudités with green sauce, baked scallops with wild garlic butter, or a shallot tart tatin with Dijon mustard. For mains, market fish may arrive with a delicate leek beurre blanc, casarecce could be topped with a rich pork ragu, and chicken might be spatchcocked and served with a simple Italian sauce of olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs. Quality ingredients are allowed to shine without overcomplicated additions. The upgraded courtyard, with white-washed walls, olive trees and linen-drapped tables, does a good job of transporting patrons straight to the Med, particularly with a couple of cocktails in hand (we'd go for the Cherry Ripe Milk Punch and the signature martini), and a round of moreish snacks. "We want the experience to feel like a long afternoon in any cosy European town — generous, sunny and relaxed, with simple things done really well. The courtyard and new menu bring that feeling to Brunswick East," says Macalister. In great news for those with big appetites, 98 Lygon Street has introduced Bottomless Steak nights on Wednesday. The deal includes unlimited, premium grass-fed porterhouse steak, sliced thick and served rare, offered for 90 minutes or until you start the meat sweats and surrender. Each serving is completed with the kitchen's signature peppercorn sauce and golden fries. Clark says, "Wednesday is a night when people already enjoy dining out. This was about generosity, quality, and creating a midweek ritual people look forward to." Images: Supplied.
Games bars are only getting more popular in Melbourne — where you can play mini golf, do a spot of bowling, participate in carnival-style games or simply throw axes at a wall. And one of Melbourne's newest joint providing a space for competitive socialising (with plenty of food and bevs) is the international darts bar Flight Club. But unlike your usual bar that has a dart board located in some random corner (likely, with plenty of broken darts), Flight Club is a massive tech-filled space that offers a heap of different ways to play the classic game. These dart boards are digitally enhanced to track your scores and teach you how to play each of the different kinds of games, and they're surrounded by booths that are all yours when you make a booking. Food and drinks are also easily delivered right to your booth, so you can stay focused on beating your colleagues or mates. When it comes to drinks, Flight Club will be serving up a decent selection of wine and beer, plus a slew of signature cocktails like the Passion Dart-a-Rita (passionfruit margarita) and trophy cocktails that are served in a legit trophy with straws for everyone. Food is mostly shareable and made for the masses — think pizza paddles, popcorn chicken and sticky pork belly bites — so you can eat and play darts at the same time. One hand can hold a slice of pizza while the other chucks darts. Whether you're after a relaxed date-night spot, bottomless brunch with mates, or after-work hang with colleagues, this spot is a bullseye.
Tokyo Tina has been holding its own on chaotic Chapel Street for many years now. The subtle entrance, signed only by graphics, is a nice hint at what's to come when you enter. A busy yet well-designed space that is both intriguing and welcoming at once. Located on the vibrant Windsor end of Chapel Street, Tokyo Tina is an energetic and modern Japanese restaurant, serving consistently top-quality food from its kitchen. It's one of the original venues from the renowned Commune hospitality group, which, along with venues like Hanoi Hannah, has stood the test of time in an area that has been subject to many openings and closings over the years. With rhythmic beats of disco and soul, a dimly lit space, and a stellar lineup of cocktails and drinks, it's an easy choice for a vibey night out with a group or a memorable first date. In line with its good-times offering, Tokyo Tina also features a private dining room with its own karaoke machine, which is an ideal spot for some footloose and fancy-free fun. Speaking of good times, next time the group chat is looking for something to do on the weekend, head in for Bingo Academy held on Saturday lunchtime, hosted by Drag Queen Valerie Hex. The $79 deal scores you bottomless booze, bingo, four plates of food, plus complimentary kimchi rice and edamame for the table. Situated on the vibrant Windsor-end of Chapel Street, Tokyo Tina serves up modern Japanese cuisine in a fun and energetic space. Another venue from the celebrated hospitality group Commune, Tokyo Tina invites guests to enjoy the good times, good vibes, and good food on offer. rhythmic beats of disco and soul, soundtracked by a rotating lineup of DJs selecting tunes, while conversation, laughter and shots will continue to spill well into the night. The fresh and vibrant menu includes a few staple items that have been around as long as regulars can remember, such as the crispy corn fritters with sansho mayo, the salmon tartare with yuzu and sesame crackers, and the miso-baked cauliflower with edamame. You may find options like an open spicy tuna roll, a sweet potato bao with tonkatsu sauce, or a hearty bowl of mixed mushroom udon with shiitake dashi broth. Vibrant cocktails such as a lychee spritz with umeshu and plum bitters, a cucumber yuzu sour, or a Toki Highball with whisky, lemon, orange and orgeat syrup are not only a lip-puckering addition to the meal, but also ensure that the karaoke session is boosted by plenty of liquid confidence. Images:
For over 25 years, the Good Food & Wine Show (GFWS) has lived up to its name, bringing together a stellar selection of Australia's top culinary experts, winemakers and producers. In 2026, the equation is much the same, with thousands of food lovers right around the country heading to their nearest GFWS to soak up the country's longest-running and most-awarded consumer food event. With the show drawing over 115,000 visitors nationally each year across its Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane events, the 2026 edition is ready to reveal a host of confirmed talent. Spanning numerous high-profile names, visitors can catch culinary aficionados such as celeb chef and TV personality Miguel Maestre, internationally acclaimed pâtissier Kirsten Tibballs, and MasterChef Australia favourite Brendan Pang, among many others. Also in 2026, the GFWS is ready to reveal two new experiences. Supported by Kirsten Tibballs, Baker's Alley features ten of Australia's best independent bakeries for the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane shows, with each baker creating a one-of-a-kind exclusive treat just for the show. For instance, the Melbourne event will feature Tarts Anon, Calle Bakery and Rustica Sourdough, while Sydney highlights Valentina Pastry Lab, 15 Cenchi and Madame & Yves. For another new experience, Cooking School invites guests to cook alongside the experts, with ticketed events for up to 40 guests happening across four sessions every day. With the likes of Brendan Pang, Kirsten Tibballs and George Georgievski leading each 45-minute class, you'll learn how to master new dishes like red curry or even make your own chocolate. Best of all, each guest leaves with what they've made — let's hope you were paying attention. Good Food & Wine Show 2026 Dates: Melbourne: Friday, May 29–Sunday, May 31 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Sydney: Friday, June 19–Sunday, June 21 at ICC Sydney Perth: Friday, July 17–Sunday, July 19 at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Brisbane: Friday, October 23–Sunday, October 25 at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
After nearly a decade, Stranger Things is sadly coming to an end. Stranger Things Season 5 will be released on Netflix across three premiere dates, with Volume 1 dropping on Thursday, November 27 (four episodes), Volume 2 dropping on Boxing Day (three episodes), and The Finale streaming on New Year's Day. Each volume is released at midday AEDT. It's no secret that the final series has been a few years in the making. Season 4 premiered in May of 2022, meaning we've waited over three years to find out if the Stranger Things kids can defeat Vecna once and for all. The thrilling sci-fi drama is set in the fictional American town of Hawkins, Indiana. While the group of teenagers battle monsters and travels to alternate dimensions, the 1980s nostalgia of Hawkins (and the show) is hard to miss. To help you ease back into the vintage and sometimes spooky spirit of Stranger Things, we've created a 1980s travel guide. From American diners to regional towns, here are some real-world Aussie places that look straight out of Hawkins. Walhalla, Victoria While Australia's environment and landscapes differ from those of the United States' Midwest region, there are a handful of regional towns that capture the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins. Founded as a gold-mining community in the 1800s, the Victorian town of Walhalla is now home to just 20 permanent residents. Despite its small size, Walhalla is a tourist hotspot, attracting people who want to learn more about Australia's gold mining past. Located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, Walhalla (which was once one of Australia's richest towns) has reconstructed a number of its heritage buildings — resulting in a tourist town that makes you feel like you've stepped through a time machine. Book a stay at Walhalla's Star Hotel, cycle through the town a lá Stranger Things kids on a bike tour, or, if you fancy something spookier, join the Walhalla Ghost Tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Architecture Uprising Australia (@arch_aus) [caption id="attachment_898563" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Valentina's Diner[/caption] Valentina's Diner, Sydney Nothing screams Midwestern town like a plate of diner pancakes. Located in Marrickville, Sydney, Valentina's Diner offers pastel booths (perfect for planning some monster-fighting), as well as an All-American classic menu. From black diner coffee to breakfast sandwiches and American-style cheeseburgers and fries, you'll feel ready to binge-watch the new episodes after your visit. [caption id="attachment_780688" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Evie's Disco Diner[/caption] Evie's Disco Diner, Melbourne Inspired by 1980s New York City, Evie's Disco Diner is your taste of nostalgia pre-Stranger Things watch party. Situated in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Evie's Disco Diner serves American diner dishes (including a number of vegan-friendly options) in a discotheque bar and feels plucked straight from the streets of Hawkins. With a colourful dance floor, bottomless brunch, and drag bingo galore, Evie's Disco Diner is Melbourne's destination for 1980s fun. Book a table with friends to dance to some throwback tracks ("Running Up That Hill", anybody?) before your watch party. [caption id="attachment_902834" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Leonard's House of Love[/caption] Leonard's House of Love, Melbourne Step through the doors of Leonard's House of Love, and you'll find yourself in a dive bar where you could easily spot Hopper sinking a beer post-Demagorgon chase. The South Yarra haunt has a retro feel that's reminiscent of the eighties aesthetics. From wood-panelled walls to neon-lit signs and shag-carpet cosiness, Leonard's House of Love is a time-warp American-inspired dive bar that's perfect for getting into the Stranger Things spirit. [caption id="attachment_1047764" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Mount Victoria via Wirestock[/caption] Mount Victoria, NSW Hawkins may not have mountains, but it does have eerie trails and forests full of secrets. This atmosphere can also be found in the New South Wales village of Mount Victoria. Located in the Blue Mountains, Mount Victoria has a rich history (not dissimilar to Hawkins). While there's no experimental science lab or Upside Down world, there are scenic trail walks and even a vintage independent cinema for some nostalgia. If you're a history buff, be sure to book a trip to Mount Victoria Museum to learn more about local history and maybe even find some town secrets out for yourself. [caption id="attachment_858552" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Stranger Things courtesy of Netflix © 2022[/caption] Fortress, Melbourne and Sydney One central theme of Stranger Things is the board game, Dungeons and Dragons. The closest Australia has to a Hawkins Hellfire Club headquarters is the gaming bar, Fortress. The community hubs feature weekly Dungeons and Dragons meet-ups with a three-hour guided D&D adventure and even a dedicated Dungeon Master. You can join as a group or solo member and play the game that gave Vecna his namesake. [caption id="attachment_1049117" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Yackandandah[/caption] Yackandandah, Victoria With its picture-perfect shopfronts and sleepy-town charm, Yackandandah in Victoria feels like the show's early seasons (you know, before the Upside Down leaked into the real world). The North East Victorian town is surrounded by trees and a high street that feels like the last century (in a quaint way, of course). It's easy to imagine Eleven and co pedalling past the old petrol pumps or heading to the vintage stores for some arcade-perfect outfits. You don't need a portal to the Upside Down to feel like you've stepped into the Stranger Things universe, so make a reservation and book a long weekend trip away before (or while) you binge Stranger Things Season 5. Stream Stranger Things Season 5 only on Netflix from Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 12:00pm AEDT. Lead image credit: Stranger Things Season 5 Netflix
When Alex Honnold scales a nearly kilometre-high cliff, it's with a look of fierce determination blazing in his eyes. When the professional climber discusses the extraordinary feat documented in Free Solo, the same no-nonsense vibe filters through his voice. He's never sombre — just direct. Ask him how it feels to venture to such great heights, and his response is "pretty good". Ask him about the possibility that his death could've been caught on camera, and he says he "basically didn't really care". As newly Oscar-nominated documentary Free Solo chronicles, Honnold made history while scampering up Yosemite's National Park's famous El Capitan rock formation. Plenty of climbers have propelled themselves up the granite monolith's 900-metre vertical expanse, but only Honnold has successfully done so without ropes. The practice is called free climbing. When it's done alone, it's called free soloing. Made plain in the title of Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin's film, Honnold's record-breaking quest to the top was completed by himself without any supportive or protective equipment. Unsurprisingly, it's a feat that has garnered significant attention — but reading news articles and seeing photographs really doesn't do it justice. Honnold notes that "the film doesn't quite do justice to the real scale of it" either, but watching Free Solo is as close as the rest of the world will get — and for many, as close as they'll ever want to get — to stepping into his climbing boots. Assisted by their filmmaking team, Vasarhelyi and Chin assemble an astonishing array of footage, with their connection to climbing evident in every frame. A real-life couple, they both directed acclaimed climbing documentary Meru, while Chin is also a professional climber in his own right. Of course, as exceptional as Free Solo's footage is — and as skilled as making viewers feel like they're making the nerve-racking climb with its subject, too — there would be no film without Honnold. He describes scaling El Cap as "an Olympic gold medal-level athletic achievement... and if you don't get that gold medal, you're going to die", in case the whole situation didn't already sound difficult and dangerous enough. Fresh from garnering considerable applause on the international film circuit, an array of accolades from critics groups and now an Academy Award nomination, Free Solo has arrived in Australian cinemas to share its thrills with eager cinema-goers. We spoke to Honnold about the motivation behind his love of climbing, his preparation process and the difficulties of opening his life up to the camera. [caption id="attachment_706084" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] National Geographic/Jimmy Chin[/caption] THE BIG QUESTION: WHY FREE SOLO? There's an enormous question at the heart of Honnold's climb — one that he recognises himself and that he can't completely answer. When asked what it is about free soloing that appeals to him, he replies: "I don't know, it's just a challenge that I seek out". That might sound like a blasé approach to a dangerous field where many experienced figures have died doing what they loved, but Honnold is anything but. In the film, he's meticulous about his work, documenting his progress in climbing journals, memorising complex moves and even living in his van so that he can remain as close as possible to El Cap. "It's just a more demanding style of climbing," he explains. "It requires more from you, so I feel that it gives a little bit more back in return." While Honnold also mentions finding personal limits and trying his hardest — "it's something I feel like I can do, and I feel a certain obligation to do the hard things that I'm capable of" — what truly shines through is how much he enjoys climbing. "I think it has always been the most fun part of my life," he reflects. "It's funny, because I think the really difficult parts of my life are doing the film tour and travelling and just doing appearances as a professional climber, and doing events — you know, working, things like that." That said, Honnold is also quick to stress the difference between climbing in general and free soloing. "Free soloing is pretty rewarding, but it is very difficult and challenging. If I could only choose one style of climbing for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be free soloing." [caption id="attachment_706086" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] National Geographic/Jimmy Chin[/caption] GETTING RID OF THE ROPES "Part of it is intense, but then part of it is amazing. A lot of it just has to do with which part of the route you're on." That's Honnold's assessment of climbing in general — so what made him decide to free solo El Cap, the route that was "always the last one [on his list] that was aspirational"? Initially, he thought it was too frightening, but that's where planning and training came in. It might seem incredulous to the watching audience, but "two years' preparation made something very scary feel relatively comfortable by the end," he notes. Given the life-and-death stakes at play, Honnold's training — which included two years of practice and climbing El Cap with a rope eight times — prepared him to take the leap. "There was no pressure to actually do the climb, so if I had never felt prepared for it — had I never felt comfortable — then I just wouldn't have done it". Of course, he wasn't just hopping to survive the climb, but to enjoy it. "Part of what was so satisfying about it was that I had exactly the experience that I was hoping for. Through the course of making the film, I spent so much time up there working on it, that when I finally did it, it felt great." HOW THE CAMERAS CHANGED THE CLIMB Honnold recognises that watching free soloing is hard. "I don't like to watch my friends free solo. Nobody really likes to watch free soloing — because, as you see here, and as audiences experience, it's just uncomfortable to watch somebody in that kind of position." It should come so no surprise, then, that the impact of the cameras on Honnold's climb — and the impact of his mammoth endeavour upon Vasarhelyi, Chin and their team — is as much a part of Free Solo as the eventual feat itself. Indeed, the documentary doesn't shy away from the emotional toll on those recording Honnold's every move, or the planning that went into ensuring that the filming process didn't take a toll on Honnold. "The crew did a remarkable job of insulating me from any of those [negative] feelings and just staying neutral throughout it all," says Honnold, noting that the cameras didn't feel like they changed his experience "at all". That said, if something had gone awry, Honnold wasn't worried for himself, or about the fact that his literal downfall would be caught on camera. "To me, if something went wrong — if I fell off and I died — I don't really care what happens to the footage after that because I'm dead," he says. Instead, his concerns lay with traumatising the camera crew, who are also his climbing pals. Honnold doesn't just expose the most dangerous moments of his life to Free Solo, however. The film also dives deep into his personal life, including his relationship with new girlfriend Sanni McCandless, which becomes strained as her worry for his safety and their life together is largely ignored as Honnold zeros in on his goal. As someone who'd clearly rather get on with the business of climbing, rather than talk about it, it's the more intimate side of his daily existence that proved the hardest part to share — and to watch later. "I cringed my way through that. I normally pull my hood really deep and cover my eyes. It's hard to watch. And a lot of it is hard to watch because I'm just not a great boyfriend and I'm not a great partner to Sanni." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhsuT0xctI Free Solo is now screening in Australian cinemas. Read our full review. Images: Madman / National Geographic / Jimmy Chin.
Decadently creamy, seductively spicy and oh-so-comforting — there's a reason why laksa is one of the most beloved noodle soup dishes from Southeast Asia. There are two broad types of laksa found across Malaysia, and infinite possible variations of each. The first is the asam laksa, the sour cousin of the curry laksa. Unlike the laksa most Australians will be familiar with, the asam laksa uses a fish and tamarind soup base for a more tangy, fresh noodle soup. The more common variation across Australia, the curry laksa, begins with the usual suspects — a mix of lemongrass, galangal, chilli and curry powder to give the broth its distinctive auburn glow before coconut milk is added to balance it all out. No matter what Melbourne's temperatures are doing, a bowl of this fiery concoction will warm your cockles in no time. Here's where to find the best laksa in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Ramen in Melbourne The Best Pho in Melbourne The Best Hot Pot Spots in Melbourne The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne Laksa King, Flemington The king of laksa opened its doors back in 1998 and the queues that snake along the streets of Flemington remain to this day. Every element of Laksa King's laksa is made from scratch, from the flavour-packed spice paste to the chicken broth that is simmered for hours. Each bowl comes with the unbeatable combo of delicate rice vermicelli and thick Hokkien noodles — because who can say no to double carbs? They add on tofu puffs, eggplant, crispy fried shallots, fresh mint and your choice of protein, with options ranging from roast duck to a succulent seafood mix of king prawns, calamari, mussels, scallops and fishcake. The Grand Tofu, Glen Waverley An absolute Melbourne laksa institution that has held its ground against the ever-changing shuffle of restaurants on Glen Waverley's Kingsway strip — these legends know exactly what they're doing. Reminiscent of the Dragon Hot Pot joint a few doors down, it's a choose-your-own-adventure vibe. Start by selecting your soup base — if you haven't noticed the pattern yet, we're obviously picking laksa — then pick six pieces of yong tau foo (fish paste-stuffed vegetables, beancurd and tofu) to drown in the creamy broth. Take a seat and wait mere moments before a steaming bowl of deliciousness is placed in front of you. We highly recommend also ordering some of their crowd-favourite Singapore fried noodles. KL Bunga Raya, North Melbourne This easy-to-miss restaurant on North Melbourne's Errol Street serves up one of Melbourne's best laksas as well as a heap of damn good Malaysian eats. The price of these laksas starts out at an easy $12.80, and even once they pack it full of roast duck, don't go beyond $16. They are big, tasty curry soups that are available to have in, take away or get delivered. The laksas alone will fill you up, but if you so desire, feel free to add on some roti with dipping sauces, san choi bao, satay skewers and fish cakes. Whatever you get, you can't go wrong at KL. Chef Lagenda, Deer Park This popular franchise has been serving steaming bowls of laksa to Melburnians since 2003. Their menu is an absolute treat, meaning you can fill up your table with a selection of yum cha, lobster tail and laksa all at the same time. Chef Lagenda offers five different types of laksa ranging from the classic chicken to mixed vegetables or seafood, but our favourite has to be the fish head curry laksa. The deep-fried Rockling fish head adds a deep, creamy flavour to the broth that will blow your socks off. Viet Rose, Fitzroy Don't let the name of Fitzroy's Viet Rose deter you — the team have mastered the art of both laksa and pho. The crowd-favourite vego laksa comes with your choice of rice noodles or egg noodles, veggies and generous pieces of beancurd. It's also one of the only places in Melbourne where you can order a side of Vietnamese spring rolls to go along with your curry laksa. That's a big win in our books. Roti Bar, Melbourne CBD You might struggle to find a seat here at Roti Bar if you try to pop by for a quick weekday laksa fix — you'll be competing with a crowd full of hungry office workers. Their menu is entirely halal and keeps it simple with three types of laksa on offer: prawn, chicken or veggie. Don't forget to order some of their signature roti (flaky, buttery flatbread) to soak up all of that broth. Malaysian Laksa House, Melbourne CBD Often flagged as one of the best curry laksas you can find in Melbourne, it seems like there are never enough tables in this tiny shopfront along Elizabeth Street. The vegetable laksa comes with an insane amount of toppings, you can expect huge pieces of eggplant, puffed tofu, green beans, broccoli, spinach, sambal (Malaysian chilli paste) and half a boiled egg. Mr Lee Malysian Cuisine, Brunswick East Located on the ever-eclectic Lygon Street, Mr Lee is loved by many due to their generous portions and high-quality ingredients. They serve up a soft shell crab curry laksa that ticks all of the boxes — crunchy, slurpable and absolutely delicious. Our top tip is to add on a serving of their epic char kway teow, the wok hei (the smokey flavour that comes from cooking over high heat) is out of this world. If you're out in these parts and have a hankering for a spicy soupy curry, hit up this beloved Melbourne laksa restaurant.
Melbourne's free tram zone has just grown bigger, making it easier to move across the city without tapping your myki. From Wednesday, September 24, tram routes 48, 70 and 75 were added to the zone, meaning passengers can now ride fare-free from the CBD all the way to the MCG gates. The expansion was timed to coincide with the AFL Grand Final, when more than 100,000 fans descended on the stadium, but the benefits continue well beyond footy season. The change also supports the city's other major drawcards, including the Melbourne Royal Show, which attracts over 450,000 visitors each year. To help families get to and from the Showgrounds, more than 100 additional daily trains now run from Flinders Street, departing every 10–15 minutes from platforms 8, 9 and 10. The last service leaves at 10.40pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends, with extra trams boosting Route 57 between Elizabeth Street and the Showgrounds. Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the move was about keeping the city moving during its biggest weeks. "With so much on offer for families and footy fans, we're providing more services across the network to make sure families spend more time doing the things they love. We encourage everyone to plan ahead and take public transport to the 'G or the Show," she said. The change also supports the city's other major drawcards, including the Melbourne Royal Show, which attracts over 450,000 visitors each year. To help families get to and from the Showgrounds, more than 100 additional daily trains now run from Flinders Street, departing every 10–15 minutes from platforms 8, 9 and 10. The last service leaves at 10.40pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends, with extra trams boosting Route 57 between Elizabeth Street and the Showgrounds. Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the move was about keeping the city moving during its biggest weeks. "With so much on offer for families and footy fans, we're providing more services across the network to make sure families spend more time doing the things they love. We encourage everyone to plan ahead and take public transport to the 'G or the Show." Plan your journey at Public Transport Victoria or V/Line. Images: iStock
It's safe to say the husband-and-wife duo behind Yulongfu take their dumplings seriously. Located on Bourke Street, this Shanghainese-style steamed bun restaurant is a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship, its menu of signature dim sum morsels expertly handmade to long-held family recipes — some dating back as far as 1904. The 130-seat space is an inviting one, lit warmly and decorated with ornamental birds. It even boasts a dumpling stage where you can catch the chefs in action as you dine on their carefully folded creations. Xiao long bao are the specialty stars of this show, each dumpling featuring the requisite 16 perfect pleats and plump with a hot, soupy filling. Right now, you'll even find a dramatic (and oh-so-Melbourne) black variety, teaming the rich flavours of a black truffle casing with an aromatic pork broth centre. Beyond the many styles of steamed dumplings, pan-fried buns and juicy wontons, there's a wealth of other Shanghainese delights begging to be shared with your crew — an elaborate sweet and sour barramundi dish, drunken chicken marinated in Chinese wine, claypots and sizzling black pepper beef, to name just a few. Images: Griffin Simm
Perched aloft Collingwood Yards, Runner Up is a rooftop bar with stunning views of its surrounds. The vibe is a fun and playful blend of old and new with bold colours, 70s fitting and fixtures, and velvet curtains. The rooftop — suitable for whatever weather Melbourne throws at it with its retractable awning — can accommodate up to 70 people, and there's often a rotating list of DJs from Thursdays to Sundays. Drop by between 5 and 7pm on weekdays for 'golden hour specials' that range from $7 shandy to $15 Tommy's Tap Marg. Cheekily, '$9.99 all the time' is a price-tag attached to lager and the second-best red, white, orange and prosecco on the menu. The wine list spotlights Victorian natural wine producers as well as a smattering from France, Italy and other parts of Australia. Cocktails are classic with a twist, like the espresso martini that features Biscoff-spiced vodka or the vodka martini that incorporates fresh tomato-infused vodka. Snacks are limited to Chappy's, mixed olives, dolmades, and the choice of either duck terrine or mushroom pate for something decadent to spread across pita crisps. If you're hankering for something more substantial, order pizza from the nearby Thin Slizzy anytime from 5pm.
Following the success of Don's, a laidback, not-so-serious wine bar in Prahran, with fun gimmicks — such as a rotating 'pasta on a spoon' special and a chicken sandwich that attracts people from near and far — Alex Gavioli and his team set their sights Northside, opening their next venture, Cordelia. Housed in a corner building on Rathdowne Street, Cordelia's focus is on sustainable seafood, with wines to match. Gavioli's wife, Sarah Freudendal, is responsible for the sleek, Scandi-inspired space, which carries the same easygoing and unpretentious vibes that have made Don's such a popular hang-out spot. The kitchen team worked closely with GoodFish, an organisation that helps restaurants source sustainable seafood, to develop more eco-friendly menu items. Notable restaurants that work with GoodFish include the likes of Attica, Cumulus Inc., Farmer's Daughters and Hazel. The menu includes fresh fishy bites such as Merimbula Sydney Rock Oysters with blackened lime vinegar, octopus and merguez skewers with espellette and saffron aioli, and marinated sardines with soured cucumber. The dishes are built around whichever fish is fresh, in season, and, where possible, feature lesser-known species. Gold Band Snapper is served with fermented lemon verbena honey, Rainbow Trout is cooked over coal and dressed with capers and chives, and John Dory may be pan-seared with mussels. However, Cordelia isn't siloed into a seafood-only corner; there's also pasta, perhaps a casarecce alla Nerano, Falco milk buns with kombu agro dolce, and other considered protein dishes such as a charcoal half chicken with kasundi and Desert Lime. Hot tip: the fish burger, served Wednesday to Friday for lunch, rivals Don's chicken version in crisp and tasty levels. Images: Supplied.
Back in the day, there were only two options. Black or white. Perhaps a question of whether to add sugar. However, fast-forward to today, and the options for novelty coffees are seemingly endless. And in 2026, one particular coffee add-on seems to be having a real moment in the spotlight: cold foam. Cold foam is an airy, light, and velvety whipped topping that is placed on your coffee like an ice cap on a mountain. It's usually made by frothing cold milk without heat and is lightly sweetened or subtly flavoured to elevate your coffee experience. Sure, they tend to look pretty as a picture and are primed for photo dumps, but even the snootiest of coffee snobs in town seem to be getting around the cold foam. So leave your lame latte, common cappuccino and lifeless long black behind, and set out on a fancy-free, foam-filled adventure this weekend using our guide to the best cold foam coffees in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Coffee in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Boozy Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne Beautiful Jim Key, Brunswick Beautiful Jim Key, situated in Jewell Station Village, calls itself a neighbourhood cafe and luncheonette inspired by the "fantastic and the curious." The cafe is from Priyam Chovhan and partner Josh Murphy, an experienced restaurateur. In building Beautiful Jim Key, they sought to create a space focused on thoughtful hospitality and everyday pleasures. Signature menu items include an amped-up avo on toast with stracciatella, tomato and za'atar, and a potato roll stuffed with smoked sausage, cheese and barbecue sauce. One of the cafe's most coveted menu items is the BJK Cafe Royal, which features cold brew topped with creamy coconut cold foam and orange zest. While cherries are in season, try the Cherry Royale, which combines fresh, house-made cherry cordial, cold brew, coconut float, and dark chocolate. Dua Bakehouse, Collingwood Dua Bakehouse, situated within the Collingwood Yards precinct, is a bakery that blends Southeast Asian flavours with European pastry techniques. Since opening in early 2025, the understated yet aesthetically pleasing bakery and cafe has garnered a loyal following of locals and visitors seeking out two-toned iced drinks and the famous fluffy shokupan. This summer, the iced latte topped with pecan cream cold foam was a particularly popular beverage, often seen on social media perched next to a Pandan Princess Cake. A perfectly pretty combo. Good Measure, Carlton Carlton, coffee and cocktails. A fearsome combo that viral cafe Good Measure nails. During the daylight hours, this Lygon Street space plays host to those in search of the precious bean juice, but when the sun sets, it trades coffee for cocktails. If you visit during the day, be prepared to face a line. Many patrons are likely to be lining up for one particular specialty treat: the Mont Blanc. This coffee is filtered, iced, and served in a tumbler, where it gets a ceiling of fresh cream and a dusting of orange zest and nutmeg. This one is viral good reason. Baker Bleu, South Yarra and Cremorne Stores Baker Bleu is known and adored for its award-winning sourdough breads, including their famous country wheel rolls, seasonal fougasse, chewy bagels, pillowy challah and crusty ficelles. Baker Bleu's signature flaky croissants are known for being taken to the crisp edge in the oven, and their creamy custard tarts have become a crowd favourite for good reason. More recently, the bakery has begun expanding its offerings to include the likes of soft serves and novelty drinks. Their Iced Honey Cream Latte is a luxurious blend of double espresso poured over milk and ice, topped with whipped cream infused with honey and spices, and finished with a dusting of chai sprinkles. Chef's kiss. Monforte Viennoiserie, Carlton North Tucked away in a row of beige Victorian houses is the teal kiosk that houses Monforte Viennoiserie. And while this hole-in-the-wall spot is only open a few days a week, a sizable queue often forms outside before 8 am, with loyal customers keen to try Giorgia McAllister Forte's latest creation. The small-batch pasticceria specialises in yeasted doughs and croissant-based products, and everything is made on site in the petite space. While the menu changes each month, one thing is consistent: Giorgia's menu is exciting, experimental and ever-evolving. A recent addition to the menu is the Caffe Speciale, featuring Belafonte chilled filter coffee infused with a lemony, dark brown sugar syrup, topped with a fluffy sweet cream subtly imbued with bitter almond, and finished with fresh lemon zest. Ona Coffee, Brunswick If you step inside the bright, minimalist warehouse location on Ovens Street, tucked behind bustling Sydney Road, and take a seat at the interactive coffee bar, you'll see that Ona Coffee Melbourne goes far beyond your standard cafe. For one, the bar has dedicated sections for espresso, milk work and filter brewing. The most impressive part is the coffee, naturally, with a 20-plus list to choose from. You'll find frothy milk-based coffees, single-origin espressos, batch brews, pour-overs, iced coffee, and cold brew. And because even highbrow coffee addicts can't resist the cold foam craze, Ona has introduced a pistachio cream iced latte, crowned with a sprinkling of crushed nuts, that is driving people nuts trying to get their hands on one. Elster, Elsternwick Elster is a neighbourhood go-to that suits just as well for quick morning coffees, long leisurely lunches, work meetings, or even a family-friendly brunch where kids can relax and enjoy themselves. A selection of specialty drinks makes Elster a serious contender in the novelty coffee category. A crowd favourite is the Tiramisu Brew, served iced or hot, with vanilla cream, hazelnut and chocolate dust. There is also a Coconut Cloud Matcha with coconut water, vanilla and matcha cream, and a Blueberry Butterfly Iced Matcha with butterfly pea flower syrup. And if you want to take things up a notch, go for the Baileys Iced latte with whipped vanilla cream and chocolate. Top Paddock, Richmond Top Paddock, one of the darlings in the stable of cafes owned by the Darling Group, is not only serving up some of Melbourne's most beloved brekkies, but also some seriously amped-up coffees. The interior of Top Paddock is beautiful and light, with a real sophistication that few cafes achieve. It's an open, welcoming space with small and communal tables, outdoor seating, and a bar where you can watch the baristas at work. Speaking of, they produce custom blends from specialty coffee beans sourced from the world's top producers, with a strong focus on pairing coffee with food. The Darling Group venues have introduced a stellar lineup of cold foam coffees, including the Cherry Lime Cold Brew, an Iced Honeybee Latte with honeycomb cold foam, an Iced White Chocolate Matcha with white choc cold foam, and a Salted Maple Cold Brew. St. ALi, South Melbourne When you think about the beginnings of Melbourne's third-wave coffee movement, it could likely be traced back to St ALi. Not just a boutique local roaster of rich, beloved coffee beans, St ALi was instrumental in introducing the concept of an industrial-style cafe serving brunch as good as its brew. Despite the saturation of the city's cafe scene and stiff competition from local coffee roasters, St ALi has survived the movement and remains a Melbourne institution. It's also not afraid to get on board with new trends, including the cold foam craze. Seasonal specialties include the Biscoff Freddo with cold milk foam, crushed Biscoff and chocolate shavings, the Lights Out with orange juice and chocolate espresso cream, and the Strawberry Cloud with matcha, strawberry puree, and cold milk foam. Baguette Sudios, North Melbourne Baguette Studios in North Melbourne has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike, desperate to get their hands on the specialty French-style baguettes and pastries. Some of their signature items include the deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich and a pretzel croissant. However, one particular drink has recently caught the attention of those partial to a sweet treat. Inspired by Korean coffee culture, the Butterscotch Cream Latte is an iced latte topped with butterscotch sauce and caramel cream. If that sounds too intense for you, grab a coconut cloud matcha, but be warned, it's almost too pretty to drink. Bloomwood, CBD While this city is in no way short of banging bakeries, every now and then, a new one emerges that really captures the attention of Melburnians. Bloomwood Bakery, a serene CBD space, did just that, with its irresistible pastries and specialty drinks. Signature pastries, which attract hordes of visitors each day, include a passionfruit-and-coconut jelly flower, a pepperoni-and-hot-honey focaccia pizza slice, a maple-cinnamon scroll, and a corn-and-cheese crisp croissant. To drink, there are renowned two-toned drinks, such as strawberry, banana or coconut iced matchas. There are plenty of seasonal and special cold foam options that you may be lucky enough to try, such as a citrus cream brew, a Thai milk tea with salted coconut cream and a hojicha latte with black sesame cream. Images: Supplied.
Chances are, no matter how many drinks you downed on ANZAC Day, you didn't wake up with a penguin in your bed. That is, unless you're one of these three guys. In a wild night dubbed 'The Hangover come to life', three allegedly intoxicated tourists broke into the Gold Coast's Sea World Australia this past weekend. Once inside, they took the opportunity to go for a dip with the dolphins, take a video or two, and - oh yeah - kidnap a penguin. The unsuspecting penguin, named Dirk, had an even rougher go of it. Released by one of the three (panicked) men early Sunday morning, Dirk took to a nearby shark-infested waterway. Once chased out of his watery haven by a menacing shark, he out-waddled a curious dog before being rescued by passersby. Dirk has since by safely returned to Sea World, and to his lady penguin, Peaches. The three jokesters may not get off so lucky. They have released the phone-captured video of their drunken prank in hopes of demonstrating their 'non-malicious' intentions; even so, they are currently facing charges. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ze6HKOiCNQ
Despite her painting career lasting just eight years, late Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye smashed another art record this week, as her piece Earth's Creation I again fetched the highest price at auction for an Australian female artist. The contemporary piece went under the hammer for a huge $2.1 million, breaking its own 2007 record, having sold back then for $1.05 million. This time, it's been snapped up by art dealer Tim Olsen for his recently opened New York gallery, in an online auction headed up by Sydney's Cooee Art Marketplace and Fine Art Bourse. The sale of the acclaimed work, which has previously been on show at the likes of the National Museum of Art in Osaka, the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria, is also a big win for Australian Indigenous art, with Fine Art Bourse auctioneer Tim Goodman telling SBS: "this sale will go a long way to breathing life back into the Aboriginal art market." Hope you managed to get a look at it while it was in the country. Kngwarreye's painting is also not that far off the auction record for an Aboriginal artist, which was set by a Clifford Possum piece that sold for $2.4 million back in 2007. By contrast, the last known painting by Leonardo di Vinci, Salvator Mundi, just sold at auction for around $AUD590 million — making it history's most expensive artwork by far. Via SBS. Image: Emily Kame Kngwarreye (c.1910–1996) painting Earth's Creation I (1994).
The Great Ocean Road is celebrating 100 years this month with a bunch of pop-up cinemas appearing along the coast. The cinemas are actually shipping containers that have been cleverly converted into 1920s art deco-style lounges complete with vintage furnishings, velvet couches, wallpaper and curtains. The mini movie theatres have been dropped at various locations along the coast, from Torquay all the way down to Apollo Bay. From now until Sunday, October 6, they'll be screening a series of five short films. The series, The Story of the Road, delves into the life of the road, including its Indigenous history, construction and the community that lives around it. The ten-minute screenings are running throughout the day from 9am–5pm, and until 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. While the screenings are free, capacity is super limited to 5–10 people, so it might be smart to pre-register to avoid a wait. But you can just rock up, too. Screenings run every ten minutes, and the films don't have to be viewed in any particular order. And if ten minutes just isn't enough, tickets for the special documentary screenings and other events are available from $30, featuring a half-hour deep dive into the Great Ocean Road from the very beginning. POP-UP CINEMA LOCATIONS Torquay Foreshore — The Esplanade, Torquay Anglesea Village Green — Lions Park, Anglesea Lorne Foreshore — Mountjoy Parade, Lorne Wye Beach — corner Morely Avenue and Wongarra Drive, Wye River Apollo Bay Foreshore — Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
For a month in 2026, The Phantom of the Opera will be there, on a floating stage on top of Sydney Harbour. Each year, Australia's most-stunning performance venue welcomes a big-name Opera Australia show to unleash its wonders with a spectacular backdrop. Just like in 2022, 2026's production involves the music of the night echoing over the ocean. The extremely popular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has repeated titles before, but there's a particular reason for Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera haunting its scenic setup again so soon. 2026 also marks the stage musical's global 40th anniversary. There's phenomenal ways to commemorate a milestone and the there's this. When it takes to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's picturesque waterfront digs at Mrs Macquaries Point for 2026 — across Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26 — this run of The Phantom of the Opera is kicking off a worldwide program of events planned for the year to celebrate four decades of the show. The production will also increase the huge audience numbers that've spent time with The Phantom and Christine, given that it has already been seen by 160-million-plus people in 205 cities across 58 territories across its lifespan so far. Simon Phillips, who recently helped bring Round the Twist from the screen to the stage, initially directed the 2022 Handa season — and is back for 2026, too. Also a highlight: the eye-catching production design that includes a giant chandelier. Images: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's 2022 production of The Phantom of the Opera © Prudence Upton / Hamilton Lund.
The St Kilda Foreshore Trail follows the water's edge, tracing the coastline for 11 kilometres from Port Phillip to St Kilda then Elwood. It's dotted with palm trees, beaches, cafes and parks — and is often packed with Melburnians enjoying the sun and salty air as they walk, cycle or jog the track. To help you make the most of your next walk or run on the trail, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you seven rewarding pit stops to make along the way. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below. [caption id="attachment_801213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] PERC WHITE RESERVE Start your run at Perc White Reserve, which you'll find at The Boulevard in Port Melbourne, near the Maritime Cove Community Park and Sandridge Beach. The natural reserve offers a perfect place to prep for the route ahead. Find a spot near some native bush to limber up with a few stretches and light movements, like legs swings. You can also go for a quick stroll along the dock to get the blood flowing and warm your muscles. As you do, you'll be spoiled with impressive views of the city and Williamstown. [caption id="attachment_803770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taylor Franz; Unsplash[/caption] SANDBAR BEACH CAFE After around four kilometres, stop in at Sandbar Beach Cafe, along Beaconsfield Parade. As you look out over Port Phillip Bay, rehydrate with a cold-pressed orange, apple or watermelon juice. Alternatively, grab a hot coffee or tea to keep you going in the colder months or early mornings. Whatever you choose, take time to relax on the deck rewarding yourself with ocean views, or stroll along the beach to keep your legs moving. MIDDLE PARK BEACH A little farther along, Middle Park is a one-kilometre stretch of south-west facing beach that's a popular spot for swimmers. It's sandwiched between the Kerferd Road Pier and West Beach Pavilion with a low seawall separating it from the promenade and bustling Beaconsfield Parade. Relax on the sand, soak safely in the sun, or go for a dip. The best part is: it's dog friendly. So you can often catch some cute, furry guys frolicking in the waves. [caption id="attachment_750875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria/Josie Withers[/caption] CATANI GARDENS As you reach St Kilda West, around 1.3 kilometres away, you'll come to Catani Gardens. It's a well-known hang out spot for families and other runners, and the gardens boasts expansive, well-manicured lawns framed by Canary Island palm trees. Here, you can catch your breath in the shade or have a rest under the notable rotunda in the heart of the gardens. There's also a drinking fountain to refill your water bottle and plenty of spots to get in some stretches or lunges. ST KILDA SEA BATHS Alternatively, a short stroll away is St Kilda Sea Baths, where the hydrotherapy spa pool and 25-metre seawater pool are heated to a pleasant temperature. As well as feeling salty and soothing, the seawater is said to have therapeutic qualities, too, such as helping to stimulate senses and relieve sore muscles. Take a moment to relax in the aromatherapy steam room (currently closed due to COVID restrictions) or sit in the lounge area with views of the bay. You'll find the baths at Jacka Boulevard. [caption id="attachment_803768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash; Larry Crayton[/caption] ST KILDA OUTDOOR GYM, MO MORAN RESERVE Another 1.6 kilometres away is MO Moran Reserve Outdoor Gym, where your legs can take a small break while you work your arms, abs, shoulders and back. You can access the gym via Marine Parade where you'll find a hub of callisthenics equipment, such as parallel bars, dip bars, a push up bar, step and incline bench — all designed to build strength and give you a full-body workout. What makes it rewarding? All that strength training will help protect your joints for future runs. ELWOOD BATHERS Then, after another kilometre or so, you'll come to Elwood Bathers & Elwood Bathers Pizza, where you can refuel and relax after clocking up your step count. The waterfront restaurant boasts casual seating and stellar views of Port Phillip Bay. As you've finished your run, it's time to give yourself the ultimate treat: food. Order a wagyu or chargrilled chicken burger, beer-battered flathead and chips, or a well-earned slice of mushroom, prawn or prosciutto pizza. Wash it down with a grapefruit soda, spicy ginger beer or sparkling mineral water. Alternatively, enjoy a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc or a cool pale ale, draft or cider. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Melbourne. Top image: St Kilda Beach, Visit Victoria
Whether you ever got to venture inside, or just heard tales about the goings on, Carlton's long-standing theatre restaurant Dracula's was one of the city's true institutions. But now, the sprawling corner building at 100 Victoria Street has enjoyed a complete about-face, reborn as the first Aussie outpost for China's famed Panda Hot Pot. The chain — known for its sichuan-style hot pot — already has 400 international outlets under its belt in China, Malaysia, Japan and the US. But, keen to spread even more love for the traditional Chinese dining experience — this will be its Down Under debut. At the palatial 228-seat Carlton site — which sold for $10.3 million last year — 37 years of outlandish costumes and vampire-themed cabaret have been replaced with a new kind of theatre. Heavy screen partitions divide the two-level dining room, which is now decorated with glowing red lanterns and a custom-made, 1.5-tonne steel dragon taking centre stage. It even offers its own themed experience in the form of live cultural performances unfolding from 7pm each night. Decked out like a scene from ancient China, it's a fitting backdrop for Panda's authentic Sichuan hot pot offering, where big groups congregate over giant bowls of bubbling soup. For the uninitiated, the cuisine sees diners choose a soup base and various additions, then cook it all DIY-style in a large pot in the middle of the the table by dunking ingredients into the simmering stock. At Panda Hot Pot, you'll choose from soup base options like a rich tomato broth, or the signature Sichuan spicy soup, crafted on spices imported from China and simmered together for over 12 hours. Pick a spice level, then make it your own, ordering add-ins from a hefty selection of meat cuts, seafood, offal, fresh veggies and noodles, each item listed on the menu with its own suggested cooking time. A self-serve dipping sauce station allows you to add another level of flavour to your bowl. If you find yourself overwhelmed — and, considering everything going on, you might — a crew of Panda's hot pot experts are on hand to ensure it all runs smoothly. Find Panda Hot Pot at 100 Victoria Street, Carlton. It's open daily for lunch from 11.30am to 3pm, and for dinner from 5pm to midnight, with sittings at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.
Dear Mums of the world, we love you. That's what we should be saying to our Mums this Mother's Day — and if we can't say it with words, we best say it with a booking at a stellar venue. We've got some recommendations ready to suit any preference and family group, from big family affairs to a cheeky champers brunch with just the two of you. Thank us later, but hurry up and make a booking. Melbourne Public — Pub Classics and a Petting Zoo If you have a large group in tow — including younger siblings, kids or grandkids — a top choice would be Melbourne Public. Not just for this sprawling Yarra-side venue's classic pub fare offerings for lunch and dinner, but because there'll be a full-blown mini farm petting zoo for the little ones to get some cute cuddling time in with baby animals between 12.30–3pm. BrewDog Pentridge — An Exclusive Menu at One of Melbourne's Biggest Breweries Scottish brewery BrewDog made a splash when it arrived in Australia, setting up all over the eastern seaboard, including in the massive historic Pentridge Prison site. This is a Mother's Day event you won't want to miss. This brewery is friendly for the whole family — including the furry members — but gives the little ones enough room to stretch their legs when the grownups need a break. It offers an exclusive menu for the occasion, which ought to put a pep in any Mum's step. Prince Alfred Hotel — Live Acoustics and Face Painting Settled in as one of Richmond's most popular pubs and beer gardens, Prince Alfred Hotel is perfect for any larger group looking for a great lunch out with the family in the spirit of Mother's Day. She's getting the celebrity treatment here, and that starts with a glass of bubbles on arrival. Once the bubbles are done, Mum can enjoy (and you can order) drinks at happy hour prices from 2pm–5pm. Mum isn't the only special guest; kids eat free all day. Said kiddos can also enjoy a spot of face painting, also for free, and the whole group can enjoy live music from some of the pubs' favourite acoustic performers. The Victoria Hotel — Monthly Mum Brunches Serving pints to thirsty Yarraville locals and visitors alike since 1873, it's safe to say that The Victoria Hotel is something of an institution. But despite the long and storied history of the pub, it's still managing to keep things fresh. That includes a brand-new motherly tradition kicking off on Saturday, May 11. Sure, that's not Mother's Day, but it is the beginning of the new Monthly Mummy Brunches. Going forward, the second Saturday of every month will be reserved from 12.30–2pm for brunch and bottomless bubbles, plus free kids entertainment to keep the little ones busy, all for $54pp. Trinket — Bottomless Gin High Tea Steering away from the family-oriented offerings, the boozier offerings kick off from the intimate ground-floor bar Trinket. Here, you'll find two Mother's Day tropes: high tea and bottomless bevvies. But instead of champagne and bite-sized scones, we're getting out a classic Mum cocktail, gin and tonic, and blending it with a gourmet chef-curated high tea tray. Garnish your G&T as you like, and nosh on six bites per guest (it's all high tea classics like sandwiches, quiches, mini cheesecakes and cannolis), all served on a cake tray. Bookings are $75pp and are available for two or more from 2.30pm. Garden State Hotel — Grazing Boards, Bubbles and Drag Queen Bingo This CBD pub has a wealth of experiences and memories to be made across its four storeys, each whisking you away from Flinders Lane — at least in your mind. Be it the open beer garden where quaint decorations and tall ficus trees fill the space with light and love, or the intimate Rose Garden basement bar. Adding to the Mother's Day celebrations all over town, here in the venue's Rose Garden, you'll find a great afternoon of drag queen bingo. For $45pp, you and Mum can join the fun with a cold glass of bubbles and a moreish grazing board to share. Morris House — Three Indulgent Courses of Dining This multi-storey establishment boasts a reputation as an all-purpose venue and a damn fine one at that. Ranging from a sun-soaked leafy rooftop to an exposed-brick comedy club in the basement, it's everything you want in a multimillion-dollar CBD venue. The same can be said for its Mother's Day special, everything you want for mum's special day. It's a hefty three-course lunch, starting with a seafood platter to share, then a main of your choice and a boozy NYC-style cheesecake to finish — available between 12–3pm. Middle Park Hotel — Three-Course Feed with Complimentary Fizz Another Melbourne standout, especially if you're keyed into the gastropub scene, is Middle Park Hotel. Be it the historical decor or the bold menu items, there's much to be said for landing on this St Kilda adjacent location. So why not make a Mother's Day booking? For $69pp, any mum will be served a complimentary glass of bubbles before tucking into an appropriately luxurious three-course set menu lunch. If Mum doesn't need anything fancy, general reservations are also available on the day. The Smith Prahran — Drag Comedy with Brunch and Bubbles The last addition to this hefty list of choices might be one of the most entertaining. The Smith in Prahran is a regular pick for both bottomless brunches and drag events in Melbourne, fitting then that it's combining its two specialties for Mother's Day. For the big day, you'll be treated to live entertainment from drag group The Jawbreakers, a brunch item to enjoy alongside and perhaps most importantly, two hours of bottomless mimosas, spritzes, wines and beers. It's all bundled for $74pp and available in two sessions at 12pm and 3pm. For more information on any of these venues or to make bookings, visit the respective websites linked above.
Brunswick East's Taverna is a love letter to family, traditions, heritage, and the spirit of Greek cuisine. It's a place for locals and visitors to eat big, laugh loudly, drink, and be merry. The opening of Taverna on Lygon Street is a full-circle moment for Angie Giannakodakis, who helped set up Hellenic Republic in the same site years ago. Together with Guy Holder, Angie opened Taverna to embody the essence of an Athenian Taverna, where the matriarch is central to influencing local cuisines. "When my mum, the matriarch of our family, entered care after a fall, I realised how much her food represented love and survival," Angie says. "Taverna is more than a restaurant; it's my way of honouring my parents. This is a seat at my family table. Every dish is a story — a download of the love I grew up with." The seasonal menu is deeply personal to Giannakodakis, who draws on the flavours of her mother's kitchen to bring a true taste of Athenian cuisine all the way to Brunswick East. Familiar mezze such as taramosalata, fried whitebait, dolmathes and chickpea fritters are followed by small plates like tinned sardines and grilled prawns with saffron butter and ouzo. There's plenty of meat, too, of course. Find goat in a ragu with Greek-style pasta, pork and orange sausage cooked over the grill, a lamb shoulder slow-cooked until falling apart, beef and herb patties with yoghurt, and a thick 500-gram t-bone with lemon and olive oil. And if you're lucky, you might find Katina's signature moussaka on the menu when you visit, made from the cherished recipe passed on by Giannakodakis' mother. "Taverna is my way of bringing the traditions of an Athenian taverna to life, a place of connection, joy, and escape here in Brunswick," says Giannakodakis. "It's where people can come together to share stories, celebrate milestones, and find comfort in good company. A place where love can be confessed, memories can be made, and life is celebrated." Holder says they are committed to delivering the warmth and service that Melbourne deserves, emphasising that "Taverna is an honouring of heritage, a family's legacy on the plate." Images: Supplied.
The Merri Creek Trail is a popular walking, running, biking and strolling track for many northside Melburnians. It's also home to collared sparrowhawks, eastern rosellas and plenty of ducks. You'll be pacing along Wurundjeri Country and it's a route full of nature, as well as plenty of places to stop along the way — including community gardens, cafes and swimming pools. To enhance your next run, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you seven rewarding pit stops for when you're tackling the Merri Creek Trail. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below. [caption id="attachment_803012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthias Zomer[/caption] SUMNER PARK First, head to Sumner Park on Alister Street in Brunswick East. The park features extensive lawns for some light exercises, like leg swings and calf stretches, plus a drinking fountain. Importantly, this park is a regular hangout spot for furry friends, who can run off-leash and play. Is there any better way to warm up than when surrounded by good boys and girls? [caption id="attachment_803088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Dale Photography[/caption] CERES COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT PARK Make a stop on the corner of Stewart and Roberts Streets at CERES Community Environment Education Centre and Park. Here you can learn some good eco tips and tricks as well as grab some caffeine. The social enterprise has a community garden and nursery, which you can peruse as you pick up some seasonal produce advice or organic seedlings to put in your bum bag. There's also an organic cafe, pouring coffee made from locally roasted organic beans and serving sandwiches, wraps, salads and baked treats. [caption id="attachment_803758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laya Clode; Unsplash[/caption] MERRI CORNER COMMUNITY GARDEN Past Abrahams Reserve, Merri Corner Community Garden is full of vibrant flowers, plants and plenty of buzzing bees. Catch your breath and slow your heart rate as you walk around the garden beds that are maintained by various groups in the local community. There are benches to enjoy a proper rest, or for calf stretches while you enjoy the floral scent in the air. And, hey, you may even spot an eastern rosella among the sunflowers. [caption id="attachment_804041" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moreland City Council[/caption] DE CHENE RESERVE Just past Bowden Reserve is De Chene Reserve, a large dog park and sports field connected to the Merri Creek Trail. Here you'll find spots to have a breather among the gum trees. There's also an outdoor gym with various exercise equipment for strength training. Or, there's a walking track if you feel like keeping up your cardio at a slower rate. Make use of the drinking tap near the playground, too. COBURG SWIMMING POOL Take a break from moving on foot by heading to Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool, on Murray Road. Swap the trail for a body of water and get some laps in at the 50-metre outdoor pool. There's also a diving pool with a one-metre diving board if you've got a swan-like plunge to show off. Entry is $6.70. Alternatively, Coburg Leisure Centre is just a stone's throw away and has a spa and steam room if that's more your style. It's $10.30 for a swim, spa and steam. THE BOOT FACTORY After your dip, head to The Boot Factory. The family-owned cafe is housed in the old Coburg Penitentiary and dates back to the 1850s. Take in the history while enjoying an eggs benny, sautéed mushroom medley or a wagyu beef, chicken or haloumi burger. Alternatively, give in to your sweet tooth with a rose and pistachio chocolate brownie or lemon cheesecake. [caption id="attachment_803018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Commons[/caption] COBURG LAKE RESERVE Finish off your run at Coburg Lake Reserve, an picturesque lake surrounded by greenery and wildlife. You'll definitely see a duck or two and white ibises. Cool down in the shade and enjoy the tranquillity of the park. There's also a public bocce court if you want to stick around for the rest of the arvo. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Melbourne. Top image: Pexels
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences can't flock to the Sydney Film Festival in person this year — so SFF is bringing the movie magic to audiences at home instead. First, it's teaming up with 19 other top fests from around the world to present We Are One: A Global Film Festival, a free ten-day festival that'll be streamed on YouTube. Then, a couple of days after that's all done, SFF is holding its own ticketed online event. Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition will run from Wednesday, June 10–Sunday, June 21, focusing on three of the annual event's popular programming strands: the Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary, the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, and Europe! Voices of Women in Film. That means that when you're not spending ten days watching brand new world-premiering Aussie docos from the comfort of your couch, you can check out the best short flicks from emerging filmmakers and the latest features from Europe's talented female directors. The program will drop on Wednesday, May 27, which is when tickets will go on sale — but, because SFF is moving online for the first time in its 67-year history, cinephiles will be able to buy a ticket and watch virtually no matter where they're located. SFF will also hand out its usual prizes for Aussie documentaries and Aussie short films — so you'll be watching award-winners, too. The full program launch and ticket sales for Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition begin on May 27.
The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants has handed down its list of the top spots in Australia ahead of its annual global awards in May. And this year, a Sydney favourite has taken out the top spot. The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants, managed and published by Upper Cut Media House, headquartered in London, launched in 2019. It's Steak Ambassadors work tirelessly across each continent to discover the best quality steaks in the world. The criteria for evaluation include such categories as the selection and quality of meat offered (including the taste, terroir, marbling, preparation, aging process, and breeds), the service and expertise in the product, the description given on the menu, the ambiance of the restaurant, and a curated wine list. Before the global list is revealed, the Steak Ambassadors have unveiled the 30 Best Steak Restaurants in Australia. No surprise to anyone who has kept tabs on the many awards and accolades received in recent years, that Neil Perry's Margaret in Double Bay has taken out the top spot. In fact, Sydney took out the top three spots, with Firedoor coming in second, and Aalia in third. Next up on the list are Agnes in Brisbane, followed by Arkhé in Adelaide. At this point, you might be wondering if the ambassadors made it to Melbourne. But fear not, Steer Dining Room took out sixth place, Victor Churchill eighth, and Gimlet at Cavendish House came in at number 15. Images: Supplied. Feeling carnivorous? Check out the best steak restaurants in Melbourne and the best steak restaurants in Sydney.
Emotional-support water bottle lovers, prepare for the sale of your dreams. Frank Green is opening its warehouse doors for four days this week with one mission in mind: to clear a whole lot of stock at bargain basement prices. On the shelves, you'll find a bunch of limited edition prints, sample stock and retired colourways. And they're all going out the door for less than $40 a piece. If you're lucky, you might walk away with a free drinking vessel. All you have to do is find your name or initials on any item and prove it — then it's all yours. So, be sure to take your ID with you. The sale is happening at Frank Green's operations headquarters at 34-36 Commercial Drive, Dandenong South. It'll be open on Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, from 8am-4pm, and on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, from 9am-4pm.
If there's one summer drink that never goes out of style, it's the margarita. With its salted rim and smooth tequila, it's the ultimate warm-weather classic, made for long afternoons with friends. To celebrate that feeling, Tequila Herradura (which has been crafting tequila for 150 years) is teaming up with some of Australia's favourite bars to put their unique spins on the classic cocktail. Below, find venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to enjoy the summer of margaritas before the season departs. Sydney Tios Cerveceria Described as Surry Hills' home of tequila, Tios Cerveceria offers a curated margarita menu designed for long summer nights. There are hundreds of agave-based tipples available to choose from, including their beloved $10 house marg, and each drink comes with a free bag of perfectly spiced popcorn. With multiple flavours on offer, margarita connoisseurs will be in heaven. Cantina OK! Described as a "micro mezcal mecca", Cantina OK! is a must-take pilgrimage for margarita fans. With a highly curated menu, Cantina OK! is a hole-in-the-wall in the centre of the city, stocking hand-sourced and hand-imported agave spirits. Enjoy their famous margaritas, served over hand-shaved ice with fresh limes. Delicious. [caption id="attachment_1071716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Uncanny Bar Known for its inventive cocktail list, King Street's Uncanny Bar is family-run and serves one of Sydney's most unique margaritas: The Julio Ricter, which comes complete with a za'atar rim. If you're looking for a margarita with a sharp twist, head to Uncanny in Newtown. [caption id="attachment_1071713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Monica Rooftop For margaritas with a view, head to Monica Rooftop at 25hours Hotel The Olympia in Paddington. With its elevated setting and high-energy atmosphere, it's built for sunset drinks in the city. Enjoy share-style plates with your friends and sip on Monica's Picante Margarita, featuring fermented jalapeño, lime, and habanero bitters. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_1071726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Kindermann[/caption] George on Collins A CBD crowd-pleaser with a slick fit-out, George on Collins is a modern Asian fusion restaurant and a reliable spot for a margarita. Expect a polished take on the cocktail that suits long lunches, after-work drinks, and pre-dinner date aperitifs. Bar Ampere Looking for a late-night haunt this summer? Bar Ampere, a Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Russel Place, is serving margaritas until 3am. It's take on the classic drink leans more sophisticated than sunny, but it's a great late-night option for those long, spontaneous summer nights. Repeat Offender Down in Elwood, Repeat Offender is a neighbourhood favourite that's known for good cocktails without the fuss. Their margarita menu alone is a page long, so you know you'll find something that will hit the spot. Pair your margarita with Repeat Offender's delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. Brisbane [caption id="attachment_1071763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] The Alligator Club If you find yourself in Fortitude Valley thirsty for a marg, head to The Alligator Club. The late-night hot spot plays live music every single night and serves bar snacks, including pinza (hand-pressed pizza), alongside a mean margarita. It's one of the Valley's best after-dark hangouts. [caption id="attachment_1071760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] Stratton Bar & Kitchen Situated in two World War II hangars in Newstead, Stratton Bar & Kitchen blends laid-back Brisbane dining with a comprehensive drinks list. Don't go past their coconut marg, which features their own signature coconut salt rim. It's a venue designed for group catch-ups and fun nights out. [caption id="attachment_1071758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] CRU Bar & Cellar Not all margaritas should be drunk in dingy bars. CRU Bar & Cellar in Brisbane's trendy James Street is a go-to for an elevated margarita that hits the sweet spot. The restaurant offers both a multi-course dining experience and afternoon cocktails and snacks if you're after something lighter. Whether you like your margaritas with some spice or in an elevated dining setting, the Summer of Margs is your excuse to try some of Australia's favourites. Find a venue to experience a Tequila Herradura margarita. 18+. Please drink responsibly.
For lovers of sound, the most exciting offering of four-storey mega-venue HER (from the guys behind Arbory and Arbory Afloat) is Music Room; Melbourne's first official 'listening bar'. What's a listening bar? Well, it's like a regular cocktail bar, mixed with a speakeasy, mixed with a recording studio and a vinyl record store, mixed with the cool kids' table from high school. With celebrated local DJ Jnett as Music Director, it's serving tunes from a broad array of selectors every night of the week. [caption id="attachment_901733" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Up here, you'll find yourself sipping mandarin Cosmopolitans, Golden Gay Times milk punches or perhaps something from the bumper lineup of champagne, as you kick back listening to exclusive DJ residencies and HER's 3000-strong collection of hard-to-find vinyl. The space itself is lined with American walnut panels, dotted with small holes to give the feel that you're inside a giant speaker box. You even enter the venue through a sound-locked room that's pretty easy to miss; these guys take acoustic fidelity very seriously. DJs will be operating a bespoke KV2 sound system, showcasing three SL1200 Technics Turntables and a custom-built Condesa Allegra XL Rotary Mixer. The short version: the vinyl in here sounds really, really good. Drink up, chill out and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_901731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Top Images: Parker Blain Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Trade the crowded trains and constant hum of Tokyo's city streets for otherworldly views of volcanic terrain, subtropical jungles and subterranean lakes on your next trip to Japan. From deep-blue waters dotted with islands to towering snow-covered mountains and mangrove forests, Japan boasts a truly diverse mix of natural landscapes, which are home to not only thousands of years of culture and tradition but also impressive wildlife such as brown bears, orcas and red-crowned cranes. Together with the Japan National Tourism Organization, we've put together a guide to some of the most spectacular natural sights across the country — so you have yet another excuse to visit Japan. [caption id="attachment_965458" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jodogahama Beach via Shutterstock[/caption] Pacific Coast, Iwate Prefecture Experience sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Iwate's coastline, which features a striking stretch of cliffs, distinctive rock formations, underground lakes and tranquil beaches in Japan's north. Part of Sanriku Fukko National Park, the Iwate Coast can be explored by land or water. Take in the 200-metre-high Unosu Cliffs at Kitayamazaki on a boat tour; venture into the Ryusendo Cave to see subterranean lakes with stalactites and bats overhead; and cool off with a post-hike dip at peaceful Jodogahama Beach. [caption id="attachment_965460" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mount Aso, Masafarnorth via iStock[/caption] Kuju Mountains, Oita Prefecture Down south, get your steps in at the Kuju mountain range in Aso-Kuju National Park, home to the highest peaks in Kyushu. Whether you choose to make the ascent on one of the hiking trails or opt for a more leisurely stroll on ground level, you'll be treated to remarkable views across the volcanic landscape, especially when the foliage changes in autumn. There's also natural hot springs nearby at Kurokawa Onsen, for you to relax your tired muscles with a long soak at the end of the day. [caption id="attachment_965463" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Seto Inland sea, SAND555 via iStock[/caption] Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa and Ehime Prefectures There's no shortage of things to discover around the Seto Inland Sea. The 400-kilometre stretch of water connects Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, with 700-plus islands in between. Reconnect with nature on a sustainable sailboat tour, or take in the sights from a cycling track – such as the 46-kilometre Tobishima Kaido (which crosses seven bridges) or the 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido (which spans six islands). For a cultural fix, see world-class artworks scattered against the breathtaking backdrop of the Seto Island Sea at Naoshima, explore the charming canals of Kurashiki, and take in the view of the floating torii gate at Miyajima Island. [caption id="attachment_965462" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kurobe Alpine Route, courtesy of JNTO[/caption] Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Toyama Prefecture Immense in size, Chubu-Sangaku National Park has plenty of activities for every season, from trekking the 3000-metre-tall Japan Alps to snow sports and chasing waterfalls at Sanbondaki. In summer, popular pastimes include hiking, wildlife-spotting, biking, fishing and camping, while winter sees the area blanketed with snow. Not to be missed is the famed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which transforms into a stunning snow corridor from April to June, with stacks of snow reaching heights of up to 20 metres. [caption id="attachment_965457" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Iriomote Island via Shutterstock[/caption] Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture If you'd prefer to be in warmer weather year-round, head south to the lush Iriomote Island. You'll find more than pristine beaches here, with subtropical jungles, mangrove forests and cascading waterfalls throughout the island. When you're not kayaking through mangroves or cruising through the jungle, make your way across to Yubu Island on an unconventional (and unforgettable) mode of transport — hop on a cart and a buffalo will pull you across the strait while a local guide sings traditional Okinawan songs. [caption id="attachment_965456" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ago Bay via Shutterstock[/caption] Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture Culture and scenery collide at Ago Bay, which is dotted with approximately 60 small islands and famed for its pearl farming and Ama divers. These female free-divers have been collecting pearls and seafood in Mie Prefecture for over 2000 years, and still utilise many of their traditional methods to this day. Visit Ama Hut Satoumian to chat with Ama divers while feasting on fresh seafood at the restaurant. Don't leave without getting a bird's-eye-view of the bay from the Yokoyama Observation Deck, which offers impressive views of the peninsula and across the water from 200 metres above sea level. [caption id="attachment_965461" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shiretoko Mountains, Saturo S via iStock[/caption] Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture Get close to some of the locals at Shiretoko National Park, where you'll come across wildlife such as brown bears, owls, sea eagles, seals and orcas. With a range of landscapes — from mountains to forests and rivers — the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is home to almost 60 land and marine animal species. Come during winter to walk across drift ice, snowshoe through the icy forest and witness the snow-covered landscapes. In spring and summer, visitors can spot brown bears and waterfalls on a boat tour, cycle through the Shiretoko Pass, explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes, or hike along the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls (which are fed by natural onsen waters). [caption id="attachment_965459" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park via Shutterstock[/caption] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture For even more wildlife spotting, head nearby to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park to catch a glimpse of deer and numerous bird species, including the iconic and endangered red-crowned crane. Kayak, canoe, or hike through Japan's largest wetlands for views of towering waterfalls, the port city of Kushiro, the Kushiro River and the Pacific coastline. If you'd rather take it slow and steady, head to one of the many observation decks by car or with a leisurely stroll, or you can even hop aboard a steam train that meanders along the river. Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Kafeneion is a late-night, good-times Greek eatery on Spring Street that merges modern Melbourne hospitality with the charm of old-school Greek cuisine. Located in the distinctly European, dimly lit, and always vibrant Melbourne Supper Club, Kafeneion has captured the hearts of Melburnians with rustic food, flowing drinks, and an energetic atmosphere. Leading the charge are old-hand restaurateurs Con Christopoulos and Stavros Konis. Christopoulos knows a thing or two about late-night hospitality in the CBD, having transformed the culture with venues such as Siglo, The European and the Supper Club. Konis is the third-generation owner of Richmond's Salona, who brings decades of experience and a deeply personal connection to Melbourne's Greek dining scene to this latest venture. A meal at Kafenion is hearty and wholesome, showcasing home-style comforting food. Drag crusty white bread through whipped cod roe and silky Santorini fava dip, served hot. Taste ouzo-cured kingfish or dry-cured beef with olives and fennel, and dip fried meatballs into thick tzatziki. Demonstrating impressive self-awareness about how generous and filling the main meals are, Kafeneion offers them in two sizes, small or large, so you can go as big as you want, or still sample a few things even with fewer guests at the table. There are dishes such as baked, rice-filled capsicum, Greek lamb with potatoes and wild oregano, braised pork with lemon and celery leaves, and a crowd-pleasing chicken with Greek pasta. An order wouldn't be complete without hand-cut chips and a Greek village salad on the side. Christopoulous and Konis have brought a sweet taste of 1960s cinematic Greece all the way to Spring Street with their family recipes, Greek wines and flowing ouzo, and a nostalgic soundtrack that keeps diners entertained long into the evening. Images: supplied, feature image Uyo Collective.
Some music festivals head on tour, be it the nation or the world, to share their fun. Others livestream. Tomorrowland ticks both boxes, hopping between countries and broadcasting live. The electronic dance music fest that first started in Belgium in 2006 also has a different way of spreading the love: taking its CORE stage to other locations, including to Australia in 2026. After expanding to Colombia for two editions so far, CORE has confirmed bigger plans for next year, embarking upon a global festival tour. First comes a return to Medellín in February, before making its US debut in Los Angeles in May, then hitting up Melbourne for its first-ever trip Down Under in November. While the two other cities will get a two-day CORE experience, its Aussie stint will make the most of just one: Saturday, November 28. So far, there's no other details on offer, including venue or lineup; however, the latter is due to be revealed in early 2026. This is the first time, too, that CORE will host standalone festivals on a trio of different continents — growing from its beginnings within Tomorrowland. It started as part of the overarching event back in 2017, but think of it as a fest within a fest that's now expanded to become its own unique experience, host its own dates and take on its own tour of the globe. So, the full Tomorrowland production isn't journeying to Australia — but CORE, one of its most-beloved stages, popping up in Melbourne is still huge news. The Aussie jaunt is a collaboration with agencies Framed and Pitch Control, and promises attendees "a natural, enchanting setting" for its alternative house and techno tunes, as paired with vivid multisensory staging. Think: lights, an immersive audiovisual approach and even scents. "We are thrilled to bring the iconic CORE stage to Australia. As one of the signature experiences of Tomorrowland, CORE represents the essence of our music, art and stage design. We look forward to sharing this unique atmosphere with fans in Australia and around the world," said Debby Wilmsen, spokesperson for WEAREONE.world, which is behind CORE and Tomorrowland. CORE Melbourne is taking place on Saturday, November 28, 2026, with venue details yet to be announced and the lineup set to be revealed early in 2026. Head to the event's website for more information and to pre-register for tickets.
Como House and the surrounding gardens are exquisitely beautiful. The colonial Victorian house built in 1847 offers an insight into a time long gone and the old horse stable has been converted into a quaint cafe. Venture inside the high white walls of the grounds, wander through the gardens, and find a place amongst the big white umbrellas. The Stables of Como, as it's called, has not only nabbed a stunning location, but it is also being run by Melbourne cafe owner Jason Jones of Friends of Mine, Snow Pony and Porgie and Mr Jones. Getting a table here is no easy feat. The winter chill leaves fingers crossed for an inside table, but come summer this won't be such a problem as you'll be able to take a seat outside, eat and enjoy the sunshine. But inside or outside, the menu is excellent. The selection includes some favourites from Jones' other cafes, a few new items — there's something for every moment. Breakfast has many faces, from the toasted crumpets with honey and butter ($6.50), to the toasted English muffin with ham, Emmental cheese and scrambled eggs ($5.50). For a sweet morning try the Bircher muesli with rhubarb compote, honey yoghurt and toasted pistachio ($10.90), and the smashed avocado with thyme buttered mushrooms, marinated feta and torn basil on whole wheat toast ($17.90) is just as good as it is at Jones' other cafes. Lunch sees everything from a toasted baguette filled with ham, aged cheddar, tomato and almond relish ($11.90) to a light salad of French lentils, baby beets, goats cheese and spiced Dargo walnuts ($16.90) The sweets display inside is enough to make anyone go weak at the knees. There are endless cake stands, tiers of chocolates filled with strawberry and Champagne ($3.50), hazelnut and cranberry meringue cakes ($4.90), brownies and even homemade musk sticks ($1.50). It would be sad to leave The Stables without a sweet treat. As well as its normal brunch and lunch fare, the quaint café runs a daily high tea ($60). Playing to the country manor feel of the estate, high tea goers will snack on the requisite finger sandwiches and petit fours: smoked salmon bagels, ham and mustard sandwiches, French toast with mascarpone and berries and other sweet. The Stables' cakes are very good, with minimal room to move around the cake display case thanks to oglers. Plus, it serves Allpress Espresso coffee and, if you're looking to really indulge (or want to do your high tea the right way and have accepted you'll probably need to nap afterwards regardless), you can also opt for free-flowing mimosas for an extra five bucks.
ICYMI, Melbourne is the world's capital for crate diggers, with more vinyl record stores per capita than any other city in the world. So, it's appropriate that a groundbreaking sonic exploration, told through the lens of vinyl culture, has just been announced — The Vinyl Factory: Reverb. Guided by arts and performance festival Rising and screen culture museum ACMI, in collaboration with London-based cultural platform, record label and exhibition-maker, The Vinyl Factory, Reverb is the organisation's most expansive project to date. Forming a cornerstone of Rising 2026, The Vinyl Factory: Reverb runs from Friday, May 22–Monday, August 31, bringing together works by some of the 21st century's leading figures working across video, sound and contemporary culture. Showcasing a continent-spanning deep dive into diverse eras and musical energies, the featured artists include celebrated Canadian media artist Stan Douglas, British-Nigerian filmmaker and visual artist Jenn Nkiru, and American fashion visionary Virgil Abloh, among many others. Tracing the early days of techno and house to contemporary digital art and everything in between, visitors will roam ACMI's interconnected spaces, stumbling upon large-scale moving-image works, immersive sound installations and interactive vinyl experiences. Think hands-on access to Technics turntables with endlessly remixable vinyl loops, a fantasy rap battle flowing from Cairo to London, and access to The Vinyl Factory's eclectic archive, including 100 vinyl pressings from across the musical spectrum. Yet perhaps the most attention-grabbing attraction is 'The Listening Room', an acoustically optimised sanctuary designed for deep listening. By day, visitors can hand-pick records and kick back in sonic bliss. However, after hours, the experience becomes more intimate, with Triple R selector Yasmine Sharaf programming one-off sessions featuring Rising's underground and acclaimed artists. Exclusive to Reverb ticketholders, each session is strictly limited to 60 listeners per event, with the lineup to be announced alongside the full Rising program in March. Pre-sale tickets for 'The Vinyl Factory: Reverb' are now open, with general access beginning on Monday, March 16. Head to the website for more information.
When 2019 rolls to a close, more than 550 films will have screened in Australasian cinemas across the entire year. That's a huge amount of movies — enough to send you to your favourite picture palace almost twice a day. But unless watching films is your actual job, you probably don't have the time (or stamina, willpower or eagerness to basically live in a darkened room) to see anywhere near that many flicks. So, you prioritise. And, based on 2019's box office tallies, that means that most folks see all the big titles. This year, it seems that absolutely everyone caught a session of Avengers: Endgame, The Lion King, Captain Marvel, Joker and Aladdin. Plenty of cinemagoers spent some time with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, Yesterday and Alita: Battle Angel, too. Excellent movies such as Us and Hustlers also found a crowd. Terrible flicks like Men in Black: International and The Angry Birds Movie 2 did as well. And, although it actually first hit cinemas at the beginning of November 2018 (and ranked fourth in last year's box office), Bohemian Rhapsody still currently sits 15th in terms of ticket sales in 2019. While you were watching all of the above flicks (or watching Bohemian Rhapsody again, apparently), you might've missed some of 2019's smaller gems. They're the movies that weren't plastered all over billboards, didn't spend weeks and months on every screen around town, and you could've blinked and missed them. Thankfully, they all still exist — and we've compiled a rundown of the films that rank among the year's best, but you might not have seen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMs28A1s1OA BORDER Rarely has a movie felt as unique, engrossing and electrifying as Swedish film Border, the sophomore feature from Iranian-Danish writer/director Ali Abbasi. Based on a short story by Let the Right One In author John Ajvide Lindqvist, this constantly surprising horror- and fantasy-tinged drama sifts through the life of customs agent Tina (a phenomenal Eva Melander), who is especially suited to her job thanks to her special ability: due to a chromosome flaw, she can smell what people are feeling. When the mysterious Vore (Eero Milonoff) passes through her checkpoint, his scent sets her nostrils ablaze with curiousity. This isn't an unconventional meet-cute in a quirky rom-com, though. In a film that saunters into dark genre territory with a purpose, Border savvily draws on myth, sci-fi and body horror to explore societal limits, the concept of otherness and the search for identity that plagues us all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwJ5LDOl2Tc ACUTE MISFORTUNE If Adam Cullen had been any other artist and Erik Jensen any other journalist, Acute Misfortune may not exist. In 2008, the former invited the latter to stay with him, see him at his best and worst, and channel his life story into a biography — and, as dramatised by actor-turned-filmmaker Thomas M. Wright, the results are blistering. Just as Jensen didn't shy away from Cullen's erratic, frequently controversial nature, nor does this stunning drama, which could never be accused of being a straightforward biopic of the Archibald-winning painter. Aided by stellar performances by Daniel Henshall as Cullen and Toby Wallace as Jensen, as well as a script by co-written by the real-life Jensen, this is a warts-and-all portrait that lays bare not only its subject, but Australia's fascination with festering masculinity, and it's a lively and compelling watch from start to finish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTFLvLtdYw SKATE KITCHEN Crystal Moselle's first and second films shouldn't share as much in common as they do. With documentary The Wolfpack, the American filmmaker stepped inside a Manhattan apartment inhabited by a homeschooled family, who learned about the wider world by watching and re-enacting movies. With the fictional Skate Kitchen, she glides across New York's streets with the titular all-female skate crew — and it still feels like she's entering a rarely seen realm. That's partly this equally expressive and naturalistic drama's point, as it conveys through the story of 18-year-old Camille (Rachelle Vinberg), a Long Island teen who finds the part of herself she's been missing when she joins Skate Kitchen. A flame-haired Jaden Smith also pops up as one of the boys in the crew's orbit, but this film belongs to its fantastic real-life skater cast, and to the fiercely female perspective it champions. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amB2Ol6wihg HAIL SATAN? Hail Satan? isn't trying to recruit new members to the Satanic Temple, but that might happen anyway. Exploring satanism beyond the usual horror movie trappings, filmmaker Penny Lane crafts engaging and amusing documentary about a controversial group endeavouring to subvert the societal status quo in a broader sense. Yes, goat horns, fetish outfits and heavy metal all feature, but this is primarily a chronicle of concerned citizens speaking out against the the current political climate. They're fighting for true freedom of belief, which doesn't just mean enshrining discriminatory and oppressive conservative Christian values — a topic of particular relevance in Australia at present. They're also battling religious-motivated hate, championing equality and rallying against injustice in general, like any other social activist group. As seen in this sympathetic but illuminating film, that's the kind of satanic panic that many could get onboard with. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTh4uTFWPeg THE THIRD WIFE For her impressive directorial debut, Vietnamese-born filmmaker Ash Mayfair delves into her ancestry. The story: the arranged marriage of a 14-year-old girl to an already twice-wed wealthy landowner, with the late-19th century-set tale drawing its details from Mayfair's own family history. In rural Vietnam, and in the life and experiences of May (Nguyen Phuong Tra My), The Third Wife unpacks the minutiae of a patriarchal system that treats women like property — all as its protagonist is told she must bear her husband a son, and strives to find what little contentment she can in her new life. Favouring lush imagery over dialogue, this is a moving and ravishing film not only aesthetically, but in the simmering emotions clearly felt by May and the other languishing ladies around her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TslErMXUBp4 HAPPY AS LAZZARO At first, Happy As Lazzaro seems straightforward — venturing to a traditional Italian estate, following the interplay between its tobacco farm workers and the arrogant aristocracy who decide their fates, and doing so in both a poetic and naturalistic manner. The film's eponymous figure, the kindly and caring Lazzaro (Adriano Tardiolo), stands out from his agitated rural brethren by virtue of his good-natured demeanour; however writer/director Alice Rohrwacher appears content to watch him navigate the sometimes ordinary, sometimes exaggerated struggles of feudal life. Then, in a twist that needs to be seen to be believed, this Cannes Best Screenplay winner changes. Making a connection with modern-day life, the wry film cements its status as a parable. Equally surreal and astute, the end product is one of the most distinctive films of this and many other years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zch4VPKGBwU ISLAND OF THE HUNGRY GHOSTS Despite its festive name, Christmas Island has been splashed across Australia's news headlines for all the wrong reasons. For much of the 21st century, it has been one of the places where those fleeing hostilities and seeking asylum have been housed — amid protests, controversies, closures and, this year, the re-opening of its Immigration Reception and Processing Centre. In a potent, haunting blend of fact and recreation that proves far more effective than a straightforward documentary, Australian filmmaker Gabrielle Brady ponders the impact of the site and its purpose on those who call it home. Trauma counsellor Poh Lin Lee draws the film's focus, with her discussions with detained refugees, her daily life, her family, the island's migrating crabs and its history all playing a part in this compassionate, deservedly acclaimed movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwgUesU1pz4 UNDER THE SILVER LAKE After working horror fans into a frenzy with It Follows, David Robert Mitchell opted for a neo-noir black comedy for his next film. A thematic companion piece to similarly sprawling, spiralling, slacker-focused California-set fare such as Inherent Vice and The Big Lebowski, Under the Silver Lake hones in on aimless 33-year-old Sam (Andrew Garfield), who stumbles upon several mysteries. Murdered pets, his alluring new neighbour (Riley Keough), a missing billionaire and an underground zine series about local neighbourhood legends all rate a mention in this deliriously labyrinthine movie, as do Hollywood history and ominous conspiracies. Mitchell's technical game is pitch-perfect, as evidenced in both the film's vibrant images and intoxicating score, with every element inviting audiences along for a wild and rewarding ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLIQABWm2mg FINKE: THERE AND BACK The past few years have been memorable for Dylan River. The Alice Springs filmmaker directed Robbie Hood, the delightful SBS web series; was the cinematographer on rousing Adam Goodes documentary The Australian Dream; and worked as the second unit director on Sweet Country, which was helmed by his father Warwick Thornton. He also wrote, directed and shot Finke: There and Back. While the iconic Finke Desert Race is the kind of event that you're either into or you're not — it's a rough, tough, two-day off-terrain trek through central Australia's dust and dirt via motorbike and car, and it's been known to cause casualties — this insightful documentary is for everyone. Through intimate interviews and striking on-the-ground footage, River follows the competitors before and during the race, telling their tales while exploring a difficult feat from the inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322NzXR3n4o LORDS OF CHAOS According to Euronymous (Rory Culkin), Norway is known for "seal clubbing and a very high suicide rate". If that sounds far from cheery, then this simultaneously dramatic and comic true crime tale won't be for you. Fictionalising a spate of murders and church burnings in the early 90s, Lords of Chaos spends time with the bleak-minded guitarist and his bandmates as they scream and thrash their way through the Norwegian black metal scene, shaping its early days as they go along. History dictates that this is an incredibly dark story, and director Jonas Åkerlund — an ex-Swedish black metal rocker himself — doesn't shy away from its violence. That said, he firmly recognises that he's following wannabe rebels looking for any cause they can find. Åkerlund also made the abysmal straight-to-Netflix John Wick clone Polar, but with Lords of Chaos, he tackles a grim story with both brutal style and weight.
Jackalope Hotel's dreamy surroundings on the Mornington Peninsula are so inspiring that you might just want to pen a post-stay memoir about the experience. But while you're working on your masterpiece, Jackalope Cinema, presented by Lexus, is returning to the hotel's vineyard with a second program of acclaimed films and cinematic classics showcasing the very best of storytelling. Exclusive to all in-house guests, this upgrade is included in every stay from Sunday, March 1–Tuesday, March 31. Set against Jackalope's tranquil infinity pool, this open-air experience is perfect for hotel guests looking to soak up the magic of cinema beneath the stars. Complemented by a curated menu and elevated cocktails, these alfresco sessions also come with bottomless popcorn and house-made ice cream. So, settle in for a Hollywood-esque encounter on the pool deck, or from your very own private terrace if you've booked a vineyard-facing room. Paired with this impressive setting, Jackalope Cinema's lineup is one hit after another, screening classics new and old, action-packed thrillers and tear-jerking dramas. Curated by Jackalope Founder Louis Li, highlights include Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a nostalgic ode to 1960s Los Angeles; Conclave, a gripping political thriller set within the secretive world of the Vatican; and Ang Lee's striking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. "Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do at Jackalope, whether through design or hospitality, and Jackalope Cinema is the perfect extension of this ethos," says Li. "Film is something I am passionate about, having studied it before venturing into design and hospitality, and I'm delighted to share some of my favourite films with our guests." Images: Griffin Simm.
Sibling and neighbour to Carlton's new boutique hotel Zagame's House, Lord Lygon is a 50-seat wine bar that's putting the flavours of Victoria front and centre. It's heroing top local produce and booze throughout with chefs Chris Bonello (Vue Group) and Michael Tse (Rockpool, Vue de Monde) heading up a kitchen offering, which holds its own against the venue's forward-thinking wine list. Expect a share-friendly menu of drinking fare, starring lots of fresh, clean flavours. You'll find snacks like an oozy whole baked wheel of camembert infused with garlic and thyme ($24), and fall-apart bourbon and coke lamb ribs ($18), while larger plates include a wagyu sirloin matched with mustards and watercress ($39). And many an after-work grazing session awaits with a lineup of cheese and salumi primed for mixing, matching and snacking. Offering stacks of options to sip in or take back to your hotel room, the vinous selection is the work of head sommelier and winemaker Marcus Radny. You'll spy a solid spread of organic drops and plenty flying the flag for our small-batch producers, too, with a twenty-strong rotation of wines available by the glass. Settle in with something like a South Australian Sigurd riesling or the Quealy '71 Rows' pinot noir from the Mornington Peninsula. Stay tuned, also, for a program of educational sessions and tasting events, covering cocktails, charcuterie and wine. Images: Parker Blain.
With slouchy off-shoulder tops ruling the streets, Drake's Views enjoying an unexpected chart renaissance, and a King Kylie cameo, it feels like we've stepped into the rose-tinted days of 2016 lately. As friends and celebrities alike flood the feed with decade-old throwbacks, look out for flower crowns and American Apparel tennis skirts. Pinkish Rio de Janeiro-esque overlays on grainy iPhone 7 selfies. Zara Larson's Lush Life. Safe to say, the millennials are nostalgic. Amid the never-ending summer vibes, the cult TWOOBS platforms emerged. Founded in Byron Bay by sisters Jess and Stef Dadon, the brand recently marked its 10th birthday with a nostalgic post revisiting its earlier days. A 2016 snap aptly captures the founders decked out in neoprene Triangl bikinis and early prototypes of the now-signature OG sandals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TWOOBS (@twoobs) The Dadon sisters were part of the primordial wave of fashion bloggers who turned their outfit posts into full-time careers. Howtwolive (it's still up!) began in 2012 as a daily outfit diary documenting their shared wardrobe while one of them spent six months in Paris. They became known for their playful, slightly absurd style — think doll heads, wacky prints, and out-there sunglasses — and, above all, a devotion to platforms. "We hated heels. We hated being uncomfortable," Stef shares. "That was where the seeds for TWOOBS were planted. We were known as platform wearers." The Dadon sisters built a following the old-fashioned way: first on their blog, and then on Instagram six months later. The early posts were, as Jess puts it, "taken in very lo-fi ways that would not fly on Instagram today". A stark contrast to today's collective urge to log off, she shares that people were hungrier for content in the early 2010s — her lunch breaks were spent scrolling through iconic blogs like the Olsens Anonymous. While an Instagram following translates to cash today, influencer marketing wasn't as lucrative back then. In fact, it didn't exist. For the sisters' first big break, they were flown out to Sydney to style and model in a campaign for a major brand. Their earnings? $250 in total, plus $150 worth of clothing. In 2025, that's the rough cost of an Instagram story from a microinfluencer. "It was a very different era, and we were definitely doing it for the love of it rather than the money," Stef says. "We saw how people started to get paid for their work, which was awesome... but back then it was much more organic and fun and freeing. Everybody was just doing it as a side hustle because they loved fashion." At the height of the absurdly chunky shoe (Jeffery Campbell's Litas set the tone), Stef recalls the OG sandal being likened to orthopedic shoes. Its adjustable velcro straps and sensible flat soles exuded a utilitarian streak once reserved for the outdoors, if anywhere. It certainly stood out at New York Fashion Week in February 2016, where the Dadon sisters debuted the sandals with bikini-clad models braving the -4 degrees weather. The OG still toed the line, though — a triple-stack version was regrettably recalled when a customer almost broke an ankle in them. A decade later, the OG and its taller sister, the OG+, are performing better than before. "People still call them ugly to this day, but it's kind of like, you want ugly shoes now," Stef quips. Lately, the sisters are partial to the BFF, a chic summer thong born out of "looking at people's feet" at airports. "We noticed men, particularly, wearing these daggy flip flops a few years ago. I remember discussing that on the right person with the right outfit, they could actually be pretty cool," Jess laughs. Eight chic colour variations also amping up the summer appeal; Jess's pick is a playful red tone called Spaghetti Sauce, while Stef defaults to classic black. The BFF is constructed to feel as weightless as possible — the toe post was only perfected on the seventh try — and its cloud-like soles star carbon-soaking sugarcane and bouncy natural rubber. All TWOOBS feature 100% recycled materials — one of the sustainable initiatives introduced to the brand after the founders witnessed the volume of waste in the fashion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TWOOBS (@twoobs) Subcultures began protesting fast fashion – a term coined by The New York Times in the '90s — as early as the 1970s, but the trend cycle was unstoppable. For decades, sustainability remained the niche domain of anti-sweatshop activists and environmental campaigners, while mainstream shoppers chased bargains bucked by supply chains that could turn runway looks into $20 tops at breakneck speed. "I think price was really what was driving the customer so heavily," Jess says. "It wasn't for another few years until the conversation started to become really environmentally-focused." Like many, TWOOBS initially introduced a cruelty-free ('vegan' was the buzzy shorthand) ethos before moving on to greener pastures. From zero-waste packaging to recyclable materials, she and Stef have inched forward until they realised that a 'sustainable fashion brand' doesn't exist. But a sustainble-r one does. TWOOBS' Byron Bay location is fitted out exclusively through Takesies Backsies — a fun recycling program where old TWOOBS are exchanged for a cash voucher, and broken down to produce office supplies — and the project saved approximately 150 kilograms of plastic from landfill. Today, the store accepts non-TWOOBS shoes too. As cozzie livs strikes again, Jess and Stef are observing an unsettling Temu and SHEIN resurgence. Consumer focus has shifted yet again and TWOOBS has repackaged itself, but that doesn't mean that sustainable-r practices go out the window. "If we can convince everyone to buy our shoes because they're so comfy and so cool, then we're convincing people to buy better for the planet." Find out more about TWOOBS story and shop the collection online. Images: supplied
Fleet, sitting on top of Vibe Hotel Melbourne (within the hotel's former penthouse apartments), boasts views over Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River that can be enjoyed no matter the weather, thanks to the retractable roof and smattering of indoor seating. Interior architecture firm Paul Kelly Design (BLACK Bar & Grill and Crown Casino) has designed the light-filled space, incorporating natural amber and pink hues throughout an interior full of high tables and plush stools. In contrast to these dusty tones, the wrap-around terrace is considerably brighter, with white accents. Low tables and upholstered couches line the windows, making the space ideal for long, casual hangouts in the sunshine. The drinks lineup comes courtesy of food and beverage consultant Grant Collins, who has stocked the bar with more than 70 different rums from across the globe, including a vintage and rare bottle collection dating back to the 1930s. But rum isn't all that's on show. There are 50 different gins on the docket, alongside an extensive list of other spirits. Collins has also curated a lengthy menu of nautical-themed cocktails, plus a few different spritzes, negronis and martinis. Craft beers, Victorian wines and mocktails round out the impressive bevs list. Whatever you want to drink, Fleet is likely to have it. And while you'll spend plenty of time flipping through the drinks menu, food is kept to a very manageable single page. Either keep it simple with fresh oysters and a meat and cheese board, or opt for a bigger spread. Chef Asish Kumar has crafted a Euro-centric menu with plenty of luxury French and Italian influences — think charcoal mushroom arancini, seared scallops with butter and caviar, lobster crepes and a chocolate cremieux with coffee caviar and cocoa meringue. Even though, first and foremost, this is a bar, the food is no mere afterthought. Folks can happily sip and snack a night away up at Fleet while admiring Melbourne's lit-up skyline and river.
The All Nations Hotel is your classic family-run Melbourne pub. Expect friendly and personable service, good food that isn't made for Instagram and that familiar (and beloved) beer-drenched carpet smell. We wouldn't take the All Nations Hotel any other way. You can easily spend a cheery afternoon drinking and eating at the bar, or out in the beer garden on a sunny day. Get your parma on or opt for some more quintessential British pub grub. The bangers and mash is a favourite amongst regulars and the beef and Guinness pie served with classic mash and peas is always a win. The All Nations Hotel is also a popular spot for watching the footy — as long as you're supporting the Tigers. The owners love AFL so much, they even run a free courtesy bus to the MCG, making sure the fans can have a few drinks and then get to the game without driving. You're sure to make a few new mates during the drive or when sitting at the bar in this friendly local joint.
For Trishia Mariano, hosting has never been about perfection. It's about intention — how a space feels, how people connect, and the quiet power of gathering around a thoughtfully set table. The founder of Mesa Collections didn't come to tableware through design school or a formal interiors background. In fact, by day she works as a growth analyst, immersed in data and numbers. But during the long, isolating months of COVID lockdowns — as she approached her 30s and found herself craving connection — Trishia returned to something far more instinctive: cooking for others, inviting people in, and creating a sense of belonging through food. "I was bored, honestly," she says, laughing. "But more than that, I really missed community." @trishiamariano join my dinner party or our group chat? https://mesacollections.com.au/pages/eatwithus #sydney #dinnerwithstrangers #sydneydinnerwithstrangers #hosting ♬ original sound - Ally Rendall That longing led her to an experiment she called Dinner With Strangers: intimate supper clubs hosted in her Sydney apartment, where guests — often complete strangers — gathered around a shared table. What began with eight people quickly grew to dinners of 20, with Trishia collaborating with chefs and culinary creatives to bring each night to life. Some evenings were curated and structured; others were deliberately casual. One dinner ended with guests presenting their own work or interests to the group — terrifying, she admits, but transformative. "It wasn't really about the aesthetics," she says. "It was about creating an atmosphere where people felt comfortable enough to open up." Those dinners — now well documented on TikTok — didn't just shape Mesa Collection as a brand. They helped Trishia articulate what hosting meant to her, and why it felt so deeply personal. @trishiamarianoPart 4 | Launching a new product Photoshoot and all the preps behind it. Honestly, this was the tiring part but SO worth it. Doing this all with my FT job was brutal. I slept at 2am and woke up at 6am to start the day. I ended up hiring a super lovely shoot assistant very last minute and honestly that's one of the best decisions I've made in building this business. Networking is a big learning for me in this journey. The opportunities it opens for you are sometimes so surprising. See you in part 5!♬ sweet nothing sped up - kacey ✧.* Raised in a Filipino household where someone was always cooking and the door was always open, hosting was never framed as an event — it was simply how life happened. That cultural instinct runs through Mesa Collections today, from the ruffled edges of its linens to the emphasis on pieces that feel lived-in rather than precious. "Food and hosting are so intrinsic to my heritage," she explains. "When I design for Mesa, I always go back to that — my grandma sewing, the textures she used, the colours she put on the table." Designing a Table That Feels Like an Invitation When Trishia designs a tablescape — whether for a Mesa shoot or one of her own dinners — she starts long before guests arrive. Ideally, the table is set the day before. Not for Instagram, but for intention. "It makes people feel expected," she says. "Like you've been waiting for them." Her process is methodical but intuitive. She often follows a loose 60–30–10 rule: 60 percent of the table anchored in a primary colour or texture (often a linen tablecloth), 30 percent in a complementary tone, and 10 percent reserved for contrast — silver cutlery, ceramic plates or an unexpected pop of colour. Layering matters. A tablecloth first, then placemats if the surface needs grounding. Plates and cutlery come next, with centrepieces added last, once the mood is already set. She prefers to see the table "breathe" before placing anything in the middle. And despite the rise of elaborate, overflowing tables online, Trishia is firm on one thing: restraint. "A centrepiece should be a conversation starter, not an obstacle," she says. "You still need space for food and for people to move." Some of her favourite centrepieces have been deeply personal — framed childhood photos at her own birthday dinner, or bowls of seasonal produce instead of florals. Fruit and vegetables, she notes, have become a defining tablescape trend, adding texture, colour and a sense of abundance without feeling wasteful. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mesa collections (@mesa.collections) What's Worth Investing In — And What to Thrift Mesa Collections was built with longevity in mind, and Trishia is clear about where to invest versus where to experiment. If there's one category she believes is worth spending on, it's cutlery. Good silverware, she says, lasts forever — and often becomes the kind of object that's passed down. "Cutlery is used every day. It's tactile. It's something you'll have for decades." Linens, too, are worth choosing carefully. Mesa's ruffled tablecloths and placemats are designed to age well — crinkling gracefully rather than demanding constant upkeep. Trend-led elements, on the other hand, are better thrifted: mismatched ceramics, vintage plates, heirloom serving spoons, candleholders collected slowly over time. "It's about mix and match," she says. "That's where personality comes in." That philosophy extends to how Mesa operates as a business. Many of its pieces are available to rent as well as buy — allowing customers to try before committing, and reinforcing the idea that tablescaping should be accessible, not intimidating. The Art of The Perfect Host For Trishia, a good host isn't defined by what's on the table — but by how people feel when they leave. "The goal is that they want to come back," she says simply. That means removing pressure wherever possible. Not cooking everything yourself. Letting people contribute. Choosing comfort over formality. The most memorable dinner she's ever hosted? The very first Dinner With Strangers — a potluck. "Everyone shared why they made what they made," she recalls. "It took the focus off me and made it about everyone else." It's a lesson she's carried into Mesa Collections: hosting as an act of care rather than performance. Beautiful objects can elevate a moment, but they're never the point. "Sometimes what people remember most is a conversation that happened out of nowhere," she says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mesa collections (@mesa.collections) Building a Brand Around Gathering Today, Mesa Collections exists not just as a product line but as a growing community — with Trishia hosting founder dinners, summer lunches and collaborative events that blur the line between brand and lived experience. A recent lunch at Northcote wine bar Samuel Pepys saw Mesa linens transform the courtyard into something relaxed, layered and distinctly hers. "I didn't create Mesa just to sell things," she says. "I really love the community that's forming around it." In many ways, Mesa is a continuation of those early dinners — a way to give others the tools to host with confidence, warmth and a sense of self. Not perfect tables, but meaningful ones. Because, as Trishia has learned, the table is rarely just a table. It's where people arrive as strangers — and often leave as something more. Explore Mesa Collections products via the website, and find out more about the next Founders Dinners via Trishia's TikTok. Images: Supplied
Located in Box Hill, Zero Mode serves up pan-Asian dishes with a playful twist. That beer in an Asahi glass you've just ordered? It's actually noodles in flavourful broth topped with egg foam. The smashed avo that's tempting your tastebuds at brunch? It's a rice cracker filled with avocado mousse. And that matcha ice cream cone you're eyeing off? It's stuffed with chilli-marinated salmon, then topped with roe. If you like your meals with an element of surprise, then you're in luck. If you like foods that look like one thing but turn out to be something else entirely, obviously you're in luck there as well. The latest venture from the folks behind One Plus Piece, the idea is to give diners a multi-sensory experience — not just activating your hankering for umami, but keeping your senses guessing. Other interesting menu items include deconstructed sushi, which layers tempura nori, sushi rice, grilled wagyu beef, olive jam, foie gras, wasabi paste and crispy prosciutto — or there's also the vegetable bowl stuffed with edamame, kale, bean curd, seaweed and beetroot hummus. A more traditional lineup is also available, ranging from wagyu burgers with chips and cheese sauce, to pineapple pork belly and crispy dumplings, all in a Whitehorse Road spot that seats 80, and is open daily from breakfast through till dinner. Images: Griffin Simm. Appears in: The Best Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne for 2023
