Heading to the beach might not be your first choice in chilly weather, but think again — invigorating walks along the sand, rugged cliffs against blue seas and, best of all, no crowds. Yep, now we're talking. Plus, at the Azure Beach Retreat in the Mornington Peninsula, you can get in the water regardless of the air temperature with this outdoor spa. In between dips, you can wander around the southern tip of the peninsula that overlooks Port Phillip Bay, check out nearby seaside village of Portsea — and have lunch at Portsea Hotel — or bunker down with a book in this three-bedroom holiday home.
Plastic shopping bags might seem to last forever, but Australian's reliance upon the pesky, flimsy carriers has an expiration date — and it's finally here. In a massive move for the industry — and a huge hug for the environment — the country's supermarkets are ditching single-use plastic bags from this week. Last July, three of the country's biggest grocery chains announced that they'll be banning the bag: Woolworths, Coles and the New South Wales-based Harris Farm. Harris Farm stopping stocking bags at the start of the year, and now it's time for the big two to do the same. Coles will pull the plug on Sunday, July 1, while Woolies — which also includes Big W and BWS — will get in first and remove the bags from checkout from this Wednesday, June 20. The move will impact Woolworths and Coles locations around the country — bringing New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia into line with South Australia, ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, where state-wide plastic bans are already in place. So, without the bags, what are your options? Well, you'll still be able to get plastic bags at the checkout at both supermarkets fro 15 cents each. These ones are apparently thicker, more durable and are made from 80 percent recycled plastic — but, even though they're meant to be more reusable, it's hard to say if people will use them any differently to the way they use single-use bags now. Woolworths will also be offering another fold-up 99-cent bag option, as well as the regular, bulkier green bags. If you get your groceries delivered, you'll be able to choose a no-bag option. Queensland will flat-out ban single-use plastic bags from July 1, and Victoria is set to do the same later this year. NSW is the only state that hasn't committed to banning them. Getting rid the ever-present items everyone has too many of is the latest example of Aussie businesses putting the planet first. Bars around the country have banned plastic straws, Closed Loop has been trialling ways to recycle takeaway coffee cups, and reusable coffee cups have been gaining popularity all over the place — with some cafes offering discounts, and others banning disposable containers completely.
Into every few years, reports of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer comeback are born. Five years ago, a Buffy spinoff was in the works, for instance; however, like an undead bloodsucker and making daytime plans, nothing happened. But the just-announced Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is different. In fact, it's due to arrive within weeks, in mid-October. And, it's getting a heap of the show's original cast back together. Audible is behind the new entry in the Buffy realm — which, yes, means that it's arriving as audio only, not a new season of the beloved television show or a movie. But more Buffy is more Buffy. Also, Slayers: A Buffyverse Story has a fangtastic point of focus: bleached-blonde vampire Spike, with James Marsters (Runaways) returning to the role. Dropping on Thursday, October 12, the Audible original is the first ever to be set in the Buffy universe. Yes, everything in pop culture is a universe these days. This will jump into the leather-loving vamp's tale ten years after the events seen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's final episode. Of course, fans will know that Spike's story also already took him over to TV spinoff Angel, too. Joining Marsters for Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is a who's who of Buffy stars, even if Sarah Michelle Gellar (Wolf Pack) isn't one of them. Nor are Alyson Hannigan (Office Race), David Boreanaz (SEAL Team), Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl) or Alexis Denisof (How I Met Your Father). That said, Charisma Carpenter (Going Home) is back as Cordelia, Anthony Head (Ted Lasso) as Giles, Juliet Landau (Claws) as Drusilla, Emma Caulfield Ford (WandaVision) as Anya and Amber Benson (The Nightmare Gallery) as Tara. Benson also co-wrote and co-directed the Audible original, scripting with Christopher Golden (who has penned a number of Buffy books), and helming with both Golden and Kc Wayland (the We're Alive podcast franchise). Danny Strong (Billions) is back as Jonathan as well, plus James Charles Leary (A Room Full of Nothing) as Clem. Slayers: A Buffyverse Story will also bring Laya DeLeon Hayes (The Equalizer) into the Buffy fold as 16-year-old slayer Indira Nunnally. With their ten-years-later tale, Benson and Golden have penned a story about Spike in Los Angeles, where he's pretending to be evil but it's just a cover. Then Indira blows the ruse, leaving Spike to both mind her and try to find her a watcher. The reason there's no Buffy Summers? Slayers: A Buffyverse Story also brings in parallel realm where Cordelia is the only slayer. And her big bad? That's where Drusilla comes in. "I'm ecstatic to be back with my dear friends for this next chapter in the Buffyverse, as we take listeners on a familiar but unexpected journey chock full of horror, passion and mischief," said Marsters, announcing Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. "I'm excited for old and new fans to experience this beloved world of vampire slaying like never before, brought to life through immersive audio storytelling." The latest Buffy chapter comes after not just the seven-season series that aired from 1997–2003, or spinoff Angel, but also the 1992 movie of the same name before them. There's no trailer for Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, but you can get a blast from the past with the TV series trailers above and below: Slayers: A Buffyverse Story will be available to listen to via Audible on Thursday, October 12.
When a drought-stricken farming community is shocked by a murder-suicide, Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk is forced to return home for the first time in 20 years — for the funerals, and to investigate. That's the premise of Australian crime novel The Dry, which first hit bookshelves back in 2016, marked the debut novel from author Jane Harper, and was named the British Book Awards' Crime and Thriller Book of the Year and the Barry Awards' Best First Mystery amongst a heap of other accolades. Come New Year's Day 2021, it'll also be the plot of the new Aussie movie of the same name. Australian cinema loves crime flicks, as everything from Two Hands, Animal Kingdom and Snowtown to Mystery Road and Goldstone attests (and Money Movers, Heatwave, Shame and Son of a Gun, too). Accordingly, it should come as little surprise that the big-screen version of The Dry stems from two people with a history in the genre. Director Robert Connolly was the producer of one of the best local crime movies ever made, 1998's unnerving The Boys, while Eric Bana was famously the star of the similarly excellent Chopper. In The Dry, Bana plays the aforementioned Falk, who looks far from happy when he receives a note about his childhood friend Luke — with the latter alleged to have shot his wife and child before killing himself. Falk's homecoming opens up old secrets, including involving his old pal. In a town filled with rage after years of struggle against the titular conditions, Falk soon begins to suspect that a previous death might be linked to the current case, too. As well as Bana, The Dry features plenty of familiar faces, as the just-dropped first trailer shows. They include Animal Kingdom star James Frecheville, Glitch's Genevieve O'Reilly, Fargo's Keir O'Donnell, Mission: Impossible II's John Polson, The Dressmaker's Julia Blake, Occupation's Bruce Spence, 1%'s Matt Nable and Top End Wedding's Miranda Tapsell. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7KkP68RZE&feature=youtu.be The Dry releases in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on January 1, 2021.
"We're in a war. You wanna fight?" If you've watched 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, then season one of Andor — the Disney+ prequel series to the big-screen spy thriller — then hearing those words uttered by Diego Luna (La Máquina) won't come as a surprise. Viewers know where this tale is headed, but watching the best small-screen addition to a galaxy far, far away lead us there has already proven gripping TV once. The show's namesake makes the above statements in the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Andor's long-awaited second season — and more rebellion and fighting for revolution awaits. Almost three years have passed since the Mouse House's streaming platform stepped into this story — three years that've been filled with Ahsoka, the sadly short-lived The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew. When it returns in April 2025, Andor will be just the second of Disney+'s live-action Star Wars shows to extend beyond a single season (the other: The Mandalorian), although Ahsoka is also locked in for more episodes. If you missed it the first time around, Andor takes a favourite big-screen character and steps back into their story before the events that viewers have already seen — so, like Obi-Wan Kenobi. As its title makes plain, the show focuses on its namesake, Cassian Andor, with Luna reprising his Rogue One role. Star Wars fans have already seen him as a Rebel captain and intelligence agent, and also watched how his story wraps up, hence the show's need to jump backwards. The focus: following Andor as he discovers how he can play a part in battling the Empire. Indeed, charting the rebellion, and how people and planets joined in, is the series' whole remit. In season two, as the end we all know is coming gets closer, expect higher stakes — and also Ben Mendelsohn (The New Look) as his Rogue One character Orson Krennic, plus Alan Tudyk (Grimsburg) as K-2SO. The first season of Andor saw filmmaker Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Legacy) — who co-wrote the screenplay for Rogue One — rejoin the Star Wars franchise as the series' creator and showrunner. He's back for season two. On-screen, so are Stellan Skarsgård (Dune: Part Two), Genevieve O'Reilly (Tin Star), Denise Gough (Who Is Erin Carter?), Kyle Soller (Bodies), Adria Arjona (Blink Twice), Faye Marsay (Ten Pound Poms) and Forest Whitaker (Emperor of Ocean Park) . Release-wise, the 12-episode season — which is not just Andor's second, but its final season — is being unveiled in four chapters comprising of three episodes a piece. A new chapter will hit your streaming queue each week from Wednesday, April 23 Down Under. Check out the first trailer for Andor season two below: Andor season two streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Down Under. Read our review of season one. Images:©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
When Julia Child famously said, "If cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet", she lifted cookery to the status of creativity. Her passion wasn't one of just housekeeping — no ma'am — it was one of craft and she proved it doesn't matter if it enjoys the same length of tangibility as a painting or a pirouette. Further cementing that food is art, The Olsen — the flagship hotel of the Art Series Hotel Group — combines culinary culture with local art at its adjoining restaurant, Spoonbill. Drawing inspiration from landscape artist John Olsen, after whom the hotel is named, Spoonbill doesn't falter on design or aesthetic. The matching of rustic timber with black and grey tones means that the interior is sleek, but not uncomfortable. The rounded bar and woven ceiling pieces create character in the open space, and the arrangement of tables gives intimacy in close proximity. Located on a busy Chapel Street corner, the restaurant acts as a refuge from the weekend hustle — there's something comforting in watching the outside world blow along from behind glass, the hubbub replaced with the sound of clinking wine glasses. It lacked atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon, but, being a hotel venue, would be sure to seat more guests and locals come evening. With few diners present, however, you'll be sure to receive personal recommendations and service from waitstaff. The menu is designed for a snacking, drinking or a full dining experience. Choose items from an a la carte menu, or go with the Laurent-Perrier Sharing Menu — your choice of any six, nine or twelve ($65-105 per person) dishes spanning entrees, mains and desserts. Origins are an important part of the menu, which relies heavily on seasonal, regional produce. If you're feeling peckish try the Cloudy Bay oysters delivered daily by Mike ($4 each) or the Gamekeepers Sausage — a finely blended sausage of Otway Ranges pork, fennel and chilli served with grilled scamorza, relish and pine mushrooms ($18). The soft tacos ($6.80 each), however, were off the mark: the soft shell crab was moreish but missing some spice and the pastrami with lettuce and cheese was more lunchbox sandwich than lavish. The main fare covers all the bases you'd expect, from duck to slow-cooked beef cheek and a 100-day aged Gippsland porterhouse. On the day of dining the seafood option was a piece of decidedly melt-in-your-mouth barramundi on a bed of risotto ($35), and was a standout dish. John Olsen's Famous Paella ($33 for one) — a house specialty — featured a generous spattering of good, fresh seafood, but lacked the crispy top layer and spectrum of flavours of traditional paellas. However, it is dessert that is the work of art. A passionfruit creme is fresh, not too heavy and a perfect way to cleanse the palette, and the cinnamon poached pear with ginger spiced crumble, honey brittle and burnt honey ice cream (both $16) is presented breathtakingly on the plate. If you're feeling rather full and want to bypass dessert, coffee is by St Ali and dessert cocktails, wines and port round out the wine list. The Olsen endeavours to create art within its walls, and Spoonbill is no different. From its John Olsen artwork and clean structural design to its regional Australian menu, it's clear that it is an aesthetic experience as much as it is a culinary one.
There's nothing like a dram of scotch to keep you warm in the colder months. Thankfully, World Whisky Day (May 15) is just around the corner and, for Melbourne locals, you can celebrate the amber liquor even sooner at the launch event of The Glen Grant Elegant by Nature on Wednesday, May 5. The Glen Grant distillery is located in the Scottish parish of Rothes, right by barley fields and the River Spey. So, naturally, the label makes use of its natural environment — and engineering innovations — to create elegant and complex amber liquors. The launch kicks off at 5pm on Wednesday May 5 at Loop Project Space and Bar in Meyers Place. There'll be a living artwork inspired by the distillery's stunning surrounds as well as a tasting session where you can try The Glen Grant 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 year Old and Arboralis. If you can't make the launch, head to Loop on Saturday, May 15 to celebrate World Whisky Day. Here, you can try a dram of the new whisky while an expert guides you through the tasting notes. As capacity is limited — booking is essential. Tickets are $25 which includes the tasting session and canapés, too. Round up your mates and head to Loop on Wednesday, May 5 to try The Glen Grant Elegant by Nature range.
As this season likes to constantly remind us, wandering through thousands of twinkling lights is always a magical time. And you'll have the chance to do just that once again when smash-hit after-dark light celebration Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens next winter. After making its dazzling Aussie debut earlier this year — and proving a sell-out success — the event is back bigger and better for 2023. It'll transform the grounds into a nightly fiesta of colour and light from Friday, June 16–Sunday, August 6. Creating a luminous 2.1-kilometre trail winding through the gardens from 5.15pm each night, the festival's next instalment is set to showcase more than 100,000 glittering lights, with glowing large-scale sculptures, shimmering reflections and colour-changing installations peppered along the extended route. While next year's full Lightscape program is being kept under wraps for now, the debut event was a doozy — highlights included sparkling trees blazing in bold hues, firework-inspired pops of colour and the majestic walk-through installation known as Winter Cathedral. Grab tickets to 'Lightscape' 2023 online from 10am on Friday, December 10, 2022.
Whether you need one to shield your eyeballs because face masks fog up your sunnies, or you're just a generally stylish and sun-safe individual, the classic bucket hat looks set to score some time in the spotlight this summer. And what better way to jump aboard the train, than with an unashamedly branded little number from your flatpack hero IKEA. Yep, the Swedish furniture retailer has shimmied right on into the accessories game, with its new Knorva bucket hat, priced at an easy $3.50 a pop. The one-size-fits-all headpiece has only just hit shelves, but already has Aussies utterly obsessed, with a hefty 2000 units snapped up in just one day. Crafted from the same durable material used for Ikea's signature blue Frakta carrier bags, the hats are extra versatile, designed to offer your noggin protection from both sun and rain. A year-round wardrobe winner, if you will. As an added bonus, the bucket hats are also low-maintenance, requiring little more than a rinse and dry to keep them clean. Perhaps don one to get you in the mood for whipping up a batch of IKEA's meatballs, or team with your Frakta bag for the ultimate park picnic kit. https://www.facebook.com/ikea.au/posts/10158730361883288 If you're keen to nab a bucket hat, but haven't seen any at your local IKEA store, don't stress — some states are now able to order the Knorva online. Plus, IKEA is hustling to get lots more stock to our shores in time for those hat wearin' days of summer. IKEA's Knorva bucket hats are available in select Australian stores. Otherwise, you might be able to snap one up online.
This review is based on the Belvoir run of Stories I Want to Tell You in Person in April 2013. As a piece of stand-up comedy, Stories I want to Tell You in Person is faultless; rich, hilarious and warm. But considering Lally Katz is one of Australia's best playwrights, it is slightly odd that she's doing stand-up in one of Australia's best theatres, about the fact that Belvoir never staged the play they commissioned her to write, ostensibly because Simon Stone was too busy to direct it. No matter how charismatic her performance, at the end of the day I was frustrated that we weren't watching the play she wrote instead. Katz arrives on stage in front of a glittery gold curtain designed by Ralph Myers, and she is thrilled to be there. She bursts through with aggressive enthusiasm and promptly finds her place on stage on top of a mark saying 'Stand Here'. She tells us a bit about herself — she grew up in the US and then moved to Canberra, hence her interesting accent. What follows is a farrago of stories about psychics, love, her subconscious and a commission from Belvoir to write a play about the Global Financial Crisis. She strikes a handsome balance between the sincerity of her beliefs in magic and acknowledging how ridiculous they are. Her accents are accurate and she wisely opts out of doing a Pakistani accent as she admits she is incapable of it. Her karaoke rendition of 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' will make you cry if you have the remotest sense of pitch. She admits she is tone deaf and belts it out anyway. The joy of the piece is Katz's famous Apocalypse Bear, who appears in many of her plays and is a kind of theatre mascot. As a piece of entertainment, it is idiosyncratic, good, clean fun. As a piece of programming, it appears narcissistic and short-sighted. The work does not show Belvoir in the best light, making the company look unsupportive of new work. Gifted as she is at stand-up comedy, her skills and talent as a playwright have been wasted. I look forward to seeing her GFC play on the main stage soon.
Originally presented as Vasily Kandinsky: Around the Circle in New York's iconic Guggenheim Museum, this in-depth retrospective of Vasily Kandinsky — one of the early 20th century's most notable modernists — is coming to the Art Gallery of NSW. Visitors to Kandinsky get to experience the changing inspirations and themes in his work, tracing his beginnings in Germany, his return to his home country of Russia, and his final settling down in France. As much as his surroundings had a transformational impact on his masterful work, he was also influenced by his decade of teaching at the Bauhaus school. "Kandinsky was unwavering in his desire to uplift humanity and in his belief in art's capacity to transform self and society," says Sydney exhibition curator Megan Fontanella. "His story, ultimately one of hope and resilience, continues to resonate a century later. It has been my distinct pleasure to partner with the Art Gallery of New South Wales in bringing Kandinsky's work to new generations in Australia." Kandinsky is remembered as a pioneer of abstract art and a theorist of his time, which visitors to the exhibition will see in the many paintings, woodcuts and watercolours on display. This comprehensive showcase will explore the legacy of an artist who was as influential as he was experimental. More than 50 of his works are on display at the AGNSW, including early- and late-career highlights like Blue Mountain (1908–09), Dominant Curve (1936) and Composition 8 (1923). Tickets to Kandinsky are available for $35 for adults, $32 for concessions, $30 for members, $18 for kids 12–17 and $88 for a family pass.
Desserts are having a moment in Australia, from croissants that have locals and visitors lining up around the block to sweet degustations and high tea parties popping up around town. Standards are impossibly high for Instagram-ready desserts, but Melbourne's talented pastry chefs never disappoint. We're lucky to have access to some obsession-worthy sweets — from 100-year-old cheesecake recipes from Poland to modern takes on the beloved pavlova, there are cult-like desserts out that are equally unforgettable and affordable. One key ingredient that unites these cult desserts is the humble egg. Whether it's creating a fluffy Japanese-style cheesecake or whisking up frangipane filling for an almond croissant, eggs are an essential part of the mix. You can find all the nutritional benefits as well as recipes for muffins, biscuits and tarts on the Australian Eggs website. Read on for some of the best cult desserts in Melbourne that cost less than you might think.
When you're in lockdown, you're only meant to go to the shops to buy essentials — and while creative cocktails may be crucial to your stay-at-home experience, gathering all the ingredients to make them doesn't really fit with the intention behind the rule. Thankfully, delivery services have been filling in the gaps. Cocktail Porter is one of them, bringing DIY kits to your door featuring everything you need to whip up inventive beverages. And yes, it's mighty handy even if your part of the country doesn't happen to be locked down at this very moment. Already, the service has delivered three different types of Gelato Messina cocktail kits — including summery concoctions, Easter cocktails served in Easter eggs and dulce de leche espresso martinis. The next packs on its list also feature a beloved ingredient, although Messina isn't involved. But hey, everyone loves Wizz Fizz, right? Yes, we know the answer to that question. Every Australian kid loves Wizz Fizz, and every Aussie that's ever been a kid, because that's something your tastebuds can never outgrow. Cocktail Porter's new DIY Tommy's margarita kits feature the little bags of sherbet alongside Tromba Blanco tequila, agave syrup and Listo Tommy's margarita mix. It also comes with chilli salt, if you'd prefer to spice up your drink. You can pick between two different-sized packs, with a small kit costing $75 and serving up six drinks — and a large pack priced at $135 and making 18 dessert cocktails. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your spring drinking plans sorted. The DIY Tommy's margarita kits will be delivered from Wednesday, September 15, and you'll need to have signed up for one by Sunday, September 12. They're actually part of Cocktail Porter's monthly subscriptions, which see a different kit sent to your door each and every month. To order Cocktail Porter's DIY Tommy's margarita kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
Chances are you already know something about Tonya Harding. Even if you don't know her name off the top of your head, you've probably heard it used as a punchline. Oh yeah, Tonya. She's that figure skater who took a police baton to her arch-rival's leg, right? That Tonya? Well, yes. But also, not quite. The infamous incident that made headlines around the world almost 25 years ago has been the subject of more misinformation than whether or not you can actually swallow chewing gum. In I, Tonya, filmmaker Craig Gillespie does his best to unpack the myth while crafting a darkly humourous and ultimately tragic narrative about a brilliant skating career gone irreversibly awry. Gillespie and screenwriter Steven Rogers want you to know for certain that Tonya Harding is not a joke. Nor is she a violent bludgeoner who schemed to take out her main competition, fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan. The way they tell it – albeit in a film they admit up front is based on "wildly contradictory interviews" – Harding was a troubled skater who perhaps surrounded herself with the wrong type of person, and ended up caught in something she couldn't stop; a fateful scenario which could have been avoided had she made different choices, but which has defined her public image ever since. Margot Robbie offers up an incredible performance, playing Tonya right through from teenage years in all her redneck, tough girl, middle-fingers-up glory. The Australian learnt to skate specifically for the role, and the months she put in certainly paid off. Credit must also be given to stunt doubles Heidi Munger and Anna Malkova. Harding is one of the only female skaters to ever pull off the triple axel – and the editing, stunt work and special effects that go into recreating the notoriously difficult manoeuvre are likewise superb. Also clever is the format of the film itself: we are introduced to Tonya and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan) via documentary-style talking heads. It's years after the fact, and both parties tell a very different story of what happened and who was responsible (Jeff and his friend Shawn Eckhardt were ultimately accused of colluding to hire an assailant to attack Kerrigan; both men served time in prison). We then jump back to the 1970s as a three-year-old Harding is put into skating lessons by her abusive mother LaVona Golden (Allison Janney), and watch as she quickly makes a name for herself on the ice. It isn't long before Harding is a teenager and competing at a national level. But while her technical ability is close to flawless, her image soon proves to be a problem. Not ladylike or sweet enough for the world of skating, she constantly runs up against judges who she sees as not marking her how she deserves. Spectacular choreography sees Harding's routines recreated down to the very last detail. Just as spot on is the film's casting, with Allison Janney particularly brilliant as Golden – complete with fur coat, perpetual cigarette and a bird perched on her shoulder. Where the film stumbles is in its tonally inconsistent depiction of the physical abuse allegedly inflicted on Harding, first by her mother and later by her husband. In a number of stomach-churning scenes, we watch as she is slapped, punched, thrown against a wall and has her head smashed into a mirror. At one point Harding breaks the fourth wall, addressing the abuse as it is happening to her – she thought it was normal, she says rather glibly. But that's all that is said, and there needed to be more. Gillespie and Rogers simply don't give the brutality the time or the serious treatment it deserves, pushing past the shocking violence in order to keep the plot moving forward. In doing so, they fail to explore the way Harding was made to feel everything was her fault – by her mother, by her husband and ultimately by the entire country. I, Tonya seems intent on reversing the popular consensus around its title character. The real Harding appeared at premieres of the film in the US, standing alongside Margot Robbie on the red carpet. But while she might finally have gotten the chance to prove she's not just the butt of a joke, you can't help but feel that the filmmakers – intentionally or not – treat her abuse as exactly that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZQ5DfSAAc
As any destination-hopping traveller knows, actually jumping between multiple locations isn't as fun as it sounds. Sure, visiting as many places as you can in a single trip is great, but the minutiae of moving between stopovers is far less exciting. Think complicated itineraries scheduled down to the last second, too many airport waits, and continually packing and unpacking your suitcase — you're exhausted just reading about it, aren't you? Inspired by Elon Musk's proposed high-speed, compressed air-powered transport system, the Hyperloop Hotel aims to take the hassle out of multi-destination trips by turning hotel rooms into a form of travel. Designed by University of Nevada graduate architecture student Brandan Siebrecht, and winning the student category at this year's Radical Innovation Award, the concept uses Musk's Hyperloop to move modular suites between 13 US destinations. Siebrecht's proposal relies upon shipping containers turned into hotel rooms, that can then easily undock from base sites in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Seattle and Washington, DC. Each suite would be fully customisable, featuring spaces for sleeping, bathing and living, while the permanent structures in each city would boast the usual on-site hotel amenities. With the Hyperloop currently in the testing phase — and mooted to become operational as early as 2018 — Siebrecht believes it could be as little as five years until his idea becomes feasible. Unsurprisingly, however, it won't come cheap. He has floated a cost of US$8-10 million per hotel, and suggested US$1200 per person for travel and a one-night stay. And as for just how long you'd spend in transit, the system Musk describes as a "cross between a Concorde and a railgun and an air hockey table" will reportedly cut travel time down considerably. In the US, it has been suggested that the trek from LA to San Francisco would take just 35 minutes. In Australia, apparently zipping from Sydney to Melbourne could happen in a mere 55 minutes. Via Live Science / Inhabitat. Image: Radical Innovation Award.
He's the horror and thriller author responsible for bloody proms, haunted hotels, possessed cars, sewer-dwelling clowns and spooky animal resting grounds, not to mention literary stalkers, depression-era death row prisoners, a town plagued by unexplained fogginess and another trapped under a dome. Indeed, since coming to fame with Carrie back in the 70s, Stephen King has never proven unpopular — but the world sure loves the writer's work right now. The viewing world in particular seems to adore King at the moment, with page-to-screen adaptations of his books popping up thick and fast. In 2019 alone, a new version of Pet Sematary hit cinemas, as did IT: Chapter Two, and The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep is dropping next month — while In the Tall Grass recently arrived on Netflix. On the small screen, Mr Mercedes is up to its third season, Castle Rock is just about to start unfurling its second and Creepshow's first recently landed. Next year will see three more TV shows join them, too, all based on King's books — and if you like the author in murder-mystery mode, you might want to add The Outsider to your viewing list. HBO's addition to the fold is a ten-part mini-series taking inspiration from King's 2018 novel of the same name, which focuses on the gruesome death of an 11-year-boy. Little League coach Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman) is suspected of the shocking murder, with his fingerprints all over the scene; however, video footage places him 60 miles across town at the time the crime went down. Unravelling just what happened is a task for police detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn), who's also mourning the death of his own son. When nothing seems to add up, he brings in unconventional private investigator Holly Gibney (Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale's Cynthia Erivo) to help, despite him professing to have "no tolerance for the unexplainable". In case you're thinking that this all sounds like one of King's more straightforward tales, "an insidious supernatural force" is also involved according to the official HBO synopsis — it is called The Outsider, after all. Mendo, Australia's favourite current acting export, also produces the show, as well as seemingly getting a rare chance to play something other than a blockbuster baddie of late (see Rogue One, Ready Player One and Robin Hood, for example). As for recent Emmy directing winner Bateman, he executive produces and jumps behind the lens on the series' first two episodes. Check out the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03MAkQ_OyM The Outsider starts airing on Sunday, January 12 in America — we'll update you once viewing details for Down Under have been announced.
Just when you thought your smartphone might have reached it's multitasking limit, it’s about to take on a job usually left to the law enforcers: breathalysing. That’s right, soon it will be easier than ever for designated drivers to eliminate the risky guesswork involved in decided whether to knock back a sneaky last drink. The initial batch of the world’s first smartphone breathalyser, ‘Alcohoot’, has sold out, and will be ready for shipping in September this year. Keen socialisers can reserve one of the second lot for $75 and expect to have it in their hands by October. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android, Alcohoot is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which means that the device can handle at least 150 tests. Not only can you use it on yourself, you can also pass it around among friends. The accuracy of the testing system, which is reliant on platinum grade fuel cell sensors, is similar to that of a breathalyser used by police. If you’re interested in developing a detailed understanding of how your body responds to alcohol consumption, you can track your blood alcohol level throughout the course of any given night. If it turns out that you’re over the limit, you can use the app to contact local cabbies, or to find details of nearby restaurants and cafes. [Via Lost at E Minor]
How fitting it is that a film about family — about the ties that bind, and when those links are threatened not by choice but via unwanted circumstances — hails from an impressive lineage itself. How apt it is that Hit the Road explores the extent that ordinary Iranians find themselves going to escape the nation's oppressive authorities, too, and doesn't shy away from its political subtext. The reason that both feel ideal stems from the feature's filmmaker Panah Panahi. This isn't a wonderful movie solely due to its many echoes, resonating through the bonds of blood, and also via what's conveyed on-screen and reality around it, though. It's a gorgeously shot, superbly acted, astutely written and deeply felt feature all in its own right, and it cements its director — who debuts as both a helmer and a screenwriter — as an emerging talent to watch. But it's also a film that's inseparable from its context, because it simply wouldn't exist without the man behind it and his well-known background. Panah's surname will be familiar because he's the son of acclaimed auteur Jafar Panahi, one of Iranian cinema's best-known figures for more than two decades now. And Jafar's run-ins with the country's regime will be familiar as well, because the heat he's felt at home for his social commentary-laden work has been well-documented for just as long. The elder Panahi, director of This Is Not a Film, Closed Curtain and more, has been both imprisoned and banned from making movies over the years. In July 2022, he was detained again merely for enquiring about the legal situation surrounding There Is No Evil helmer Mohammad Rasoulof and Poosteh director Mostafa Aleahmad. None of the above directly comes through in Hit the Road's story, not for a moment, but the younger Panahi's characteristically defiant movie is firmly made with a clear shadow lingering over it. When filmmaking becomes a family business, the spectre of the parent can loom over the child, of course — by choice sometimes, and also purely thanks to their shared name. In the first category, Jason Reitman picked up his father Ivan's franchise with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, for instance; Gorō Miyazaki has helmed animated movies for his dad Hayao's Studio Ghibli, such as Tales From Earthsea, From Up on Poppy Hill and Earwig and the Witch; and Brandon Cronenberg's Antiviral and Possessor are chips off The Fly and Videodrome great David Cronenberg's body-horror block. Panahi's Hit the Road also feels like it has been handed down, including in the way it spends the bulk of its time in a car as Jafar's Tehran Taxi and 3 Faces did. That said, it feels as much like the intuitive Panah is taking up the same mission as Jafar as someone purely taking after his dad. Hit the Road's narrative is simple and also devastatingly layered; in its frames, two starkly different views of life in Iran are apparent. A mother (Pantea Panahiha, Rhino), a father (Mohammad Hassan Madjooni, Pig), their adult son (first-timer Amin Simiar) and their six-year-old boy (scene-stealer Rayan Sarlak, Gol be khodi), all unnamed, have indeed done as the movie's moniker suggests — and in a borrowed car. When the film opens, there's no doubting that the kid among them sees the world, and everything in general, as only a kid can. The mood with the child's mum, dad and sibling is far more grim, however, even though they say they're en route to take the brood's eldest to get married. Their time on the road is tense and uncertain, and also tinged with the tenor of not-so-fond farewells — and with nary a glimmer of a celebratory vibe about impending nuptials. If the boy senses the sorrow hanging thick in the van, it doesn't trouble him; existence is simple when you're just a kid in a car with your family. Initially, he plays with a makeshift keyboard drawn onto the cast over his dad's broken leg. Throughout the ride, he chatters, sings, does ordinary childhood things and finds magic in the cross-country journey. He throws a tantrum when, not long after the feature starts, the family has to stop to hide his mobile phone. And, he shows zero knowledge about what eats at the rest of his relatives. But mum worries they're being followed, and just worries overall; big brother has little time for any frivolities, preoccupied as he is with the future ahead; and dad is gruff but caring, torn between his physical ailments and the vastly different situations surrounding his two offspring. In the back, their dog Jessy is also unwell, another truth that's being kept from boy and complicates the vehicle's dynamic. Every venture away from home, whether during a leisurely drive or for more serious reasons, spills out its joys, thrills, woes and secrets as it unfurls; that's the best way to watch Hit the Road as well. Cinema's second-generation Panahi crafts a bittersweet and beautiful film that's alive with minutiae, and with moments that overflow with insight and emotion — and, as lensed by Ballad of a White Cow cinematographer Amin Jafari, with as much feeling conveyed visually as via the movie's pitch-perfect performances. Sarlak's lively portrayal and the detail that comes with it says everything that's needed about trying to claim a slice of normality within Iran today, and how tricky that is. The feature's stunningly shot frames are just as telling, every sequence adding meaning and spectacle. Three in particular, all late in the piece and involving fraught exchanges, nighttime stories and heartbreaking goodbyes, rank among the most mesmerising images committed to celluloid in recent years, in fact. In one such standout scene backdropped by a misty field, the camera remains at a distance as it observes the family splintering. In its sense of remove, it lets their ordeal act as a broader portrait, serving up a statement via a microcosm. In another glorious moment, father and son take in the evening sky and also appear to surreally float within it — in a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey, which the other son names as his favourite movie. In the third scene, light and movement carve through a hillside like much has carved through the film's central family and their country. Hit the Road includes delightful to-camera sing-alongs, too, and deadpan humour, plus striking shots of both sandy and verdant landscape. It's clear-eyed and also dreamy, weighty yet comic, intimate as well as sprawling, and realistic but playful. It's a fable, a snapshot and a message in one, and it's as tender as it is heartbreaking. Hit the Road is a movie to travel along several routes with, as Panahi does, each fork along the way as revelatory as the end destination.
Positioned right on the bay, yet just seven kilometres from the CBD, and brimming with personality, St Kilda is the vivacious, creative kid you want in your friend gang. It's got colour, it's got coastline and there's a whole swag of different ways to experience its offerings — whether you're a food-lover, an adventurous spirit, a social butterfly, or some mix of all of the above. Lots of life here revolves around that enviable beachfront location, which is crucial for extending those summer vibes for as long as possible. So, we've teamed up with White Claw to pull together a dawn-to-dusk itinerary in the buzzing beachside 'burb. 6.30AM: STROLL THE ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE COASTAL WALK There's nothing quite like kicking off an early morning with an energising bayside walk; especially when it's backed by the kind of sunrise scenes you'll clock on the track from St Kilda to neighbouring Port Melbourne. This northern section of the famed Bay Trail is an easy cruise that'll take you just over an hour, with some cracking water views along the way. Don't forget to stop by the dog beach at Port Melbourne for a few morning pats. 8AM: FUEL UP WITH A FEEL-GOOD FEED FROM MATCHA MYLKBAR A big day of activities calls for a solid AM feast, which just so happens to be where Matcha Mylkbar excels. Venture to Acland Street and you'll find this dedicated plant-based cafe whipping up a menu of nourishing fare that looks as good as it makes you feel. Go for a stack of vibrant matcha pancakes or the jackfruit 'chicken' and waffles, washed down with one of a multitude of rainbow-hued drinks. Perhaps a nutrient-packed blue algae latte or the acai smoothie? [caption id="attachment_843900" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joppe Spaa via Unsplash[/caption] 10AM: GET BENDY ON THE BAY WITH SOME SUP YOGA Fancy a little switch-up from your usual yoga sessions? In St Kilda, you can swap the studio for open skies and the rubber mat for a stand-up paddleboard to have crack at SUP yoga. There are a couple of operators running regular lessons at St Kilda Beach — book in a class with the likes of SUP Yoga Melbourne or Stand-Up Paddle HQ and challenge your core to a memorable water workout. The backdrop's beautiful and the post-yoga dip is blissful. 12PM: GRAB A BEACHFRONT LUNCH AT PONTOON For lunch with a view, you'll find it hard to top a visit to the shorefront beauty that is Pontoon. Hugging the sand, the bar and eatery boasts an enviable outlook, and it's serving up some pretty stellar grub to match. Fittingly, seafood is the star of the menu. Get snacky with some of the cod croquettes, the chilli mussels and a garlicky white bean dip, before diving into the likes of handmade blue swimmer crab spaghetti or the pork schnitzel with capers and lemon. Pair with your favourite White Claw pour for full effect, of course. 2PM: FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLE WITH A STREET-ART LESSON After spending the morning rocking around one of Melbourne's most vibrant suburbs, it's time to show off a bit of your own creative spirit. This city is famed for its lively, art-filled laneways and here in St Kilda, you can take an expert-led class to see you tapping into your own inner Banksy and creating some Hosier Lane-worthy masterpieces. Celebrated local artist Rus Kitchin runs a regular stencil and street art workshop, where you'll learn the secrets to designing and cutting stencils, and then use them to make two spray paint works of your own. 4PM: DITCH THE SHOES FOR A SPOT OF LAWN BOWLS Soaking up some rays, kicking back with mates and indulging in a bit of friendly competition — you can do it all simultaneously when you take to the turf at St Kilda Sports Club. The club's bowling green is open and primed for barefoot bowls most days of the week, with two-hour session times available for groups large and small. Your crew will even get an instructor to show you the ropes before you begin. And, since battling it out against mates can be thirsty work, there's an onsite bar for pre- and post-game refreshments. [caption id="attachment_699804" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Drewnik[/caption] 7PM: HIT THE ESPY FOR A FEED AND A SERVE OF LIVE TUNES A true-blue St Kilda icon, The Espy is a quintessential stop on any local jaunt; a wining, dining and live music haven proudly overlooking St Kilda Beach. With myriad food and drink options, it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, but if a feast of punchy modern Cantonese fare sounds like your jam, lock in dinner upstairs at Mya Tiger. This sumptuous space, filled with bright jewel tones and rich textures, offers a flavour-packed menu to impress. And what better way to cap off your night than catching a post-dinner gig downstairs? For more information on White Claw, head to the website.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, where we are putting up guests who book one of our epic For The Love VIP packages. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This four-and-a-half-star hotel looks out over the picturesque North Wollongong Beach and lighthouse. It's one of the very best places to stay in the area, giving you easy access to local walking trails and swim spots as well as the thriving night life. THE ROOMS The rooms themselves aren't super flash, but they don't really need to be when you have sea views like this. In the morning, grab a seat on your private balcony, breathe in some sea air and watch Wollongong wake up — with the long stretch of coastline your backdrop. Gorge. Each of the 209 spacious rooms have all the necessities too. Air conditioning (a must for summer), a flat screen television, free wifi, a large desk (if you need to work) and a mini bar on demand. Just be aware that not all rooms have those stunning sea views — you'll need to choose one when booking. FOOD AND DRINK Novotel Wollongong Northbeach knows how to entertain. It has four separate bars, each with its own unique menu and level of formality. The Adrift Pool Bar consists of several white wooden booths and a few cute rattan tables set up around the heated pool. The best bit? Fresh seafood and classic cocktails are served out here. Hang out with some locals and fellow travellers at the public Pepe's on the Beach — where you can hire out your own cabana for the day. Or go for something a little more refined at North Bar. An impressive selection of wines adorn this drinks list, alongside a few specialty cocktails and top-shelf spirits. And when the sun goes down, American-style The Frisky Flamingo is the place to be — dress up and start your night out at this glam drinking den. THE LOCAL AREA Yes, you have so many places to eat and drink at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, but you'd be a fool to spend all your time wining and dining. Either walk down to the beach or seaside pool for an ideal summer jaunt or head to some of the nearby walking trails along the coast to see even more of this gorgeous coastline. Boutique stores, local restaurants and all other town centre necessities are only a short walk away — with a free bus available right outside the hotel for those who want to have a chill one. If you're about to spend a day partying at For The Love, the bus is for you. [caption id="attachment_882178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Bar[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
No matter the season, we can introduce some Italian sunshine into our golden hour tipples with a classic cocktail—and it's a lot cheaper than flying to Europe. Italy's most popular liqueur is arguably amaretto, and the world's favourite way to enjoy it is in a classic amaretto sour cocktail. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this sweet-and-sour drink that has delighted cocktail lovers for decades. What Is Amaretto? Literally translated, amaretto means 'a little bitter' and that's exactly what this luscious liqueur is: a little sweet and a little bitter. There are numerous amaretto liqueurs on the market, but the originator is Disaronno, from the municipality of Saronno in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on the brand, it can be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, regular almonds or peach stones. These all contain a natural compound that imparts the liqueur's almond-like flavour. Like with many liqueurs, it can be enjoyed solo, with some ice, added to coffee, poured over ice cream, used in desserts like tiramisu (yum) or marinade for meat dishes, and, of course, in cocktails. What Is Disaronno? This Italian amaretto liqueur can trace its heritage back to the renaissance in 1525. Legend has it that Bernardino Luini, an artist from the Leonardo Da Vinci School of Art, was tasked with painting a fresco of the Madonna in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Saronno, Italy. To complete his work, he needed a model, and he found one in the local fair-haired and beautiful innkeeper. According to the story, the innkeeper was so honoured to be chosen as the model for Madonna that she created an amber-coloured liqueur from a secret blend of 17 herbs and fruits infused in apricot kernel oil. It got its signature amber colour from caramelised sugar. She gifted this liqueur to Luini, and it caught on. The locals dubbed it 'di Saronno', meaning of or from Saronno, and eventually, that morphed into Disaronno. The liqueur is still made in Saronno, following that same recipe from 1525. How to Make an Amaretto Sour? This cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1970s and was originally known as Amaretto di Saronno. It's a twist on a classic sour cocktail that blends sweet and sour elements. It has two main ingredients: amaretto (in this case, Disaronno) and lemon juice. The inherent sweetness of Disaronno beautifully complements the tart lemon, but if you like it sweet you can always add a touch more simple syrup. For an extra touch of luxury, you can also add egg white, which imparts a silky texture and rich mouthfeel. Ingredients: 60ml Disaronno 30ml fresh lemon juice 5ml sugar syrup (optional, to taste) 1 egg white (or 15ml vegan-friendly option such as aquafaba) Ice Method: Put ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in 60ml of Disaronno. Add the egg white (or vegan option if using) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you like it sweet, add the simple syrup. Shake the shaker and strain it into a chilled tumbler over ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of lemon, and enjoy. Where Can the Amaretto Sour be Enjoyed? In the summer sun, fireside in winter – an all year round tipple. But in all seriousness, we don't always want to be the ones mixing our cocktails. There are plenty of professionals out there who can do a better job than us. Simply go to your favourite bar and order an authentic amaretto sour made only with Disaronno.
Swing into London's Tate Modern until April 2018, and you'll literally be swinging thanks to their latest large-scale installation. Teaming up with Danish artists' collective SUPERFLEX, the gallery's Turbine Hall now boasts playground equipment as part of its newest commission, which comes with the apt title of One Two Three Swing! The numbers in the piece's moniker don't just refer to the countdown everyone does in their head before they set a swing in motion. They also indicate that each of the installation's pieces has been built for three. That means gathering up two pals and heading for a swinging good time is on the agenda, with the work designed to get audiences to be more social through collaboration — the coordination it takes to get a three-person swing to do its thing, for example. 22 swings feature in total, all connected by their orange frames and all conceived "as an assembly line for collective movement," according to the exhibition's press release. They comprise of the movement section of the work, which also features apathy and production components. In the former, attendees can lie on a 770-square-metre carpet — in a colour scheme inspired by British currency — and view a a large pendulum suspended from the ceiling by a 20 metre cable. In the latter, a factory station assembles swing seats, storing them for later use. During the installation's six-month run, One Two Three Swing! will also expand beyond the Tate Modern, with plans to spread the swings throughout London and even possibly further afield. If that sounds like an ambitious project, it's just the latest for SUPERFLEX, who were formed in 1993 by Jakob Fenger, Bjørnstjerne Christiansen and Rasmus Nielsen, and helped designed Copenhagen's 30,000-square-metre Superkilen park. One Two Three Swing! runs at the Tate Modern, London until April 2, 2018. For more information, head to the gallery's website. Via The Guardian. Images: Tate Modern.
If you've been struggling to live in the teenies because you're musically and spiritually stuck in the noughties, we have some news that's going to bring you bolting straight into the present. Ministry of Sound has just announced a super-niche tour. From mid-November, they'll be paying visits to Australia's capital cities to perform, get this, their greatest clubbing moments from The Annual 2001-2004. And that'll be all, folks. Leading the lineup will be OGs John Course and Mark Dynamix, who, between them, have placed millions of CDs in club-loving hands and ears over the past couple of decades. They're the mighty duo behind Ministry of Sound's annual compilations, on which you probably first heard Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, Tim Deluxe, Cassius and Groove Armada. To each gig, Course and Dynamix will be inviting a bunch of cracking support artists. Sydneysiders will be treated to an extra-special tribute to early noughties break beat at a Clubber's Guide to Breaks Room. You can count on appearances by the UK's Plump DJs, as well as by homegrown breaks guru Kid Kenobi. MINISTRY OF SOUND 2001-2004 REUNION TOUR November 18 — The Prince, Melbourne December 16 — The Metro, Sydney December 20 — HQ, Adelaide January 13 — Discovery, Darwin January 15 — Matisse Beach Club, Perth January 21 — The Met, Brisbane In the meantime, to get yourself in the mood, have a listen to this dedicated Reunion Tour play list on Spotify.
The moment we heard that marine scientists had 'undiscovered' the Pacific isle known as Sandy Island late last year, our trust in cartography was violently undone. Now, any inch of soil we had not personally traversed was suspect. "But if we can't trust Google Maps," we cried, "who can we trust?" It was at this point that we realised something powerful. Something profound. Something relevant to the headline of this article. The art of map-making, for all its shortcomings, shapes our worldviews and communities. Which is why we're excited to hear about the eco-cartographical vision of Grow It Local. The sustainability gurus (famous for the success of Garage Sale Trail) are teaming up with the folks at City of Sydney to, quite literally, put homegrown produce on the map. Throughout the month of April, they are inviting growers across Sydney to jump onto the Grow It Local website and register a garden space on Australia's first crowdsourced e-atlas of urban farms. The campaign is all about harvesting the Sydney community that has grown around the explosion of local food production across the world. "With a lot of people getting involved in growing food, there's a little bit of a barrier in 'I couldn't do that, I don't know what I'm doing'" says Grow It Local co-founder Andrew Valder. "One of the things that creating the Grow It Local community does is welcome someone who doesn't feel confident about what they're doing to give it a crack." Fresh food lovers can update their patch with pictures and share growing tips with green gardeners. Plus, Grow It Local members will be invited to attend exclusive foodie events where local produce will be shared through intimate meals like this one. Seven hundred and fifteen gardens have already been registered on the website (with over 50 of those in the City of Sydney area), covering a total cultivation area of 6890 square metres, and the Grow It Local gang anticipate that Sydney's CBD will increase its involvement tenfold. But what does this mean for your average urban gardener? Beyond giving people easy access to their closest urban farms, Redfern resident Kevin Bathman says that this mapping project could give Sydney growers the sense of community that they've been craving for years. "Most times, you need to know that you're not alone in this," stresses Kevin, "[because] that's what I thought for the longest time, "Am I the only gardening nerd? ... When you see more and more of your neighbours getting involved, it is the fastest way to start a 'real food' movement." Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore is an ongoing advocate for the transformation of balconies, courtyards and windowsills into flourishing green spaces. "Most food travels huge distances to reach our dinner plates. Growing your own simply makes sense and means you can enjoy healthy food and save money," she said in a press release. For Andrew, the whole enterprise can be enjoyed for simpler reasons. "Growing your own food, no matter how big or small, is a big step toward sustainable living," he remarks, "[but] the serious stuff aside, it's fun and makes you feel good." Hero image: Rooftop garden at Signature Apartments, Redfern. Image courtesy of Signature Pallets. Second image: Courtesy of Richard Payne Photography and City of Sydney
A sleepy small town. A body on a beach. A local detective trying to solve the case, plus an outsider dropping in to lend their expertise. Viewers have seen this scenario plenty of times before, complete with secrets swirling, a killer lurking among a close-knit community and ample friction between the new arrival and the town's inhabitants — but until now, we've never seen Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan's take on the situation. Anything that The Katering Show and Get Krack!n's duo make is an instant must-see — see: those two very shows — and Deadloch, their newest effort, is clearly no different. Announced in 2022 and set to hit Prime Video from Friday, June 2, this mystery-comedy series is created, written and executive produced by the comic duo, with McCartney and McLennan acting as showrunners as well. They're not listed among the cast, sadly, but The Kates are still back. Another Kate — Kate Box (Stateless) — stars as local senior sergeant Dulcie Collins. When a local man turns up dead on the beach, her life and Deadloch's titular seaside spot are thrown into chaos, as the just-dropped first trailer for the show illustrates. And no, it isn't by accident that the series subverts the usual dead-girl trope that's such an engrained part of these kinds of TV setups, even when they're at their best as in Twin Peaks. Enter Darwin-based senior investigator Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers), too, who isn't afraid to make a splash as she teams up with Dulcie to get to the bottom of the case. There's also junior constable Abby (Nina Oyama, Koala Man), who couldn't be more eager to join in, all while Deadloch is busy getting ready to launch its annual Winter Feastival — an arts, food, and culture festival. "We are both so thrilled to share the dark, strange little town of Deadloch with the world. We're particularly excited for everyone to meet Dulcie and Eddie, performed by the powerhouses Kate Box and Madeleine Sami, who are far better actors than we'll ever be," said The Kates. "The supporting cast is sublime, the crew are a delight, and the experience of making this story with Prime Video globally on the incredible land of lutruwita (Tasmania) is one we'll never forget." As well as Box, Sami and Oyama, Deadloch's cast spans a heap of recognisable faces, including comedian Tom Ballard, Alicia Gardiner (Wakefield), Susie Youssef (Rosehaven), Pamela Rabe (Wentworth), Kris McQuade (Irreverent), Duncan Fellows (The Letdown), Harvey Zielinski (Love Me) and Shaun Martindale (Sissy). Shot in and around Hobart, Deadloch's eight-episode run also sports a stacked roster of directors: Ben Chessell (The Great), Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) and Beck Cole (Black Comedy). Check out the trailer for Deadloch below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2, 2023.
For nearly a century, 280 Little Collins Street has stood as a significant retail and social hub for generations of Melburnians. Designed by celebrated Melbourne interwar architect Harry Norris as the first significant Chicago-inspired gothic-style commercial building in Victoria, it opened in 1930 as the flagship store of the fast-expanding G J Coles empire — later rebadged as Coles — before David Jones took over in the 1980s, transforming the site into that brand's Melbourne menswear flagship. This October, the heritage-listed building will embark on a new chapter as Rodd & Gunn's new global flagship. The upcoming store will showcase fashion, dining and design across its four floors, marking the New Zealand outfitter's most ambitious venture to date. It follows the recent arrival of Mecca's new Bourke Street flagship in the northern wing of the same building, marking a new era for one of Melbourne's most distinctive addresses. Rodd & Gunn has worked with St Kilda-based Studio Y to reimagine the building's southern wing, weaving its art deco glamour with hospitality-led design. Arched motifs, curved joinery, stepped stone and metallic accents nod to the 1930s, while warm timbers, natural stone and marble accents echo Rodd & Gunn's contemporary aesthetic. "This building holds a special place in Melbourne's history, and we wanted our flagship to honour that legacy at every turn," says Mike Beagley, Rodd & Gunn CEO (pictured below). "Every design choice was made to respect its heritage while creating something entirely new." Each of the four distinct but connected levels offers a different experience. The lower-ground Cellar pays homage to the famed Coles Cafeteria, combining a retail wine store with an innovative cocktail laboratory by Matt Bax (Bar Americano), an Italian-inspired menu featuring handmade pasta and all-day aperitivi. Oversized checkerboard flooring, bluestone laneway walkways, intimate booth seating and mood lighting evoke the feeling of a wine cave. The ground floor will become an elegant, immersive retail space, where cornice plasterwork and marble joinery are juxtaposed with modern display fixtures, heritage-inspired balustrades and robust timber finishes. The mezzanine, meanwhile, will be home to an exclusive Member's Bar, a handsomely wood-panelled, club-like space with sculptural lighting by Volker Haug, Kiwi-inspired snacks and classic cocktails for loyalty clientele. [caption id="attachment_854450" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lodge Bar & Dining, Brisbane[/caption] The crown jewel sits on level one: The Lodge Dining Room. Framed by soaring arched windows and antique mirrors, the grand yet intimate space offers produce-led menus — ranging from à la carte to ten-course tasting journeys — by Executive Chef James Evangelinos (New York's The Musket Room, hatted Sydney pub Hotel Centennial and James Packer's former personal chef). Wines are curated by Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, showcasing the best of New Zealand alongside standout Australian and international drops, while a reeded-glass private dining room with a striking white marble table adds a layer of exclusivity. The new flagship will open in two stages. The retail store and subterranean cellar will launch in early October, followed by the private lounge and dining room later in the month. "While New Zealand will always remain Rodd & Gunn's spiritual home, the opening of our Melbourne flagship is our way of giving back to a city that has supported Rodd & Gunn from the very beginning," says Josh Beagley, Director of The Lodge Group. "Every surface in this flagship tells a story — a dialogue between past and present that honours the history of the building and the fabric of our brand." [caption id="attachment_854449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lodge Bar & Dining, Brisbane[/caption] Rodd & Gunn's Little Collins Street flagship opens in October 2025. For more information, head to the brand's website.
The silly season is rolling in and with it, the promise of some pretty serious wining, dining and overindulgence. But chef Andrew McConnell and his team have come up with the perfect antidote to any festive overloading, launching the next edition of their Japanese-accented Supernormal Natsu pop-up two weeks into the new year. Transforming St Kilda's Supernormal Canteen from Tuesday, January 15 to Sunday, January 27, the residency will plate up a refreshed version of the pop-up hosted at NGV's Triennial EXTRA exhibition earlier in 2018. This time around, it's the veggies that will reign supreme, as Natsu — which means summer in Japanese — delivers a light, bright, meat-free menu heroing top seasonal produce and exciting new techniques. The kitchen will be working closely with local organic growers, as well as foraging an array of sea vegetables, wild seaweeds and native ingredients, to bring the imaginative, all-vegetarian menu to life. Expect plates like an eggplant parmigiana katsu sandwich, fresh bamboo shoots with buttermilk and fermented green chilli, and grilled asparagus matched with yuzukoshu and fired garlic. Hand-rolled udon noodles will be teamed with garden-fresh produce and silken tofu will be crafted fresh daily, while the bar serves up sips like specialty teas, interesting wines and house-made cherry kefir. The Natsu 2019 fun kicks off with a special dinner on Monday, January 14, co-hosted by Brent Savage, chef and owner of Sydney vegetarian fine diner Yellow — with tickets costing $85, and available by phoning the venue. Natsu will be open every evening during its 13-day run, as well as from midday on the weekends of January 19–20 and 26–27. Supernormal Canteen image: Nikki To. Food images: Jo McGann.
It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Thanks to Black Mirror, it's about to become the bleakest. A release date for the fourth season of Charlie Brooker's dystopian TV show hasn't yet been announced, but it is expected to drop on Netflix sometime this month. In the interim, the streaming platform has been ramping up the excitement by revealing episode-specific trailers. With each approximately hour-long instalment of Black Mirror standing alone in the story department — while always tying into the anthology series' satirical musings about humanity's relationship with technology — the individual sneak peeks offer a glimpse of just what's in store. Four have been released so far, stepping into areas such as the evolution of surveillance, high-tech misdeeds and dating apps. The clips join the previously revealed whole-of-season trailer, and once again, things look grim. It's likely two more will follow, given that full season will consist of six episodes: 'Arkangel', 'Black Museum', 'Crocodile', 'Hang the DJ', 'Metalhead' and 'USS Callister'. Brooker himself wrote every new instalment, while the likes of Jodie Foster, Australian filmmaker John Hillcoat (The Road, Triple 9), Peaky Blinders' Colm McCarthy and American Gods' David Slade are sitting in the helmer's chair. On screen, expect a cast that includes La La Land's Rosemarie DeWitt, Nocturnal Animals' Andrea Riseborough and Fargo's Jesse Plemons getting up to the kind of sci-fi antics that no one wants to dream of. Check out latest trailers below, and prepare for more bleak thrills before the year is out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5N_Tq1EtRQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV0J3Bq3BIc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-NCySETRIc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yef_HfQoBd8
A quintessential winter staple and favoured year-round comfort food for many — soup noodles have earned their reputation as a trusty go-to once Melbourne's fresher temperatures hit. Perfect for a lazy morning in or late night out, you can't do much better than a steaming bowl of warmth, and luckily for Melburnians — there's a noodle soup for just about any situation. Enter pho, arguably Vietnam's most recognisable dish: rice noodles, delicious broth and a smattering of herbs and veggies. This humble dish is the ultimate balancing act, highlighting the richness of your protein (usually beef or chicken) while keeping it light on the palate with a clear but flavourful soup. Plus, there's added depth from the additional zest from lemons. From Springvale to Sunshine — here's where to find the best pho in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Banh Mi in Melbourne The Best Ramen in Melbourne The Best Hot Pot Spots in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne [caption id="attachment_819415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Abir Hiranandani[/caption] CO DO, RICHMOND Debates about Melbourne pop mostly boil down to Team Richmond, Team Footscray and Team Springvale — and first up to bat is Co Do, right in the heart of Richmond's bustling Victoria Street. The long menu might be a touch intimidating for the uninitiated, but with pages upon pages of noodle soup options, Co Do is sure to please. At the more accessible end, find classic rare beef, brisket or meatballs, and for the more seasoned pho slurper — tripe and offal. There's also Co Do's specialty bun bo hue, a tangy chilli beef version of soup noodles, which comes with its own array of toppings. Service tends to be quick and food is guaranteed to satisfy. I LOVE PHO, RICHMOND This one's all in the name. With a focused and easy-to-read menu that doesn't compromise on variety, I Love Pho is your go-to for a quick and no-fuss meal. Again, there are topping options all across the spectrum including brisket, meatballs, tendon, heart, liver and giblets — but notable here is a vegetarian option, with tofu and veggies. Either way, you're sure to get the classic flavour and soft mouth-feel you'd expect from a top quality pho in Melbourne. XUAN BANH CUON, SUNSHINE Moving westwards, Xuan Banh Cuon is perhaps a little off the beaten path, but it boasts a delicious variety of noodles worth the trip. As always, there's pho — chicken, beef or combination — but also glass noodles and vermicelli varieties should you wish to mix it up from the usual rice noodle suspects. The banh da cua, a noodle made out of red rice paper which is popular in Northern Vietnam, is also on the must-try list. PHO CHU THE, FOOTSCRAY Representing Team Footscray is Pho Chu The, an unassuming corner restaurant — even as far as Melbourne pho restaurants go — in the heart of the city's west. Blink and you'll miss the relatively pared-back menu, consisting largely of pho bo (pho with beef). Where Pho Chu The really shines is the punchiness of its broth, perfectly balanced to pull together the noodles, herbs and meat. The relatively slim set of options might even make ordering easier: you know you'll get a cohesive and flavourful meal no matter what you choose. GOOD DAYS, BRUNSWICK A quick pause in Melbourne's inner north means a visit to Good Days on the iconic Sydney Road. The pho here is a touch pricier than the other venues on this list, but it's distinguished by its commitment to ethically sourced protein. Large chunks of the menu are also vegan for your non-carnivorous buddies. The centrepiece of the meat-free menu is a mushroom pho with a rich vegetable broth, served with a helping of grilled and braised mushrooms. The interior of Good Days is dominated by bar seating and is not particularly large, so just make sure you come prepared to queue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by tony (@paperblade) PHO HUNG VUONG, SPRINGVALE Locals in Melbourne's southeast swear by Pho Hung Vuong. Though this hole-in-the-wall is inconspicuously tucked in the middle of a small block, between an Asian grocer and real estate agency, diners come from far and wide prepared to line up for the noodles inside. The protein options here aren't particularly novel, but each of them is hearty and delicious — the beef special and chicken thigh are particularly stellar choices. Pho Hung Vuong is a Saigon-style, Southern Vietnamese restaurant, so expect big flavour here in contrast with the cleaner palate typical of Northern Vietnamese pho. If you're not prepared to brave the queue here, try its sister venue in Clayton, open seven days a week. [caption id="attachment_822048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kashish Sandhu[/caption] PHO THIN, CBD With pho in just about every corner of the city, Melbourne's CBD is no exception. Even among all the Melbourne restaurants serving pho here, Pho Thin is a standout. Its signature pho features beef that has already been stir-fried in garlic, before taking the plunge into a soup that is cooked overnight to maximise flavour. This recipe also has decades of history, first developed in Hanoi by the restaurant's namesake Nguyen Trong Thin in 1979. There are a small number of other pho configurations, including a vegetarian option, and all pho can also be enjoyed with a crispy Vietnamese donut dipped in broth. [caption id="attachment_819421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kashish Sandhu[/caption] PHO BO GA MEKONG VIETNAM, CBD A Melbourne pho round-up would not be complete without the truly iconic institution of Mekong. With a steady stream of customers passing through its inner-city doors — and a steady stream of delicious noodles more than keeping up — Mekong is a must-visit if you're in the city and hungry for pho. Here, you are spoilt for choice: the usual topping options are all there, accompanied by fish balls, blood jelly and chargrilled chicken. There is a vegetarian option here too, so the whole crew will be well-fed. In addition to all this, the drinks menu has a variety of smoothies and multicoloured bean drinks to tide you into summer. The avocado smoothie is a crowd favourite, although the Vietnamese white coffee and mint lemon ice crush are also worth a spin. Images: Pho Thin, Mekong — Kashish Sandhu, Co Do, I Love Pho — Abir Hiranandani.
There's a new kid on Melbourne's bubble tea block, but this one's no amateur. In fact, Milksha is one of Taiwan's leading bubble tea chains. First launched back in 2004 — and now boasting over 240 outposts across Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau — the company has chosen Melbourne as the home of its first Aussie location. Known as Milkshop to its Taiwanese fans, Milksha was founded by a dairy farmer and sets itself apart from competitors by using fresh milk. Fifteen years on, it's finally broughts its creamy bubble teas Down Under. With hopes of winning a new legion of local bubble tea fans, Milksha Melbourne is serving up its signature yoghurt drinks, seasonal juices, specialty teas and milk blends. While the brand's loose leaf teas are sourced from Sri Lanka and Taiwan, the local store is teaming up with our own award-winning Saint David Dairy to handle the entire milk supply. So, what else will you find in your Milksha drink? Well, if bubble tea is your thing, you'll want to check out the honey pearl toppings — tapioca pearls cooked in honey and flash-frozen before being shipped to Melbourne. There's also matcha from century-old Japanese brand Izumo Tousuien, fresh taro milk made with taro imported from Taiwan's famed Dajia District, Valrhona cocoa and a range of vibrant toppings such as milk pudding and herbal fairy-grass jelly Other tea flavours include brown sugar, wintermelon, earl grey and oolong, while the yoghurt drink comes in strawberry, avocado and blueberry. And, if the packaging of some other bubble tea joints makes your eyes water, you'll be happy to know Milksha's got the planet on its side. The store's using biodegradable bamboo straws, as well as paper bags and cup holders. Images: Tim Harris
For every popular film franchise, there must be an origin story — or that's how it frequently feels. The latest beloved series to step back into its past to provide an insight into how one of its characters became who they are: Pixar's adored Toy Story saga, which is now diving into Buzz Lightyear's history (and has a trailer to prove it). First, to answer the obvious question, this isn't a film about how the talking toy was manufactured. If anyone could make that delight, it'd be Pixar, though. Instead, Lightyear focuses on the flesh-and-blood Buzz in Toy Story's world, aka the space ranger who inspired the plaything that's been such a pivotal part of four films so far. So if you've ever wondered why there even was a Buzz figurine, now you'll find out. "My Lightyear pitch was, 'what was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?' I wanted to see that movie," explains filmmaker Angus MacLane, who previously co-directed Finding Dory, and also worked as an animator on both Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. To tell that tale, MacLane's film follows Buzz on an intergalactic adventure — a trip that, as the just-dropped trailer for Lightyear shows, he's mighty excited about. Chris Evans swaps from wearing Captain America's spandex to voicing the spacesuit-wearing Buzz, and he's joined by a cast that includes Keke Palmer (Hustlers), Dale Soules (Orange is the New Black) and Taika Waititi (Free Guy) as new space ranger recruits. The film hits cinemas in June — reaching the big screen, unlike Pixar's past two releases Soul and Luca, as well as its soon-to-stream Turning Red — but the most adorable part of the Lightyear trailer right now belongs to Buzz's new robot cat companion Sox. Yes, you can already see how many toys that mechanical feline is certain to inspire. Check out the Lightyear trailer below: Lightyear will release in cinemas Down Under on June 16, 2022. Top image: © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like some creepy with your coffee? David Lynch takes advertising to dark places with this disturbing film promoting his signature coffee line. I'm curious as to exactly what David Lynch Signature Cup would taste like. Obviously it would depend on whether you choose the espresso blend, house roast or decaf. My intuition tells me Lynch likes his coffee strong, dark and somewhat syrupy – much like his genius mind. All the blends are all organic and fairly traded, as we learn from a bizarre dialogue between Lynch and the decapitated Barbie doll head he cradles in his hand. [Via Lost At E-Minor]
It might be one of Melbourne's most historic movie theatres, but Palace Westgarth will be embracing the new-school this summer, as it kicks off its 2017-18 al fresco cinema series. Launching this Saturday, December 2, the Capi Outdoor Cinema will make use of the Art Deco icon's backyard and rear wall, operating with high-definition headphones and rocking seats for 30 moviegoers. The courtyard space has been decked out with vibrant murals and upcycled furniture. Open all day, it's sure to be a comfy spot for pre- or post-film hangs as well. The program takes its cues from the rest of the Palace family, so expect a solid mix of art-house, new release and independent titles, kicking off at dusk each night. Upcoming films include the heartwarming Wonder, mega blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dark comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, and Oscars hopeful The Post. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper cinema-going experience without some top-notch drinks and snacks, so you'll find a tidy selection of toasties, cheese boards and choc tops, boutique wines and beers, and bottled cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Capi Outdoor Cinema at Palace Westgarth, 89 High St, Northcote. Grab your tickets here.
What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. That's the concept behind ABC TV show Spicks and Specks, which took a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pit Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. It was a weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011 — and it will be again in 2021. As fans will know, Spicks and Specks just keeps coming back; however, that has meant different things over the years. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it did so with a new host and team captains, for instance. And when it started to make a return with its original lineup of Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough, it first did so via a one-off reunion special. That 2018 comeback proved more than a little popular. It became the ABC's most-watched show of that year, in fact. So, the broadcaster then decided to drop four new Spicks and Specks specials across 2019–20, which you've probably been watching your way through over thee past year. When 2021 hits, the Spicks and Specks story will take another turn by bringing back the program in its regular format — and for a full season, too. Just when it'll kick off hasn't been announced, and neither has any of the show's new guests, but you can add playing along from your couch to your plans for next year. https://twitter.com/MyfWarhurst/status/1331444351625433088 In the interim, the program will drop the last of its recent batch of specials on at 7.40pm AEST on Sunday, December 20 — focusing on all the tracks, bangers, one hit wonders and more that released between 2010–2019. Spicks and Specks will return to ABC TV at a yet-to-be-revealed 2021 date, and for a regular full season. The show's 10s Special will air on ABC TV on Sunday, December 20 at 7.40pm — and its Ausmusic Special, 90s Special and 00s Special are all currently available to stream via ABC iView.
When Christmas rolls around each year, some folks go all out, decking every hall and wall with every decoration they can find. Others are lucky to remember to drag out their stockings on Christmas eve. Whichever category you fit into, and however you choose to show your festive spirit — or not — super-cute tiny trees should suit just about everyone. They're small, adorable, 100-percent living, suitable for homes of all sizes, and you can plant them in your garden afterwards. These trees hail from Australian plant delivery service Floraly, which focuses on sustainable blooms. Since 2019, it's also been doing a Christmas offering — and yes, it really is that time again, with pre-orders open now for deliveries starting in the second half of November. The big drawcard: those gorgeous living trees. If you're happy with a pint-sized version — because the traditional towering ornament-adorned showpiece isn't always practical, or wanted — then this tiny plant is about to make your festive dreams come true. 'Tis the season to order a 45–50-centimetre-tall tree that comes with decorations, fairy lights and a pop-up pot; then wait for it to be delivered; then feel mighty jolly. Sourced from farms in Victoria and New South Wales, and able to be sent Australia-wide, Floraly's trees also arrive with soil, baubles, bells and a tree-topper — so they really do look like miniature versions of the usual Christmas centrepiece. There are two versions available, so you can opt for red baubles and a gold star for the top, or go with white decorations and a silver star. In line with Floraly's eco-conscious mindset, its trees still have their root system intact. That means that once Christmas is over, you can replant them, keep them for some year-round merriment and then enjoy their splendour next year. The trees also come in fully recyclable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. If you're keen, you can order a small bundle of greenery from the Floraly website for $95. Fancy sending a tiny tree as a gift? You can do that too, adding in wine, champagne, beer, bottled cocktails, candles, skin care products, chocolate, cookies, Christmas puddings and more. Floraly's tiny Christmas trees are available to pre-order now by visiting the service's website, with deliveries starting in the second half of November.
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In 2022, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. [caption id="attachment_845125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.[/caption] Top image: 'Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections' at Melbourne Museum, installation shot by Tim Carrafa.
There are plenty of ways to describe something that's fun while it lasts, but finishes up prematurely. And yes, many of them could be followed by "title of your sex tape". So, with US TV network NBC announcing that beloved sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine will come to an end after its next season, we're sure you're going to be thinking about Jake Peralta's favourite retort for a while. We're sure the phrase will be uttered at least once in the show's final batch of episodes, too, with Brooklyn Nine-Nine due to wrap up with a ten-episode eighth season. Those final instalments won't air until either the second half of 2021 or the first half of 2022, so you have some time to come to terms with the news — and to prepare to say goodbye to Peralta (Andy Samberg), Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) and Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). And yes, even to farewell Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) as well. In response to the announcement, showrunner Dan Goor said that "ending the show was a difficult decision, but ultimately, we felt it was the best way to honour the characters, the story and our viewers". This definitely isn't a noice development, but if you've been following news headlines over the past year, ending B99 shouldn't come as much of a surprise. In response to 2020's Black Lives Matter protests — and their efforts to raise awareness about police brutality after the death of George Floyd — the first four scripts for the show's eighth season were scrapped. Several cast members, including Samberg, also spoke publicly about rethinking B99's approach in light of the events. https://twitter.com/nbcbrooklyn99/status/1359958366433341440 When the series ends, it'll do so after 153 episodes of Brooklyn-set antics, all based around the fictional 99th precinct — with quite a few Halloween heists thrown in. And, it'll cap off a tumultuous run for the show off-screen, because B99 was threatened with being axed for its entire first five seasons, and was even cancelled in May 2018. That move was made by Fox, its original American network; however, after an outcry followed, rival US channel NBC picked up the series just 31 hours later. It first committed to a sixth season of cop comedy, then picked it up for a seventh, and later renewed it for an eighth before that seventh season even aired. Whenever any B99 news hits — happy or sad — there are plenty of appropriate ways to mark this development. You could break out a sorrowful yoghurt, Terry Jeffords-style. If you're more like Captain Raymond Holt, perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to a trip to a barrel museum. You could also channel your inner Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) and dance about your distressed feelings, you could organise your entire house as you know Santiago would, or you say cheers to Peralta by watching Die Hard over and over. Brooklyn Nine-Nine will come to an end after its next — and eighth — season. The show's final ten episodes will air sometime either in the second half of 2021 or the first half of 2022 — we'll update you when more details are announced.
If Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar get teamed up again on-screen after Drop, don't be surprised. In a film set in a swanky sky-high Chicago restaurant, the two make a dream first-date pair. The importance of that shrewd casting move shouldn't be underestimated, because this thriller relies on its stars perfecting a number of complex tasks that are crucial to the feature's vibe. Viewers should feel the sparks between them, even when things get awkward. They need to want to like them as a couple, too. A layer of suspicion also has to float over Sklenar's Henry — but when Fahy's Violet is told by anonymous airdrops to kill him or there'll be grave consequences, no one should hope for that to happen. Directed by the Happy Death Day franchise and Freaky's Christopher Landon, Drop turns the initial in-person encounter been two people who've been connecting online into a fight for survival, and a puzzle. Inspired by IRL unrecognised messages coming producer Cameron Fuller (The Astronaut) and executive producer Sam Lerner's (The Goldbergs) ways on a holiday, the flick boasts a "what would you do?" scenario as well. In actuality, no one was told to get homicidal, of course, but that's what awaits Violet in a largely one-setting mystery where almost everybody is a suspect, tech surveillance and safety are also in focus, and the relatable fears that bubble up about the difference between how we present ourselves online and reality also drive the narrative. Landon's aim: to make a film with a modern Hitchcock feel that also takes inspiration from 90s thrillers, both things that audiences don't see every day in cinemas of late. That mix, that mission, that mood that Landon was looking for — and achieves — stood out to both The Bold Type, The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple's Fahy and 1923 and It Ends with Us' Sklenar. "It had a very clear point of view, which is part of what I found so attractive about the idea of it. I think it really knew what it wanted to do and knew what it was," Fahy tells Concrete Playground. Adds Sklenar: "it's a decisive film". Drop's villain is equally resolute: if Violet doesn't do what she's told or informs anyone about the instructions that she's being sent, this nightmare will impact her young son (debutant Jacob Robinson) and sister (Violett Beane, Death and Other Details). She can see on her home security cameras that someone has already broken into her house while she's out, waiting to harm her loved ones, all as she's attempting to be charismatic with Henry and uncover who is behind her hellish ordeal. Landon is purposeful himself, especially about plunging viewers into an immersive setup. The same applied with his cast and crew: to help those on the filmmaking journey with him, the production built a fully functioning restaurant to shoot in, right down to a real chef creating the menu. [caption id="attachment_1000353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.[/caption] Do real-life awkward date moments — including the highly relatable type when unease simmers, even if just to you, because small things have gone wrong but they feel huge inside your head — assist when that's what you're enlisted to navigate? "We've all had those kinds of experiences," Fahy advises. "Definitely," chimes in Sklenar, noting that he "can't do mouth noises". The duo riff about it. "Like chewing and stuff," says Fahy. "That would be a thing for me," stresses Sklenar. "Makes you twitch. I get that. Noted," responds Fahy again. As the two bounce back and forth while speaking with us, they're in the same bantering mode that Violent and Henry are early in the movie, and charmingly, before the picture's date is saddled with life-and-death stakes. Drop places Fahy in another twisty mystery, as The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple both have in the last few years. With survivors of abuse also factoring into the storyline, as was the case in It Ends with Us, Sklenar is similarly in familiar territory. Symmetry also echoes in the two talents' paths to here, after starting out as actors at around the same time — onstage in the late 00s for Fahy, and in 2011 film Cornered for Sklenar — then working their way through the likes of One Life to Live, Political Animals, Miss Sloane, Mapplethorpe, Vice and Emily the Criminal between them to their recent respective TV successes. Amid jokes from the pair about their parallels, plus also potential other genres that Drop could've taken its thriller-slash-relationship drama into, we chatted with Fahy and Sklenar about the latest standout addition to their resumes. How pivotal it was for the movie to be as invested in the date as in the unnerving airdrops, shooting in the film's very own restaurant, Violet's survival story, approaching the picture as a long play: they all came up as well. On How Crucial It Is That the Film Is Invested in the Date, and in the Relationship at Its Centre, as Much as Its Horror-Thriller Setup Brandon: "It was important." Meghann: "I think it's part of what totally is so fun about the movie, because it has a romantic component to it, it is sort of a date movie, but it is also kind of a thriller. You get both. It's very much a hybrid." Brandon: "There was a sci-fi element early on, but we took that out — we just thought it was too genre-bending." Meghann: "But I think ultimately the story is about this relationship, and these two people who really are connecting in a way that is important and new for both of them. And it would be a great date if she didn't have to kill him." Brandon: "Yeah, it would be." Meghann: "It would be great." Brandon: "And in the end, it ends up being a good thing, I think. I think that it's not all bad." Meghann: "Nope." On Shooting in a Fully Functioning Restaurant That Was Created Just for the Film, Right Down to a Real Chef Whipping Up the Menu Meghann: "It was hugely helpful. I mean, you're in the environment, and it's so real that there's not even a big weird movie light in your face. It's just the lighting on the table and in the ceiling, so you really genuinely walk onto that set and you think 'I'm in a restaurant right now'. Which is incredible. It was very realistic." Brandon: "Yeah, it was." On Fahy's Task Digging Into Violet's Survival Story, and What It Takes to for Her to Keep Enduring Meghann: "I think that the way that we meet Violet is so violent and disturbing, and it has so much to do with her journey as a woman after that — and how she interacts with him, and why she's so nervous to go on the date in the first place. And so it's hugely informative, and was something that Chris and I talked about a lot, because it was so important that we honour her journey into moving on and having a healthy relationship — and being happy and feeling brave, and getting outside of herself and trusting herself. And I think that's what feels so good about this film, is the audience really gets to see her kind of become her own superhero. And it's just so wonderful to see that happen." On How Sklenar Approached Portraying Someone That Viewers Have to Remain on Edge with and Suspicious of, But Also Still Want to Like Brandon: "I think that there's a small degree of being aware of the plot and where it's moving, and trying to mislead the audience consciously in a certain way — and how you look at somebody or how you speak a line, or maybe a moment that you do that isn't scripted necessarily to misdirect the audience. And other than that, I think that it's on the page, mostly. And then, in just finding a rhythm with Meghann, and doing these scenes — it's essentially one giant scene, because it's in real time as soon as we get to the restaurant. So it's one 70-something-page scene." Meghann: "Yeah." Brandon: "And I prepared it like that. I memorised it like a play. And then you just show up and do it, and it just requires a great deal of presence and being present, as it is really like an acting exercise. And just being as present as you possibly can be." Meghann: "I don't think he gives himself enough credit for how interesting he made that character and how many tiny, nuanced things he layered into Henry, but it was really impressive." On Whether Fahy's Run of Twisty Mysteries, Including The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple, Is an Active Choice or How Great Parts Have Come Her Way Meghann: "I guess it's a little bit of both, to be honest with you. It is a genre that I really enjoy myself when I'm watching stuff, and it's super fun to make. So yeah, I think it's kind of — it was never consciously something I was chasing. I think it's just how things worked out. But yeah, there's definitely a mixture of both of those things for sure." On Fahy and Sklenar's Similar Journeys to Drop, After Starting Acting Around the Same Time and Enjoying Recent Small-Screen Successes (Including in 1923 for Sklenar) Brandon: "I guess we kind of do have paralleled situations. Same age. Kind of hitting it at the same time." Meghann: "Same hair." Brandon: "Same hair? Yeah, both Irish. I think that it's cool. I mean, I wouldn't have it any other way." Meghann:"Yeah, me either." Brandon: "I think there's something, there's a certain appreciation you have for the journey when you're not, I think, in your early 20s and you reach a certain level of success, and you've sort of worked at it for a really long time and tried to improve yourself personally along the way — because I'm a firm believer that the external is just a reflection of the internal. And neither of us would be sitting here at this table had we not grown as human beings outside of this crazy thing we decided to do with our lives. So that's imperative. And I think they're one and the same, and it's just a testament to keeping at it." [caption id="attachment_1000366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages[/caption] Meghann: "Yeah, taking it as it comes." Brandon: "And trying to do the best you can." Meghann: "Yeah, day by day. 100 percent. I completely agree." Drop opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Few countries are as geographically diverse as Australia. We have snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests, red deserts and long-stretching beaches. At these idyllic locations are some of the country's most luxe experiences, letting us explore all that our country has to offer. With the holiday season fast approaching, why not give the gift of travel to the luxury lover in your life? After all, you can't really top a trip away. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to round up ten of indulgent experiences to get your mate (or whoever, really) who loves a fabulous gift. Whether you book them in for a high-flying feed at Australia's most boundary-pushing museum or get them a voucher to a five-star hotel, these experiences provide a much-needed dose of escapism. Play your cards right and you might score an invite, too.
The best time to enjoy Victoria's High Country isn't only when the snow is falling. In the summer months the ski slopes transform into bucolic hiking trails. Alongside top-notch dining, cultural events and mountain accommodation, Mount Buller and its surrounds provide a brilliant summer escape. In collaboration with Victoria's High Country, we're highlighting just some of the top reasons to explore Mount Buller this summer and reconnect with nature in one of the most stunning settings Victoria has to offer. [caption id="attachment_833255" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] EXPLORE AN AUSTRALIAN FILM ICON AT CRAIG'S HUT Consider yourself a bit of an Aussie cinema buff? Head to the High Country this summer and explore Craig's Hut — the iconic setting featured in The Man From Snowy River. Since being built for the film, this landmark has become a popular waystation for people navigating the inland wilderness during the warmer months. As well as the chance to see one of our nation's defining cinematic settings, a visit to Craig's Hut also offers endless countryside vistas thanks to its prime position atop Clear Hills. Whether you drive, hike, mountain bike or — like the titular film character — ride a horse to the hut, you'll want to pack a picnic to soak up the views. Don't want to carry your lunch with you? Then, book a spot on a local tour to hear mountain tales over a catered dinner. [caption id="attachment_832800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] TAKE A STROLL TO BINDAREE FALLS As the weather heats up, a visit to Bindaree Falls becomes increasingly appealing. Tucked deep in dense bushland, this scenic waterfall provides the perfect pitstop on a hot summer's day. After a short stroll to a viewing platform conveniently placed behind the cascades, you can cool off with a refreshing spray of fresh water. With access limited for much of the year, the warmer months ensure adventurers can drive to within a 10-minute walk of the falls. And thanks to its setting within Mansfield State Forest, Bindaree Falls is an ideal place to pause during a forested hike or walk between historic mountain huts in the surrounding area. [caption id="attachment_833256" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] HIKE THE HIGH COUNTRY Criss-crossing Mount Buller's slopes is an incredible experience in wintertime. But the euphoria is just the same when you undertake a stunning summer hike through the region. Although there are numerous paths to choose from, the Summit Nature Walk is an easygoing way to enjoy the alpine flora and fauna. Time your walk with sunset to see the sky and surrounding scenery slowly change colour. Elsewhere, the Little Mount Buller trail is a slightly more undulating seven-kilometre circuit that sees you wander through a plain of snow gums before being treated to some striking mountain views. For an even tougher but no less spectacular challenge, the Delatite River Trail Walk features a dozen log bridge river crossings over its nearly ten kilometres. SIT BACK AND RELAX AT ABOM BISTRO For a laidback meal at the heart of the mountain make a stop into ABOM Bistro. Located along Athlete's Walk in the middle of Mount Buller's bustling village, this long-standing Buller go-to is the place to grab a tasty lunch or dinner in cosy, chalet-inspired surrounds. And although the mulled wine has been replaced by chilled beers, you and your holiday crew will enjoy this popular après-ski destination. ABOM Bistro also offers great accommodation so you can take your time and stay overnight, then explore the hills even more the next day. OR, REFUEL IN STYLE AT BIRDCAGE If you're looking for somewhere a little fancier, Birdcage has you covered. Just a few doors down from ABOM Bistro, you'll be presented with outstanding food, coffee and cocktails that provide a buzzy metropolitan vibe on the mountainside. Open from breakfast, find favourites like smashed avo and truffle scrambled eggs. As the kitchen roars into life later in the day, head along to feast on heartier options like chicken ribs, wagyu beef burgers, and prawn and ginger dumplings. Stop in for happy hour and split a refreshing gin and elderflower cocktail jug with your crew to round out the experience. [caption id="attachment_832801" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] HAVE A PICNIC AT THE SUMMIT The idea of a sunset picnic at the summit of Mount Buller might sound more appealing than spending your afternoon in the bar. And with genuinely awe-inspiring perspectives to uncover across every side of the mountain, who could blame you? Drop into the well-stocked Buller Grocer to find everything from fresh fruit and deli meats to wine and spirits — including an excellent range of local produce from nearby growers — take your swag up to the peak for a delightful al fresco session. UNWIND AT MT BULLER CHALET Spending a few days exploring the High Country is a heavenly idea. But you're going to need somewhere cosy to rest your head after all those activities. The Mt Buller Chalet is our pick, thanks to its range of well-appointed rooms and suites that are backdropped by impressive views of the mountain range outside. Its ideal location in the heart of the village also makes it the perfect place from which to set off on your adventures. Need a bit of R&R? Head to the on-site spa, sauna or indoor pool for some me time, or get the blood flowing with a workout in the fully equipped gym. [caption id="attachment_841127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarritos Mexican Soda (Unsplash)[/caption] ENJOY A MEXICAN FIESTA WITH A VIEW You're invited to indulge in some of Mount Buller's best local producers, growers and foodie delights at Long Lunch, a regular event series showcasing the region's diverse culinary landscape. The upcoming long lunch takes place on 5 March, and will see the much-loved winter go-to Bullrun Cantina turned into a high-altitude fiesta. There'll be a wide range of Mexican fare on offer — think slow-smoked meats, tostadas, fresh chilli, salsa, mole and more — as well as an excellent selection of tequila, all of which can be enjoyed with sweeping views of the high country beyond and a live soundtrack provided by the talented Blues Roulette ensemble. If you're looking for an excuse to eat, drink and dance the day away with spectacular views to boot, make sure you get yourself a ticket before they're all sold out. For more information on things to see and do at Mount Buller this summer, head to the Victoria's High Country website. Plan and book your activities and accommodation at the Mount Buller website. Top image: Victoria's High Country
The Mount Erica Hotel has seen some things. Back when it was established as the area's first licensed venue in 1853, the corner of Williams Road and High Street was considered a bush setting. After two decades of operation, it was then rebuilt after a bushfire (yes, a bushfire) tore through the building. In the 140 years that have followed, the site has been through many iterations — some more successful than others. But the old Prahran boozer has been a constant even while the suburb around it has changed. The team behind Fitzroy's Marquis of Lorne are the current custodians of Melbourne's oldest pub. The dining space has a theatrical, lobby lounge feel, clad in warm timber panelling and tailored tartan, while the lounge plays with dark blue and teal to create a laidback gathering place, complete with quirky art and a fireplace. The menu centres on simplicity and sophistication with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern touches. Chef Sean Donovan describes the offering as "modern, fresh, produce-driven food", with a twist: a charcoal rotisserie. Chicken, beef, lamb, seafood and vegetables get the smoky treatment, bringing out the best of the season's produce. Classic pub crowd-pleasers like sausages, fish and chips and chicken parmas are still core to the menu. The staples are joined by plenty of lighter seafood and vegetable dishes; you can snack on salt cod fritters and fresh oysters before moving on to the smoked trout and endive salad or the retro-inspired prawn cocktail. With a range of 12 beers across 30 taps, you'll never be short of something new to try in the booze department. In addition to Melbourne's standard brews, you'll find local pilsners, pales and golden ales from the likes of Sample, Stomping Ground, Balter and Wolf of the Willows, as well as some hop-heavy and sour varieties from Kiwi breweries Epic and Liberty. Likewise, the wine list pairs straightforward classics with quirkier drops, all at a price point that'll keep your bank balance happy. Keep an eye out for the four cocktail taps with mixes rotating seasonally. There's no single demographic — all are welcome here. Whether it's a Sunday spritz on the terrace, a roast dinner with the folks or a post-work pint, the Mount Erica Hotel is the place to go. Images: Frances Parker.
Moors Head are not making what comes to mind when you think pizza; they are actually aiming to make 'inauthentic pizza'. These inauthentic pizzas come in the form of pides and manoushes. It's pizza given a Lebanese twist and it's good folks, it's really good. Try the Sultan Mehmet, a pide filled with tomato, lamb ma'anek, red pepper, feta, and black olives. If you and your friends and particularly hungry, you can go all in on an inauthentic feast, which comes with Turkish delight and mint tea for dessert. Images (exterior): Julia Sansone
When the weather starts to cool down, curling up with a book is a tried-and-tested way to get cosy and make the most of the indoors. Perhaps that's why autumn has also become writers' festival season in some Australian cities. Both Sydney and Melbourne's fests are returning in 2025, each in May. Melburnians can livestream along with the Harbour City's event, which announced its program earlier in March — but there's nothing like heading along in-person at home. Melbourne Writers Festival's 2025 lineup has just been unveiled, revealing the first roster of talks, panels and more under Festival Director Veronica Sullivan. In her initial year at the helm, she has curated a four-day program that'll run from Thursday, May 8—Sunday, May 11. Irish authors Marian Keyes and Colm Tóibín, Booker Prize-winner Samantha Harvey and The Ministry of Time scribe Kaliane Bradley: they're among the big names on the bill. Given their close timing, Melbourne and Sydney's festivals do share some guests. All of the above talents are doing double duty, hitting both cities, for instance. In the Victorian capital, Keyes will look back at her career, Tóibín has Brooklyn sequel Long Island to discuss, Harvey will dig into the International Space Station-set Orbital and Bradley has one of the texts of 2024 to talk about. Also on MWF's bill like SWF's, to name just a few more: Entitlement's Rumaan Alam, Discriminations' AC Grayling, The Safekeep's Yael van der Wouden and Detransition, Baby's Torrey Peters, with the latter the first openly trans woman nominated for the Women's Prize for Fiction. The theme uniting Sullivan's debut Melbourne Writers Festival lineup: magical thinking. Expect that notion to shine through whether France-based Australian Sarah Wilson is pondering living meaningfully, Argentine writer Mariana Enríque is exploring her latest collection of short stories, Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama is tasked with examining the state of his preferred literary medium, Butter's Asako Yuzuki or Twist's Colum McCann are behind the microphone, or fantasy is in the spotlight with Lady's Knight's Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman. Hannah Kent on her non-fiction debut Always Home, Always Homesick, Unsettled's Kate Grenville, The Belburd's Nardi Simpson, music icon Jimmy Barnes, a feminist walking tour, live recordings of podcasts Culture Club and The Psychology of Your 20s, a MWF session of Queerstories: you'll find them all at this years' festival, too. Then there's a panel on the Voice referendum, overseen by the fest's First Nations Curator Daniel Browning, with Ben Abbatangelo, Thomas Mayo and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts getting chatting. The usual approach to the program applies: if you're a word nerd, no matter your preferred genre or topic, there's likely something on offer for you across the full slate. "I'm thrilled to share our 2025 program. Across four packed days this May, some of Australia and the world's most-brilliant and -incisive writers and thinkers will gather in our City of Literature to celebrate the alchemy of storytelling, and the power of imagination to open doors we never thought possible," said Sullivan, announcing the program. "At this year's Festival, audiences will encounter Booker Prize winners, inspiring memoirists, genre-defying storytellers, acute political analysts, vibrant podcasters, transcendent musicians, shimmering poets and emerging voices whose work will shape Australian literature in years to come." [caption id="attachment_994843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reynaldo Rivera[/caption] Melbourne Writers Festival 2025 runs from Thursday, May 8—Sunday, May 11 at a variety of venues around Melbourne. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
Spring in Victoria means one gorgeous thing: the stunning annual Blossom Festival descending upon CherryHill Orchards for four weeks of quintessential springtime revelry. From Monday, September 9–Sunday, October 6, the Yarra Ranges orchard will come alive to celebrate the new cherry blossom season — though there's much more on offer here than an abundance of beautiful blooms. Visitors will be able to enjoy cherry-infused sips, cherry ice cream and plenty of live tunes while they stroll through the rows of blossoming trees. Once you've worked up a thirst and a hunger, you can soak up some spring sunshine while sipping vinos from the orchard's neighbour Rochford Wines or enjoy a high tea experience surrounded by flowering cherry trees (hosted by Mary Eats Cake). If the superb scenery has inspired your creative side, there's also a program of hands-on, family-friendly workshops running throughout the festival, including candle-making, cake decorating, perfume workshops and jewellery-making classes. And if you're in the mood for romance, you can precede your visit with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, thanks to the folks at Global Ballooning. And for the first time ever, CherryHill is hosting evening events in the orchards, illuminating the Wandin East Orchard from Friday, September 20–Sunday, September 29 with an array of colourful lights. Adult general admission throughout the first week is $12 (and kids go for free), while adult tickets for the rest of the festival can range from $12–$18 depending on the day (kids' prices also range from being free to $8.50). Finally, just like last year, dogs are welcome to join your blossom adventures.
Best known to bargain hunters all over Melbourne, Mutual Muse is quietly one of the best consignment stores in the city. Focusing on sustainable fashion and sourcing garments made from natural fibres, the store invites anyone to drop by with a bag of their best threads and sell them for a profit of either 50 percent store credit or 25 percent cold hard cash. It's the perfect system to create a store that feels just like you're diving into your best friends closest. Particularly if that best friend loves local brands like Obus, Kuwaii and Gorman — although household names like Country Road and Zimmerman make appearances, too. You can also check out Mutual Muse's original shop at 687 High Street, Thornbury.
Talking to an audience, or one-to-one, former-billionaire Chris Anderson still comes across as pretty approachable. Anderson is curator — and owner — of the smart, global talk-fest, TED, where talks are notes-free and never more than 18 minutes long. Anderson was in Australia last weekend for TEDxSydney's 2012 collection of talks about robots, quantum computing, imaginary friends and the durability of dirty words. After all but one of the other speakers had taken to the stage, Anderson spoke briefly about TED-Ed, which combines videos and mash-ups into a kind of "magic blackboard", and the Worldwide Talent Search for TED2013. After he left the stage, Concrete Playground was lucky enough to sit down with Chris Anderson for almost exactly a TED Talk's worth of time. You come across, from a distance, as very gentle. Do you find that helps you run a big conference like TED? I don't think anyone's ever asked me that before. Interesting. I think I probably am gentle. Maybe I'm gentle. There's lots of ways to run a business. And I do many of them really badly: but I do have a great team. And TED has a life of its own. So, it's amazing to see it take off around the world. Every day is a surprise. Teenagers get ignored a lot in public. Why did you pick teenagers as your target for TED-Ed? Well, our existing talks are aimed at adults and are certainly devoured by a lot of university-age students. And a little bit in schools. But they're not optimised for school use. They're too long. They displace too much class time. They're aimed at adults. And so, given that ideas matter most for people whose world views are still being formed, and given how important education is to everyone's future, we kind of have no choice, but to do something for that age group. And we spent a lot of time thinking about it. And talking to teachers, and listening. And this is where we've ended up. We've got a lot of interest among 18 and up. And we just wanted to move down. And maybe, if this is successful, we'll continue the trip down. Towards, you know, birth. [laughs] What was school life like for you? You talk a lot about better ways of education. Is that informed from a bad experience or a good experience when you were younger? I was brought up in an international school in the Himalayas in India. And it was a fabulous experience, actually. In fact, if I had a wish … if every kid could spend a few years in an international school, a lot of issues would go away. Because, without even trying, you end up a global soul. And, you know, all the big problems in the world are essentially global problems. So, it would be nice if the people who were trying to solve them were taking a global perspective instead of a tribal perspective, which is why we can't solve a lot of what's out there. So, no — it was a wonderful experience. It was lots of time outdoors. Lots of time in nature. And an incredible cast of characters in the school. So, it was great. I watched the TED-Ed talk 'Questions no one knows the answers to'. I really enjoyed that one. When do you think we might know the answers to some of those questions? You're in a good position to have an idea. There was a bunch of different questions thrown into there. I mean, one of the questions — about 'Why aren't we seeing alien life?' — I think there really is chance that in the next fifteen years that we learn a lot on the question. There's a lot of technologies coming online that will allow real spectroscopic information from nearby planets. We might be able to detect vegetation. There's a lot of things that might show up. And we're involved in this project right now to open up, crowd-source, the search as well. To get millions of people looking for signals, not just a few scientists. I would die happy, if we found real contact with another intelligent species out there. It would be totally thrilling. What do you think might be some of the new questions, once we get rid of the old ones? I certainly think it's right that the more we know, the more questions we have. Reality is infinitely complex. And you have to just view it as: each step of the journey is interesting, exciting and useful. I think I've said before that learning something is a different psychological process to consuming something. That most things we do have a law of diminishing returns. You eat ice-cream, and the fourth and fifth taste aren't quite as nice as the first taste. Knowledge — it actually works the other way. The more you know about the world, the more your sense of wonder explodes. And that's actually really cool. That gives me a lot of hope for the future of TED for one thing. You've said before that there's always one talk that really surprises you. What really surprised you today? I thought the talk on quantum computing was mind-blowing. And if quantum computers come along, all bets are off as to what that means for technology. Charles C Mann wrote a great book called 1491 updating America's pre-Colombian history with things he thought every kid should know. What do you think that grown-ups, kids, should know at the moment, much more generally? I think one of the things is how flawed and quirky human nature is. We don't yet have that mental model. A lot of kids are brought up to believe that they're special snowflakes, or [that] their only job in life is to find their passion and it'll all be okay. And the truth is we're really complex biological machines. And we do a lot of things amazingly, and we do a lot of things really badly, actually. Because we evolved for a different era, and a different set of environmental requirements. And so, knowing that, and learning to navigate around that is a really important part of education. What are you reading right now? Do you have time to read? Less time. I think that's probably true of everyone. We're launching this TED Books initiative, based on shorter books. On the idea that most ideas don't have to be expressed at 80,000 or 100,000 words. They can actually be expressed in maybe 20,000 words. So, TED Talk: 2,500 words. TED book: 20,000 words. Then, non-fiction book: 80,000 words. So, there's a sort of niche there. And it means that you can sit down and read in an hour and a half. I think that's actually a great length. So that's what I'm reading right now: we're going to be publishing these new TED books, one every two weeks. And I'm reading a lot of those. And they're pretty cool. Are you happy? I am happy. Most of my life I've been happy. They say it's seventy percent hard-wired, and the rest is magic. I'm unbelievably lucky —I've got one of the world's most enjoyable jobs, surely. And you know I get to see this thing growing in a way I couldn't have imagined. I'm married to an amazing woman who's a much better impacter of the world than I am. [laughs] So, yeah. I'm a lucky person. Photo by the amazing Enzo Amato, and additional assistance by Tully Rosen.
If it's a challenge you seek, try travelling the depths of Scandinavia on a budget. Many are deterred from visiting the region based on how expensive it's known to be, but we're here to tell you that even the most frugal person who dreams of traversing these extrafjordinary countries can make it happen. And it's hella worth it. Travelling through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland is never going to be as budget-friendly as backpacking around Southeast Asia, but there are always ways to cut down on expenditure — whether it's kayaking down a fjord, teaching yourself Swedish or eating Norwegian hot dogs for every meal. Here are our top tips. [caption id="attachment_604853" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Holbergsgade, Copenhagen, Denmark. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr.[/caption] GET ON YER BIKE Well, someone else's bike. Public transport tickets in Scandinavian countries pummel the wallet. A two-hour bus ticket in Oslo or Copenhagen will cost you about AUD$20. Instead, hire a bike. You can find them for as low as AUD$40 a day. These cities are seriously built for cycling; in Copenhagen bikes outnumber cars, and it's unrivalled as the world's best city for cycling, with endless and impeccable bike lanes and parking. If you're staying in an Airbnb, don't be afraid to ask if your host has a bike you can borrow — just give them a little extra cash for it. [caption id="attachment_604839" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Svolvær, Lotofen Islands, Norway.[/caption] LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION Most of the time, hostels are more expensive than renting an Airbnb. Even the cheapest of Airbnb's are great alternatives — Scandinavians have an embedded sense of style, so most apartments are a pleasure to stay in. From our experience, they're often decked out with chic furniture and kitchen utensils you never knew existed. If staying in an actual building is too mainstream for you, try a 'botel' (a boat converted into a hotel). The canals of Stockholm's Södermalm are lined with long budget-friendly botels such as The Red Boat and Mälardrottningen. [caption id="attachment_604830" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tjuvholmen, Oslo, Norway.[/caption] MAKE USE OF THE NATURAL WATERWAYS Mother Nature favoured Scandinavia with plunging fjords and glistening lakes — and they're totally free to swim in. You don't need to be in the countryside to find these either — salvation by H20 can also be found in the big cities. Stockholm's canals, amazingly, are clean enough to swim in. Notable spots include Långholmen and Liljeholmsviken. Oslo's city centre has a fjord at its doorstep, and in the summer people flock to Tjuvholmen, a small beach located near the Opera House for their dose of refreshment. [caption id="attachment_604841" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aurland, Norway.[/caption] WHEN IN NORWAY, GO COUNTRY To travel to the fjord-packed lands of Norway ignites something in everyone. Don't be surprised if you spot seven waterfalls at once, or are startled by a gang of elk galloping by. Getting to the countryside may not be cheap, but you'll find yourself immediately inspired. Even if you're not usually a hiker, you'll get into it here. Norway, Sweden and Finland also have this nifty little law known as 'the freedom to roam', which guarantees everyone's right to access uncultivated lands. This means you can virtually camp anywhere that isn't classified as private property. So buy yourself a tent and get going. [caption id="attachment_604831" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Triangeln Station, Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] BOOK TRANSPORT TICKETS IN THE COUNTRY'S NATIVE LANGUAGE Sure, this is a little risky. But if you book a ticket in English, chances are the price will rise. It's the equivalent to waving your arms around screaming 'hi, I'm a tourist, exploit me!'. For instance, booking an overnight ferry on Hurtigruten from Norway's iconic Lofoten Islands up to the northern city of Tromsø will cost you about $350 if you book in English. Ain't no one got money like that for one night in a pitch black cabin with no window — even Jack had it better on the Titanic. Book in Norwegian, and you'll save about $150. You'll find that Scandinavian languages have some level of mutual intelligibility with English. But if you're still not 100 percent sure, ask a local to assist you. [caption id="attachment_604855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Chris Street via Flickr.[/caption] CHOOSE A KAYAK OVER A DAY CRUISE Kayaking is significantly cheaper than day cruises of fjords and canals. You'll see the same thing — and arguably more — on a kayak. Plus, it's an opportunity to work off all that softis (an addictive Norwegian soft serve ice-cream) you guzzled down the day before. [caption id="attachment_604859" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: David Blangstrup via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE SUPERMARKETS YOUR BEST FRIEND Food in these countries is notoriously expensive, and if you're eating out, it adds up quickly. And while you should save some moolah to tuck into a few local delicacies — Swedish meatballs, anyone? — native food isn't really the region's strong point, so you won't be missing out on too much. Cook at every chance you get. Aldi, Rema 1000, Coop and Netto are a few supermarkets look out for. Speaking of groceries, buy them in Denmark and take them overseas. 'Don't leave without going to the supermarket!' is a common phrase for Danish people leaving the country to hear. Denmark's goods are significantly cheaper than anywhere else, so stock up before moving on. [caption id="attachment_604846" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] GO TO MALMÖ Malmö is Sweden's cosmopolitan underdog. It's the country's third largest city and has too much to offer. Firstly, going there after spending some time in Stockholm is totally relieving on the money front. Secondly, it's plump with modern museums, medieval buildings and stunning parks — you'll never be bored. And thirdly, the city is made up of 150 ethnicities, meaning the variety of cuisines on offer is extensive. You'll find Middle Eastern wraps almost every 300 metres, as well as your breakfast croissants and baguettes. It's also a great point of access to Copenhagen. All it takes is a 25-minute train ride over the Øresund Bridge to cross countries. [caption id="attachment_604857" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Ruocaled via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE USE OF IKEA Yes, we're serious. Among the many amazing things to come out of Sweden is the glorious adult's playground, IKEA. The store offers a free shuttle bus from Stockholm's city centre, where you can indulge in a meal of Swedish meatballs topped with lingonberry, gravy and complemented with mash potato, all for a whopping AUD$6. [caption id="attachment_604851" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Francisco Antunes via Flickr.[/caption] EAT HOTDOGS Cheap, tasty, everywhere. Top it with some sprøstekt løk (Norwegian dried onion flakes) and you'll be laughing. And totally satisfied. [caption id="attachment_604832" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oslo Opera House, Norway.[/caption] FIND FREE ACTIVITIES (YES, THERE ARE SOME) Scandinavia has no shortage of insane buildings — there's enough to impress the biggest design aficionado you know, right down to those with no interest in architecture at all. You could spend hours waltzing around Oslo's iconic Opera House, or visiting Holmenkollen, one of the city's old ski jumps that has been converted into a museum. That's among endless design, naval, and Viking museums scattered around each country. [caption id="attachment_604850" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danish Design Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark.[/caption] SEEK OUT STUDENT DISCOUNTS The joys of being a student. If you're lucky enough to still be one, you can get discounts on selected transport tickets, museum tickets and more. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will be accepted at most places, but others will accept your university student card if you're lucky. Caterina Hrysomallis is a food and travel writer based in Melbourne, and is pretty nifty with a budget. All photos are her own unless otherwise stated.
When 2022 began, it kicked off with famous faces stranded in the Australian outback, all thanks to local streaming platform Stan. Zac Efron did the honours in the film Gold, while Jamie Dornan lost his memory amid this sunburnt country of ours in six-part TV thriller The Tourist — and if you were a fan of the incredibly easy-to-binge latter, it's coming back again for another round of twists and turns. The BBC, which also had a hand in The Tourist, has announced that season two of the hit series is on its way. The British broadcaster also revealed that the show is its highest-rating series of 2022 so far, so stumping up for more is hardly surprising. Screenwriters Harry and Jack Williams (Baptiste, The Missing, Liar) will return; however, the BBC is keeping quiet on details otherwise, including around timing, casting and storyline. Accordingly, whether Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Belfast's Dornan will be back, where the six new episodes will be set, what plot they'll follow and when they'll hit your streaming queue is still all under wraps. If you haven't yet watched the The Tourist's first season, it starred Dornan as a man caught up in a mystery, and unfurled its specifics in cliffhanger-heavy instalments. It also had fun with its premise — and its onslaught of twists and turns. It knew that zigzagging thrillers that work from a clearcut roadmap should make their familiar pieces feel anything but, and should take their audience along for a wild ride. And, it was well aware that that should all be the case even when largely driving down a recognisable road. Playing an Irish traveller in Australia, Dornan's character's name doesn't matter at first, when he's using the bathroom at a petrol station in the middle of nowhere. But after he's run off the road by a steamrolling long-haul truck shortly afterwards, he desperately wishes he could remember his own moniker, plus everything else about his past. Local Constable Helen Chalmers (Danielle Macdonald, French Exit) takes a shine to him anyway; however, piecing together his history is far from straightforward. His other immediate questions: why is he in the middle of Australia, why does a bomb go off in his vicinity and why is he getting calls from a man trapped in an underground barrel? A well-greased concept, a confident approach, clever plotting, a fabulous cast: they're all on offer across the first season, and they all hit their marks. Add the script's smattering of memorable, nearly Coen brothers-esque lines and, whether hurtling in a straight line or zipping quickly around unexpected corners, The Tourist was easily 2022's first must-binge show. Here's hoping the same proves true of season two — whenever it drops, and whatever it's about. Check out the trailer for first season of The Tourist below: The Tourist's first season is available to stream viaStan in Australia and TVNZ On Demand in New Zealand — and you can also read our full review. We'll update you with further details about the show's second season when they're announced.
Four Australian female composers. Four singers. Four dramatic operatic works inspired by mythology, literature and rare Australian birds. World premiering on one night. Streaming on the Carriageworks Facebook page at 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, April 25, the four-part Breaking Glass was meant to be performed inside the physical arts precinct from March 8–April 4, but its temporarily closure forced the show's premiere online. Presented by Sydney Chamber Opera and Carriageworks together with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Composing Women Program, Breaking Glass is broken into four one-act operas by female composers. There's Commute by Peggy Polias, which combines Homer's Iliad with a modern women's uneasy walk home at night; Josephine Macken's terrifying The Tent inspired by Margaret Atwood's writing; The Invisible Bird by Bree van Reyk, telling the true tale of a rare Australian parrot; and Georgia Scott's Her Dark Marauder, which uses Sylvia Plath's poetry to explore a women's battle for identity. If you can't already tell, these aren't your typical operas. Expect electronic music, "abstract aural soundscapes", smoke surrounding performers, kaleidoscopic digital projections and stories firmly planted in the 21st century. Breaking Glass world premieres on Carriageworks' Facebook page at 7.30pm. Images: Daniel Boud
From luminous coral to majestic jellyfish, the deep blue ocean is home to no shortage of natural masterpieces. And some of its most luminous critters are about to be celebrated with their own dedicated digital exhibition when Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium unveils its latest multi-sensory attraction: Submerged. The aquarium's debut outing into the digital realm, Submerged will run from mid-February until December, taking centre stage while Sea Life's sprawling Oceanarium display is undergoing renovations. The immersive all-ages exhibition invites you to explore the fascinating depths of the bioluminescent underwater world, where organisms produce and emit light using chemical reactions. Expect breathtaking, hyperrealistic displays of colour and light, depicting phenomena like glittering beaches scattered with spawning creatures, and the tiny firefly squid that light up the deep waters off Japan. The aquarium's offering will look a little different in 2023 thanks to the Oceanarium's upgrade works and closure, though this striking interactive exhibition will be here to offer a big dose of ocean magic in its place. Alongside Submerged, you'll also be able to catch numerous other displays and installations, starring creatures like fish, turtles, penguins, jellyfish and sharks. Pinjarra the saltwater crocodile will also remain on show for those who want to say g'day. Access to Submerged is included in the cost of a general aquarium ticket. Submerged will be on show at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium from mid-February until December. You can find out more and grab tickets over at the website.
