If escaping into Australia's great outdoors, putting one foot in front of the other, and combining a leisurely walk — or an energetic hike — with soaking in the scenery is your idea of bliss, the past few weeks keep delivering welcome news. Firstly, the Snowy Mountains became home to a new nine-kilometre section of its Snowies Alpine Walk, complete with Australia's highest suspension bridge. Then, the New South Wales Government announced a massive 91-kilometre waterfront walking track from the Sydney Opera House to Parramatta. Now, still in NSW, the Gondwana Rainforests have been earmarked for a new excuse to get moseying, too. As part of NSW's 2022-23 budget, Treasurer Matt Kean has added the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk to the list of upcoming projects that the state's residents and travellers alike can look forward to. Scoring $56.4-million in budget funding, it'll span 46 kilometres, all through stunning rainforest surroundings on the state's mid-north coast. And, there'll be two- and four-day route options. Your starting point: a new Arc Rainforest Centre, which'll come complete with a stunning-looking hanging boardwalk that'll overlook the World Heritage spot. From there, as you roam along the trail, you'll wander over three suspension bridges. There'll also be four low-impact walkers' hut precincts, as well as new camping areas — because if you're committing to taking the full multi-day trek, you'll need somewhere to slumber along the route. That budget cash will also go towards the Arc Rainforest Centre, which is designed to be an attraction in itself thanks to its viewing platform. It'll also include a new treetop skywalk, which'll feature an upper and lower deck so you can still make the most of it when it's raining — and spiralling walkways that'll take you down into the rainforest, to the existing six-kilometre Wonga Walk as well as the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk. Back on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk itself, it'll meander through the Dorrigo and Bindarri National Parks, with about half of the 46-kilometre stretch charting existing tracks and trails. Hikers won't be short on spectacular sights; expect to see waterfalls, giant old growth trees and wild rivers along the way. If you're excited about the huts and camping sites, they'll be operated, run and booked through NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Services. And, the walk will have another big aim: becoming a place for folks to learn about and connect with the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people, the area's Traditional Custodians. Exactly when the centre and walk will welcome in visitors hasn't been revealed as yet, however — so add this one to your future must-visit list, rather than packing your bags and popping on your comfiest walking shoes now. "Through the NSW Budget, we're investing $56.4 million to offer a new way for people to enjoy the ancient World Heritage environment," said Kean. "This project will drive increased nature-based tourism in NSW, further bolstering the contribution that national parks make to the state economy. For more information about the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, head to the NSW Government website.
Never a brand to do things like anyone else, Melbourne-based skincare label Aesop has just launched their first collection of room sprays as a multi-sensory experience. With fragrance said to evoke some of the strongest emotional responses (it's the sense most associated with memory), the modern-day alchemists asked composer and musician Jesse Paris Smith (daughter of Patti and Fred 'Sonic' Smith) to create three unique tracks to 'narrate the journey' of each scent. It's pretty poetic. As with Aesop's fragrances, each track has been deconstructed, with top notes (ones that are perceived immediately), heart notes (the ones that emerge just before the top notes dissipate) and base notes (the lingering finale). Smith's three compositions are ambient and perfectly calming — and available to download for free off the Aesop website. It's like being at a health spa in the comfort of your own home. Each scent is named after an ancient Greek city and is distinct without being overpowering — there's no sickeningly sweet vanilla here. Rather, Aesop has developed three characteristically sophisticated scents. Istros combines pink pepper, lavender and tobacco, while Cythera embraces geranium, patchouli and Myrrh, and Olous is a citrusy burst of botanicals, cedar and cardamom. Aesop's aromatic room sprays retail for $60 each and and can be bought here. [embed]https://vimeo.com/224417380[/embed]
Whether you're the kind of fan who has a lightsaber on your shelf and a Jedi robe in your cupboard, or you prefer simply watching and rewatching every last second of the space-themed science fiction franchise, it has never been easier to indulge your love for Star Wars. We've just seen five new films hit big screens over the latter half of the past decade, The Mandalorian keeps bringing new tales to streaming and, pre-pandemic, an event devoted to the series was never too far away no matter where Down Under you reside. When 2021 rolls around, though, you'll be able to live, breathe and sleep the saga by staying not only in a themed hotel, but onboard a Star Wars spaceship. Yes, in the very near future, in this very galaxy, you can set your sights on Walt Disney World's immersive 360 vacation concept in Orlando. Disney first announced this addition to its growing theme park realm back in 2017, and dropped specific details for all those wannabe Jedis clamouring for a unique holiday back in 2019 — but now it has released a sneak peek of what its new hotel, called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, will look like. When you're getting some shuteye, expect grey and orange tones combined with white surfaces, and an industrial look and feel as well. Fancy climbing up a ladder to kick back in a space built into an alcove — yes, as seen in oh-so-many space-set flicks? Well, based on the initial mockup imagery, that's in store. To answer the obvious question: no, you won't actually be going into space (although that idea isn't as out-of-this-world as it may sound). You will have a blast pretending that you're headed to a galaxy far, far, away, though. We're happy to report that the resort is taking the immersive part very seriously, with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser allowing patrons to embark upon a two-day, two-night adventure on the starcruiser Halycon. First step: leave your real life at the door. Upon check-in, guests become a citizen of the galaxy — which means that, every minute of every day of your stay, you're a part of the Star Wars story happening around you. You'll hang out in the Atrium, where crew and passengers gather; operate the Halycon's navigation and defence systems, with plenty of guidance; and learn how to use a lightsaber, because an interactive Star Wars-themed stay wouldn't be complete without wielding a glowing weapon. You'll also sleep in the aforementioned spaceship cabins, drink in the passenger lounge and try to sneak into the crew-only engineering rooms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOGH5fpqStE&feature=emb_logo Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will form part of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World's new sprawling zone dedicated to the space-set franchise — which opened at the Orlando site, and at Disneyland in California as well, in 2019. For now, the hotel doesn't have an exact 2021 opening date given the current state of the world at the moment; however, you can sign up to register your interest. If you're keen to give it a whirl once it opens (and once international travel gets back to normal, too), you'll have to be committed to the experience. The "every minute of every day" comment may well include sleeping hours — the dark side never sleeps, after all. For more information about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which is due to open sometime in 2021, head to Walt Disney World's website. Image: Disney/Lucasfilm via Disney Parks Blog.
For diehard fans of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, one type of movie magic stands out above the rest. That'd be the kind that's had viewers flocking to Wizarding World flicks for over two decades now, and also inspired plenty of "accio April 2022!" chants over the past few months — if only in your head — as Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore gets closer to reaching cinemas. The third film in the Fantastic Beasts series and 11th in the broader Wizarding World franchise — aka the full on-screen world that's sprung up around The Boy Who Lived — The Secrets of Dumbledore arrives four years after 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. That's a hefty wait, and while the movie's release is still over a month away, a new trailer has just dropped to help fill the gap. Following on from The Secrets of Dumbledore's first sneak peek back in December 2021, the latest trailer gives viewers what they want: Jude Law's (The Third Day) young Albus Dumbledore facing off against Mads Mikkelsen's (Riders of Justice) evil Gellert Grindelwald, as the franchise has been working towards since 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Of course, it wasn't always Mikkelsen playing the sinister dark wizard who just keeps trying to control all things magical, and wreak havoc on everything in general, with both Colin Farrell (Voyagers) and Johnny Depp (Minamata) previously doing the honours in past instalments. Regardless of who's playing him, Grindelwald still wants to start a war. Yes, he's solemnly up to no good, and his devoted following is only growing. So, as both trailers for The Secrets of Dumbledore have shown, it's up to future Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, The Trial of the Chicago 7), and his pals Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston, The Third Day), Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol, Between Us) and Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler, The Walking Dead) to try to save the day. Ezra Miller (Zack Snyder's Justice League) also returns as Credence/Aurelius Dumbledore, while Jessica Williams (Love Life) follows up her brief appearance in The Crimes of Grindelwald by return as Ilvermorny professor Eulalie 'Lally' Hicks. And making the magic happen behind the lens is David Yates, who has directed every Wizarding World film — Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts alike — since 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Obviously, when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 reached cinemas 11 years back, it was never going to be the end of the on-screen story, which is why the Fantastic Beasts series — which took an illustrated guide book about magical creatures, spun a story about its author Scamander and turned it into a Harry Potter prequel saga — exists. Still, conjuring up more enchantment hasn't been quite so straightforward this time around, and how you feel about the two Fantastic Beasts flicks so far might just depend on how spellbound you are with everything HP. But this franchise-within-a-franchise was always going to go on, with The Secrets of Dumbledore the third entry in the planned five-film series. Check out the trailer for The Secrets of Dumbledore below: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore opens in cinemas Down Under on April 7, 2022.
When you've won over one of television's most cynical characters with a serenade, what comes next? Taking the tunes on the road. During his time on beloved and hilarious Emmy-winning sitcom Schitt's Creek, Noah Reid did far more than sing Tina Turner's 'The Best' to Dan Levy's David Rose, of course. When he joined the show from season three onwards as Patrick Brewer, he helped bring balance to the Rose family's fish-out-of-water antics, and became one half of its big love story. But the series kept finding ways to get Reid singing, including having Patrick star in the comedy's version of Cabaret — and now he'll be taking to the microphone Down Under. Off-screen, Reid is indeed a musician, releasing his first album Songs From a Broken Chair back in 2016 before joining Schitt's Creek. Since then, he's dropped two follow-ups: 2020's Gemini and 2022's Adjustments. Next, he's bringing his live gigs to Australia for the first time ever. Yes, 'The Best' usually features on his setlists overseas. Beyond that, the Canadian actor and musician will be playing tracks from across all three of his records when he heads Down Under this spring. Reid will kick off his tour in Sydney, before hitting Brisbane and Melbourne on the east coast, then venturing west for a show in Perth. "Music has always been a space where I get to control my creative output in a way that I don't in my acting career. Acting is really creative and there's definitely artistry to it but I don't thank that just because you're an actor, you're automatically an artist. I've worked really hard for years to create these records," said Reid, announcing his Australian tour. "People might know me more widely as an actor, but music is a space where I've loved working for years, and I'm really excited to finally be able to share my music with people in Australia. It feels like a long time coming!" Reid continued. Since Schitt's Creek, Reid has popped up on sci-fi western Outer Range — and also has past appearances on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Alphas and House of Lies on his pre-Schitt's Creek resume. NOAH REID EVERYTHING IS FINE 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Friday, September 29 — The Enmore, Sydney Saturday, September 30 — Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane Monday, October 2 — The Forum, Melbourne Tuesday, October 3 — The Astor, Perth Noah Reid tours Australia in September and October 2023. For more information, and for tickets from 10am on Monday, May 1, head to the tour website.
When a franchise has spent more than a decade intertwining 20-plus films and multiple TV shows, watching along often becomes a game of 'spot the other superheroes'. Yes, we're talking about the never-ending, always-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, which loves popping as many caped crusaders as it can into its flicks and shows — and serving up surprises, too, beyond the usually sizeable list of main spandex-wearing players that any of its movies or series have already announced. The next film set to do just that: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the 28th big-screen chapter in the MCU, the followup to huge 2021 hit Spider-Man: No Way Home and the direct sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange. It first dropped a trailer last December, back when No Way Home arrived. In fact, that trailer was tacked onto the end of the Spidey flick if you sat through it till the very end of the credits. But now Marvel has released a second sneak peek at Doctor Strange's next adventures — Super Bowl day is always a big trailer day in the US, which is why it's dropping now — and it comes with quite the tease. Already, fans knew that The Power of the Dog Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch is popping his Doctor Strange cloak back on, as he did in No Way Home. We were also already that this new dive into the mystic arts would include a post-WandaVision Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) — plus Benedict Wong (Nine Days) as Wong, Rachel McAdams (Game Night) as Strange's ex Dr Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Locked Down) as fellow Master of the Mystic Arts Mordo, too. The new trailer seems to add to the film's cast in a huge way, however, which is exceptional news for anyone that's loved movies based on Marvel comics since other superhero teams were doing big things in the early 2000s pre-Iron Man. The surprise is best discovered by watching, could signal the arrival of a whole heap of other familiar characters into the MCU, and arrives in a trailer that sees Doctor Strange forced to face the consequences of breaking the rules for Peter Parker. Indeed, Wanda points out that the repercussions for his actions appear to have been rather different than the fallout for hers post-WandaVision, and she's really not thrilled about it. Expect Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to serve up will trippy Inception-style imagery, Strange's brooding demeanour and Marvel's usual world-in-peril shenanigans as well, all in a flick that also boasts a nice piece of symmetry. The movie marks the MCU filmmaking debut of acclaimed Evil Dead franchise director Sam Raimi, the man who helmed the original three Spider-Man movies in the 00s, way back before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a glimmer in the comic book company's eye, and obviously long before Doctor Strange and Tom Holland's Spider-Man became pals. Check out the latest Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer below: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases in cinemas Down Under on May 5, 2022. Images: Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2018 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 27 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Townsville, Bendigo and Canberra before finishing up in Bunbury on May 12. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Alex Lahey, Baker Boy and Winston Surfshirt right through to favourites Flight Facilities and Australian legend Paul Kelly. International talent like Portugal. The Man, Royal Blood and Duke Dumont will make their way to the Moo too. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2018 LINEUP Alex Lahey Aminé (USA) The Amity Affliction Baker Boy Ball Park Music Claptone (Ger) Confidence Man Cosmo's Midnight Dean Lewis Duke Dumont (UK) Flight Facilities Grinspoon Lady Leshurr (UK) Mallrat Ocean Alley Paul Kelly Portugal. The Man (USA) Public Service Broadcasting (UK) Royal Blood (UK) Sampa The Great Skegss Superduperkyle (USA) Tkay Maidza Vera Blue Winston Surfshirt Image: Jack Toohey.
Back in 1976, author Anne Rice asked a simple question: if a vampire agreed to an interview about their bloodsucking life, what would they share? The answer to that query sparked a bestselling novel — the late writer's debut tome, in fact — and helped thrust her to fame. It also started a literary franchise, The Vampire Chronicles; was turned into a comic; hit the big screen in the 90s; and, soon, will play out as a streaming series as well. That book/comic/film/upcoming show: Interview with the Vampire. And yes, in its current leap from cinemas to the small screen, it follows in the footsteps of fellow undead fare Buffy the Vampire Slayer and What We Do in the Shadows. It also hops on a second trend that shows no signs of dying: reviving 90s movies as a series, as the new TV version of A League of Their Own also has recently (without the vampires, of course). Even if you haven't enjoyed Interview with the Vampire on the page or seen the 1994 flick, the concept is right there in the name — as both the initial teaser trailer back in July and the just-dropped full sneak peek make plain. "So, how long have you been dead?" probing interviewer Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian, Succession) asks Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson, aka Game of Thrones' Grey Worm), the New Orleans resident who can't resist the offer to live forever. Then, quite the tale unfurls. Naturally, if you're a vampire being interviewed, that's the kind of opening enquiry that's bound to come your way. More follow, but it's a helluva ice-breaker. Louis' story includes fellow vamp Lestat de Lioncourt (Australian actor Sam Reid, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), who he describes as "my murderer, my mentor, my lover and my maker" — and child vamp Claudia (Bailey Bass, Psycho Sweet 16), who joins their bloodthirsty family. How this new take on Interview with the Vampire will turn out will be revealed in October — in Australia via AMC+ from Sunday, October 2, with New Zealand details still to be announced. If you remember the movie — the film that helped push Dunst to fame as a child, well before she was an Oscar-nominee for The Power of the Dog — you'll know that it steps through its key undead trio's not-quite-lives (being eternally undead might be the better way to describe it), with tension oozing after Louis decides he doesn't want to kill. Check out the full Interview with the Vampire trailer below: Interview with the Vampire will start streaming in Australia via AMC+ from Sunday, October 2. We'll update you with New Zealand details when they become available. Images: Alfonso Bresciani/AMC.
First, the great news: come July, beef sandwiches will be back on the menu. Watching season two of one of the best new shows of 2022, and a Golden Globe-winner at that, will be as well. On Wednesday, July 19, The Bear is set to return Down Under with its latest episodes, taking viewers back to Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto's (Jeremy Allen White, Shameless) Chicago sandwich shop — one that, based on the teasers and trailers for this new serving, is undergoing plenty of change. Disney+ will drop all ten episodes of season two at the same time, ready for prime mid-July binge sessions. Obviously, you know what you should be eating while you watch. But, if you don't want to know what happens in advance, you might want to avoid the internet until then. This Thursday, June 22, American audiences will get the full season, saying "yes chef!" to The Bear's return a month before Australian and New Zealand viewers. Of course, more of The Bear is still more of The Bear, no matter it arrives. Also, Australia and NZ experienced a delay when season one premiered in 2022 as well. Then, however, the show was new and untested — now, it's one of the most-anticipated streaming meals of 2023. From its sneak peeks so far — and from where season one left off — season two sees Carmy take a new path with the family eatery that he returned to run after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) death. This new round of intense kitchen and interpersonal chaos will see its head chef keep dreaming of levelling up the humble beef-slinging business. Trying to bring a fine-diner's level of meticulous to The Original Beef of Chicagoland didn't go smoothly in season one, though, and endeavouring to completely transform the restaurant was always going to be peppered with mayhem in season two. Get ready to devour requests for cash, tight timelines, constant construction noise, cooking experiments, visits to culinary school, awkward interviews and t-shirt typos. And, of course, an array of dishes being whipped up and instantly whetting appetites off-screen. The show's full season two trailer also adds Shiva Baby and Booksmart's Molly Gordon to the cast — and, although he hasn't been seen in an early glimpses, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul great Bob Odenkirk will also be guest starring. Gordon and Odenkirk join not only the exceptional White, but the rest of The Bear's impressive roster of talent, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Dropout) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend; Ayo Edebiri (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) as sous chef Sydney; Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar; and Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff. If you missed the first season, it jumped into the mayhem after Carmy took over the diner. Before returning home, the chef's resume spanned Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. That's just the beginning of the story, in a series that truly conveyed what it's like to work in the hospitality industry — including navigating a restaurant kitchen's non-stop pressures. Yes, the mood is anxious from the outset, with The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) starting the series as he definitely meant to go on, but still expertly managing to balance drama and comedy. Check out the US trailer for The Bear season two below: The Bear season two will stream via Disney+ Down Under from on Wednesday, July 19. Read our full review of season one.
When it comes to father figures, Darth Vader probably isn't winning any Dad of the Year awards. But that doesn't mean the iconic villain can't help take your Father's Day experience up a notch this year, thanks to an interactive encounter designed to mark the occasion. Taking over the immersive Star Wars Galactic Cafe at Melbourne Museum — running alongside Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — I Am Your Father's Day is a chance for guests to meet and greet the Sith lord, snapping photos with the cinematic icon. Held across Saturday, September 6–Sunday, September 7, the leader of the Galactic Empire will be available for pics at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress to impress and match his menace. As for the Galactic Cafe, now is the perfect chance to experience it. Designed to look like a Corellian Star Cruiser, this official Star Wars pop-up is serving food inspired by the space opera, from bright green burgers to Chewbacca cookies and dessert space stations.
There's always something new in the works from Josh Niland. There's always another restaurant on the way, someone throwing the Sydney seafood chef some love or a reason to try his nose-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest. In the past year or so alone, he's opened his second iteration of seafood butchery and takeaway shop Fish Butchery in Waterloo, announced plans to take over The Grand National Hotel and move restaurant Saint Peter into it, and launched restaurant and bar Petermen in St Leonards. Oh, and he was the only Australian to make the top 100 best chefs in the world list for 2022, and scored the Game Changer Award from France's prestigious La Liste with his wife Julie. Next on the list: slipping back into home kitchens everywhere. As much of a delight as it would be to have Niland drop by your door and whip you up at meal, that sadly isn't on the menu — but helping you learn his tricks of the trade, and make his recipes, is. Already, Niland has released two cookbooks: The Whole Fish Cookbook in 2019 and its sequel Take One Fish. Next comes a tome with a familiar name, aka Fish Butchery. [caption id="attachment_855330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Palmer[/caption] For his third foray into print, the chef will share his expert techniques, and also some of his pioneering recipes. In the process, as his cuisine always does whether you're eating at his restaurants or working through his tips at home, he'll be advocating for culinary sustainability. Readers will peruse the manual's three sections — entitled 'Catch', 'Cut' and 'Craft' — for detailed instructions on how to prepare fish, plus 40-plus dishes to make. So, get ready to learn the reverse-butterfly and double-saddle methods, then cook up fish sticks, fish pies, fish sausages and fish chorizo. [caption id="attachment_870811" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Niland at the Talisker and Saint Peter pop-up.[/caption] Debuting in hard cover and spanning 272 pages, Fish Butchery will hit bookstores on Wednesday, August 30. If you're a seafood fiend, you'll want to make space on your kitchen shelves ASAP — next to The Whole Fish Cookbook andTake One Fish, of course. The former nabbed Niland the James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020, becoming the first Australian do win the acclaimed prize. And the latter focused on 15 global varieties of fish, giving readers 60-plus ways to cook them up. [caption id="attachment_826359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Niland at Charcoal Fish.[/caption] Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut And Craft will release on Wednesday, August 30. Top image: Rob Palmer, The Whole Fish Cookbook.
For close to three decades, Falls Festival's Victorian leg saw punters make the annual pilgrimage out to Lorne, to revel in live music at the event's original home on the Surf Coast. But bushfires cancelled Lorne's 2019 festival, and the pandemic squashed plans for both the 2020 and 2021 instalments, before organisers announced in November last year that the Victorian fest would be relocating permanently to Pennyroyal Plains in Murroon. Now, there's been a big ol' twist and the festival will instead be heading to the city for the first time, with the newly minted Falls Downtown set to descend on Sidney Myer Music Bowl from December 29–31. [caption id="attachment_752128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Piknic Electronik, by Wade Malligan[/caption] The new digs will ensure the show goes on for local music-lovers, after previous relocation plans were faced with permit hiccups. Falls Downtown Melbourne 2022 will feature all of the artists already announced, and run alongside its sibling fests Falls Byron (December 31–January 2) and the new Falls Downtown Fremantle (January 7–8, 2023). Across two stages, the Melbourne event is set to ring in the new year with sounds from big-name acts like Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Chvrches, Peggy Gou and Jamie xx, as well as the OG Wiggles. Also making appearances: Genesis Owusu, Ocean Alley, Young Franco and Spacey Jane, plus DMA's, G Flip, Amyl and the Sniffers, King Stingray, Mall Grab and Ben Böhmer. And yes, that's just a tiny taster of the huge lineup. [caption id="attachment_650001" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Falls Festival Lorne[/caption] While the new site obviously doesn't allow for camping like its predecessor did, it will indeed be dishing up a suite of off-stage fun to keep you grooving through the three days, including stacks of pop-up bars, food trucks, lifestyle precinct Rancho Relaxo and the VIP sanctuary that is Club Falls. A fresh batch of tickets to Falls Downtown Melbourne will be on sale from 9am, Wednesday, September 14. Existing Falls Victoria 2022 ticket-holders can apply for a refund if they don't wish to transfer tickets to the new location. All camping passes will be automatically refunded, though if you're keen for a road trip, you've also got the option to exchange yours for camping passes to the fests' Byron leg. Falls Downtown Melbourne 2022 hits Sidney Myer Music Bowl from December 29–31. Grab tickets online from 9am, September 14. Top Image: Piknic Electronik at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, by Wade Malligan
2024 marks two decades since one of the best blends of romance, comedy, drama and sci-fi of the 21st century reached screens in the form of Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. How should you celebrate that fact? Rewatching the movie always, and also checking out the French filmmaker's latest feature at Australia's annual Alliance Française French Film Festival. In his first movie since 2015, the director draws from his own experience in semi-autobiographical comedy The Book of Solutions — one of the just-announced full AFFFF program's clear must-sees. French film fans, rejoice — the lineup goes on from there, with 41 titles on offer overall. The festival will run across March and April in its 35th year, giving most of its stops a month of Gallic movies. So, in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, get ready to see plenty of France from your cinema seat. Byron Bay's season is shorter, but still lasts for three weeks. At the end of 2023, AFFFF unveiled its first eight flicks for 2024, so audiences already had opening night's The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan to look forward to, alongside its second part The Three Musketeers: Milady. And, the Catherine Deneuve (The Truth)-led The President's Wife, Juliette Binoche (The Staircase)-starring The Taste of Things, futuristic The Animal Kingdom, regal scandal-focused Jeanne Du Barry, legal drama All Your Faces and Laure Calamy (The Origin of Evil) in Iris and the Men as well. Joining them are plenty of new highlights, such as Last Summer, the latest from iconic director Catherine Breillat (Abuse of Weakness), about a woman and her teenage stepson. Not one but two movies starring the great Isabelle Huppert (The Crime Is Mine) are on the roster, with The Sitting Duck casting her as IRL whistleblower Maureen Kearney and Sidonie in Japan about a love triangle that includes a ghost. And Second Round gets the closing-night spot, hailing from Albert Duponte (Bye Bye Morons), and taking aim at politics and the media. Attendees can also check out A Difficult Year, from The Intouchables' Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, and with Noémie Merlant (The Innocent) and Mathieu Amalric (The French Dispatch) among the cast — plus rom-com Mr Blake at Your Service!, with author Gilles Legardinier turning director to adapt his own book, and John Malkovich (Billions) and Fanny Ardant (Well Done!) starring. Historical drama Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe is about the painter (Vincent Macaigne, Irma Vep) and his wife (Cécile de France, The Swarm), while Out of Season has Guillaume Canet (Breaking Point) and Alba Rohrwacher (La Chimera) play ex-lovers. Like The Book of Solutions, The Taste of Things, The Animal Kingdom and romantic drama Along Came Love, both Àma Gloria and Rosalie grace the program after debuting at Cannes 2023. The first focuses on a girl and her nanny, while the second tells of a real historical figure who was born with hair covering her face and body. Other options include Take a Chance on Me, as starring French pop singer Louane Emera; fellow comedy A Chance to Win, where two rival villages face off in rugby; the swashbuckling The Edge of the Blade; the world premiere of King of My Castle, from the writers of Welcome to the Sticks; and the animated Nina and the Secret of the Hedgehog, with Audrey Tautou (The Jesus Rolls) among the voices. The fest is also giving classic Children of Paradise from 1945 a new big-screen celebration, taking viewers back to the 1800s with its storyline, as well as into Paris' theatre scene — because looking at France's great films from year gone by is another way to showcase the country's cinema industry and its impact. Alliance Française French Film Festival 2024 Dates: Tuesday, March 5–Tuesday, April 2 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Tuesday, March 5–Tuesday, April 9 — Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, The Chauvel, Roseville Cinema and Cinema Orpheum Cremorne, Sydney Wednesday, March 6–Tuesday, April 2 — Palace Como, Kino Cinema, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema, The Astor Theatre and Palace Penny Lane, Melbourne Wednesday, March 6–Tuesday, April 2 — Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Luna Leedeerville and Windsor Cinema, Perth Thursday, March 7–Wednesday, March 27 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Thursday, March 7–Tuesday, April 2 — Palace Electric, Canberra Thursday, March 21–Tuesday, April 16 — Nova Prospect and Palace Nova Eastend, Adelaide The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia in March and April 2024. For more information and tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
Laughter seems quite essential to life, but keeping a comedy club's doors open is no easy feat, especially when it has a pandemic to overcome. That's what makes Melbourne's Comedy Republic such a local success story, with the purpose-built theatre and bar now on the eve of its fifth birthday and considered a vital part of Melbourne's creative scene. Founded by comedians Kyran Nicholson, Rhys Nicholson, and Alex Dyson during the 2020 lockdowns, just 25 guests passed through the doors on opening night. Now this laugh lounge welcomes over 42,000 guests annually, while championing the best Australian talent. To mark this impressive milestone, the joint is hosting a serious birthday bash featuring some of the best comedians in the game. Taking to The Capitol Theatre stage on Thursday, July 3, Comedy Republic's 5th Birthday All-Star ExtravaGala will feature much-loved acts like Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and many more. For what's bound to be Comedy Republic's biggest show to date, guests can expect surprise appearances and chaotic energy throughout the night. "I know it's tradition to say nice things when it's someone's birthday, but even if Comedy Republic wasn't turning five, I would say that quite simply, it is the best," says Celia Pacquola, Host of Thank God You're Here. "It has the wonderful feel of a venue run by comedy kids for comedy kids, but everyone is an adult because it's also a licensed bar." Emerging from what was an old internet cafe, Comedy Republic's survival against all odds didn't happen by chance. Designed to be intimate enough for guests and comedians to connect, the venue's wide stage and winged audience is the perfect fit for standups working the crowd. The theatre is also large enough to suit everything from sketch comedy and improv shows to live podcasts and cabaret. Plus, because Comedy Republic is independently operated by its founding trio, it's one of the only places owned and run by comedians for comedians. Join them for this one-night-only celebration, as they ring in Comedy Republic's success alongside big names and regular guests, with more than enough laughs and late-night beers to go around. Tickets are available from $69. Comedy Republic's 5th Birthday All-Star ExtravaGala is happening from 7pm on Thursday, July 3, at The Capitol Theatre. Head to the website for tickets and more information.
By this point, chances are you've had your fair share of tasty packages delivered to your door. But probably none quite like the signature parcels from Melbourne's new Mexican food business, Más Tamales. As the name suggests, these guys are specialising in traditional tamales — a classic dish featuring corn dough and fillings folded neatly into a little corn husk pocket. The delivery service is the brainchild of Etai Alves, who moved to Australia from the USA seven years ago. Here, he's out to recreate the kind of Mexican eats so readily available in his homeland: food that's tasty, authentic and affordable. Alves is sticking firmly to tradition every step of the way, from the 24-hour process involved in soaking and grinding the corn to making the 'masa' (maize dough) and hand-wrapping each individual corn husk parcel. As far as fillings go, it's sweet and simple, with a choice of either slow-cooked pork shoulder 'carnitas', or a vegan-friendly mushroom edition. The tamales are sent out frozen to ensure maximum fluffiness whenever you're ready to heat and eat. Simply slather on some of the house-made pico de gallo and salsa roja included with each order, and you've got yourself some solid at-home Mexican feasting. Alves has been whipping up batches of his signature snacks for a growing crowd of fans, delivering to a bunch of inner-north suburbs every Friday afternoon. Just out of reach? Order over $60 worth of food and the team can probably be persuaded to expand that delivery radius to fit you in. Más Tamales is delivering to select inner-north suburbs between 12–5pm Fridays. Order by midnight on Thursday by heading to the website.
Even if politics isn't your favourite topic, there's been no avoiding a certain name since the mid 2010s, ever since Donald Trump announced that he was running for US President. Over that time, he's been voted into America's top office, then voted out. Saying that he didn't take the latter well is an understatement. He got kicked off Twitter, too, and announced another bid for the gig in 2024. Much, much, much more has happened, of course — and much, much, much more again — but everyone has seen the constant stream of headlines already. One person who's been forced to observe all of the above from a unique position is Mary Trump, the former US President's only niece, as well as an outspoken critic of him and their family. You might've heard of or read the trained clinical psychologist's 2020 book Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man, which explores the obvious. Now, in winter 2023, you can see Mary chat about her thoughts and clearly chaotic life live onstage in Australia. That tome sold almost a million copies in a single day. Plus, with the next US elections two years away, that T word — Trump — isn't fading from view anytime soon. Accordingly, Mary will head to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to talk about it with Ray Martin, dishing the details from her firsthand experiences. [caption id="attachment_880176" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Wade Photography via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Attendees can expect to hear about her uncle's impact upon the world's health and economic security, plus society in general. And, about the ideas and American history — the American Civil War, slavery and the Founding Fathers all included — that've helped lead to his position of influence. Mary will also give an insider's view into how the US works, the rise of the MAGA movement and what a future with Donald Trump in power, or even out of it, could hold. Taking to the stage at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne's Hamer Hall and Sydney's State Theatre, she'll add insights into her childhood and family dynamic in detail as well. Clearly, this won't be the kind of in-conversation session that anyone gets to see everyday. And, if you're a US politics junkie, it'd make quite the double — albeit spaced out by a few months — with Barack Obama's 2023 Aussie speaking tour. MARY TRUMP: LIVE ON STAGE — AUSTRALIAN 2023 TOUR: Saturday, June 17: Great Hall, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, June 20: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Thursday, June 22: State Theatre, Sydney Mary Trump's Australian speaking tour will take place in June 2023. To join the waitlist for tickets — which will go on sale in February — head to the tour's website.
It was the follow-up that had to happen. The sequel we crossed everything for. After gaining viral status and worldwide applause for her 2013 book Shake, photographer Carli Davidson is back with a brand new series to follow her comical, high-speed images of dogs mid-shakedown. Yep, you guessed it. This time, it's cats. Shake Cats is the brand new book from Davidson, who actually took the photos of cats shaking themselves dry back in 2011, at the same time as taking the Shake dog photos. "I had originally thought I would do cats and dogs in the same book, but looking back I think it was best to give each animal its own book so their unique features could be highlighted," says Davidson. Shooting with Nikon D4s at a very rapid frame rate, this animal-loving photographer shot close to 100 cats for the series, including her own cat Yushi and hectic cat celeb Lil' Bub. Almost all of the cat models are local Portlandians, or from rescue shelters. In addition to the shake shoot, Davidson would get a pretty headshot of the kitty for the rescue shelter to post on their website — and most of these cats were adopted almost immediately as a result. "Taking a good photo of an animal in a shelter can go a long way to help that cat or dog find a home. So much of rescue is done online; people pick out a pet before they even get to the shelter. They fall in love online with an expression, so capturing that personality in a photo is really important." So how exactly did Davidson get those money shots? How do you make a cat shake itself clean (we're pretty sure you're asking yourself this question daily)? Simple, you pamper them like crazy. "Getting the cats to shake was actually more of a grooming process than a waiting game. We basically treated the shoot like a mini grooming session with lots of treats and cat cuddles... Ear cleanings are what generally caused the shake to happen, I just had to be ready." Apparently the cats weren't too hard to wrangle either — apparently they couldn't get enough of the warm studio lights. Cuuuute. It goes without saying that Davidson's tapped into social media's favourite thing, cats and dogs. But this animal-lover sees more in internet kitties than a grumpy face. "Cats are popular because they are awesome, independent thinkers and humans love to worship them. We have been worshipping them as spiritual icons for 10,000 years," she says. "The rise of the cat back into worship status on the Internet seems natural if you look at their historic significance... Cats combat internet negativity with their sheer visual presence." Shake Cats is out now via Harper Design, available to purchase from Booktopia. All images courtesy Carli Davidson with permission.
When the first motion pictures flickered across the big screen 120-plus years ago, audiences were reportedly scared. The line between truth, embellishment and fiction has become muddled over time, but the idea viewers were astonished and startled when they watched the Lumière brothers' famous The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station makes one hell of an urban legend. That was back in 1896. As we know all these years later, cinema hasn't stopped causing bumps and jumps since. The world's first horror film is thought to have released the same year — Georges Méliès' three-minute short called The House of the Devil — and plenty of folks have taken his lead afterwards. Today, that means horror's on-screen cup truly runneth over. Thanks to streaming, a wealth of unnerving flicks linger at everyone's fingertips. If you prefer celebrating Halloween by dimming the lights, popping some corn and getting cosy on the couch for a marathon of unsettling movies, we've put together ten classic recommendations — from creepy vampire films that are almost a century old to more modern must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hQ40cI5C0E NEAR DARK Before she took Keanu Reeves surfing in Point Break, tasked Jeremy Renner with defusing bombs in The Hurt Locker and dramatised the international manhunt for Osama bin Laden in Zero Dark Thirty — and before she became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar, too — Kathryn Bigelow sunk her teeth into the vampire genre. Near Dark, her 1987 sophomore film, takes elements of the western genre, throws in a clan of roving bloodsuckers and lets atmospheric horror thrills ensue. Bigelow's work has always been lean but weighty, and her dance with the fanged undead is no different. In fact, it's a flat-out vamp classic. Near Dark is available to stream on SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX5SG_2n4sM TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME As 2017's Twin Peaks revival proved, no one conjures up unsettling imagery quite like David Lynch. He's been thrusting eerie visuals out into the world since 1977's Eraserhead — but if you like your Lynchian unease with some damn fine coffee and a slice of cherry pie, there's nothing better than 1992's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Set in the lead-up to Laura Palmer's (Sheryl Lee) death, the prequel flick burrows deep into the sinister forces at play. It's a movie of sheer dread, even though viewers know what's going to happen. As only he can, Lynch steeps every frame in the pain, terror and suffering of his doomed protagonist, all while baking in his usual surrealist touches. No wonder it lingers long after watching, like the two seasons of Twin Peaks before it and the belated third season that followed 25 years later. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me is available to stream on Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyW5YXDcIGs THE EXORCIST Back in 1973, the horror genre was possessed — and it has never truly recovered. That's not a criticism; The Exorcist is a landmark piece of spine-tingling cinema, with William Friedkin's film leaving a heavy imprint on everything that's followed. It even became the first horror flick to score an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, a feat that's still much more rare than it should be. When a movie spends the bulk of its time with a 12-year-old girl (Linda Blair) whose body has been overtaken by a demon, as well as with the two priests (Max von Sydow and Jason Miller) trying to cast the devil out and save her soul, it's going to make an impact. The fact that the film was based on a William Peter Blatty novel inspired by real-life exorcisms also helped, as did Friedkin's handling of Blatty's script, which gives the supernatural details a raw, visceral feel. The Exorcist is available to stream on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-daIHTY4NQ BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER How funky is your chicken? How loose is your goose? And, to keep the questions going, how well do you remember the original Buffy? Before Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped into her shoes in the cult TV show, everyone's favourite vampire slayer shouted the above cheers, took guidance from Donald Sutherland, battled Rutger Hauer and romanced Luke Perry in the 1992 big-screen comedy. The Joss Whedon-scripted flick still takes its premise seriously, but there's a looser vibe to the movie than the television series. And a thoroughly early 90s vibe, as well. While you're enjoying the undead-killing antics, keep an eye out for everyone from Hilary Swank to Thomas Jane and Ben Affleck among the cast, too. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available to stream on Foxtel Now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmvQ_ii42mc HALLOWEEN This time last year, the latest Halloween film hit cinemas. In 2020 and 2021, sequels Halloween Kills and then Halloween Ends will reach the big-screen in late October. But, when it comes to the absolutely best franchise for this time of year, 2019 is unfortunately an anomaly. While Michael Myers isn't terrorising a theatre near you at this very moment, John Carpenter's original 1979 flick is always worth revisiting — in the slasher-thriller realm, it's an utter masterclass. From Jamie Lee Curtis' pitch-perfect performance as formidable babysitter Laurie Strode, to the pervasive air of unease looming over suburbia and Carpenter's own exceptionally unnerving score, the original Halloween is both supremely scary and sublime. Halloween is available to stream from the Apple Store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJew_11l6n8 HOUSEBOUND Scaring cinemagoers while simultaneously making them laugh isn't as easy as it might sound. Plenty of films call themselves horror-comedies, but they're usually just comedies with horror theming — and they're about as sinister as clown without makeup. While 2014 New Zealand picture Housebound falls into the tried-and-tested sub-genre that is haunted house flicks, writer/director Gerard Johnstone finds the ideal balance between spooks and giggles, all by following a small-time criminal placed on house arrest. Kylie (Morgana O'Reilly) would rather be anywhere but stuck at home for eight months with her mother (Rima Te Wiata); however she soon discovers that they have company in a movie that serves up jumps and chuckles in tandem. Housebound is available to stream on SBS On Demand and Tubi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NOipA99GxY NOSFERATU It's the best Dracula film that doesn't actually mention the word "Dracula". In fact, when FW Murnau adapted Bram Stoker's gothic classic in 1922 without getting permission to do so, a court ordered that the movie be destroyed. Thankfully, a few prints survived, which is how we can still soak in the wonders of Nosferatu. Even with a few changes (the famed bloodsucker is now called Count Orlock, for example) the story lures viewers in, but it's not just the plot that's captivating. As proves the case with all German Expressionist cinema from the 1920s, it's how the tale is told in a visual sense that makes an enormous impact. Also significant today, almost a century later, is how free Nosferatu is from everything that's since become a vampire cliche — with the film cutting to the heart of Stoker's disquieting narrative instead. Nosferatu is available to stream on Tubi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyWuHv2-Abk TRAIN TO BUSAN Forget Snakes on a Plane — if you want to see what happens when something scary is let loose in a confined space, but you don't want to cringe the whole time, opt for zombies on a train instead. Yeon Sang-ho's instant classic doesn't use the obvious moniker; however this frenetic thrill ride definitely fits the description. It's far, far better than that simplistic outline might seem to suggest, though. As well as forcing a father (Gong Yoo) and daughter (Kim Su-an) to fend off the shuffling hordes while they're in mid-transit, and fleshing its protagonists out more than most zombie flicks manage, Train to Busan also paints a probing picture of modern-day South Korean society. It's part of a franchise, too, with animated prequel Seoul Station exploring another aspect of the outbreak, and a sequel is also in the works. Train to Busan is available to stream on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWin2LZkvrA THE CRAFT Is a horror classic really a horror classic if it hasn't spawned a remake? In The Craft's case, no one will need to ponder this question for much longer. A new version is currently in the works, but that doesn't mean that the 90s original is going anywhere — and if you like your retro horror fun packaged with teen goth witches, then you'll always want to go back to where it all began. Starring Neve Campbell, Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk and Rachel True, the 1996 hit charts the fallout when a group of high-schoolers start messing around with the occult and using it to rule the school. It owes a significant debt to Heathers, just with added witches, but The Craft still casts its own enjoyable spell. The Craft is available to stream on on Google Play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7hLdktC_jY THE STUFF If you ever come across a gooey substance on the ground, don't eat it. Things don't turn out well when this exact scenario happens in 1985 satirical horror/sci-fi The Stuff — especially after the titular substance is sold in supermarkets, marketed as being calorie-free and starts a huge food craze. Where it goes from there is best discovered by watching, but don't expect anything in the way of subtlety or realism. Larry Cohen sits in the director's chair, and this is the kind of playful horror fun that the prolific B-movie filmmaker was known for. Everyone needs their spooks with a dose of silliness now and then, after all. The Stuff is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
They're two of Melbourne's go-to Japanese-inspired spots, each known for a different specialty treat. Now, the minds at Tokyo Lamington and Hareruya Pantry are coming together for the collaboration of your dreams. Fusing the former's flair for creating innovative lamingtons with the latter's famously good handmade gelato, this is a sweet-tooth mash-up you won't want to miss. The pair has created a customisable line of gelato-filled lamingtons, which they'll be whipping up to order across a range of dates and locations over the next few weeks. It's a choose-your-own-adventure situation where you'll get to select a style of sponge (roasted green tea or classic), pick a gelato flavour to be sandwiched inside (genmaicha, houjicha chocolate or white sesame) and then decide which glaze or topping you'd like to finish it all off. The treats come in at $9 a pop, and will be making an appearance at QVM's Hawker 88 night market on Wednesday, April 26 and Wednesday, May 10, as well as at Prahran Market on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
Almost every trip to Japan features visits to FamilyMart, 7/11 and Lawson — ubiquitous convenience stores, or konbini, stocked with surprisingly good food, functional clothing and services for paying bills and printing documents. If you're lucky enough to have experienced them yourself, whether you knew it at the time or not these chains are at the heart of Japan's konbini culture, where these round-the-clock, one-stop shops play a crucial role in modern Japanese life. Taking inspiration from konbini, newly opened Suupaa offers the efficiency of a Japanese konbini with the refinement of Melbourne's contemporary dining scene. Tucked into Cremorne's 65 Dover Street precinct (also home to Baker Bleu), Suupaa boasts a dynamic setup that's part convenience store, part casual eatery, and serves as a thoughtful homage to the 56,000 or so konbini found throughout Japan. Suupaa is led by Stefanie Breschi and Alex Boffa, the brains behind Richmond's Future Future, and they're bringing a similar kind of lens to their latest Japanese-inspired venture. The kitchen is helmed by head chef Atsushi Kawakami, who brings a wealth of experience working in Tokyo's dining scene and some of Melbourne's top Japanese restaurants, including Izakaya Den and Hihou. Though speed is a factor when it comes to Suupaa's food, don't assume it equals compromise — here, you'll find Japanese staples reimagined with a distinctly local edge. On the menu: a range of grab-and-go onigiri, spanning a range of traditional and less traditional flavours — mortadella, anyone? — as well as donburi and sashimi. There's also a wide range of ekiben-style dishes — the boxed bento meals like those you'd find in a sprawling Tokyo train station — with options like wagyu beef, chargrilled chicken and kimchi rice. Suupaa is also open for dine-in lunch and, on Thursdays and Fridays, dinner. If you're planning on an extended visit, you can the likes of umami-packed black garlic tan tan men, udon bolognese with parmesan cream and crispy pork loin tonkatsu with a Vegemite-powered house-made sauce. On the drinks front, you'll find punchy $16 cocktails to get around, including a wasabi margarita and mango negroni. There's also a fun self-pour counter, where Good Measure's Max Allison has crafted a series of signature drinks like matcha Milo and banana cold brew. A concept this considered needs the space to match, and on this front, delivers in spades. Designed in collaboration with IF Architecture (the studio behind Marion and Culter & Co.), the inviting space features deep red hues and bold navy accents contrasted against soft furnishings and polished stainless steel surfaces. As is befitting of a venue inspired by konbini culture, Suupaa also boasts a curated retail offer. Take a moment to explore design-forward tableware from brands including KINTO, HAY and Niko June, magazines and books from cutting-edge publishers like Popeye and Luncheon, as well as a range of house-made condiments. Suupaa is now open Monday–Wednesday and Saturday from 11am–3pm and Thursday–Friday from 11am–9pm at Shop 1, 65 Dover Street, Cremorne. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Pier Carthew.
Do you remember the first time that you saw a pastel-hued facade, ornate interior detailing, or something gloriously symmetrical indoors or out, then thought "that looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film"? For almost three decades now, we've all done it. Since his feature debut Bottle Rocket, the Asteroid City and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar director has firmly established his stylistic trademarks, ensuring that a Wes Anderson movie is always immediately recognisable as a Wes Anderson movie no matter which of the filmmaker's regular actors is in front of the camera. Brooklyn-based husband and wife Wally and Amanda Koval shared this line of thinking to the point of creating an Instagram account around it in 2017. Accidentally Wes Anderson now has 1.9-million followers. The social media feed is a curated selection of images from real life that look like Anderson has staged, styled and shot them, but hasn't — and after taking films as inspiration for an online compilation of images, Accidentally Wes Anderson has taken the IRL route itself via an exhibition. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, 200-plus images await — and they're all coming to Australia for the first time. Following past runs in Tokyo and Seoul, and present seasons in London and Los Angeles, the immersive art experience will make its Down Under debut in Melbourne from Wednesday, September 18, 2024, complete with ten rooms. Some of the exhibition's walls feature facades that Anderson must covet, others find landscape that'd make the perfect Anderson backdrop, and plenty highlight either vintage vehicles or enchanting hotels. Yes, pastel tones pop up frequently. So does symmetry, including in the exhibition's presentation. The idea is to make you feel like you're stepping into Anderson's flicks by showing how the world beyond his frames often conjures up that sensation anyway. To borrow from a different filmmaker, is this the Wes Anderson version of Inception? Attendees enter an exhibition of real-life pictures inspired by an Instagram account that's inspired by Anderson's moving pictures, particularly his aesthetic within them that takes cues from real life. Accidentally Wes Anderson has also been turned into a book, too, plus a website with a map spanning almost 2000 spots across the planet that fit the theme. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, patrons arrive via the lobby, then explore a space dedicated to portals, then embrace an array of facades. Checking out sections devoted to coastal scenes, planes and trains (and automobiles, of course), sports, accommodation and nature is also on the agenda. There's a space that'll get you watching big-screen travel adventures, too — and, just for Australia, one about Aussie spots that evoke Anderson. For souvenirs, you'll exit through the Accidentally Wes Anderson shop. The place will clearly look the Wes Anderson part. As for visitors, wearing a blazer and red beret, an Adidas tracksuit, a purple lobby boy uniform or khaki while you're spending an hour wandering around is up to you. There's no word yet if Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition will display elsewhere across Australia, or if folks outside of Melbourne will need to pack their matching Louis Vuitton suitcases for a trip to the Victorian capital to see it. Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition displays at 360 Bourke Street, Melbourne from Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Head to the exhibition website to join the waitlist, with tickets on sale from 6pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
There's no doubting who Bob Marley: One Love is about, but the Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard)-directed biopic also brings two other big-screen portraits of music superstars to mind. There's always a dance through a legend's history flickering somewhere, or close to it, with the initial dramatised look at the reggae icon arriving after Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis both proved major hits in recent years. Where the first, which focused on Freddie Mercury, had Live Aid, Bob Marley: One Love has the One Love Peace Concert. Both are gigs to build a movie around, and both features have done just that. Baz Luhrmann's portrait of the king of rock 'n' roll wanted its audience to understand what it was like to watch its namesake, be in his presence and feel entranced by every hip thrust — and, obviously without the gyrating pelvis, Bob Marley: One Love also opts for that approach. Enter Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley, in a vital piece of casting. Although it may not earn him an Oscar as Bohemian Rhapsody did Rami Malek (Oppenheimer), or even a nomination as Elvis scored for Austin Butler (Masters of the Air), the British actor turns in a phenomenal performance. He's worlds away from being a Ken in Barbie. He isn't in wholly new territory seeing that he played Malcolm X in One Night in Miami and Barack Obama in TV series The Comey Rule. He's also magnetic and mesmerising — and, in the process, expresses how and why Marley was magnetic and mesmerising. Ben-Adir's vocals are blended with Marley's. Accordingly, you're largely listening to the singer himself. But there's a presence about Ben-Adir in the part, perfecting Jamaican patois, getting kinetic and uninhibited in his movement while he's behind the microphone, radiating charisma, but also conveying purpose and self-possession. It's a portrayal that's as entrancing and alive as the music that's always echoing alongside it; with Marley's discography, that's saying something. Ben-Adir shares the part with Quan-Dajai Henriques, the acting debutant who gives the movie its younger version of Marley. That comes via sporadic flashbacks, which means that Lashana Lynch (The Marvels) also shares her role as Bob's wife and backup singer Rita with Nia Ashi (another feature first-timer) as the teen version. Green and his co-scribes Terence Winter (an Academy Award-nominee for The Wolf of Wall Street), Frank E Flowers (LeBron James biopic Shooting Stars) and Zach Baylin (Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, and returning from King Richard) ground their picture in the elder Marley's life, though — not that, because he died at the age of 36, he could ever truly be deemed elder. The bulk of the feature is set between 1976–78, and between two Kingston concerts. Both were designed to help address Jamaica's political unrest, with two parties clashing and the impact of British colonialism still felt. Not only that peace and freedom were instrumental in Marley's message, but why, is a core element of the film. "Do you believe music can end the violence?" Marley is asked in Bob Marley: One Love's opening, where he's fronting the press days out from 1976's Smile Jamaica show. Green signals one of the movie's fundamental musings at the outset, then, as well as his intent to unpack how his subject aimed to counter not just political but human turmoil through his music and Rastafarian beliefs (his initial embrace of the religion, as well as his early courtship with Rita, fuels most of the film's jumps backwards). Marley is also queried about whether he harbours any fears about putting on the gig. He says no and soon demonstrates it, after an attempt is made on his life at his home studio two days out from the concert. Rita was among the victims shot, and survived. The show goes on, then Marley goes into exile in London, while Rita takes the kids to the US. To get to Bob Marley: One Love's second big Jamaican performance involves charting the defining aspect of Marley's career during that period: 1977 album Exodus. Recorded in the UK, and home to not just its own titular track but the flick's (and also 'Jamming', 'Turn Your Lights Down Low' and 'Three Little Birds'), it's as influential as albums get — and, again, unfurling the trains of thought driving it is one of the feature's motivations. There's few surprises in how Green brings this to the screen, complete with recording sessions, producer Chris Blackwell's (James Norton, Happy Valley) fingerprints and montages of the finished product flying off shelves, plus the rapturous response as it's toured. That there's several established templates in giving a star's story the filmic treatment reverberates through Bob Marley: One Love, in fact, even as it avoids the dutiful birth-to-death timeline. But the movie always has Ben-Adir imparting energy and vibrancy, and Lynch as well — and a determination to make this Rita's tale, stepping into the complications in their marriage, as well as Bob's. Notably unrelated to One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, the stage production about the legend — even if it uses plenty of the same Bob Marley and The Wailers songs, such as 'Get Up, Stand Up', 'War', 'Redemption Song', 'No Woman, No Cry', 'Is This Love' and 'I Shot the Sheriff' — Bob Marley: One Love unavoidably hits familiar beats. Enlivening those predictable moves are its tunes, compelling story and powerhouse central performances. This is a deeply respectful effort: Rita is among the producers, alongside her and Bob's children Ziggy and Cedella; Stephen, their third-born, is the music supervisor. Love was always going to shine through. The tunes were always going to resound with power and affection. The tale itself was always certain to prove inherently absorbing. Its casting couldn't be more important, however. After a lengthy search to find its Bob, Ben-Adir is a force of warmth, calm and potency — gifting the picture the kind of portrayal that it couldn't live without — while Lynch is formidably fierce as Rita. For a movie about someone so revolutionary, Bob Marley: One Love mightn't earn that description itself, but it does deliver the tribute it's striving for, celebrate Marley's message as much as his music and contextualise one helluva record. Indeed, where Bohemian Rhapsody was the silver-screen equivalent of a greatest-hits album and Elvis took its cues from concert spectaculars, Bob Marley: One Love is a jam-session type of flick. When it briefly recreates live shows, it does so with verve, as aided by cinematographer Robert Elswit (also back from King Richard). And yet, while Smile Jamaica and the One Love Peace Concert are pivotal — including structurally to the narrative — they aren't the primary way that the film lets its audience experience Marley's impact. When Bob Marley: One Love dives into Bob's creativity and just enjoys being in the moment with its take on the singer, it cuts deeper; no one is merely jamming in making this movie, but it hopes its viewers like jamming with Marley, too.
Whether you're embracing being at home, or itching to get out of the house and into a bar as soon as possible, we expect you've experienced many mood changes with every 'new normal' moment. Perhaps you've been unexpectedly thrilled with your baking skills? Mortified with your home hair dye efforts? Proud of your Zoom hosting skills? Each day comes with its own highs and lows, so, we've teamed up with Jimmy Brings to suggest a drink and a snack for the small wins through to the mini meltdowns. Jimmy Brings is known for its 30-minute delivery times, so even when all you're doing is cleaning out the fridge, you can order a spontaneous drink to mark the occasion. Find the iso moment you relate to most, below. UNEXPECTED JOY AT YOUR BREAD BAKING SKILLS Deserves: a mini celebration with Covielle sparkling. In times like these it's all about celebrating the little things. Is your starter bubbling and doubling as it should? Are you proving your dough without having to watch the clock? Sounds like you're nailing it. When you're ready to slice into that crusty loaf, pair it with a selection of deli cheeses, from one of these cheese shops in Sydney, these ones in Melbourne, or from Le Fromage Yard in Brisbane. And make yourself an Aperol spritz with Covielle sparkling, which has a citrus tang and a clean, crisp finish that pairs well with the gooey cheese and that proud grin on your face. UTTER PUZZLE FRUSTRATION WHEN THAT BLUE PIECE DOESN'T SEEM TO FIT Deserves: a comforting bowl of pasta and a Mists & Shadows Chardonnay. You're 300 little blue shapes from completing that masterpiece of dots and swirls, and though you don't remember caring about puzzles before 2020, this is now all you think about. Why. Won't. It. Fit? Just remember, it's the little things that cause us most angst. No, your friends probably don't understand. But, you know what will help? A warming hug in a bowl. Order in a lamb ragu from Tottis or a cacio e pepe DIY pasta kit from Ragazzi, if you're in Sydney. Melburnians, Tipo 00 has its braised duck gnocchi for pick up, and much-loved vegan spot Smith & Daughters is delivering its penne carbonara and vodka-spiked spaghetti. In Brisbane, you can get spaghetti, rigatoni and carbonara to take away from 1889 Enoteca. The white peach and nectarine notes in the Mists & Shadows chardonnay pairs particularly well with lighter pasta dishes. [caption id="attachment_770129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Mossholder[/caption] BOTCHED ISOLATION HAIRCUT BLUES Deserves: a treat-yourself moment with Heritage House Shiraz. Too scared to embrace the grombre, you decided it was a good idea to touch up those roots yourself and now… well, it's a good thing all those social catch ups come with a 'no video' mode. At least you didn't cut yourself a fringe, or decide now was the time to grow a beard. Console yourself with a treat meal — after all, you've saved all that money avoiding a professional. We suggest ordering Walter's dry-aged steaks, if you're in Brisbane. Or you can get wagyu sirloin steaks and beef fillets from Vic's Meat in Sydney, and Meatsmith can deliver a porterhouse or marinated minute steaks to you by the next day if you're in Melbourne. Get Jimmy to bring you a full-bodied red to match it. The Heritage House Shiraz has rich berry flavours and hints of oak that complement a sirloin or porterhouse served with buttery veggies. [caption id="attachment_770049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Creative Exchange[/caption] PURE HAPPINESS AT A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL DANCE PARTY Deserves: a cheeky Jolly Trotter Pinot Grigio to set the mood. If you've been tuning into Hot Dub at Home every weekend, you'll know a dance party is all about the details. Balloons? Check. Glitter on your cheeks? Check. A raving outfit ready for that 'Sandstorm' drop? Triple check. When you're in the mood to dance, it doesn't matter if you're in a sweaty club or jumping around the sofa — so to help you get into the spirit, crack open a bottle of pinot grigio. Jolly Trotter is a crowd-pleaser with an orchard fruitiness to it that leans on the dry side. And, because you're planning to recover like a champion, prep an order of bacon and egg rolls for the morning. Sydneysiders can order a BKE roll and coffee combo from Paramount Coffee Project. In Melbourne, Egglab has its full menu available for delivery. And Brisbanites, you can order crispy bacon and fried egg baps from the masters of the humble brekkie roll, Yolk. WHOLE BODY SATISFACTION AT FINALLY CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE Deserves: Mists & Shadows Cabernet Merlot on the couch, with a chocolatey treat. Look at that: you've organised the dairy to the top shelf and everything. You deserve to put your feet up on the couch (once again) and give yourself a much needed pat on the back. We all made lists during lockdown, but you actually achieved something. May we suggest having your cake and eating it? Our pick would be this decadent baked cheesecake from Attica. But if you're too far from Melbourne and want something you don't have to share, Koi Dessert Bar is delivering its weekly rotation of cakes around Sydney, from mascarpone tiramisu to mango yuzu tarts. And in Brisbane, you could order Gelato Messina's bombe alaska, or just a jar of its housemade dulce de leche. Pair it with Mists & Shadow's South Australian cab merlot that has a smooth mouthfeel and plum and blackcurrant aromas. GIDDY ANTICIPATION FOR YOUR UPCOMING FIVE-GUEST DINNER PARTY Deserves: Kiwi Hawk Sauvignon Blanc, because you're the host who knows the most. There's a reason everyone's looking to you to host the first catch-up dinner: you're the social alpha. You always know the best bars to visit and the newest restaurants in town, so now we're allowed friends over once again, it's your turn to impress with all that local knowledge. Not that you need our help, but if you're in Sydney, stock up at Paddington's Fish Butchery, which also has Mr Niland at Home meals if you're feeling lazy. Pair your seafood feast with a Marlborough savvy-b with a difference — Kiwi Hawk's is crisp and medium-bodied and works well with shellfish and herbaceous salads. In Melbourne, you can buy sashimi platters and green ocean king prawns from restaurant seafood supplier Clamms. And Brisbane's oldest seafood market, The Fish Factory, has plenty of whole fish and freshly shucked oysters to choose from. [caption id="attachment_770050" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash[/caption] NERVOUS BUTTERFLIES BECAUSE YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOUSEMATE Deserves: a bottle of Arcadian Tryst Shiraz and a couple of bowls of ramen. So you hooked up with your housemate during iso, and you liked it more than you expected. In fact, you want to take this out of the friend zone and into an IRL relationship. That's a ballsy move, so you may want some dutch courage. Better yet, make it a romantic dinner date for your do-you-feel-the-same? chat. First, order a bottle of date-night worthy shiraz from the cool climate Langhorne Creek; its sweet berry flavours, with crushed plum and smoky spices, pairs well with rich food, like the pork broth of a tonkotsu ramen. In Sydney? Order The Darkness from Rising Sun Workshop or RaRa's tonkotsu shio. Global ramen chain Hakata Gensuke is delivering across Melbourne. And Brissy lovers can enjoy Taro Ramen's DIY home packs. Even if things don't pan out, at least you ate good food. Download the Jimmy Brings app and use the code 'CONCRETE' to get $10 off your first order. Offer expires July 30, 2020. Top image: Andrea Piacquadio.
Head to the Northern Territory at any time of year and Uluru awaits, as well as the Tjoritja gorges and Kings Canyon. So does stunning new nightly light show Wintjiri Wiru, plus Bruce Munro's Field of Light and Light Towers installations. But only a visit in April involves basking in Parrtjima — A Festival In Light's stunning glow — and, if you're keen to head along to its next event, the must-attend First Nations arts, culture and storytelling festival has just locked in its 2024 dates. The region's luminous Indigenous arts fest will return from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 21, as once again set against the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. It's too early for program specifics, but it'll look stunning as always no matter what's on the bill. There will be a big change, however: a different team delivering Parrtjima's 2024 events behind the scenes. While the details there haven't been unveiled as yet either, the new partner will combine "innovative technologies with traditional storytelling methods," as per the festival's announcement — and is also someone with "a proven track record in creating bold and creative experiences". Rhoda Roberts AO will still curate the festival, with 2024's theme set to focus on interconnectedness and its importance in Aboriginal cultures. "Everything is living in Aboriginal culture and in the old ways, the approach was one of sharing and working together," said Roberts. "Our ancestors were living under strict social structures and belief systems where everything was interrelated from the land and waterways to our sky country. Along with resilience that's tinged with laughter, interconnectedness blankets the wisdom of generations that we are reminded to experience and absorb." If you're new to Parrtjima, which just might be Australia's most luminous festival, it features installations in breathtaking surroundings, plus music, talks, films, workshops and more. 2023's focus was 'Listening with Heart', as inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart — with that piece depicting Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa, the Uluru story of connection, as created by a group of artists from Multijulu as led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja. So, Kulitja worked with other of artists for Parrtjima to turn the Statement from the Heart artwork into a large-scale immersive light and sound installation. Accordingly, Parrtjima attendees were plunged in the world of the Aṉangu people of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru. This year's festival installations featured ancient songlines, plus Indigenous viewpoints on Country, as well as connecting to First Peoples' strong links with the land, water and sky. Two things that are also always on the bill: two of the festival's regular annual attractions, aka a huge artwork that transforms a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic ranges, showering it with light each night of the festival; and Grounded, the installation projected over the red dirt at tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park. As for the music program, 2023's lineup overflowed with First Nations talent, including Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage and Paul Ah Chee — and Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds, The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas. Details of each year's fest usually start dropping late in the year prior — we'll update you with more of what's in store for 2023 as it's announced. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will return from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 21, 2024, at venues around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
It's been a while in the making but planning for the 'adult Triple J' is now well underway, with Myf Warhurst at the helm. After taking control of digital music channel Dig in October last year, Triple J today announced that the over-30s station will be rebranded as Double J and officially launched on April 30 with Warhurst as regular presenter. The new station name is a throwback to Triple J's early days as Double J — a time when listeners were introduced to The Ramones and Joy Division and the station became a landmark in Australia's music history. Now, Double J will focus on the nostalgia of the '80s and '90s "celebrating the iconic music you grew up with" (N.B. This means a lot of Nick Cave, Nirvana and INXS), while adding in some palatable new sounds. "We have wanted to build a station like this for a number of years and now, with your help, we are really proud to deliver Double J," says Triple J manager Chris Scaddan. "While it won’t be a throwback to the music of the original Double J, it will be a station that takes the best elements of triple j’s past - a name, a presenter and the incredible archives, thrown headlong into the future with the best new sounds around." The reaction on Twitter has been positive with a touch of needling. — Callum Wilson (@Cal___) April 8, 2014 HEY! Gen X (old people) stop listening to @triplej its sad & you're making it uncool.We made you another thing over here #DoubleJ #TripleJ — Michael Davis (@MikeyMikeD) April 8, 2014 Regardless, the move is a necessary step to satisfy those who have felt disconnected from the national youth broadcaster of late. Alongside the usual complaints — "The Doctor sucks"; "Dubstep sucks"; "I hate hipster music and banjos" — Triple J has courted some controversy in the past few months about the homogenisation of their playlists. Faced with the familiar, high-rotation airplay of young indie acts like San Cisco, upcoming bands and old favourites alike have been reportedly feeling pressure to conform to a specific sound. Double J will hopefully help to quell this unrest and provide a bit of diversity to the listening landscape. "One of the best things any of us working in the media can do is to deliver something that audiences genuinely want," says ABC director of radio Kate Dundas. "We recognise people want to stay connected to music and discover new artists as they go through life — that’s the simple aim of Double J." Double J will launch at midday on Wednesday, April 30, with a live broadcast from Warhurst. The former Spicks and Specks favourite will present a daily show from 11am–3pm weekdays. The full list of programs and presenters will be revealed on air and you can listen in via the ABC radio app, online at www.doublej.net.au, or on your digital radio or TV.
The Netherlands is championed for creating the first gin. And the UK is known for popularising the spirit — especially London dry gin. But the influence of Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other spice islands hasn't made it to the mainstream. This is something the Owner and Founder of Dutch Rules Distilling Co. Danny Perera is working hard to change at his distillery door and bar that opened in March this year. At the Mitcham site, he's distilling gins and making cocktails that hero the complex flavours of juniper, cardamom and coriander — coming from a broad range of spice islands. Apart from strongly featuring these main spices (that were historically transported back to Europe by the East India Company), his gin range is also enhanced with lemongrass, makrut leaves, chilli, Thai basil and ginger. They've won a handful of awards, and Perera has been praised for broadening the scope of what gins can taste like. These are all sold by the bottle, as tasting flights and in cocktails from his bar in Mitcham. A small selection of bar snacks are also available right now — sardines with bread, olives and charcuterie — but Perera is working to expand the food offerings. He brought on Dan Greenwood (Naked for Satan) to establish a new kitchen and dining menu. This won't be up and running until the end of the year, but we'll be sure to keep you posted when we receive updates. You'll find Dutch Rules Distilling Co. at 1/586 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, open 4–10pm Wednesday–Friday, 12–9pm on Saturday, and 12–7pm on Sunday. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Already home to an entire museum dedicated to dachshunds, Germany is attempting another feat that'll make dog lovers wish they were in the European country — an attempt to break the world record for the most amount of sausage dogs in one place. On Saturday, July 21, dachshunds and their human companions will descend upon Berlin's Dackelranch Lichtenrade — or Dachshund Ranch, fittingly — with amassing 666 elongated pooches their ultimate target. And if you're wondering why the organisers have chosen that number, it's because it eclipses the current world record and then some. At present, the record stands at 601, the number of short-limbed doggos that strolled along a Cornwall beach in England in March this year. That huge canine meet-up beat the previous total, from Wales, by 101 dachshunds (not dalmatians). Those in attendance will see the cute critters wander around a 500-square-metre dog play area — and there'll also be veterinarians on site in case any puppers feel overwhelmed. With the world record attempt organised by dachshund-themed Berlin bar POSH Teckel, there'll also be an after party, although we're guessing the 666 or so sausage dogs won't be trotting along to the evening shenanigans.
The food at Moroccan Soup Bar has long been a staple of many a northsider's diet. Located on St Georges Road, the environmentally conscious eatery serves up great vegetarian food in a communal setting, under the watchful eye of chef Hana Assafiri. Now, after 17 years, Assafiri has expanded her reach, quietly opening up a deli cafe offshoot on Lygon Street a few blocks away. Combine that with a new cookbook which is currently on shelves, and it's safe to say that we'll be enjoying her food for quite a few years to come. Deli-cacy is located at 313 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, in the site previously occupied by Miramar Nut Shack. Those looking to eat in can choose from a selection of healthy wraps and salads, the mixed mezze plate (which changes daily), or snack on macaroons and Moroccan shortbread with their nus nus (a Moroccan take on the latte) or fresh mint tea. The deli counter, meanwhile, is laden with tasty offerings, including olives, cheeses and Moroccan Soup Bar's famous dips. According to The Age, Assafiri will eventually start selling take home dinners, and even has plans to open up a cooking school. In the meantime, those desperate to try Assafiri's food at home can pick up a copy of her book, Moroccan Soup Bar: Recipes of a Spoken Menu and a Little Bit of Spice, which is available in book stores or either one of her restaurants. Cauliflower stew, haloumi salad and almond macaroons are just a few of the delectable recipes you'll find inside. And yes, she also gives away the secret to her beloved chickpea bake. Deli-cacy can be found at 313 Lygon Street, East Brunswick. Its trading hours are 9am – 5pm seven days a week. Via The Age. Image: Moroccan Soup Bar, Fitzroy North.
Rome is a must-visit city in your lifetime. You have ancient historic sites at every turn, iconic architecture, countless restaurants packed with some of the world's finest Italian fare, and bars pumping out spritzes and aperitivo experiences every day of the week. It is a magical place, a city bursting with culture and energy. If you travel to Rome on a budget, you can certainly go down the hostel route of accommodation and find no shortage of quality options. You can find charming smaller apartments a little further out as well. But there is a kind of luxury in Rome that should also be experienced. The city's spectacular collection of lavish hotels haven't been stripped of personality or colour or fallen victim of excessive modernisation. Instead, you'll be staying in historical buildings full of character and extravagant charm. Read on to find a handful of our favourites that you can book via Concrete Playground Trips right now. PARCO DEO PRINCIPI GRAND HOTEL Located by the stunning landscaped garden of Villa Borghese, this luxury hotel embraces the more is more design aesthetic. It's fabulously opulent with layer upon layer of jewel-toned interior styling and multi-textural decor. The drawing room is clad in antique wood panels, every room is decorated with traditional patterned drapes and you'll find a mix-match of colourful furniture and sculptures scattered throughout. Every corner is worthy of a photograph. BOOK IT NOW. TREE CHARME PARLIAMENT BOUTIQUE HOTEL This quaint, 14-room hotel is located right by the iconic Piazza Navona and Pantheon but is in a surprisingly quiet little street. You won't be disturbed by loud tourists while you slumber in one of the recently refurbished rooms. Expect a more modern affair when it comes to design and amenities as well as very personalised hospitality that you can only find in such a small hotel. BOOK IT NOW. ROME CAVALIERI Rome is a big and busy city, so sometimes it can be nice to stay a little further out. And Rome Cavalieri has got to be one of the greatest, set within 15-acres of parkland atop the city's highest hilltop. Look down upon St Peter's Dome and the sea of terracotta roofs from the restaurant, pool and luxe suites during your stay. Then jump in a cab or hit the public transport system to reach the centre of Rome within minutes. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL LORD BYRON Art Deco design never looked so good. This 1930's villa has been finished with luxe mahogany, marble and rosewood features throughout, making for an altogether opulent affair. It's like the Great Gatsby has come to Rome. But it has also been kitted out with modern amenities, bringing it right up to 21st Century luxury hotel standards. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL RAPHAEL-RELAIS & CHATEAUX We are obsessed with every part of this hotel. From the exterior covered in lush greenery to the ornately decorated rooms and incredible views from the rooftop, it's a stunning stay. Even if you aren't staying at Hotel Raphaël-Relais & Châteaux, be sure to book a table at the fine dining hotel restaurant so you can experience a small part of this hotel's luxury offerings. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL ROME GARDEN From the outside, this accommodation looks like most hotels in Rome. It's in a charming old building that looks a lot like the rest. But the boutique hotel has a hidden garden set within old Roman ruins. It's an ancient oasis. Enjoy a buffet breakfast out here or a few spritzes during a balmy evening before retreating to one of the 34 rooms. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL CESARI This boutique 51-room hotel expertly blends the historic with the contemporary. The old building has been totally transformed with a sleek updated fit-out. Design-wise, it's less maximalist than some of the other inclusions on this list, but it still holds onto all its old-world charm. Hotel Cesari is best experienced up on the rooftop terrace adorned with loungers, colourful umbrellas and fresh flowers aplenty. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL ART In many ways, Hotel Art feels more like a quirky contemporary art gallery than luxury hotel. Set within an former boarding school, you will find traditional design elements paired with bold artworks and installations. Receptionists sit in large white glowing pods, furniture is all bespoke, and each of the 46 rooms have been uniquely decorated with specially commissioned artworks and colourful fixtures. It's a great alternative place to stay in Rome. BOOK IT NOW. THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR Opulence abounds in this grand classic hotel. Everything is luxurious, from the large bedrooms with high ceilings and views across the city, to the elegant ballrooms and restaurants filled with marble and ornate chandeliers. The spa is also a big win. Get indulgent massages, body treatments and facials or simply relax in the large indoor pool and sauna. You'll be paying a lot for the experience but it's worth it for an unforgettably luxurious stay. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL FORUM The Forum is one of Rome's most popular sites and is close to many must-visit sites — The Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and so forth. That's why staying in this area is fantastic. You don't need to fuss with public transport or lengthier strolls during hot summer days. Step outside the Hotel Forum to immediately find Rome's best bits at your feet — or head up to the rooftop terrace to get unique views of these sites lit up at night. BOOK IT NOW. AMBASCIATORI PALACE You'll be sleeping in a newly renovated palace that was originally constructed in 1900. It doesn't get much more special than that. The team at Ambasciatori Palace also add glam bars and restaurants under the same roof as well as a state-of-the-art spa. It was recently taken over by InterContinental so you know the service will be perfectly polished and seamless. BOOK IT NOW. J.K. PLACE The old and new seamlessly combine within this luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome. Enjoy the playful design features by the architect Michele Bönan — including colourful palettes, stately four-poster beds and common spaces decked out with Berber rugs, marble statues and a futuristic chandelier. The team will even rent you an e-bike during your stay and make up a unique picnic hamper to be enjoyed within one of the nearby parks. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top images: Hotel Raphaël-Relais & Châteaux.
Sitting just across the road from the McCrae beachfront, this award-winning cafe is a long-time favourite for locals and day trippers alike. Sporting a recent makeover, it's an inviting, light-filled spot, slinging coffee from sibling roasters Commonfolk, alongside a seasonal, produce-driven food offering. Pull up a seat for modern brunch classics like white chocolate and mascarpone mousse pancakes, chipotle braised beans with slow-roasted pork belly, and the zucchini and chickpea fritters matched with goats curd, and pea and mint hummus. Meanwhile, sides like almond dukkah spinach, hot-smoked salmon and garlic-roasted mushrooms mean the build-your-own option is always a popular choice. If you're not jumping in the water too soon after brunch, the booze list is a sure-fire hit — settle in with a Mornington Brewery tap beer, or maybe an espresso martini crafted on vodka infused with Commonfolk beans. Your sweet tooth will be in great hands, too, thanks to a dreamy range of house-made treats beckoning from that front cabinet.
For the first time in the award's 98-year history, a portrait of an Asian Australian has taken out the coveted Archibald Prize. The winner of the 2019 prize, announced today, is a painting of contemporary artist Lindy Lee by Sydney painter Tony Costa. Costa's oil painting, titled Lindy Lee, was chosen from 51 finalists, which include Tessa MacKay's Packing Room Prize-winning hyperreal portrait of actor David Wenham. In the portrait, Costa attempts to capture the energy of Lee — a practising Zen Buddhist and Taoist, who explores her Chinese ancestry and spirituality through her paintings and sculptures — through his use of minimal colour. "I have kept the colour minimal to avoid any visual noise," said Costa in a statement. "The challenge for me was to capture the energy of Lindy — the emotional over and above the physical. Costa said it was this energy — as well as her "wisdom, humility, courage, humour" — which attracted him to Lee, who was herself a Archibald finalist in 2002, and sat for portraits in 06 and 12. Costa's works are known for their distortion of form and colour, which he employs in this most-recent work. [caption id="attachment_721079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindy Lee by Tony Costa.[/caption] In more good news, the winners of the Wynne and Sir John Sulman prizes were also revealed today. Sylvia Ken took out the former — which awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture — for her depiction of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands (Ken's homeland) and skies where the Seven Sisters story takes place. This is the fourth year in a row that an Indigenous Australian artist has been awarded the prize. [caption id="attachment_721082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Sisters by Sylvia a Ken. Photo by Jenni Carter.[/caption] The Sir John Sulman Prize goes to the best mural, subject or genre painting, and was this year awarded to McLean Edwards' work entitled The first girl that knocked on his door, depicting a young man looking for love. [caption id="attachment_721081" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The first girl that knocked on his door by McLean Edwards. Photo by Mim Stirling.[/caption] The winning portraits and finalists will be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from tomorrow — Saturday, May 11 — up until September 9. If you do't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2019 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney — May 11–September 9 TarraWarra Museum of Art, Victoria — September 14–November 5 Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, NSW — November 15–January 12, 2020 Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, NSW — January 24, 2020–March 8 Bank Art Museum Moree, NSW — March 20, 2020–May 3 Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, NSW — May 15, 2020–June 28 Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, NSW — July 3, 2020–August 16 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
If you're a fan of rooftop bars or barbecue (or, better yet, both), prepare to have your day made. The Fancy Hank's crew is now serving icy cold drinks at Good Heavens, the aptly named rooftop bar that sits above the smoked meat haven. It's a slice of Palm Springs in the CBD — think brightly-coloured 80s-inspired cocktails, including twists on period-appropriate favourites like the Poco Loco (aka Good Heavens' take on the piña colada) and Big Pharma (which is a spiced rum espresso martini). Of course, it wouldn't be a Fancy Hank's venture without barbecue snacks, with the bar menu offering a more casual take on the meals served downstairs. Hank's sandwiches (brisket, pulled pork, buffalo cauliflower and fried eggplant) make it upstairs along with wings and lots of sides. Throw in ten local and international beers on tap and DJs playing every weekend, and you might be there every night of the week. A word of warning: Good Heavens' many heavenly pleasures are limited to 200 people at a time, as per their liquor license, so you might want to get in early. [caption id="attachment_831713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chip Mooney[/caption] Images: Chip Mooney
We've been quaffing its cider for over a decade, both from the bottle and on tap at venues across Australia, and now, finally, you can enjoy Napoleone's drops straight from the source, at the Yarra Valley cidery's brand-new on-site tasting bar. Having whipped up its first batch of cider back in 2008, this historic family-run fruit producer has opened the doors to its Orchard Bar, hidden among the fruit trees of the Napoleone Family Orchards in Coldstream. Here, a smartly repurposed shipping container bar by local designer Simon Wightwick is pouring a menu of fruit-driven libations, with signatures like Napoleone's classic apple and pear ciders, and the pear methode traditionelle taking centre stage. There'll be limited-run creations breezing through the tap rotation — currently, the barrel-fermented Sherry Pie — while a lineup of guest ciders might include drops from the likes of Normandy's Eric Bordelet and Lost Pippin out of Tasmania. Harder apple-based delights come by way of an impressive calvados collection and 'field to shaker' cocktails like the Negroni di Napoleone — a riff on the classic starring Château de Breuil calvados from France. And of course, there's also fresh-pressed juice, straight from the farm. Enjoy it all while kicking back in the Orchard Bar's lush, tree-fringed al fresco space, soaking up views through the orchard. As long as Coldstream sits within your government-approved 25-kilometre travel bubble, of course. There's no kitchen, but you will find a rotation of food trucks visiting every Saturday and Sunday, kicking off with the likes of Rai Thai and raclette stars Frencheese. Find The Orchard Bar at Napoleone, 10 St Huberts Road, Coldstream. It's open from 10am–5pm Thursday–Monday.
In one of her most memorable performances of the past decade, Nicole Kidman turned villainous, playing a not-so-friendly taxidermist who'd like to add a certain marmalade-loving bear to her collection. That was in the delightful Paddington, and she has stepped into plenty of other parts over the last ten years, too — in Stoker, Grace of Monaco, Lion, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Beguiled, Destroyer, Boy Erased, Aquaman and Bombshell, just to name a few — but it seems that the Australian actor is getting a little creepy again in her next miniseries role. As the just-dropped first teaser trailer shows, Nine Perfect Strangers casts Kidman as a wellness guru. She's unlikely to leave anyone feeling relaxed, though. Her character Masha oversees a resort that promises to transform nine city dwellers — but, although the sneak peek so far is brief, you can bet that things aren't going to turn out as planned for the show's titular figures. If the name sounds familiar, there are two reasons for that. Firstly, Nine Perfect Strangers is based on a 2018 novel of the same title, which was penned by Liane Moriarty. She also wrote Big Little Lies, which was also turned into a Kidman-starring TV series. Secondly, Nine Perfect Strangers was filmed in Byron Bay in the latter half of 2020, and received plenty of attention over that period given its star-studded lineup. Also set to feature in the new eight-part series: Melissa McCarthy (Thunder Force), Michael Shannon (Knives Out), Luke Evans (Crisis), Bobby Cannavale (Superintelligence), Regina Hall (Little), Samara Weaving (Bill & Ted Face the Music), Melvin Gregg (The United States vs Billie Holiday), Asher Keddie (Rams), Grace Van Patten (Under the Silver Lake), Tiffany Boone (The Midnight Sky) and Manny Jacinto (The Good Place). As with Big Little Lies — and with The Undoing, too, another of Kidman's recent projects — David E Kelley (LA Law, Ally McBeal, Mr Mercedes) is leading the charge behind the scenes. He's the show's co-writer and co-showrunner, with Long Shot's Jonathan Levine directing every episode. Exactly when Nine Perfect Strangers will start airing is yet to be revealed, but it'll stream via Hulu in the US — with details of how folks will be able to watch it Down Under also yet to be advised. And yes, Byron Bay seems to be quite the TV hub at the moment, given that Stan's upcoming mystery-drama series Eden also shot in the area, and that Netflix is working on a docu-soap about Byron Bay influencers. Check out the teaser trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4nwFSSTUZc Nine Perfect Strangers doesn't yet have an air date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
Fine Italian liqueur Disaronno is popping up across Melbourne at Palace Cinemas from May 27 to July 31 with $15 amaretto sour cocktails. Head to Palace Cinema Como, Palace Cinemas Balwyn, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, Pentridge Cinema or The Kino to sample a classic amaretto sour made with Disaronno alongside the latest movies. As an extra treat, July 10 features a special screening of Fly Me to the Moon, starring Channing Tatum (Dog, The Lost City) and Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City, Marriage Story). With the amaretto sour rising to popularity throughout the 1960s, the film's space race setting provides the perfect backdrop for the free Disaronno cocktail you get on arrival with your booking. If one isn't enough, a selection of Melbourne's top cocktail bars are also taking part in Disaronno's amber-coloured activations. In Southbank, sip amaretto sours made with Disaronno overlooking the city's skyline from Soho Restaurant and Bar's 14th-floor vantage point. Just a few steps away, Left Bank offers a stellar late-night spot to soak up the riverfront. If the beach is more your vibe, Republica is on hand to serve the beverage on the shores of St Kilda Beach. Score a complimentary authentic amaretto sour made with Disaronno at select Palace Cinema screenings of 'Fly Me To The Moon'. For more information, check out the website.
Every Easter long weekend for 29 years, Bluesfest has descended on Byron Bay for five days of blues and roots. But this year, the acclaimed festival's 30th anniversary, may be its last in the Northern Rivers location. In a scathing letter addressed to the NSW Government, Festival Director Peter Noble has revealed that Bluesfest might leave the state because of the government's strict new policies on music festivals. "I am saying now, Bluesfest will leave NSW. We have no choice it's a matter of survival," the letter, originally published on The Industry Observer, said. "Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state?" You can read the full open letter, which was shared with Concrete Playground, below. Noble described the new policies — which include a strict new licensing regime — as "poorly thought-out", "unbalanced" and "the Lockout Laws Version Two for festivals", highlighting that the State Government had neglected to fully consult those in the industry. He also revealed that the 30-year-old festival is having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with recently implemented policies. Bluesfest, if relocated, will be just the latest casualty of the NSW Government's new policies, with both the Mountain Sounds and Psyfari teams cancelling their 2019 festivals in the last seven days, stating "the government's war on festivals", particularly "newly imposed safety, licensing and security costs", as reasons. Both said they were also required to spend thousands of dollars to comply with the new policies, but were unable to do so at such short notice. The new music festival licensing regime follows advice from the government's expert panel on music festival safety, which was assembled in September after two young people died of suspected drug overdoses at Defqon 1. Since then, three more young people have died from suspected drug overdoses at NSW festivals. The NSW Government is continuing to ignore increased calls for pill-testing as a harm-minimisation technique at festivals. Read Peter Noble's full letter below. Letter from Peter Noble OAM, Bluesfest Festival Director re NSW Government's policy changes to festivals in the State: Bluesfest may well be celebrating our last festival in NSW, should the sitting NSW Government proceed with its plans for its policies. Even though we are Australia's most highly-awarded festival both nationally and internationally – having won Best Major Event at the NSW Tourism Awards three years in a row; and in representing NSW we came in second in the Australian Tourism Awards (beating Victoria's F1 Grand Prix) – we have been designated a 'high risk event'. This will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with a policy where we and every other event in this State have had zero opportunity to have any consultation or input into a policy where we will need to spend significantly more money to put on the event this year with zero notice. The policy will see our full-strength liquor approval denied, while a myriad of other costs may be levied costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars. The NSW police regularly state that our policies are those of an industry leader in the supply of alcohol, field hospital, and crowd security and care. But, due to headlines in the media, our 30-year-old professional business is to be seriously damaged in a new policy imposed regarding festival presentation by a government who has rushed the judgement of our industry without full consultation of stake holders, or meetings with entertainment industry professionals. I charge the Government with a systemic failure in fairness here and implore all politicians from all parties to quickly become involved with what is a serious injustice. We, like most events in this State, supply a significant level of culture – we don't receive a cent from government even though we cause thousands of people to be employed – and bring tens of millions of dollars into NSW through Tourism. In the recent study done by the NSW government into the arts, it was found NSW is significantly behind Victoria and Queensland. I ask the Premier, the Minister for the Arts, Tourism and Major Events and EVERY sitting politician: WHY? Why do you seem to be hell-bent on destroying our industry? We provide culture to the people of this state, and Australia, through our good works. Most festivals haven't had drug deaths and contribute greatly to our society through presenting well-run, professional, world-class events. Why have we been given zero recognition in this government's actions? It seems the new policies are poorly thought-out and through their implementation will decimate our industry, should our government not see good sense. Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state? I have in my 50 years in presenting music NEVER EXPERIENCED such poorly thought out, unbalanced legislation. Surely a professional governing body could do better. It's the Lockout Laws Version two for festivals. This is NOT a vote winner in the upcoming election. Thank you, Peter Noble OAM Presenter, Bluesfest and the Boomerang Indigenous Festival Bluesfest 2019 is scheduled to run from April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Joseph Mayers.
In one of the best new shows of 2022, and a Golden Globe-winner as well, a Chicago sandwich shop served up far more than just meat and bread. Following Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, Shameless) as he returned to run the family eatery after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) death, The Bear's menu also spanned intense kitchen and interpersonal chaos, plus its head chef's dream of levelling up the humble beef-slinging business. When season two arrives this winter, change is well and truly part of the show's spread, with Carmy's renovation and revamp plans at the The Original Beef of Chicagoland underway. As seen in the just-dropped full trailer for the series' upcoming return — which follows an earlier initial sneak peek back in March — neither the show nor its protagonist's life have gotten any less stressful. Trying to bring a fine-diner's level of meticulous to a neighbourhood sandwich shop didn't go smoothly in season one, and endeavouring to completely transform the restaurant was always going to be peppered with mayhem in season two. Get ready to devour requests for cash, tight timelines, constant construction noise, cooking experiments, visits to culinary school, awkward interviews and t-shirt typos. And, of course, an array of dishes being whipped up and instantly whetting appetites off-screen. The new trailer also adds Shiva Baby and Booksmart's Molly Gordon to the cast — and, although he hasn't been seen in season two's early glimpses so far, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul great Bob Odenkirk will also be guest starring. Gordon and Odenkirk join not only the exceptional White, but the rest of The Bear's impressive roster of talent, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Dropout) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend; Ayo Edebiri (Dickinson) as sous chef Sydney; Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar; and Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff. The Bear was renewed for season two before the show even made its way Down Under, after debuting in the US last June, then reaching Australia and New Zealand via Disney+ at the end of August. Given that it's now a huge hit, here's hoping that audiences here won't experience a delay again this time around when it hits the US on June 22 again. This go-around will span ten episodes, giving viewers two extra servings of Carmy's culinary endeavours. While season one already saddled him more than his fair share of troubles and struggles, there's no way that season two is going to a cruisy dream for the kitchen ace. If you missed the first season, it jumped into the mayhem after Carmy took over The Original Beef of Chicagoland. Before returning home, the chef's resume spanned Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. That's just the beginning of the story, in a series that truly conveyed what it's like to work in the hospitality industry — including navigating a restaurant kitchen's non-stop pressures. Yes, the mood is anxious from the outset, with The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) starting the series as he definitely meant to go on, but still expertly managing to balance drama and comedy. Check out the full trailer for The Bear season two below: The Bear streams via Disney+ Down Under, with season two set to return on June 22 in the US — we'll update you with an exact local season two release date when one is announced. Read our full review of season one.
Our team of editors have curated a Hobart getaway package for Concrete Playground Trips, taking guests on an exclusive tour of Tassie's art, wine and culture scene. This trip covers your Hobart essentials, but then we've stepped things up a notch for you. Take a scenic flight over the iconic Wineglass Bay, get the 'posh-as' MONA experience (with a long, boozy lunch included), and squeeze in a series of wine tastings across the region. Plus, all the organising has been done in advance. No need to scour the internet for the best accom (the trip includes a four-night stay at the fantastic Henry Jones Art Hotel), book cabs or create an itinerary of your own. We've done it all for you. But we also know how important it is to keep holiday plans flexible — that's why there's no formalised itinerary for this trip. Instead, you can lock in the below included experiences at a time that suits you. MONA ON A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL If you haven't heard of MONA, you've been living under a rock. This art institution is a can't-miss Hobart experience. And this package doesn't just give you a ticket to the galleries and grounds. Booking through Concrete Playground Trips gives you a ferry ride to MONA and a private guided tour and wine tasting at their Moorilla winery. Then you'll enjoy an excellent two-course lunch that comes with even more locally produced wine, plus a bottle of Moorilla's Muse to take back to your hotel. If you're going to visit MONA, do it this way. WINEGLASS AND WILDLIFE TOUR On another day, guests take to the skies over Wineglass Bay. During a 45-minute flight, you'll soar further above Freycinet National Park, home to dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Leaving the peninsula, you'll fly over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques and continue towards Maria Island, where you'll touch down to explore the island on foot. Known for its abundance of wildlife, Hobart's Maria Island is home to rare and endangered species like the swift parrot and Cape Barren goose, wombats, kangaroos and of course, the Tassie Devil. We even manage to squeeze a decadent seafood and vino lunch into the day – bring on all the local oysters! ACCOMMODATION We have the hotel picked out for you too. The Henry Jones Art Hotel will be your home for four nights, giving you somewhere historic and calming to rest your head. The jam warehouse turned dedicated arts hotel comes with in-house restaurants and cocktail bars serving up innovative feasts and cocktails from Tasmania's best seasonal produce. [caption id="attachment_865273" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania[/caption] Luxe amenities and foodie delights aside, what's most intriguing about a stay at The Henry Jones Art Hotel is the unique opportunity it poses to stay inside a – very comfortable, very cosy – art gallery, essentially. Some 400 artworks (most by emerging Tassie artists) adorn hallways, guest rooms and public spaces here, and you might just spot an artist in residency toiling away on their masterpiece in the lobby. Need further inspiration? Read our Long Weekender's Guide to Hobart and travel further afield to get a taste of all things Tassie with our extensive guide to the best of Tassie's fantastic food, produce and culinary culture. Book tickets to this exclusive getaway through the Concrete Playground Trips website. Main image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
When IT floated onto the big screen in 2017, inspiring plenty of coulrophobia in the process, it only told half of the story. Adapting Stephen King's bestseller into a film, the horror hit jumped back to 1988–89, visited the author's usual setting of Derry, Maine, and followed a group of teenagers who came face to face with their worst clown-filled nightmares. But, as fans of the book or the 1990 TV series know, that's literally just the beginning. Cue IT: Chapter Two, another excuse to unleash the white-faced, flame-haired Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) upon the world, rustle up more than a few creepy scares and make a mint at the box office, all by charting the novel's other timeline. Set 27 years later — because that's how often the sadistic, shapeshifting demon pops up — it revisits the kids known as the Losers Club. They're all grown up, with Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader leading the cast, but they're not done with red balloon-wielding evil just yet. Or, to be more accurate, Pennywise isn't done with them. If you're already afraid of clowns, IT: Chapter Two clearly won't be for you. If you'd like to discover just what it takes to make you tremble at the sight of circus performers, this sequel will definitely help. So will its just-released first trailer, which introduces the adult gang, reminds everyone not to chase toy sailboats into storm drains and — of course — lets its sinister villain do his worst again. Original director Andy Muschietti (Mama) is back at the helm, so expect a hefty dose of unnervingly effective and all-round unsettling horror imagery once more. And, while this eagerly anticipated follow-up has plenty of star power, the first flick's Sophia Lillis, Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard and company all return as the younger versions of the Losers Club as well. Take a peek at the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqUopiAYdRg IT: Chapter Two releases in Australian cinemas on September 5, 2019.
If you're a Stranger Things fan, you probably already have plans for October 27 onwards. If you're a Sydney-based Stranger Things fan, you might've even scored tickets to get a sneak peek of the '80s-set sci-fi/horror series' second season before it drops on Netflix. Either way, it's safe to say that excitement for the show's next chapter is as strong as Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) love for Eggos — and the just-released final trailer isn't going to change that. With the first season proving everyone's new favourite TV program — and leaving viewers with plenty of questions — that's completely understandable. Indeed, when the last trailer offered a 'Thriller'-scored glimpse of things to come, we all started wondering what awaits Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and his pals, how tall Steve's (Joe Keery) hair will be and how many time Barb (Shannon Purser) will get a mention. The latest trailer still keeps audiences guessing, but it does reveal more than we've seen to date — particularly when it comes to the monster terrorising the town of Hawkins. Watch it and keep counting down the days until the full series hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=R1ZXOOLMJ8s
When you're watching Blade Runner 2049, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Creator, or playing Cyberpunk 2077 and Saltsea Chronicles, possible futures unfurl before your very eyes. As these imaginings play out in cinemas and on televisions, how prophetic will they prove? No one can know for certain what tomorrow will bring; however, the tales told on screens big and small, and through games and comics as well, have delivered plenty of visions of what might come. At The Future & Other Fictions, these peering-forward works are in the spotlight. Will androids dream of electric sheep? Will a Keanu Reeves (John Wick: Chapter 4)-voiced rock star and terrorist make their presence known? Will Afrofuturist technologies transform life as we know it? These are some of the potential scenarios conjured up by beloved pop-culture titles — and they're all part of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image's world-premiere exhibition as well, which is filled with 180-pieces, such as artworks, sets, costumes and props, as well as scripts, clips and original design materials. Open since Thursday, November 28, 2024 and running until Sunday, April 27, 2025, this is a love letter to and deep dive into futuristic storytelling, including pondering the significance of humanity's thoughts about what could be in store. It's also the Melbourne screen museum big summer showcase. "Film, TV, videogames and art spark our imagination and help shift our thinking about how the future might, or should, be. The crafts of screen culture — visual effects, costume design, character creation and model building — are powerful tools that bring future visions to life," explained ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan. "The Future & Other Fictions asks us to consider some of the worlds we're familiar with and imagine the worlds we'd like to see." "For thousands of years cultures have shared ideas through storytelling. It is an extraordinary common language. I hope a key takeaway of the exhibition is the importance of sharing stories about the futures we want to live in — be they greener, more sustainable, more harmonious or more diverse. Stories are products of culture and in turn produce it. As we write stories, we write the world," added director and artist Liam Young, who co-curated The Future & Other Fictions with ACMI's Amanda Haskard and Chelsey O'Brien. Before he was just Ken, Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy) starred in the 35-years-later sequel to Blade Runner — and before he brought Dune and Dune: Part Two to the screen, Denis Villeneuve directed Blade Runner 2049. The Future & Other Fictions lets attendees follow in their footsteps via miniature sets, which are one of the exhibition's definite must-sees. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gets the nod thanks to Academy Award-winning costumes by Ruth E Carter, while sketches from comic series NEOMAD also features — as does concept art showing The Creator and Cyberpunk 2077's cityscapes, plus more from Saltsea Chronicles. As it celebrates how screens imagine the years ahead, The Future & Other Fictions also features a film season focusing on Björk, complete with Björk: Biophilia Live on the lineup. Within the exhibition's halls rather than in ACMI's cinema, the Icelandic icon also pops up via the dress and headpiece from her music video for 'The Gate'. This showcase isn't just about well-known renderings of the future, though, thanks to work by Olalekan Jeyifous, Osheen Siva and Tāgata Moana art collective Pacific Sisters. Plus, via new commissions, DJ Hannah Brontë has her own take, and so do Young and Natasha Wanganeen (Limbo). The first, Birth of Dawn, is all about the circle of life. After the End, the second, muses on a future without fossil fuels. On The Future & Other Fictions' events program, visitors can look forward to four days of short films in February that highlight Australian cinema's future, a video-game showcase focused on emerging developers, the return of ACMI's annual symposium, and talks on topics as varied as artificial intelligence and pop-culture predictions. Fancy making your sci-fi movie — or, to be accurate, playing a text-based choose-your-own-adventure game about that very scenario? That's part of the exhibition, too, via INT. SPACESHIP — NIGHT, which you can access for free via the QR code in the ACMI foyer. The Future & Other Fictions is on display at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne, from Thursday, November 28, 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025. Head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Fresh from making two of his last four films in Australia — Lion and Hotel Mumbai — Dev Patel is heading somewhere completely different. Stepping back to medieval times, he's jumping into the fantasy genre, messing with Arthurian legend and swinging around a mighty sword, all thanks to the dark and ominous The Green Knight. Based on the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Green Knight casts Patel as Sir Gawain. Nephew to King Arthur (Sean Harris), he's a knight of the Round Table and fearsome warrior. The character has popped up in plenty of tales, but here, he's forced to confront the green-skinned titular figure in an eerie showdown. As the poem explains, the Green Knight dares any other knight to strike him with an axe, but only if they'll then receive a return blow exactly one year and one day later. Just how closely this film adaptation will stick to that story is yet to be seen — however the just-dropped first teaser certainly looks more than a little moody, brooding and creepy. Patel is in great company, with The Green Knight also starring Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton and Dunkirk's Barry Keoghan. Games of Thrones' Kate Dickie pops up as Guinevere, while her co-star Ralph Ineson — whose also known from the Harry Potter flicks, The Witch and the UK version of The Office — plays the Green Knight. And, it's the latest film by an impressive — and always eclectic — writer/director, with David Lowery's filmography spanning everything from Ain't Them Bodies Saints and Pete's Dragon to A Ghost Story and The Old Man and the Gun. Check out the teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoJc2tH3WBw The Green Knight will release in the US sometime over America's summer, but it doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when it does.
If you're a fan of basketball, talented Aussies shooting hoops and one of the biggest local names in the game in the 21st century, then this one's a slam dunk: Patty Mills is coming home to chat about his career. The Brooklyn Nets point guard returns to Australia for the first time since helping score the Boomers their first-ever Olympic medal — and shooting 42 points himself in the crucial bronze-winning match — to tour the nation throughout September. Whether you're keen to hear the man himself discuss his success, life, learnings and everything in-between in the flesh, or you know some budding basketballers who are eager to follow in the Indigenous Aussie's footsteps, you have options. There are two parts to the tour: basketball camps for young up-and-comers and in-conversation gigs. Yes, the four-time Olympian will be present at both. [caption id="attachment_867421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erik Drost via Flickr[/caption] The camps will hit up the Gold Coast, Logan, Sydney, Thursday Island, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne in one-day stints, starting on Wednesday, September 7 — but players do need to be aged between 12–17 to head along. If that's someone you know, they'll get time with the some of the top basketball coaches and volunteers in each area, and also nab an up-close-and-personal experience with Patty Mills himself. Plus, basketball clinician DJ Sackmann will be leading the fun. The onstage component of Mills' tour will make four stops, kicking off on Monday, September 5 at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, then heading to ARA Darling Quarter Theatre in Sydney, Astor Theatre in Perth and the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. That's where the star player will speak from the heart about his journey — which has taken the Kokatha, Naghiralgal, Duaureb-Meriam man from growing up in Canberra to rising through the basketball ranks, and also becoming Australia's first Indigenous Olympics flag bearer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patty Mills (@balapat) "The Patty Mills Unearthed Tour is the realisation of a dream that I have had for some time now. Home really is where the heart is, and this homecoming trip fulfils a desire in me to connect with the communities and supporters who have been by my side, no matter where my career has taken me," said Mills. "It's been a huge couple of years and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to go back to my roots to deliver an immersive experience to be felt and enjoyed both on and off the court. It was also important that this tour allowed me to share parts of me that I've never been able to share before. Getting up close and personal with my own hopes, challenges and achievements has allowed me to embrace opportunity to the fullest and by sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others out there, especially our youth, who are on their own path of self-discovery." PATTY MILLS UNEARTHED AUSTRALIA 2022 TOUR DATES: SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE — PATTY MILLS IN HIS OWN WORDS Monday, September 5 — The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Sunday, September 11 — ARA Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney Friday, September 16 — Astor Theatre, Perth Tuesday, September 20 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne PATTY MILLS BASKETBALL CAMPS WITH DJ SACKMAN Wednesday, September 7 — Gold Coast Thursday, September 9 — Logan Saturday, September 10 — Sydney Tuesday, September 13 — Thursday Island Saturday, September 17 — Perth Monday, September 19 — Adelaide Wednesday, September 21 — Melbourne The Patty Mills Unearthed Tour heads around Australia throughout September 2022, with tickets to both the on-court and speaking events on sale now.
For New Zealanders, holidaying in the islands will soon become reality, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown this week confirming that a travel bubble is set to open between NZ and the Pacific nation. Pending final confirmation by New Zealand's Director-General of Health and the Cook Islands Secretary of Health, two-way quarantine-free travel will commence between the two countries on Monday, May 17, one month after the opening of the long-discussed trans-Tasman travel bubble between NZ and Australia. The Cook Islands closed its borders in March 2020 and has been virus-free to this day. Prime Minister Ardern said a huge amount of work had gone into ensuring the two-way bubble was safe and that the Cook Islands was set up and ready for it. The quarantine-free travel will apply to travellers in NZ and the Cook Islands who meet the eligibility requirements, including spending at least 14 days in either NZ or the Cook Islands before making the trip. But if you're an Australian now thinking of planning a multi-stop overseas getaway, the situation isn't as straightforward as you might hope. As part of NZ's announcement about the planned arrangement with the Cook Islands, it notes that anyone wanting to travel between Australia and the Cook Islands would need to spend at least 14 days in NZ in the middle. Back in April, however, the Australian Government made a Biosecurity Determination that advises that Australian citizens and permanent residents can only leave the country to travel to NZ, unless they receive an exemption. So, hopping from NZ to the Cook Islands after a fortnight in the former isn't currently covered. Neither is hopping from NZ to anywhere else in the world. The Biosecurity Determination came into effect after the trans-Tasman bubble between Australia and NZ started, to cover the possibility that Aussies would use NZ as a stopover before venturing further afield. Whether Australia and the Cook Islands will enter into their own travel bubble arrangement is yet to be revealed — and whether the Australian Government will amend the current Biosecurity Determination to allow Aussies to travel to the Cook Islands from NZ hasn't yet been advised, either. So, for now, that island getaway you might be dreaming of still needs to remain on hold. The two-way quarantine-free travel bubble will commence between New Zealand and the Cook Islands on Monday, May 17; however, Australia's recent Biosecurity Determination means that Aussies still can only holiday in NZ without receiving an exemption, and can't hop from there to the Cook Islands. Full information about quarantine-free travel for New Zealanders to the Cook Islands, including eligibility, what travellers should expect and updates to requirements, can be found on the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.
Anything can happen at Dark Mofo. One of two massive arts festivals run by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter event has always prided itself on being a fest where the dark, sinister, confronting and boundary-pushing come together, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. So, for its first program announcement for 2023, a wild dance theatre performance inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy sounds completely in the event's wheelhouse. That production is A Divine Comedy, hailing from Austrian choreographer and performance artist Florentina Holzinger, and hitting Dark Mofo as both an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive. Playing for three days throughout the festival's Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 dates for 2023, it dives into the hell, purgatory and paradise of Dante's classic work, all to explore how humans negotiate life and death. "We are thrilled to present Florentina Holzinger's A Divine Comedy for Dark Mofo 2023. She is a super-talented artist who is brazenly contemporary and culturally relevant," Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said, announcing the news. "This is the most incredibly wild theatre performance that we have presented in the history of Dark Mofo. Its scale is unprecedented and bold, a fitting highlight for our tenth festival. We can safely say the audience will be anything but bored." Holzinger is known for making challenging and provocative theatre, and for exploring gender relations — including how women's bodies are represented in art and media. For A Divine Comedy, she's staging the whole show as a giant autopsy room, in fact, then unleashing choreography that dances with existence, mortality, the end that awaits us all, and our struggle to cope with what that all means. Dark Mofo attendees will watch a cast of all-female-identifying performers spanning all ages, as well as a variety of physical, musical and athletic disciplines, take to the stage for the work. And, they'll see nude performers, slapstick acts, bodily substances and references to slasher movies as well — plus a jam-packed selection of nods to art and dance's respective histories. A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18, with the rest of the fest's program set to be revealed this autumn. Whatever else joins the bill to help the event officially hit ten years, it'll be part of Carmichael's last at the helm. He'll step down after Dark Mofo 2023, making way for a new Artistic Director from 2024 onwards. [caption id="attachment_846523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021, Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2021. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Wondering what else might be in store? Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels, for instance. In 2022, patrons were treated to performances by The Kid LAROI, and the sounds of Chernobyl and Candyman — plus rainbow installations, and signature festivities such as the Nude Solstice Swim, the City of Hobart Winter Feast, Night Mass: Transcendence in the In The Hanging Garden precinct and the Reclamation Walk. Already keen to get booking? Fancy a Tasmania trip in the interim? Our Concrete Playground Trips Hobart getaway might also be of interest. [caption id="attachment_800592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lusy Productions[/caption] Dark Mofo 2023 will run from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2023 program will be announced in autumn — check back here for further details. A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18. A ticket ballot for the show is open until 12pm AEST on Friday, February 10. A Divine Comedy images: Nicole Marianna Wytyczak. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Handsom may have started as a small design studio by couple Henry Allum and Sam Rush back in 2009, but these days the brand is internationally known for its aesthetic that effortlessly treads the line between edgy and sleek. The Gertrude Street store — which is located underneath the couple's studio — is the perfect reflection of the brand's minimalist vibe, with industrial-style exposed white-brick walls, dyed concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The brand does both womenswear and menswear, and a quick browse through the racks reveals timeless pieces like dark denim utility dresses and soft knit pullovers, as well as the occasional bold statement get-up. Images: Ben Clement.
