How many times have you booked a relaxing holiday away, only to find yourself unable to disconnect from your phone and not actually relaxed at all? Well, pause that infinite scroll and make your next escape an off-the-grid adventure. by hitting up one of the best tiny cabins in Australia. A stay at one of these remote cabins in Australia will leave you no choice but to chuck your phone in your bag and forget about it till you're back in mobile range, utterly relaxed and refreshed. We're doing this for your own good. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, there are a wealth of tiny cabins in Australia to explore at any time of year. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Dog Friendly Accommodations in Australia [caption id="attachment_720725" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riparide[/caption] VICTORIA Tea Tree Hill Beach Shack was created with all the important creature comforts in mind — it's a stone's throw from the beach, plus it has an indoor (and outdoor) fireplace and an outdoor bath. Set in stunning Venus Bay, this Victorian tiny cabin is surrounded by stellar secluded beaches and coastal landscapes but also features luxurious amenities and top-quality furnishings to lounge on. It's perfect for those who want to ensconce themselves in the worlds of fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and staring at a fire contemplating life. Plus, Wilsons Prom is just an hour or so away, so you can easily head out for a day trip. And upon your return, you can snuggle in beside the fire with a complimentary whisky or port in hand. [caption id="attachment_720717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] NORTHERN TERRITORY Thirty kilometres from Alice Springs, Ooraminna Station Homestead is about as far off the beaten track as they come. Set on 600 acres of red Aussie outback, the small homestead lies between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert and has four cabins available to rent — the Stone Cottage, the Timber Cabin, the Tin Cabin and the Log Cabin. Bushwalks, bird watching and camping under the stars are optional extras, but very much encouraged. Wander around the station and you'll come across an old movie set, where you can pretend you're in your own spaghetti western, a billabong, cattle and plenty of native wildlife. And if you're worried about getting lost during your stay, in lieu of Google Maps, there's resident dog Scruffy to guide you through your off-the-grid exploring. NEW SOUTH WALES Essentially a very, very fancy caravan, the stunning JR's Ecohut holds two people and everything you and your travel buddy will need for a weekend in luxurious seclusion — including jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Kimo valley. Although teeny tiny, the space is well-designed and highly functional, set with a bed, dedicated workspace, kitchen, heating as well as an indoor fireplace. You can sleep snug under the stars, overlooking the 7000 acre Kimo farm and Murrambidgee river flats. Plus, brekkie is included. Just look at it, there's no doubt it is one of the best tiny homes in Australia. [caption id="attachment_720720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] QUEENSLAND Known for its glorious sun and lush rainforests, Queensland and its northern parts are well worth the trip, and this tiny Rainforest Creek Cabin makes it even more so. Smack bang in the middle of a rainforest, with birds singing at you and a stream bubbling nearby, it's the type of place where you'll close your eyes and think you're on a yoga retreat in Bali. There's no internet, no reception and no screens in sight at this tiny cabin in Queensland — just a bed, kitchenette, a deck with glorious views and an outdoor shower and toilet. So, you're getting back to basics in the Australian tiny home set among some lush tropical surrounds. Located just a six-minute drive from the artistic little town of Maleny, with a few restaurants, coffee shops and galleries to poke your head into, it's a great spot for those wanting the best of both worlds. TASMANIA If it's rustic, seaside vibes you're after, Tasmania should be at the top of your list. Worth crossing rough seas for, Swansea is a town with under 900 residents and a seriously chill coastal vibe. And it's in this little town where you'll find the quaint Scarecrow Cottage. Built in the 19th century, this tiny cabin in Tasmania features a cosy indoor fireplace and it's completely wifi-less. Plus, you get complimentary wine and chocolates upon arrival. What's more, if you can pull yourself away from the fireplace, it's just a casual five-minute stroll to Swansea's shops and historic colonial buildings. If you're up for a hike, Freycinet National Park is just a short drive away, too. Top image: JR's Ecohut.
For a country that's girt by sea, as our national anthem reminds us, Australia has become rather obsessed with waves of the artificial kind in the past few years. Melbourne has its own Urbnsurf surf park, Sydney is set to score one this year, and the brand is looking to set up shop in Brisbane and Perth as well — while Melbourne also boasts a theme park with a wave pool, and other different man-made spots have also been earmarked for Sydney's north and the Gold Coast. Oh, and Kelly Slater is meant to be opening a surf ranch on the Sunshine Coast, too. Indeed, "who needs real beaches?" seems to be the current line of thinking — and it's also behind Surf Lakes, a regional Queensland surf park that's been up and running for a few years, but only for testing. Now the operation has been given the go-ahead to develop its Yeppoon site by both the Queensland Government and the Livingston Shire Council, which puts it on-track to add facilities for the public. Yes, that means that within 12–18 months, it'll ideally be welcoming in anyone and everyone to live out their Point Break dreams beyond the ocean. The Capricorn Coast venue was built as a prototype facility designed to give a new kind of technology a whirl, and uses a central mechanism that sends waves from the middle of its 200-metre by 150-metre lake towards the edge. With the water lapping over eight distinctive breaks, it produces more than 2000 surfable waves per hour, including some measuring more than two metres in height. When it launched in Yeppoon, Surf Lakes also had some high-profile support, with Aussie surfers Mark Occhilupo and Barton Lynch the park's two ambassadors. But opening to the public was always floated as part of the venue's overall mission — and, depending on timing when it does open its doors to everyone, it might make it the first operational surf lake in the world. Wannabe Johnny Utahs (because we all want to be Keanu, admit it) can expect a spot that'll cater for beginners and pros alike, covering folks who've never hopped on a board before — including via learn-to-surf lessons — plus those well-experienced at hanging ten. The site is also set to include shops, places to nab food and drinks, and other outdoor and fitness activities around the lake. And, for those making the trip north for a holiday, there'll be glamping-style accommodation as well. Announcing the news, Surf Lakes International Chief Executive Officer Aaron Trevis said "our long-term aim has always been to take our wave-making technology to the world, allowing people from all walks of life to be able to experience the joys of a surfing life in a safe environment. We hope the Yeppoon site can be one of, if not the first Surf Lake open to the public." Surf Lakes is aiming to open its Yeppoon site at 662 Yeppoon Road, Mulara to the public within 12–18 months — we'll update you with further details when they're announced, and you can head to the company's website for more information in the interim.
It's been three years since Australia's cinema scene welcomed the American Essentials Film Festival — and while a fest dedicated to US flicks might seem obvious, this event sets its sights much further than Hollywood's usual suspects. Given that mainstream, megaplex-friendly movies reach our shores every week, the Palace-run showcase instead curates a lineup of other American titles, delving into films from the US indie realm. Touring Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra from May 8 to 20, the 2018 fest has a particular fondness for emerging practitioners, with artistic director Richard Sowada noting "the obvious talent from some of the filmmakers in the early stages of their feature film careers," as well as "the deep and obvious respect even some of these newer filmmakers have for the traditions of storytelling in American cinema." With that in mind, this year's event kicks off with The Boy Downstairs, a Zosia Mamet-starring effort from debut feature writer-director Sophie Brooks, which proved a hit at the 2017 TriBeCa Film Festival. The opening night pick also highlights one of the festival's other trends — thanks to its focus on American cinema, it boasts plenty of familiar faces on screen. Standouts include Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair battling a murderous rage in horror-comedy Mom and Dad, Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank recreating a landmark '80s case for patients' rights in 55 Steps, and war effort The Yellow Birds, featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story's Alden Ehrenreich, Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, plus Toni Collette and Jennifer Aniston. There's also two star-studded flicks about sons and their fathers: Humour Me, which pairs up Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould in a deadpan comedy, and Kodachrome, which takes Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris on a road trip to a photo processing laboratory. Other notable titles range from Stuck, which brings the train-set off-Broadway musical of the same name to the cinema; to Outside In, director Lynn Shelter's latest featuring Edie Falco as an ex-high school teacher; to mob drama Gotti, starring John Travolta as the mob boss and screening in Australia just hours after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. On the documentary front, How They Got Over takes a far-reaching documentary into African-American gospel quartets in the '30s and '40s, while RBG examines the life and career of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For the fest's retrospective section, Los Angeles is in the spotlight courtesy of classics Chinatown, Heat and Shampoo, as well as '70s masterpieces Killer of Sheep and Wattstax. The American Essentials Film Festival tours Australia from May 8, screening at Sydney's Palace Central from May 8 to 20, Brisbane's Palace Centro from May 9 to 20 and Melbourne's Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from May 10 to 20. For more information, visit the festival website.
It's safe to assume there are many questionable things hidden in the Yarra's murky depths. But something you might be happy to unearth about our city's famed river is this little morsel of history: the river was actually once home to gushing falls, located where Queens Bridge sits today. Why the impromptu history lesson? Well, it's this landmark — a significant meeting place for First Peoples and a big part of the reason why Melbourne is located where it is — that was the inspiration for new 25-seat CBD watering hole, Yarra Falls. Located not too far from that spot, the bar sits within Flinders Lane's historic Tavistock House — a 172-year-old building with a heritage-listed facade that remains one of the few pre-Gold Rush structures in the metro area. Owner Brendan Keown (The Baxter Inn, Restaurant Hubert) was captured by the tale of the rocky river barrier that once stood nearby, separating the freshwater from the bay and providing a crossing point at low tide. In a nod to the historic site, Yarra Falls embraces the concept of place and wholeheartedly champions this pocket of the world; from its booze and produce, to its musicians. "The focus of the venue is the land along the river in this part of the country," Keown tells Concrete Playground. "And you can interpret that in a few different ways." Here, it means you can expect to find Indigenous place names used throughout the menu, but also a strong commitment to working with Indigenous-owned or -supporting suppliers. 'Local' and 'seasonal' are far more than mere buzzwords, too. Ingredients and products are carefully chosen for their origins and the stories behind them, while a deep respect for the seasons — our region actually has six of them, as observed by First Peoples — ensures they're only ever showcased at their best. "Everything in the bar supports everything else," the owner explains. "It starts to build up a real sense of place, that's uniquely of this part of the country." In keeping with the venue's own small stature, both the drinks list and food menu are concise, though they're expertly considered and rotate on the regular. The potato bread is a staple — a nod to Keown's Irish roots — plus you'll usually find a house soup and freshly-shucked oysters. A 'snack of the season' makes the most of nature's gifts; maybe pairing finger lime with smoked eel and creme fraiche on lavosh. The ever-evolving drinks list is well thought out and generous with its tasting notes. The two beer taps might be pouring drops like Westside Aleworks' full-bodied Electric Socks APA (Melbourne/Boonwurrung Country), while the spirits list heroes creations from labels like 78 Degrees and Melbourne Gin Company. In the wine (and wine-adjacent) corner, expect goodies like a floral moscato giallo orange by Little Brunswick Wine Co (Heathcote/DjaDjaWurrung Country) and the Stanton + Killeen muscat (Rutherglen/ Bangerang Country). And a tidy crop of mixed drinks stars ingredients like lemon myrtle, wattleseed and teas by Indigenous cafe Mabu Mabu. Try the apricot brandy-infused Emu Juice, or the Mornington — a funky blend of silver rum, macadamia, golden wattle and grape. The backbar is necessarily tiny, but Keown has managed to make it quite the statement piece, despite "MacGyver-ing it together", in his words. It's a painted diorama-style replica of the Yarra Falls themselves, complete with a working water feature and earthy green terraces working as a backdrop for the small-but-mighty spirits selection. "It's great, especially at night time," the owner enthuses, detailing the bespoke ceiling lights, which mirror the Pleiades or Seven Sisters constellation — also significant in Aboriginal cosmology. "It's like you're camping out, you're hanging out there at the falls." Find Yarra Falls at 381 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD. It's open 5pm–1am Wednesday to Saturday.
Trying not to think about Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is about to become impossible in Australia. So will getting Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' out of your head, where it's dwelled for most people since the Oscar-winning track was released in 1997. The reason: a new Titanic exhibition is dropping anchor Down Under, making Melbourne Museum its berth for four months. From Saturday, December 16, 2023–Sunday, April 14, 2024 Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition will bring 200-plus items from the ship to the Victorian capital, in its Aussie trip after selling out its Paris season and also proving a hit in the US. The pieces on display are legitimately from the vessel's wreck site, too, after the RMS Titanic's ill-fated voyage in April 1912 — aka the events that James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of Water) turned into the DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon)- and Winslet (Ammonite)-starring Titanic more than a quarter-century ago. For everyone bound to exclaim "I'm the king of the world" while walking through Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition's Australian-exclusive stop, this is the king of all Titanic exhibitions. In fact, it's the most extensive in the world. As well seeing the genuine objects from the ship, attendees will wander through full-scale recreations of the vessel's interiors, such as the veranda cafe, first-class parlour suite and grand staircase. "Tragedy, heroism, sacrifice, survival and loss — these are themes the evokes which continue to resonate today, with people of all ages across the globe," said Museums Victoria CEO & Director Lynley Crosswell, announcing the exhibition. In addition to the recovered items and recreations of the Titanic's spaces, the exhibition will tell tales about those who were onboard the ship that launched its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, only to sink five days later on April 15 after hitting an iceberg. This exploration of a tragic chapter in history will focus on passengers and crew alike, while also stepping through the vessel's class divisions and pondering the boat's legacy. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition will display at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton from Saturday, December 16, 2023–Sunday, April 14, 2024 — head to the venue's website for further details and tickets. Images: EMG / Alexandre Schoelcher / Museums Victoria.
Bluesfest has lifted the lid on its first artist announcement for 2018, and heading the stampede is a pair of legendary musical figures: Lionel Richie and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, who will play with his band The Sensational Space Shifters. Plant's performance at the five-day Easter long weekend festival just outside of Byron Bay will mark 50 years since he first performed with Led Zeppelin, so the gravity of the performance is sure to be pretty huge. Other acts taking to the stage Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm over the weekend include Aussies Tash Sultana and John Butler Trio, Swedish duo First Aid Kit and what will surely be a captivating set by José González. Bluesfest returnees Joe Louis Walker, Dumpstaphunk and Eric Gales are on there too. Anyway, here's the full lineup. Better start making Easter plans because tickets are already on sale. BLUESFEST 2018 LINEUP Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters Lionel Richie The John Butler Trio Tash Sultana The New Power Generation Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers First Aid Kit Jose Gonzalez Morcheeba Gov't Mule Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real The California Honeydrops Eric Gales Bobby Rush Dumpstaphunk Joe Louis Walker Rick Estrin & The Nightcats + more to be announced. Bluesfest 2017 will run March 29 to April 2 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Andy Fraser.
The London Riots have left us all a bit gobsmacked. On the 6th of August in Tottenham in the North of London what started out as peaceful demonstration against a recent police shooting turned into something quite different and unexpected — an outbreak of violence and the destruction of cars and homes and local businesses. And then the looting began. Over the next two to three days copycat riots and looting broke out over London, most notably in Peckham, Clapham and Brixton and then around the country in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham resulting in five related deaths and the worst rioting the country has seen since the 1980s. As large parts of the city were shut down and boarded up, the rest of the world looked on in shock as footage and information streamed out via mainstream and social media. The mainstream media questioned the politicians, the police response and the rioters motivations. A YouTube video, which has received in excess of four millions hits, was uploaded of a Malaysian student, bleeding and distressed, being 'helped up' by the crowd around him only then to be mugged by his supposed 'helpers'. A Tumblr site, Photshoplooter, sprang up, providing some much needed humour in a time which is anything but funny. In the aftermath of the riots, as the public, the politicians and the newspapers debate everything from increasing police powers to the impact the government's recent austerity measures have had on young people, the good people of London (and yes, there are quite a few of them) have got down to the business of cleaning up and rebuilding. RiotCleanup started as a twitter account in the early hours of the 9th of August and by the morning it was a website helping to organise an army of volunteers who wanted to help with the clean up. Building on its success, two recent architecture students, Lee Wilshire and Nick Varney, have set up Riotrebuild, which is dedicated to connecting people who have been affected by the riots with professional architects, builders and handyman to assist them to rebuild their homes, business and communities.
Whether they riff on fairy bread or come packed with pretzels, plenty of Gelato Messina's popular desserts turn other foods into a frosty sweet treat. For the chain's next endeavour, it's taking that process a step further. This time, it's transforming a heap of its gelato flavours into a variety of different chocolates. Nine different types of blocks, bars and other bites are on the menu thanks to Messina's latest special — which means that they'll only be available to order on a set day, as always happens with the brand's limited-edition wares. And, they're being sold pick 'n' mix-style. So, you can choose as many as you like, with discount codes on offer if you're nabbing three, six or nine. Some of these chocolates will sound familiar, as Messina first broke out a few of them for Father's Day. Back then, it was the first time that Messina had ever made chocolate bars and blocks itself, with the team at its Rosebery headquarters doing the honours. Clearly, it went well. Loved Messina's recent cone-ception cookie pies? That's where one of these choccies takes its cues, combining sable biscuit, waffle cone spread and cone crunch, then covering it all in caramelised white chocolate. There's neapolitan chocolate blocks, too — and yes, they're made with milk chocolate, white chocolate that features Heilala vanilla, and strawberry chocolate infused with freeze dried strawberries. Or, you can opt for fairy bread white chocolate blocks that come mixed with dehydrated toast crumbs and sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, clusters of potato chips and salted peanuts coated in white chocolate, candied pistachios covered in strawberry chocolate, and Messina's own version of chocolate honeycomb. Plus, the range also includes roasted hazelnuts coated in milk chocolate and wafer flakes, pretzel crunch covered in milk chocolate and choc-covered house-made nougat as well. However many of these choccies you now need to add to your snack rotation, you'll want to place your order at 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13. They'll then be shipped within five working days. Gelato Messina's pick 'n' mix chocolate range will be available to order from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13.
When the weather gets chillier than a run-in with your ex, it's time to rug up and find yourself a fire by which to sip delicious vino. South Melbourne gastropub O'Connell's certainly knows a thing or two about this, and it's got a winter event series that delivers both in good measure. The pub is running a Homegrown Heroes Series where, once a month, it teams up with Victorian winemakers to host a dinner celebrating some of the state's best regions. While June's dinner focused on Mornington Peninsula, July's dinner is all about the Pyrenees, the popular wine region just outside Ballarat. On Wednesday, July 25, head chef Tom Brockbank will be dishing up a delicious five-course meal using local produce from the Pyrenees. Each dish will be paired with wine from one of the area's premier vineyards, Sally's Paddock Redbank Winery, with winemaker Sasha Fair on-hand to talk through each drop. The final Wine Dinner on Wednesday, August 29 will celebrate the Yarra Valley region — with the help of grower Giant Steps. O'Connell's Wine Dinners will take place on Wednesday, July 25 and Wednesday, August 29. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased via the website.
Several years in the works, a brand-new green space is ready to make Melbourne's central riverfront a little more lush. Opening on Thursday, June 19, Seafarers Rest is set to become the city's first new riverfront public park in over two decades, bringing 3500 square metres of greenery to Birrarung, aka the Yarra River. Forming part of North Wharf's revitalisation — a $600 million project led by developer Riverlee in partnership with the City of Melbourne — this stretch between Spencer Street and the Charles Grime Bridge is buoyed even further with the addition of this vibrant, accessible public space. Designed by landscape architecture and urban design practice Oculus, the team's highly integrated approach marries history, ecology and community. So, what can you expect? Seafarers Rest spans an immersive array of native plantings and generous lawns, bringing a vivid sense of nature to this once-industrial area. Supported by vegetated walking and cycling paths, kids' play areas, rope swings and shipping-inspired seating, there's also space for markets, live music and community gatherings throughout the day and night. Seafarers Rest dovetails directly with 1 Hotel Melbourne, serving as a green gateway to the luxury hotel's lounge and bar. You might also notice design details that pay homage to the area's Indigenous heritage and rich maritime history, like timber benches inspired by shipping crates alongside curated artefacts hand-picked from the Offshore & Speciality Ships Association. [caption id="attachment_1010719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Mikkel Vang[/caption] "A vital piece of Northbank, Seafarers Rest's green infrastructure promotes wellbeing through connection to place and a celebration of community and culture," says Oculus Associate Director Claire Martin. "The outcomes we will deliver draws heavily on the relationship to the river and the site's maritime history which define the unique character of this part of the city and remain important to Melburnians." As for the broader North Wharf precinct, it's a mixed-use wonderland, with the 277-room hotel and 114 apartments set to breathe plenty of atmosphere into the area. Plus, there's a new function centre set to occupy the heritage-listed former cargo shed, Berth 5. Carefully conceived to harmonise with the waterfront and promote round-the-clock communal activities, this largely forgotten part of Melbourne is now looking a whole lot more impressive. Seafarers Rest will open on Thursday, June 19, at 68 Siddeley Street, Docklands. Head to the website for more information on the park and the surrounding precinct.
Fining guests for posting bad reviews of your Vanderbilt-built hotel? Might want to think twice on that poorly-formed brainwave and avoid giving internet reviewers a reason to unite. Union Street Guest House in Hudson, New York is doing exactly that. The Rockefeller/Vanderbilt estate hastily took down a controversial rule from its own website yesterday, according to Huffington Post. The super dumb, money-grabbing rule charged wedding guests (primarily the newlyweds themselves) for any bad reviews posted on review websites like Yelp and Trip Advisor. Yep. Apparently, as pointed out by the initial New York Post story on Monday, couples holding their wedding at the USGH would see a sneaky $500 deducted from their security deposit for each thumbs down posted online by their guests. After a few WTF inquiries, the hotel took to Facebook and pulled the ol' 'it was all a joke' card to quash the backlash, but then mysteriously that post went missing too. "The policy regarding wedding fines was put on our site as a tongue-in-cheek response to a wedding many years ago," read the Facebook post. "It was meant to be taken down and certainly was never enforced." Although it's no longer (obviously) up on the hotel's website, Business Insider snapped it up before it was lost to the ages. Here's what the rule read, seriously: If you have booked the Inn for a wedding or other type of event anywhere in the region and given us a deposit of any kind for guests to stay at USGH there will be a $500 fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH placed on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding or event. Although the team attempted to put out the fire, the sparks had already flown. Over 500 angry reviewers threw the hotel major shade with the lowest possible rating, again and again and again. Although sites like Yelp delete reviews who haven't actually stayed in the venue up for review, the slams are still coming for USGH: Now Union Street Guest House's rating looks like this: Yikes. Think before you joke-fine. Via Business Insider, Huffington Post and New York Post.
With international trips off the cards for the next little while — even if a travel bubble with New Zealand does eventuate by the end of the year — it's time to throw the focus back onto the stunning scenes and world-class landscapes found right here on home soil. After all, this big ol' island of ours is brimming with enough natural beauty to give any international destination a run for its money. And now the folks at Tourism Australia have come up with a new way for you to scratch that domestic travel itch, without even leaving your front door. The organisation has just dropped an impressive new video series, tipping its hat to the unique sights, sounds and textures of Australia. The flicks really endeavour to engage your senses and make you feel like you're there, too, with the videos made using high-tech 8D audio — a sound engineering treatment designed for listening through headphones, which makes music and effects sound as though they're coming from every angle. Each of the six videos is themed around a different colour, evoking various emotions based on the striking hues of Australia's natural scenescapes. For example, the soothing Blue: A Moment of Joy mini-escape takes punters crashing through waves at Esperance in Western Australia, gliding over the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef, swinging by Hervey Bay for a spot of whale-watching and frolicking with seals in South Australia's Baird Bay. [caption id="attachment_784598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hutt Lagoon, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] The Magenta: A Moment of Freedom video envelops audiences in the romantic sunsets and vibrant tones of destinations like Hinchinbrook Island National Park, the Kimberley and Hutt Lagoon, while White: A Moment of Peace is a minimalist's dream, featuring calming shots of Lake Eyre's salt plains, Fraser Island's glistening sands and Mount Kosciuszko's slopes drenched in snow. Whether you're allowed to trek interstate just yet or you're simply planning for the day when you can, these virtual escapes should offer a good dose of domestic travel inspiration — no long-haul flight required. Check out all six video escapes at the Tourism Australia website, or via the YouTube channel. Top images: via Tourism Western Australia and Tourism & Events Queensland
Just a couple of months ago, spending a few hours in a cinema soaking in a dose of movie magic — and eating plenty of popcorn and choc tops — was a normal everyday activity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, mass gatherings were banned and picture palaces closed, however, seeing a film on the big screen in a darkened room filled with other people has become a relic of the past. But with Australia slowly starting to relax coronavirus restrictions, that might only remain the case until mid-July. The National Association of Cinema Operators-Australasia — a nationwide organisation comprised of Australia's major national cinemas, as well as independent movie theatres — has announced that the country's big screens are aiming to open in time for the planned release of Christopher Nolan's Tenet, which is currently slated for Thursday, July 16. As reported by Variety, the NACO board said it "is enthusiastic about the prospect of reopening and is hopeful of conditions enabling it to do so in July". Some Australian states, such as Queensland and New South Wales, have already eased some stay-at-home requirements. More developments in this space are expected in the coming days and weeks — with some social distancing and public gathering rules likely to be limited this coming Friday, May 8, when the national cabinet next meets; Australia-wide principles regarding sport and outdoor recreation already proposed; and Queensland working towards a June reopening date for bars, cafes and restaurants. So, with that timeline in mind, letting folks back into cinemas by mid-July seems perfectly reasonable. There are two major caveats, though. The federal and state governments obviously need to allow cinemas to reopen, after requiring them to close back in March. And, cinemas need access to new movies to screen for audiences — which doesn't just depend on the coronavirus situation in Australia. Over the past few months, a huge number of big-name flicks have postponed their releases, setting new dates for later this year and even next year. This started happening even before COVID-19 cases ramped up outside of China and Italy, because when a new movie hits the silver screen, it's usually a global event. So, the likes of A Quiet Place Part II, No Time to Die, Fast and Furious 9, Wonder Woman 1984, In the Heights, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Candyman and more all pushed back their release dates. Tenet wasn't one of them — in fact, it's one of the only movies that didn't move its original release date — but that could still happen, especially if American cinemas aren't ready to open by mid-July. Without a big movie like Tenet to screen — or Mulan, which moved its release date to Thursday, July 23, so the following week — it's possible that Aussie picture palaces will delay their plans, even if they've been given the go-ahead by the government to start their projectors again. And opening a huge blockbuster like the aforementioned movies in Australia weeks before they open in America just isn't going to happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdOM0x0XDMo Either way, when Aussie cinemas do reopen, going to the movies won't be quite the same as everyone remembers. "The Board is very mindful of social distancing restrictions needing to be put in place and acknowledges that the impact this will have on trading due to these reduced capacities," NACO said in its statement. That also likely means bigger gaps between session times to avoid crowds milling about in the foyer, only partly filling theatres to ensure social distancing requirements can be met, making hand sanitiser available everywhere, cleaning cinemas more regularly, and preferring contactless and cashless transactions. For Queenslanders, these are some of the new strategies already being put in place at Yatala Drive-In — which first reopened over the weekend of May 2–4, playing movies that were screening in cinemas when they closed. The move was a success, so it'll be doing so again between May 7–10 and May 14–17. Via Variety.
It has been almost ten years since Franz Ferdinand released their game-changing track 'Take Me Out' and got the world banging their heads and shaking their hips to their guitar disco sound. Now almost a decade on they are still going strong, releasing their fourth studio album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action in August to critical acclaim. Franz Ferdinand were once one of the hottest bands on the planet and whilst their live performances have always remained electric, they have never quite musically matched their debut — until now. Their new LP has truly rediscovered the energy and sound that enthralled us all on that initial release and has set them back on the path towards greatness. Now the Glaswegian quartet are taking the right action and bringing themselves to Australia. Whilst originally slated to be here for the now-cancelled Harvest Festival, the band have thankfully elected to stay on for an East Coast tour that will be stopping in Melbourne at the Forum Theatre on Thursday, November 14. So why not head down and see what all the renewed fuss is about?
A new player is stepping up to bat in the Australian hospitality scene, and in Melbourne. Introducing The StandardX, scheduled to open in Fitzroy on Thursday, August 8. The StandardX is the latest brainchild of Standard International, known for its lifestyle hotels in cosmopolitan hotspots like New York, Miami and London. But The StandardX is set to be a new direction for the brand, with the Fitzroy concept acting as "a rebellious younger sibling" of The Standard Hotels across the globe, distilling The Standard experience to its "x factor", and going for a more minimalist and cool approach. It seems that Fitzroy is the perfect location for the new concept. Melbourne's own Hecker Guthrie has infused the hotel's 125 rooms and public spaces with a contemporary yet unpretentious aesthetic. Macrame-clad pillars, a fireplace in the lobby and a warm colour palette also give the entire property a cosy charm. As for the food, don't expect the standard hotel restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, the rooftop dining area will be exclusive to hotel guests, offering an array of Medellin-inspired dishes, including tacos and ceviche. The rooftop bar will be the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after dinner, or before a night out, or at 10am — it's a hotel, after all. With panoramic city views and the privacy that comes with exclusivity, it's set to be a pretty nice spot to have a sip and take in the majesty of the Melbourne skyline for locals and tourists alike. Dingle-Garciyya is also heading up the all-day restaurant BANG, which sees a medley of classic Thai street food dishes receive contemporary twists. Anyone can dine here, from lunch through to dinner. The same can be said for The Box — a retail concept offering on-the-go snacks and drinks. With room rates expected to hover between $250–350, The StandardX is positioning itself as a premium choice for travellers and Melburnians looking for a unique hotel experience that blends luxury with Fitzroy's artistic and cultural heritage. Nick Cave, Ollie Olsen, Stuart Grant and Rowland S. Howard are even among the hotel's inspirations. The StandardX is opening on Thursday, August 8 at 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy. You can head to the hotel's website for further details.
Don't stress about packing your bags — a new breed of playcation has just launched at QV Melbourne. Opened in the CBD for the first time, Hijinx Hotel is combining its immersive quick-play challenge rooms with a sprawling Archie Brothers arcade-meets-cocktail bar experience. Together under a single roof, expect a kaleidoscopic entertainment destination that delivers a double dose of fun. If you haven't experienced Hijinx Hotel Chadstone before, just know these 'hotels' are designed for action-packed play, not overnight stays. Set around a series of hypnotising challenge rooms hidden behind hotel suite doors, guests swipe their keycard to enter a world of brain-teasing adventure. There are ten in total to explore, spanning massive ball pits, giant puzzles and a mega light-up floor grid made for dancing and dodging. When it's time to play, teams of two to six players complete a course of five challenges, with guests given just four minutes to crack each room's task. If you succeed, you've earned yourself a point for the leaderboard. Along the way, these brand-new challenge rooms will test your precision, teamwork and quick thinking skills. Featuring chaos and creativity in equal measure, this multi-sensory experience offers a next-level adventure without leaving town. "We set out to create a destination that brings pure joy to Melbourne's social scene," says Michael Schreiber, CEO of Funlab. "What excites us most is how this venue is set to bring everyone together, from couples and friends to full corporate teams looking to shake up their next event. We've built a space where play leads the way and memories are made from the moment you arrive." Once you've finished decoding the puzzles, step into Archie Brothers, an impressive 1600-square-metre arcade filled with circus-themed gaming. Think claw machines, classic arcade games, and engrossing VR experiences that offer nostalgic and future-forward encounters side by side. Plus, there are comprehensive karaoke rooms and function spaces perfect for catering to private events and parties. What's more, Archie Brothers is renowned for its theatrical cocktail bar, with creative concoctions like the Bubble and Pop featuring tropical rum-drenched flavours and topped with a scented bubble that bursts into a suspended vapour. There's also a crowd-pleasing food menu to fuel your crew, with pizza, tacos and chicken bites on offer. So, leave the toothbrush at home and check in for an offbeat night of fast-paced gaming and unique challenges. Hijinx Hotel QV Melbourne is open Sunday–Thursday from 10am–11pm and Friday–Saturday from 11am–1am at QV Melbourne, Level 3, Cnr Lonsdale and Swanston Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Zennieshia Butts.
While working with one of the first female master gin distillers in the world, Joanne Moore of Greenall's Gin, to develop a bluffer's guide to the botanical drop and to get the lowdown on some top gin drinks to make at home, we were inspired by Joanne's story. She's helped pave the way for female distillers and within a heritage company like Greenall's. So, we thought we'd have a look at some other ladies who are also shaking things up, making things happen and pioneering some pretty excellent projects. We've sourced the creme de la femme from a wide range of careers and corners of the globe and asked them, well, pretty much everything from where French mademoiselles hide their croissant crumbs (though, spoiler alert, we still don't know) to how to actually master the barbecue to what it takes to go head-to-head with Tommy Shelby of Peaky Blinders. Here we present some inspiring women to put on your radars — if they're not there already, that is. JOANNE MOORE — MASTER DISTILLER, GREENALL'S GIN Joanne Moore is one of the world's first female master gin distillers, and seventh master distiller for Greenall's, which has been in operation since 1761 — making it Britain's oldest gin distillery. Knowing that she wanted to work with one of the oldest and most revered gin distilleries in the world, Joanne started her way in quality control, where she learned about the production process. Raw ingredients, distilling and bottling eventually led her into the wonderful world of botanicals and creating gins. Around the same time as the Peaky Blinders were creating their fictional gins, Greenall's was creating a single powerful enterprise: they were distillers, rectifiers, wine and spirit merchants, importers, brewers, maltsters and ale, beer and porter merchants. And as much as we'd like to believe it's all sipping and nattering for a master distiller — though, we're not necessarily saying it's not, either — it does take years of expertise. A typical day for Joanne can involve approving samples on the Greenall's tasting panel (raw ingredients or finished products), taking customer visits, doing house tours or hosting masterclasses. Joanne's advice for anyone getting into distilling is "do it for the right reasons…You won't be an expert immediately, but have fun, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how we evolve and learn." [caption id="attachment_668102" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk.[/caption] KATE REID — FOUNDER, LUNE CROISSANTERIE Kate Reid can't remember her first ever croissant, but estimates that "it sure as hell wouldn't exactly have been an artisan one!" She's come a long way since to prove what one innovative woman unbound to traditional methods can truly achieve. Slung in the back streets of Fitzroy, Lune is notorious for selling out of its creations (think cruffins with lemon curd and twice-baked black forest beauties) plus it's been said with authority that the croissanterie is serving up quite probably the best croissants in the world. Yet, when Kate started Lune, she realised her stint in France (where she trained at top Parisian boulangerie Du Pain et des Idees) saw her learning only 15 to 20 percent of the entire artisan craft. "My background in engineering played a big part in the development of techniques. I would change one variable at a time and analyse the differences it made to the final baked product. If it was an improvement, it would become the new baseline technique. "This has the bonus knock-on effect of not being tied to a century-old classic French technique; all of our processes are always up for improvement and development," she says. And when it comes to any advice for us antipodeans oneating a pastry like a French mademoiselle, the whole 'no crumb left behind' sort of deal is still a mystery to her, too. But if anyone were to work it out, it'll surely be Kate. [caption id="attachment_668103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Izzy Gramp.[/caption] LISY KANE — CO-FOUNDER, GIRL GEEK ACADEMY AND LEAGUE OF GEEKS To those thinking the only roles for women in STEM involve being the social bridge (here's looking at you IT Crowd's Jen Barber), then think again. In a global movement aimed at encouraging women to learn technology and build more of the internet, the Girl Geek Academy (GGA) squad has more arms and intelligence than an octopus. Co-founder Lisy Kane has also curated the first ever Australian all-female game-making day #SheMakesGames and was recognised by Forbes in the prestigious top 30 list, Forbes 30 Under 30 2017: Games. "Whether directly or indirectly, I'm now on the map and I get invited to provide keynotes at really prestigious industry events in Australia, the US and the UK. Through these opportunities, I get to hold myself up as a young woman in the game dev industry and show other young women that it's normal to be a girl in games. That's exactly the image we need to project out there to help bridge the gender gap in the industry." [caption id="attachment_668101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Madeline Kate Photography.[/caption] JESS PRYLES — PITMASTER AND CO-FOUNDER, AUSTRALASIAN BBQ ALLIANCE Having co-founded the Australasian BBQ Alliance, Jess Pryles is an internationally respected authority on live fire cooking and barbecue and has been breaking the outdated barbecue code (see: male-dominated) for the past ten years. She explains how there's so much more to the title of pitmaster than one may realise. "Generally, the term is bandied about and there's no regulation for it. But there's a consensus that it should be reserved for someone who has reached the top of their art and not just somebody who happens to be a barbecuer," says Jess. Jess was lured into the craft when she had her first taste of intensely smoked meat in Texas. "It's such a different experience for the palate that it became this 'aha' moment." She's now whipping up everything from beef tongue that perfectly falls apart for tacos to whole deer neck that she makes into smoked venison stock. Her advice on smoking meats and firing through to the top? "You've got to have a tremendous amount of patience. It's expensive and laborious, and the reality is, you [need to] cook and fail, and do it again and again and understand how to troubleshoot. That's what it takes." [caption id="attachment_668104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Greg Holland.[/caption] SIOBHAN MCGINNITY — MUSICIAN AND AUDIOLOGIST, MUSICIANS FOR HEARING The most sensory gigs happening in Australia right now could rightly be the Musicians for Hearing events. Established by Siobhan McGinnity, the company presents live music translated into Auslan and performed in tandem by interpreters. Her quest involves helping raise awareness and creating connections — plus, bridging an ironically unheard of gap in healthcare: hearing. Siobhan found her way into audiology by stumbling into a clinic and quizzing the doctor. She's now on the path to specialise in rehabilitating hearing loss and balance disorders. "I want to work in a niche area: protecting musicians and their hearing," she says. And with one in six Australians being affected by some sort of hearing loss — 74 percent of musicians with a form of hearing injury — it makes sense we should care about how we appreciate music. The gigs according to Siobhan are "a music fruit salad" — rock, pop, contemporary, hip hop, you name it — and funds raised from events being donated overseas toward hearing care in countries like Cambodia. "It's the most beautiful thing seeing people who are deaf and hearing standing side-by-side and being able to communicate through music," says Siobhan.
A massive, free digital art installation is set to takeover the skies above the Birrarung for five nights this October. Head down from 8pm between Wednesday, October 11–Sunday, October 15 to see the Yarra transformed with a symphonic sound and light installation. Created by audio composer Shaun Rigney together with light and sound experts LASERVISION, Sky Symphony marries Rigney's symphony Portraits of the Air with a unique display of lasers, lighting, water jets and a state-of-the-art projector. Portraits of the Air was recorded with Orchestra Victoria and conducted by Nicholas Buc. "I was thinking about a way of presenting the music and images when I saw LASERVISION's work on the internet. It blew my mind. They were making these astounding shows projecting lasers onto water screens. And I realised: our images are made of light and air and water … and here is a company using the same materials as their medium! I had to find a way to bring them together," says Rigney. Sky Symphony is a 12-minute installation which will play on loop every 20 minutes between 8–10.40pm. The Sky Symphony team reckon the best place to view the artwork is along the eastern end of Yarra Promenade, adjacent to Queens Bridge. Sky Symphony is supported by the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, granting funding for after-dark activities to all to give the night-time economy a hefty boost. [caption id="attachment_915903" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joondalup, 2023[/caption]
Now is the time to start planning and booking a holiday to Outback Australia. Typically, the best time to visit places like the Red Centre, the Kimberleys and Flinders Ranges is between May and October. It's the Goldilocks period — you avoid both the summer heat and the wet season. It's not too hot or too cold. It's just right. But you can't just book a flight and figure it out once you get there. You'll usually need a guide, a 4WD and a super detailed plan. You can organise all of this yourself, but it's a lot of work. That's why we suggest booking a specially curated tour. It takes all the fuss out of your holiday, allowing you to simply enjoy the ridiculously beautiful natural wonders found throughout the Australian outback. So, read on to find a series of unforgettable trips and tours that can each be booked through Concrete Playground Trips. [caption id="attachment_896631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brian Mcmahon (Unsplash)[/caption] LUXURY CAMPING TOUR AROUND KIMBERLEY Western Australia's Kimberley region is a proper bucket list travel destination. You get to see some of Outback Australia's finest sites — think deep gorges, vast white sand beaches and remote waterfalls that are made for swimming under. What better way to experience this iconic natural landscape than by camping around it for 12 days? This unique trip won't just guide you to the best spots, it'll take you there in total style. It includes a helicopter ride over Mitchell Falls, a Geikie Gorge boat cruise and all your camping equipment — big comfy mattress and all. If you've always wanted to explore Kimberley, this is the ultimate way to do it. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tobias Keller (Unsplash)[/caption] SIX-DAY CORAL COASTER FROM PERTH TO EXMOUTH (VIA NINGALOO REEF) Go on a proper Western Australia adventure during this week-long trip. From unspoilt beaches to deep red deserts to explore — plus an abundance of wildlife to spot — this will be an unforgettable Australian holiday. You'll also tick a bunch of spectacular destinations off your bucket list — including the Pinnacles, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, Murchison Gorge, Kalbarri National Park, The Stromatolites at Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_826027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK TOUR FROM DARWIN TO CAIRNS This is an 11-day adventure-filled trip through the most remote parts of Savannah Way. Get ready to explore natural landscapes unlike anything else in the world. You'll travel east through Kakadu, Mataranka, Lorella Springs and Lawn Hill before finishing up in the tropical rainforest on the outskirts of Cairns. Along the way, you'll spot native wildlife in their natural habitat, hike through gorges, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and swim in pristine natural waterholes (free of crocs, of course). BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_883581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Skopal (Unsplash)[/caption] THREE-DAY ADVENTURE IN THE FLINDERS RANGES This small group eco-tour of the famous Flinders Ranges gives guests the opportunity to see the incredible rock formation of Wilpena Pound and the Ranges while learning about local Aboriginal culture. You'll search for the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby, spot kangaroos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles, spy ancient Aboriginal cave paintings, meet the locals and enjoy campfires and camp cooking. BOOK IT NOW. KING'S CANYON HIKING TOUR King's Canyon, famously where the queens from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert hiked in feather-clad bird outfits, is a big bucket list destination — not just for fans of the film. Located between Alice Springs and Yulara, this has to be one of the very best places to go hiking in Australia. Walk along red rock cliffs, through maze-like gorges and around beautiful bushland. The views across the surrounding desert are also just next level, and this big day trip takes you to all the best bits. BOOK IT NOW. DAY TRIP TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK WATERFALLS If you've ever seen images of people jumping into spectacular natural waterholes and pools in a tourism ad for the Northern Territory, there's a very good chance the footage was shot at Litchfield National Park. Making a visit here is an experience we should all have at some point in our lives. And booking this package will get you right there. You'll be picked up from Darwin and transported to the famous Florence Falls for a day of exploring and swimming in extraordinary (croc-free) waters. BOOK IT NOW. CHAMBER PILLAR AND RAINBOW VALLEY 4WD TRIP Go off-road during this full-day tour around the Rainbow Valley — a remote region in Australia's Red Centre. The small group 4WD experience takes you deep into the Red Centre's beautiful and remote sand hill country in comfort and style. You will discover the history of the early explorers, local First Nations culture and stories, the iconic Simpson Desert and stunning landscapes and rock formations. In between short hikes, you'll be driven around in an air-conditioned 4WD to catch your breath and cool down. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_896632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Davies (Unsplash)[/caption] FOUR-DAY 4WD OUTBACK TOUR OF KAKADU NATIONAL PARK This exclusive 4WD safari adventure takes travellers off-road, discovering some of the most remote parts of Kakadu National Park. Visit spectacular waterfalls, cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable and spend each night in comfortable accommodation. Everything is organised for you throughout this Outback Australia tour, including a billabong wetlands cruise that'll take you up and close to some freshwater crocs. 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 image: Simon Maisch (Unsplash)
Chattanooga, Tennessee is poised for a creative comeback. After cleaning up its past image as a dirty city, and experiencing an influx of artistic talents, Chattanooga is on the cusp of a turnaround. D.J. Trischler, a local brand consultant, explains the missing component: "If you think of a brand as a story, [Chattanooga] has an amazing story. If you look at the visual brand, it doesn’t back up that story.” Trischler has recently joined forces with Chattanooga resident and typeface designer Jeremy Dooley to restore the city's look and feel by creating and applying a new font to city signage and print media. The concept of a distinguishing city typeface is common throughout Europe, yet has only been attempted (and failed) once in the United States. The efforts of Trischler and Dooley represent the first attempt to create this city-customized typeface at the grassroots level. The pair teamed up with a second typeface designer, Robbie de Villiers, and Trischner's business partner Jonathan Mansfield. Together, they consulted a local historian to gather inspiration for their Chattanooga-inspired font, including the old Cherokee Native American writing system and Coca-Cola's first bottling plant. The result was what the team describes as a "geometric slab serif", a font simultaneously industrial and futuristic. Chattanooga now had a Chatype. Public events have gathered community support and funding for the launch of Chatype, and the team expects residents to see the font popping up on signage, business cards and city government websites soon. Trischner and Dooley express hopes that Chatype will one day be seen on start-up businesses, road signs, fire trucks and police cars. [Via GOOD]
Daft Punk have never been averse to some commercial collaboration, and now they've teamed up with perhaps the biggest and most recognised soft drink company in the world. It's just been announced that Coke will release two limited edition bottles in silver and gold, entitled 'Club Coke,' as a tribute to the French electro duo's robot helmets. The bottles will begin production in March 2011, and will be coupled with the launch of the Daft Coke website. Naturally, the bottles will almost solely be available in clubs, where shiney things are always the best things, and will no doubt be the source of many a French hipster's pick-up line. They'll also be sold at the very chic, high-end store Colette in Paris as a collector's box set (although how long can you keep Coke for? Or is Coke like baked beans, and strong enough to survive nuclear holocaust?). Daft Punk have previously collaborated with Adidas and The Gap to sell stuff, so the Coke venture doesn't come as much of a surprise. But surely the real question, and one that everyone seems to be ignoring, is: does it taste like Daft Punk? https://youtube.com/watch?v=86vQMkR9raI
Somewhere in the Australian wilderness there's a spot with tall trees, lizards sunning themselves on rocks, the sound of total solitude — and a really expensive tent. We don't know where it is, but if you can find it, it's yours to keep. The tent — along with some $3k kitty of camping goods — has been hidden in a secret campsite somewhere in Australia. It's been put there by outdoor mega brand Kathmandu as part of a new scavenger hunt that leads entrants to the location — if you can find it, you score the whole lot. So how will you find it? Clues to the Hidden Retreat will be released across the brand's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from Wednesday, February 14 up until Saturday, February 24. The clues are said to be cryptic and will specifically test competitors' knowledge of Australian wildlife through the use of images, videos and — randomly enough — poetry. Unfortunately, there's no worm for the early bird in this case — if you do discover the secret location before February 24, you still need to wait and get to the campsite first on that day to win. You'll also have to arrive during the designated 'prize winning window', which is from 7am–12pm. The first to arrive during this window will go home with the gold, winning a seriously decked out campsite package, which will include this three-person tent, a connectable living space and two down sleeping bags, plus a bunch of extra gadgets. Sure, it's a big promo for Kathmandu and it requires a lot of commitment, but if you've got some spare time up your sleeve, the prize will be a big asset for avid (or aspiring) campers. Handy if you want to tick off these beach camping spots this year. The four runners-up will win a smaller campsite package, each valued at over $2000. For anyone else who shows (up to 200 people), you won't go home empty-handed, but will only nab a BPA-free water bottle for your efforts. To be eligible, you must first RSVP to the Facebook event page. Happy hunting.
Spending more time at home is much easier to stomach with a hefty rage of desserts on hand, or at least that seems to be Gelato Messina's pandemic motto. Over the past few months, the gelato fiends have served up plenty of tasty specials, including cookie pies in choc chip, red velvet, choc-hazelnut, and peanut butter and jelly varieties, as well as 40 of its best gelato flavours. Up next: a gelato version of everyone's favourite Italian chocolate, in tub form. If your ultimate chocolate is round, covered in gold wrapping and has a crunchy hazelnut centre — yes, we're talking about Ferrero Rocher — you best get ready to order this Messina special, dubbed the Tartufo Rocks Hot Tub. Inspired by the famed Italian chocolate, the tubs feature layers of gianduja (chocolate-hazelnut) gelato, whipped cream, chocolate-coated puffed rice, hazelnut mousse and gianduja fudge and are topped with hazelnut rocher glaze. And, yes, the end result looks like the chocolates you know and love — but in a scoopable form. Available as part of Messina's 'Hot Tub' series, the Tartufo gelato can only be ordered online on Monday, October 26, with a one-litre tub setting you back $30. You can then go into your chosen Messina store to pick up your tub between Friday, October 30 and Sunday, November 1. While Rocher's tagline is indeed 'share something special', we think there's nothing wrong with keeping this all to yourself. Gelato Messina's Tartufo Rocks Hot Tubs will be available to order on Monday, October 26, for pick up between Friday, October 30–Sunday, November 1 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Netflix might've stopped adding new Mindhunter episodes to our streaming queues, sadly, but the platform isn't done exploring true crimes or serial killers yet — not by far. From The Serpent to the Conversations with a Killer series, and including everything from The Ripper to The Raincoat Killer: Chasing a Predator in Korea as well, there's no shortage of options if you type 'serial killer' into the service's search function, including whether you're looking for dramas or documentaries. Soon, DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story will join that hefty and growing list. Very soon, in fact: from Wednesday, September 21, with the ten-part miniseries featuring WandaVision, Mare of Easttown and American Horror Story actor Evan Peters as the titular IRL murderer. In doing so, the inherently unsettling show sees its star reunite with the latter's creator and prolific TV producer Ryan Murphy, this time getting creepy in a different way. When the Monster drops its full run in one go, ready for nightmarish midweek binging, expect to be perturbed. Unsurprisingly, the just-dropped first trailer is chilling. It's meant to be, both given the tale it's telling and the tone. In a sneak peek heavy on mood, evoking that reaction and giving viewers a look at Peters in the part are the clear aim — consider both well and truly achieved. Dahmer's story is particularly gruesome; between 1978–1991, he murdered and dismembered 17 boys and men. There's more to his crimes, including cannibalism — and accepting a meal from Dahmer isn't something that anyone takes lightly, or willingly, in Monster's trailer. Alongside Peters, Netflix's dramatised step back into Dahmer's murders features Richard Jenkins (Nightmare Alley) as the serial killer's father Lionel and Penelope Ann Miller as his mother Joyce — and the full cast includes Niecy Nash (Never Have I Ever) and Molly Ringwald (Riverdale) as well. And yes, getting well-known faces to play horrific killers is also part of Netflix's true-crime trend — which, if you watched Zac Efron play Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile a few years back, you'll already know. Check out the trailer for DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story below: DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story will be available to stream via Netflix on Wednesday, September 21.
Lock up your children, Hocus Pocus fans. Actually, if you have kids, you'll want to leave them at home on your next getaway. Just in time for Halloween, Airbnb has conjured up a particularly witchy stay in Salem, Massachusetts: the Sanderson sisters' cottage, which comes complete with broomsticks, bubbling cauldrons, cobwebs, curious cats, creaking floorboards, potions in apothecary bottles and spellbooks. Get ready to run amok, amok, amok to indulge your Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 love, with this one-time-only listing arriving not only for the spookiest time of year, but because the latter flick — a 29-years-later sequel to the beloved 1993 film that starred Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music), with all three returning as Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson this time around — hits Disney+ on Friday, September 30. A screening of that movie is included in your magical stay, too, whether you've caught it already by then or you manage to hang out for the ultimate viewing experience. The bewitching date to pop into your diary: Thursday, October 20. But, as tends to be the case with Airbnb's pop culture-themed one-offs, only one booking is being taken. The cottage will welcome in two guests for a one-night stay, with reservations opening at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13 via the Airbnb website. There is a fee for the accommodation, costing US$31 dollars — but, if you're lucky enough to score the booking and you're travelling from Down Under, flights and transportation aren't included in that cost. That obviously makes it a much more expensive prospect. Still, this spellbinding experience will be the first time that anyone has been able to get slumbering (and scheming) like the Sandersons. And, it also includes the chance to try the enchantments listed in the Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy, as well as exploring Salem's history via visits to some of the town's purportedly haunted properties. And yes, the black flame candle flickers. Of course it does. In fact, expect candlelight to be a huge part of your trip — in every room. The cottage has been recreated as though it's 300 years ago, after all. (Bathroom facilities are in a separate outhouse, for example.) "We all know that the Sanderson sisters' story might not have ended when we turned to dust, nor did our shenanigans," said Kathy Najimy, aka Mary Sanderson, helping Airbnb announce the Hocus Pocus stay. "What better way to celebrate the season than to host guests at the trio's historic haunt for a night they'll remember for years to come?" Najimy continued. The Sanderson sisters' cottage joins Airbnb's growing list of movie and TV-inspired getaways, including the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion and the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop just in 2022 alone. For more information about the Hocus Pocus mansion listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13, head to the Airbnb website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Helynn Ospina.
There are times when we live paycheque to paycheque. Then there are times when it's appropriate to live a little large. Right now we're feeling the need to indulge. Whether that's catching an award-winning opera with epic Sydney Harbour views, spending three hours at a top-end-of-town spa, or dining at one of Sydney's famous restaurants. In partnership with Destination NSW, we've picked out seven outrageously fancy things to do in Sydney, so when you're in need of a treat you know exactly where to start. [caption id="attachment_805157" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund[/caption] SEE LA TRAVIATA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR One of our city's most extravagant annual events is back for 2021 with extra gusto. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will once again host an award-winning opera on its openair theatre. This time it's Verdi's famous opera La Traviata — a story that inspired Moulin Rouge. You can expect decadence in the form of a nine-metre-high chandelier hanging above the stage (complete with 10,000 crystals) and fireworks at every performance. Not to mention those unbeatable harbour views. To truly experience the luxury event, book a pre-show dinner and interval drinks at the HSBC Platinum Club. Tickets for La Traviata start from $99. The show runs until April 25. INDULGE IN A SPA EXPERIENCE AT SHANGRI-LA Next time you're in need of pampering, don't settle for your high street massage place. Instead, step it up a notch with a spa day at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. The luxury hotel's in-house Chi, The Spa has heaps of packages to choose from. The most luxurious is the Journey Down Under ($535–605 per person). This 3.25-hour experience features a 75-minute wattleseed scrub and pink clay wrap combo followed by a 60-minute aroma massage, then a one-hour deep cleansing facial. The spa uses ethically sourced natural ingredients, too. Fully booked? Here are more indulgent spa experiences in Sydney. SPEND A NIGHT IN THE BEST HOTEL ROOM IN THE CITY One of the most expensive suites in the city can be found at five-star hotel The Langham, Sydney. The most expensive and luxurious room in the house is The Observatory Suite (from $2,448 per night). Boasting views over Observatory Hill, the 122-square-metre space features a double drawing room with a fireplace, a grand eight-person dining room and an extra comfy master bedroom. Plus, it has a gorgeous marble bathroom with a separate tub for the most extra soak you'll ever have. After a long bath, throw on that plush bathrobe and slippers and enjoy the 24-hour room service. TAKE A SEAPLANE TO A REMOTE WATERSIDE RESTAURANT Sure, you could easily drive to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, but where's the fun in that? Instead, live like a celeb and hop on a seaplane to take you there — with food awaiting your arrival. Sydney Seaplanes will fly you to this award-winning waterside cottage, set on Cowan Creek. The decadent three-course lunch ($580 each) is created by head chef Kevin Solomon (formerly at Guillaume). If you can't bear to leave your tranquil surrounds, you can stay overnight at Cottage Point Inn for $775 per person, including your meal and flight. In the morning, you'll be treated to a continental breakfast before flying back to Rose Bay. [caption id="attachment_677793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] EAT AT ONE OF SYDNEY'S FAMOUS FINE DINERS Peter Gilmore's Quay is a dining experience worthy of its extravagance. You can choose from a six- or eight-course feast ($240–290) and, no matter your decision, you'll experience the finest ingredients presented beautifully. Raw scallops are paired with liquorice kombu and oyster cream; smoked eel with caviar and sea cucumber crackling; bone marrow noodles with mud crab and miso butter; and Maremma duck with black garlic and preserved blueberries. Complete your evening with the sommelier wine pairing for $190–230. CHARTER A PRIVATE YACHT FOR 20 OF YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST Want to feel like a billionaire? If the answer is 'so freakin' bad', pretend you're Bruno Mars right here in Sydney. Plenty of local companies hire out yachts by the hour. Sydney Harbour Escapes, which operates the popular party boat Starship Sydney, has four-person boats all the way up to mega yachts for 950 guests. If you're going all out, treat 20 of your nearest and dearest to a yacht day, from $325 per hour. Living large? Opt for a skippered overnight stay with Taylor Made Escapes in Palm Beach from $499. [caption id="attachment_795541" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Balloon Aloft, Destination NSW[/caption] WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON There's more than one way to take to the skies. For the most leisurely flight option, hop aboard a hot air balloon. There are heaps of these nostalgic experiences out there, but we rate Balloon Aloft's flights in Camden and Hunter Valley. Each one-hour flight will cost you $279 per person. Whichever location you choose, you'll set out at sunrise and pass over rolling countryside and lush valleys. After your flight, you'll enjoy a gourmet brekkie complete with sparkling wine, either at Peterson House Winery in the Hunter or Camden Valley Inn in the Macarthur region. Going on a luxe getaway? Balloon Aloft also runs experiences in Mudgee and Byron Bay. 'La Traviata' runs until April 25, 2021. Tickets start from $99. Top image: Sydney Seaplanes
Just like Australian television's 80s golden couple Scott and Charlene — aka Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue — everyone heads back to Ramsay Street at some point. It's true of viewers who tuned in to watch Neighbours wrap up its 37-year run earlier in 2022, and it's now true about the TV show itself, too. After that big star-studded farewell midyear, complete with the return of Donovan, Minogue and fellow big-name past stars Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce, the Australian soap opera will now make a comeback in 2023. Because everybody needs more Neighbours, Amazon is behind the revival via its free, ad-supported Amazon Freevee streaming service (which was formerly known as IMDb TV). That's where the series will air in the UK and US from the second half of next year. But it'll be available via Network Ten and Prime Video in Australia, and on the latter in New Zealand as well. 🚨 Breaking News from Erinsborough! 🚨 Neighbours will return for a brand-new series next year exclusively on @AmazonFreevee, alongside thousands of episodes from previous seasons to stream as you please. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/1Qq2fIPgog — Neighbours (@neighbours) November 17, 2022 Amazon will pick up the show after more than 9000 past episodes, and also stream thousands of those instalments from prior seasons before the new season premieres. While Neighbours previously ran five days a week — helping notch up that hefty number of eps — whether the revival will do the same hasn't yet been confirmed, although Amazon's announcement does note that it'll be a "continuation of the long-running daily drama series". Something that is definitely locked in: the return of Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson, Alan Fletcher as Karl Kennedy, Jackie Woodburne as Susan Kennedy and Ryan Moloney as Toadie Rebecchi. The fan favourites will all star in the new Neighbours, in the show's first casting announcement. Whether any fellow past cast members will make a comeback and who any knew faces will be also hasn't been revealed as yet. "Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world. We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee. Thanks to the innovative Amazon Freevee platform, many classic episodes will be available to fans, and Neighbours will go back into full production in Australia early next year, providing our fans with new episodes," said Jennifer Mullin, global CEO of Neighbours' production company Fremantle. "This partnership with Amazon Freevee marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to collaborating with them, along with our long-term and valued partner in Australia, Network 10." Neighbours was originally cancelled after being dropped by its UK network, Channel 5, leaving local backer Network Ten without enough funding to continue the series. As seen in the show's swansong, the list of well-known faces who've graced the series since its 1985 debut is hefty, all playing characters either living in or connected to the show's cul-de-sac in the fictitious Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. As well as Minogue, Donovan and Pearce, 80s-era Neighbours boasted a four-episode stint from Russell Crowe. In the 90s, Natalie Imbruglia got her start there. Liam Hemsworth was a regular in the 00s, as was Robbie, and Chris Hemsworth popped up in one 2002 episode before moving over to rival Aussie soap Home and Away. Also just as sizeable: the show's 37 years of twists, amnesia spells, shock returns from the dead, and other Ramsay and Robinson family dramas. Indeed, it's fitting that Neighbours itself is being resurrected after being killed off. And yes, as Amazon's announcement video shows, the iconic Neighbours theme tune remains part of the series — because good Neighbours songs become good friends, naturally. Neighbours will return for a new season in 2023, airing via Network Ten and Prime Video in Australia, Prime Video in New Zealand, and Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Images: Fremantle.
Exploring the best of modern Japanese cuisine, OMI restaurants around the country usually specialise in a single tantalising dining concept, from wagyu to matcha to baked goods. For instance, OMI Bēkarī is where fans can dine on authentic Japanese breads and reimagined Western pastries, while OMI 5 Series sees premium shopping centres adorned with handcrafted dishes produced using top-notch ingredients. Now the brand is ready to unveil a new flagship destination — OMI 380. Landing in the city on Lonsdale Street, this expansive 600-square-metre setting unites five culinary aspects central to the brand, leading to a fascinating fusion of flavour and culture under a single roof. While each space offers its own distinct personality and cuisine, together they form a harmonious dining experience brimming with refined Japanese dining. Inside, OMI Wagyu is where guests sit down for signature donburi, premium A5 wagyu, sizzling izakaya plates and hotpot favourites. Featuring a menu teeming with premium cuts cooked to perfection, this part of the venue could be considered the heart of OMI 380. However, the cuisine on offer goes much further, as OMI Bēkarī & Gelato presents innovative sweet and savoury treats made fresh daily. Think mini pan pan, shokupan and canelés alongside matcha gelato scoops available in three intensity levels. Next up, OMI Matcha deliberately dials down the mood to achieve a sense of calm. Now is the ideal chance to sip back a traditional matcha latte, made with a superior, Japanese-grown ingredient. Plus, you're invited to explore a wealth of original OMI inventions, like the fruity Matcha Daydream. Coffee isn't overlooked either, with creative beverages using the award-winning beans of Five Senses Coffee to bring another dimension to the menu. As for the final space, the soon-to-open OMI Saké offers a refined celebration of Japanese brewing. Here, you're welcome to sample the restaurant's sake tasting sets or indulge in a signature sake-forward cocktail, like the Matcha Moonlight. Conceived as a refreshing take on tradition, expect both innovative and time-tested sakes to light up the drinks menu. Roaming from one delicious concept to the next, this multi-sensory journey is levelling up the fun following its grand opening by inviting guests to embark on the OMI Stamp Map Challenge. From Wednesday, May 21, make a purchase at each concept to collect a stamp. Once you've gathered all five, just present your receipt to the cashier to redeem an exclusive tote bag at the Bēkarī counter. OMI 380 is open daily from 10am–9pm at 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
Dating is tough, we all know this. We try to act like it's chill but admit it: the prospect of your taste being judged by someone you like is daunting. And as a result, we tend to overthink dates and overcomplicate them. It's good to be a little prepared but when you've planned an evening to the hilt, it can only disappoint you (not to mention distract you from your date). If you want to experience those memorable, miraculous, out-of-nowhere-amazing dates that somehow last forever and are over too soon, we have some advice: stop thinking so much. Opt for a spontaneous date that you'll both be surprised by, and see how much pressure that takes off. And because a surprise date can only be made better with a little sparkling, we spoke to Henkell, purveyors of fine bubbly, to get the 411 on sure-fire dates you don't have to overthink. SAY YES TO THE QUEEN VIC NIGHT MARKET Be brave and invite that cutie to the Queen Victoria Night Market on a random Wednesday. There's no need to overthink this one — the Night Markets are premium date territory. Waiting-in-line chat times, a few bevs, the joy of food samples and a high chance of a Lady and the Tramp noodle-smooch scenario are all good date fodder. We do recommend you kick it up a notch and impulsively order everything you see (the weirder the better) because there's nothing better than riding the rollercoaster of flavour together. MINI GOLF AND PIZZA IN THE CITY Channel your inner kids and head to Holey Moley in the city for some putt-putt action (and prepare to rattle off your favourite Caddyshack lines in-situ). Walk-ins are welcome, or you can you can book on the fly (helpfully, the website shows available tee-off times). But even if mini-golf is booked out, there's lots to do — like karaoke and pizza. Queue up the Don't Stop Believing or better yet, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart, and belt it out together. Impressed 'em with your crooning and want to keep the night going? Make sure you have some Henkell Blanc de Blancs on ice to keep the good times rollin'. TAKE A MINI FOOD TOUR OF LYGON STREET There'll be no bookings needed and no logistical management necessary for this date — all these phenomenal venues are on the same block. Start at Milk the Cow on Lygon (across from Cinema Nova) for an appetiser cheese board (or fondue, if you're not wearing a white shirt). Then head to Heartattack and Vine next door for Venetian bites. The bar food menu is always changing, and you can buy bites by the piece, AKA cicchetti. For a larger dish (and again, only if you're not wearing a white shirt) order the meatballs. Finally, walk back past Milk the Cow and jump in the line for Pidapipo to grab a cone of Melbourne's best gelato to enjoy (maybe over a glass of Henkell Trocken?) in the neighbouring Carlton Gardens. EMBARK ON A BELLARINE ADVENTURE If you want a truly memorable adventure date (with minimal planning required and a guaranteed good time), head out of town, just past Geelong, to the Bellarine Peninsula for a lazy afternoon of seafood and bubbles. The journey is only an hour and a half away, but the Bellarine feels like another world. First head to Port Arlington and drop in at Advanced Mussel Supply. At its Little Mussel Cafe (where you won't need a booking), grab a mussel bowl or mixed platter to share. Once you've had your fill, head to the famous Point Lonsdale lighthouse to watch the sun go down over a glass of bubbly. GO TO GAOL FOR A NIGHT Before you try to be too spontaneous with this one, you should gauge whether your date would be thrilled with a spooky night out or traumatised for life — it's an important distinction. If the former, book into an Old Melbourne Gaol tour. Tickets can be booked on the day (partly in the interest of spontaneity, partly to avoid nightmares in the lead-up) and you can choose from the ghost tour, The Hangman's tour or A Night in the Watch House — just make sure to bring a brave face. After an eerie evening of history, character acting and nervous sweating, calm the nerves over a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs together. Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.
Prince Charmings and glass slippers aren't all that easy to come by — but who needs 'em, right? Right now, you can experience your own Cinderella moment with a visit to the Westin's Lobby Lounge. From Friday, May 20–Sunday, July 17, the hotel is serving up another of its themed high teas, this time inspired by Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway musical Cinderella, to coincide with the show's run at the Regent Theatre. The Enchanted High Tea is every bit as whimsical as it sounds, featuring a selection of dainty sweet and savoury treats pretty enough to star on stage themselves. Expect bites like bolognese and pea arancini; ham and brie finger sandwiches with pear and fig chutney; two kinds of scone; and even candied pumpkin and brownie cake pops made in the image of Cinderella's iconic carriage. You've got a choice of four different drinks packages, ranging from bottomless coffee to free-flowing Chandon sparkling. And if you want to really kick into fairytale mode, there's the new menu of Cinderella-inspired 'Magical Cocktails', including the gin and rose Fairy Godmother blend, and the Glass Slipper, crafted with Malibu, blue curacao, vodka and coconut. The Enchanted High Tea is served daily from 11am–4pm.
It's one of the most famous lines in cinema history, and it just keeps proving true. When Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back" in 1984's The Terminator, he clearly meant it — and so did James Cameron's franchise. Like Skynet-controlled robot killing machines trying to exterminate humanity and take over the world, this series just keeps coming, with 1991's Terminator 2: Judgement Day, 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, 2009's Terminator Salvation, 2015's Terminator Genisys, TV's short-lived Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and animated show Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series to its name. The saga's fortunes have been varied, to say the least, with the last few films hardly leaving anyone clamouring for more. But, no matter how Terminator: Dark Fate turns out, it does have one big trick up its sleeves. While Arnie has been a part of every Terminator movie except Salvation, which was made while he was the Governor of California, Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor hasn't had a significant part in the franchise since T2. The character has still popped up on-screen, played by everyone's favourite duelling Game of Thrones queens — that is, by Lena Headey in The Sarah Connor Chronicles and by Emilia Clarke in Genisys — but now the kick-ass Hamilton is making a proper comeback. Timeline-wise, Dark Fate actually takes place after T2, ignoring all of the other sequels. If it's a success, it'll start a new trilogy, although the same was expected of Salvation and Genisys, too. As well as the return of Hamilton as Connor — and Arnie as the T-800, of course — the movie stars Halt and Catch Fire's Mackenzie Davis as a new terminator-human hybrid sent from the future. She's charged with protecting Birds of Passage's Natalia Reyes from the deadly ways of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Gabriel Luna, who plays their not-so-kindly cyborg assassin foe. After writing and directing the series' first two flicks, Cameron returns as a producer, while Deadpool's Tim Miller is in the director's chair. Catch the trailer below — yes, the saga is back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCyEX6u-Yhs Terminator: Dark Fate releases in Australian cinemas on October 31, 2019.
In one of the standout movies of 2014 — in 2015 Down Under, based on when it hit cinemas locally beyond film festivals — an escapable supernatural force just kept coming. Once it had you in its sights, this presence wasn't just creepy and unsettling; it was single-minded and unrelenting. The flick: It Follows. The ominous evil: the eponymous 'it', which latched onto the sexually active, passing from person to person when they slipped between the sheets. A decade later, it's about to have company in sequel They Follow. US distributor and studio Neon has announced that It Follows is scoring a follow-up, and that two key figures are returning as well: filmmaker David Robert Mitchell and star Maika Monroe. As The Hollywood Reporter and Variety report, the pair are reteaming for a second stint of sex bringing about death thanks to one helluva cursed chain of events. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NEON (@neonrated) In the first movie, The Guest and The Bling Ring's Monroe played 19-year-old Jay Height, who got intimate with her boyfriend, found herself saddled with more than morning-after regret, then enlisted her sister, friends and neighbours to try to fight back. While Monroe will reprise her role, nothing has been revealed regarding They Follow's storyline, or anything else but Mitchell's involvement, apart from the tagline: "it's everywhere". Exactly when you'll be watching They Follow hasn't been announced, either, other than that it's coming soon. Fingers crossed that Disasterpiece (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) will be back on score duties, after doing such a fantastic job on the first film. After It Follows, which debuted at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, Monroe's career has taken her to The 5th Wave, Independence Day: Resurgence, Greta and Honey Boy — and the episodic The Stranger as well. Writer/director Mitchell made his second movie with It Follows, with 2010's The Myth of the American Sleepover already on his resume first, then helmed 2018's also-excellent Under the Silver Lake. There's no trailer yet for They Follow, obviously, but you can check out the trailer for It Follows below: They Follow doesn't yet have a release date, but we'll update you when it does. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety.
When November and December hit, one sale tends to follow another. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Boxing Day: bargains usually await for all four. So, after Jetstar discounted a heap of fares for Black Friday, of course the Australian airline is backing it up with Cyber Monday specials, this time with fares from $35 for domestic trips and beginning at $149 if you're holidaying internationally. You only have two days, until 11.59pm AEDT Tuesday, December 3, to get booking — or not even that long if tickets are snapped up earlier. The cheapest route within Australia is Sydney to Byron Bay and Ballina, which is where the $35 price comes in. Overseas, that $149 fare will get you from Perth to Singapore. As always, prices obviously vary depending on where you're flying from and to, but other domestic options include Melbourne to Launceston from $40, Sydney to Gold Coast from $50, Brisbane to Melbourne from $75 and Cairns to Brisbane from $84 — plus Adelaide to Gold Coast from $94, Adelaide to the Whitsunday Coast from $114, Darwin to Sydney from $144 and Perth to Adelaide for the same price. With fares to Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Bali, Japan, Hawaii, Thailand and South Korea also covered, overseas bargains include Melbourne to Nadi from $179, Gold Coast to Auckland from $182, Sydney to Port Vila from $199, Perth to Phuket from $205, Adelaide to Bali from $222, Cairns to Osaka from $249, Brisbane to Seoul from $269, Sydney to Honolulu from $282 and Brisbane to Tokyo from $339. You'll be travelling within Australia from mid-January to mid-June 2025, and from late-January to mid-October 2025 if you're going global. The caveats: all prices apply to one-way fares; checked baggage is not included, so you'll want to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase; and dates vary according to the route. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you can score even more discounts, starting with Sydney to Byron Bay and Ballina from $29. Helped by its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Jetstar expects to sell 12-million-plus fares for under $100 and 21-million-plus for less than $200 in 2024. Jetstar's 2024 Cyber Monday 'fare frenzy' sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT Tuesday, December 3 — or until sold out prior. 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.
Been spending every spare moment lately dreaming of summer getaways, and also making travel plans right into 2023? Haven't we all. It's the time of year when holidays are on the brain in multiple ways, all thanks to the festive season and the warmer weather — and if you're happy to jet off sometime next year, then Virgin has quite the array of sale flights to tempt you. More than 800,000 fares are currently up for grabs as part of the Bring On Wonderful sale, covering a heap of Aussie and international destinations. Yes, that means that you've got options if you're keen to holiday somewhere on home turf, including Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Hamilton Island, Alice Springs, Hobart and more. And, if you're eager to journey overseas, you can hit up Bali, Fiji, Samoa and Queenstown. One-way domestic fares start at $55, which'll get you from Sydney to Byron Bay (which is always the cheapest route in these kinds of sales). Other discounted flights include Brisbane to either Cairns or Hamilton Island from $95, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $89, Adelaide to Darwin from $139 and Perth to Launceston from $195. Internationally, return flights are on offer — including Adelaide to Bali from $569, Brisbane to Fiji from $539, Melbourne to Queenstown from $469 and Sydney to Samoa from $579. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, there's a range of dates in 2023, all varying depending on the flights and prices. Some legs run right through until next spring, if you really are thinking ahead. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, October 31 or sold out, whichever arrives first. Virgin's Bring on Wonderful sale runs from until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, October 31 — or until sold out. 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.
If you're keen to soak in the Great Barrier Reef's natural underwater delights, 2019 has served up plenty of new ways to do just that. This is the year that Uber launched a submarine, albeit temporarily. A few months back, an underwater art trail also opened in The Whitsundays. And, just this month, Australia's first underwater hotel started sailing through the waters off Airlie Beach. Now, add the Museum of Underwater Art to the list. Created by marine sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the new attraction just just installed its first two artworks. Four pieces are planned in total — located off the shore from Townsville, and at Palm Island and Magnetic Island — with the project aiming to highlight reef conservation, restoration and education. The first artwork, Ocean Siren, can be found 30 metres offshore from The Strand jetty at Townsville — and while it actually towers above the water, it interacts with live water temperature data. Designed to resemble Takoda Johnson, one of the area's Wulgurukaba traditional owners, it receives information from the Davies Reef weather station on the Great Barrier Reef, then changes colour in response to variations as they happen. "She is a visual representation of current conditions underwater and a warning of potential stresses to the marine ecosystem," deCaires Taylor explained in a statement. [caption id="attachment_756032" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Museum of Underwater Art, Jason deCaires Taylor[/caption] As for the second just-unveiled artwork, Coral Greenhouse, it sits well beneath the ocean's surface on the John Brewer Reef off Townsville — 18 metres below the waterline, to be specific. Measuring 12 metres high, weighing around 58 tonnes, and made out of stainless steel, neutral marine grade cement and zinc anodes, it does indeed look like a greenhouse. In fact, it's an underwater building. It's also filled with more than 20 sculptures, many resembling local school children — and has been made to both stand up to wave pressures and cyclones, and remain visible to divers and snorkellers. Most importantly, it isn't just a greenhouse in name, with the piece featuring coral garden beds. With that in mind, Coral Greenhouse is also designed to "offer opportunities for scientists, marine students and tourists to engage in action-based learning and to conduct globally important research on coral reef restoration and new technology," deCaires Taylor noted. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6OoyKooA6D/ Marking the southern hemisphere's first underwater museum — and Australia's — the project has taken more than three years to come to fruition. Once it is fully operational, it is expected to attract 50,000 visitors each year. Palm Island's forthcoming installation will connect the spot's the cultural story to the land and sea, according to the MOUA's website, and is expected to be in place by the end of 2020. And no timeline has been set for Magnetic Island as yet, with funding currently being sought. Find the Museum of Underwater Art off the shore of Townsville, Queensland. For more information, visit the museum's website. Image: Museum of Underwater Art.
The Grand Dame of Swanston Street, the State Library Victoria, has been given a makeover. At the halfway point of the building's $88.1 million revamp, visitors will now find two new reading rooms, a dedicated events space complete with huge production kitchen and space for 220, and a new lounge off Russell Street. There's also a new Readings bookstore that eclipses the original library outpost, as well as brand new cafe Guild, helmed by the team at Almond Milk Co. This little gem serves up seasonal salads and sandwiches, Sensory Lab espresso and 'coffee day passes' that'll get you a whole day's supply of filter coffee when you madly need to meet a deadline. When you need a break, check out the 29-metre-long original work by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith, which is bound to provide some surefire inspiration. A new entrance to the building has been opened on La Trobe Street, while the historic Russell Street entrance, closed for more than a decade, has made its triumphant return complete with a lounge and welcome area. The famed site, which was also home to the Melbourne Museum from 1906–1997 and the NGV from 1999–2002, has been in operation for 162 years. Heading up the transformation are Australasian firm Architectus and Scandinavia's Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The library's Swanston Street entrance and ground floor are currently closed to the public while they're given their own refurb and are expected to reopen by spring 2019. The State Library of Victoria is open every day from 10am. Images: Patrick Rodriguez.
UPDATE Friday, October 28: The opening of Metung Hot Springs has been rescheduled due to flooding in the region. It's now set to launch on Friday, November 18, with bookings currently open. For more information, see the website. Victoria's hot springs fiends and bathing connoisseurs have a lot to be excited about. First, we learned the much-loved Peninsula Hot Springs crew was planning a new wellness and bathing precinct for East Gippsland, the Metung Hot Springs. Then, a proposal for a 900-kilometre trail linking the state's hot springs and other bathing spots was unveiled. And now, it's time to actually start planning those Gippsland-based bathing adventures, because the Metung Hot Springs has announced an initial launch date, with bookings to open in a matter of days. First phase of the $100 million precinct's long-awaited grand opening is slated for Saturday, October 29 — and you can jump online to book a visit from Monday, September 19. Much like its Mornington Peninsula sibling, the Gippsland site is set to be one giant haven of wellness and indulgence, nestled on 25 acres surrounded by coastal bushland and located within strolling distance of the quaint lakeside village of Metung. Guests will be able to soak in cliff-top barrels overlooking Lake King, let off steam in various architecturally designed saunas (including a floating one), pamper themselves at the day spa and rejuvenate while bathing in pools filled with geothermal water. There'll be bush walks to wander, plunge pools to get your blood pumping, and all-day dining options to refuel in between dips, too. Since its location four hours out of Melbourne is a touch too far for day trips, Metung Hot Springs will also feature onsite accommodation, including safari-style glamping tents each decked out with its own private balcony and geothermal bathing barrel. As announced earlier, the bathing precinct is also joining forces with — and renovating — the nearby former Kings Cove Golf Course, soon to relaunch as the Metung Country Club. It'll have its own resort-style accommodation and facilities, and a revamped clubhouse and restaurant, with 'stay, bathe and golf' packages on offer across the two sites. [caption id="attachment_869322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Metung Hot Springs glamping[/caption] Meanwhile, those looking to indulge in some 'me' time can immerse themselves in the offerings of the onsite day spa, centred on authentic Larn'wa Aboriginal Lore wellness rituals incorporating native botanical spa products. The hot springs project is being brought to life with the help of $1.5 million in funding courtesy of the Victorian Government's Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package, as well as an additional $1.5 million from the federal and state governments' Local Economic Recovery Program In other related news, Victoria's proposed bathing and hot springs trail is set to start taking shape over the coming summer months, with the latest map and venue updates available to scope out here. And back on the Mornington Peninsula, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is on track to open its own doors in a matter of weeks, now taking spa and bathing bookings from September 26 onwards. Metung Hot Springs will open to customers from Saturday, October 29, at 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung, Victoria. Online bookings are open from Thursday, September 19.
Evie's Disco Diner is a queer-friendly, bottomless brunch-serving, drag-bingo-playing bar that's loved by Fitzroy's late-night revellers. It's big, brash and doesn't take itself too seriously. This has been a winning combo for the team running the Gertrude Street haunt — one of our picks for Melbourne's best bars for dancing. But when they decided to open a spot in the CBD in mid-2024, they didn't want to replicate this formula exactly. Instead, Champagne Problems is like Evie's grown-up sister. She still likes to party and have a big night out, but now prefers to do so while sipping on signature cocktails, and snacking on shared plates and cheese fondue. The crew running the show describes the aesthetic and vibe as "elevated camp". Where Evie's accents are all bright pink, Champagne Problems is fully embracing lime green, from the neon sign out front, to the chairs, painted walls and cocktails like its appletini and Japanese slipper — and yes, we are as confused as you are by Midori's unexpected return to so many Melbourne bars. There's also plenty of room inside for when long drinking and dining sessions lead into dancing around the bar late at night. A regular lineup of DJs will help set the party mood as well. But before the party gets going, plenty of food is up for grabs. Small plates dominate the menu, like devilled eggs, prawn cocktails, seared scallops with beets and roasted garlic puree, oysters with champagne granita, and cheese and meat boards. A few bigger dishes also feature, like the lobster roll, beef burger, steak frites and duck a l'orange. Late at night, the kitchen serves decadent truffle gruyere jaffles and caviar bumps. And cheese fondue is also on the cards for winter, great for big group hangs. You can pair these eats with beer and wine, but Champagne Problems is more about cocktails — surprisingly, not champagne. When the sun is shining, you can sit on the outdoor tables with limoncello and yuzu spritzes and margaritas. Those wanting the harder stuff can try the cherry negroni or coconut old fashioned. Classics can also be whipped up without fuss if the signatures don't do it for you. If you loved drinking and dancing at Evie's but now feel a little too old for it, consider a trip to its older sibling in the CBD. Images: Luke Robinson, Drop Media.
Public holidays are wonderful, with Australia currently experiencing its usual autumn run of them — and loving it. The one big side effect: they always get everyone thinking about enjoying more than just a day or two off work. Yes, you're likely now in holiday-planning mode, and Virgin's latest sale wants to help. Forget staying local, or even just heading somewhere around the country. This batch of discounted fares is all about island getaways overseas. Bali, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu, here you come — because they're the spots that the airline is slinging cheap return flights to right now. The love islands flight sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, April 24 — unless sold out earlier. And while prices start at $429, that'll get you there and back. In that specific instance, that's how much it costs for Gold Coast–Bali airfares. Other specials include Adelaide to Bali from $489, Brisbane to Fiji from $489 and Melbourne to Samoa from $729, as well as Sydney to Fiji from $469 and Perth to Vanuatu from $909 — all with economy lite fares. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, it depends according to route, but the sale is largely clustered around October–December 2023 and January–March 2024. To some destinations, you can go in May and June 2023 (and avoid the start of Australia's winter, too). As usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to stack your next year or so with island trips. Virgin's love islands flight sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, April 24 — unless sold out earlier. 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.
Despite the relentless challenges that came with 2021, Melbourne's bar scene has continued to grow and flourish. Against every odd, new watering holes and drinking destinations have popped up all over the city — opening everywhere from the residential streets of the southeast to sparkling 14th-storey CBD rooftops. To celebrate the freshest entrants to Melbourne's hospitality scene, we've rounded up six of our favourite new bars that opened their doors in 2021, including a sleek brewery taproom, a three-level social club and an elegant 14-storey rooftop hideaway.
Docklands' winter forecast is looking very warm and toasty, as the annual Firelight Festival returns to the precinct from Friday, June 29. The festival's second outing promises to totally eclipse the first, featuring a sprawling program of events and activities, and some particularly lavish celebrations across the opening weekend. Victoria Harbour is set to be transformed into its biggest, brightest self, playing host to nightly fireworks displays, roving performers, fire drums, flame jets and striking installations. You'll even catch three huge wooden sculptures, designed by local artist Christian Patton, set ablaze as they float along the Harbour. Throughout the month, a diverse live music lineup ranges from jazz, to gypsy, to a New Orleans brass outfit, and special guest Jo Stanley heads up a family-friendly Fireside Storytelling session, sharing tales from her literary series Play Like a Girl. Of course, foodies and booze buffs will also find plenty here to keep them off the couch and out of hibernation, including long-table feasts at Collins Square's Chiara, a program of workshops and progressive dinners exploring some of Docklands' finest food spots, and the 1930s-inspired Speakeasy Series, which descends on the area's top watering holes. The Docklands Firelight Festival kicks off with a program of opening weekend festivities from June 29–July 1, running from 5-10pm each night. The full program of events runs until July 31. Image credit: Grace Petrou
Look, it was only a matter of time before this happened. Following on from the success of similar places in New York and Amsterdam, Australia's first avocado pop-up cafe is coming to Sydney. And it'll be avocado everything, seven days a week. Don't act surprised — we created this monster. The pop-up — named Good Fat, because everyone knows that's the best health benefit/justification for eating copious amounts of avo smash — will opens its doors on November 2 in Surry Hills with about 20 items on the menu that incorporate avocado. Sydneysiders will be able to indulge in creations such as the avocado breakfast skin (an avocado smoothie bowl served in its own skin) and a Cornetto-inspired avo ice cream cone. If you haven't already twigged, the whole thing is a promo for Australian Avocados, a non-profit representative body for the Australian avocado industry. But even so, avocados are a brand we're happy to support with our love and money. If you feel the same, the pop-up will be open will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner until November 30 and all dishes will be under $20. Good Fat will be open from November 2–30, from 7am to 9pm on Monday through Saturday and 8pm to 5pm on Sundays, at 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
While forking out hundreds of bucks for music festivals seems commonplace, indie label Lesstalk Records of Footscray are bucking the trend and have created their own DIY festival for only $25. Set in the laid-back, green surrounds of Forrest (1.5 hours from Melbourne), it's a chance to escape from your everyday life and be introduced to new bands from Lesstalk — as well as their friends from around the country. What they are offering is simple: a place to relax and listen to music. Spread across two nights, you will need a place to rest your head, so Artless Armchair 11 offers a range of camping and cabin options at The Wonky Stables for an additional fee. However these are still dirt cheap at just $30, compared to the money-grabbing popular festivals. When you’re not enjoying the music, the location is perfect for going for a bush walk, having a dip in the nearby dam, or just sitting back and saying, "How’s the serenity?"
Across the last few months of 2021, and spilling into 2022, there'll be something strange happening in Australian cinemas. This'll be the case in places where big screens have still been showing new movies over the past few months, and also in Sydney and Melbourne when they're permitted to reopen following the two cities' respective (and long, and ongoing) lockdowns. The flicks that'll be playing? Many will be films we've been hearing about for a few years now because they were meant to release in 2020, and were then pushed back a few times due to the pandemic. But, there'll be something different going on Down Under, because a heap of these already-delayed movies have just been postponed again — only for Aussie viewers. Been waiting for No Time to Die, Dune, The French Dispatch, Halloween Kills and Ghostbusters: Afterlife? You'll now be waiting a bit longer. They're just some of the movies that've delayed their Aussie releases because cinemas in our two biggest cities have been closed due to lockdowns. Instead of hitting the silver screen in places around the country that are open, then perhaps being fast-tracked to digital — as In the Heights, The Suicide Squad and a range of other titles have lately — these movies have been pushed back nationwide to wait for projectors in Sydney and Melbourne to start whirring. So, if you like your spy movies shaken, not stirred, you'll now be holding out until November 11 to see the latest Bond flick. Fancy sand worms and seeing Timothée Chalamet follow in Kyle MacLachlan's footsteps? Mark December 2 in your diary for your date with Dune. Wes Anderson's suitably star-studded latest movie, The French Dispatch, will now arrive on December 11, while Michael Myers will get slashing again in Halloween Kills on October 28 (because this horror sequel was always going to stay in October, at least). And, wondering when there really will be something strange in your neighbourhood again? That'll come with Ghostbusters: Afterlife on January 1, 2022. Venom: Let There Be Carnage will also releasing later than expected, hitting on November 25 this year — and, like all of the above movies, it'll arrive locally after it releases in the US. So, you might see your social media feeds filled with chatter about flicks that you've been looking forward to, are out overseas, but haven't yet opened in Australia. Aussies will also be waiting longer to see a few films that haven't been pushed around for a year or so — movies that've only dropped their first trailers in past months — such as Malignant (October 21), The Many Saints of Newark (November 4), Last Night in Soho (November 18), The Last Duel (November 18), Dear Evan Hansen (December 9), House of Gucci (December 26), The Matrix Resurrections (January 1) and King Richard (January 18). There's also Zola, which'll now hit on November 18 after being delayed everywhere until 2021, releasing in the US midyear, then having its Australian debut pushed back. And, some long-delayed flicks have kept postponing their releases worldwide, too, such as the Spider-Man-related Morbius, featuring Jared Leto (January 20); The King's Man, the next instalment in the Kingsman franchise; and Top Gun: Maverick (May 26), because it doesn't feel the need for speed just yet. If you're living somewhere where picture palaces have been shut for months, you're probably just keen to see whatever you can whenever you're allowed — understandably. In Sydney, that's due to happen when New South Wales reaches the 70-percent fully vaxxed mark, which is expected in mid-October. In Melbourne, no timeframe has been given for reopening cinemas just yet, or easing out of lockdown in general; however the travel radius will expand to ten kilometres and outdoor exercise will be allowed for three hours once 70 percent of Victorians have had their first jabs. Of course, moving release dates around was a regular part of movie-going life before the pandemic, too. More often than not, big blockbuster titles had been hitting Aussie cinemas at the same time as overseas, though. New films are still releasing in cinemas Down Under each week at the moment, where they're open, and will continue to do so; however, you'll just be waiting longer for some movies, including a number of big-name flicks, in some instances. To check out the new releases screening in Australian cinemas each week, check out our weekly rundown, complete with reviews. Image: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2021 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved
There's something about spending a long lazy summer day at the beach that just can't be beat. Some of our overseas friends have got this down to a fine art — think beach chairs and shady umbrellas set up ready and waiting on the white sand of a Brazilian beach, with caipirinhas and coconuts served up from the little stalls dotting the shoreline. But fear not! Although we're a little short on beach bars (except this one), back in Australia we've perfected beach luxury, BYO-style. Here are our ten favourite beach chairs to bring along with you to your favourite sandy spot, whether it's on the grassy knoll at North Bondi, on a buzzing Gold Coast main beach, Victoria's quaint Brighton Beach or a tiny secret beach at the mouth of the Hawkesbury. BANANA SUNLOUNGE, SOMMERSAULT We couldn't resist. No list of beach chairs would be complete without the humble banana lounge. They'll take you to the sand, to the park, and all the way back to those memories of the days before water restrictions when you plonked one under the sprinklers in the backyard. You can even pull them out for sleepovers. Inexpensive, functional, iconic... and don't forget they fold flat for easy storage with that familiar 'click-click'. BEACH SEAT HAVANA, SUNNY LIFE Modern comfort, lightweight portability and a retro-inspired colourful print? This chair ticks a lot of boxes for seaside adventuring. As well as that, being from the clever people at Sunny Life, you can even find a beach umbrella or towel to complement your chair. But it's not just about looks — this chair has a handy pocket providing a place to stash your valuables. And see that strap? That makes for easy carrying without bumping aluminium poles all over your shoulder. DANIA FOLDING TEAK BEACH CHAIR, SKAGERAK We know teak is pretty — Danish mid-century furniture sure taught us that. But did you know this tropical hardwood also has a number of special properties that make it an excellent outdoor material? A high oil and rubber content make it naturally weatherproof, it's strong, and with a little love and recent finishing is easily cleaned. This teak beach chair will let you bring all those perks to the beach, in a fetching Danish design. If you're into your eco-credentials and a bit wary of tropical hardwoods, check out this bamboo option, and the recycled number below. TRIOPLINA CHAIR, MUUMUU DESIGN With lush covers to choose from including black and white cowhide, leather, cotton canvas and even kangaroo, Muumuu Design makes each of their stunner folding chairs by hand right in Sydney. Featuring sustainable marine-grade plywood frames and hand-finished with either a stain or clear protective finish, they're designed to last, as well as look good. The Tripolina design was first patented in 1877, and has been popular as a campaign or safari chair ever since. This is a chair with a pretty long history — and it's had a modern update thanks to the folks at Muumuu Design. Check out their full range. RECYCLED DECK CHAIR, ECOCHIC We love a good folding deck chair. Especially when they're locally made and recycled, like this chair from Ecochic. Handmade out of recycled Australian hardwood, these chairs come in natural or white. As well as being made-to-order, they're made to last — right down to the stainless steel screws and bolts. Ecochic are on a bit of a mission to make eco-friendly furniture available to people around Australia, whether or not they have access to a store. That means they keep their shipping fees as low as possible. You can check out their eco credentials here. PANTONE FOLDING CHAIRS, SELETTI Introducing Seletti, the company bringing Pantone to the beach. Their range of folding chairs are available in those familiar colours loved by many a design aficionado. Team up with your friends and see what colour palette works best for your beach times this summer. TREKKER LOUNGE, THERMAREST Next on the lounging front is this cleverly designed number from Thermarest. Known for their top-notch sleeping mats, if you do already have a Thermarest packed away for your outdoor adventures, all you need is the Trekker Lounge chair to convert your mat into a lounge chair fit for the beach. It's pretty clever, and as a bonus it's super lightweight which means it can see you from the beach to the bush, if you're planning some summer hiking too (or both, if you're lucky enough to be hiking to a secret beach somewhere). ORSON DECK CHAIR, RODA Last but not least, check this one for style. Designed by Gordon Guillaumier for RODA, the lovely lines of this chair are perfectly complemented by its matching footstool. The chair features a teak frame, and the little capote (that's the shade sail) means this is another super comfortable, shady chair to kick back in. All that's missing from this picture is some kind of delicious cool drink, and maybe one of Sydney's cracker sunsets after a day at the beach. BUNGALOW BEACH CHAIR, BUNGALOW As part of our search for the ideal beach chair, something came to us. Shade. How nifty is it to have a little awning over your head, protecting your face from the beating rays and your arm muscles, tired from shielding your face all day? So it was with much delight we stumbled across the Bungalow Beach Chair. Not only does it have a comfy towel design that lets you lounge out right on the sand, there's a hammock-shaped back to support you. But what we're eyeing off the most is that shady shade, right above where our heads go. This chair also comes with a zippered pocket for your things. Want the ultimate summer set-up? Check out these seven nifty beach tents.
When Netflix first revived The Addams Family via Wednesday back in 2022, it did so with help from a familiar face that knows more than a little about pop culture's creepiest, kookiest, most mysterious and spookiest family: Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets). She doesn't play the show's namesake, of course — enter: Jenna Ortega (Scream VI) with the black attire and bleak attitude — but her presence was both felt and welcome. And when season two hits, she won't be the only cast member from the 90s films that's been a part of this series. Wednesday was renewed for a second season in early 2023 — Netflix is so keen on the show that there's talk of an Uncle Fester-focused spinoff, too — and now, post-last year's strikes, production has commenced. Along with that development, the streaming platform has announced which actors will be joining the series this time around. One of them, as a guest star: Christopher Lloyd. [caption id="attachment_954276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helen Sloan/Netflix © 2024[/caption] Adding to a recent resume that includes Hacks, Knuckles, Self Reliance and The Mandalorian, Lloyd won't be reprising his work as Uncle Fester from The Addams Family and Addams Family Values given that Fred Armisen (Fallout) is Wednesday's take on the character. Still, the Tim Burton (Dumbo)-executive produced series continues to throw love at past iterations of the residents of Cemetery Lane. Season two of Wednesday doesn't have a release date as yet, but it will also feature more of Catherine Zeta-Jones (National Treasure: Edge of History) as Morticia, Luis Guzmán (Justified: City Primeval) as Gomez, Isaac Ordonez (Color Box) as Pugsley and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (How to Date Billy Walsh) as Deputy Ritchie Santiago, all getting meatier parts than in season one. New to the cast are Steve Buscemi (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Billie Piper (Scoop), Evie Templeton (Criminal Record), Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things) and Noah Taylor (Foundation), as well as Joanna Lumley (Fool Me Once), Thandiwe Newton (Big Mouth), Frances O'Connor (Erotic Stories), Haley Joel Osment (What We Do in the Shadows), Heather Matarazzo (Wish) and Joonas Suotamo (Willow) joining Lloyd as special guests. In season one, Wednesday's titular figure had been terrorising her way through various educational facilities, hopping through eight of them in five years. That's how she ended up at Nevermore Academy, where her mother introduced her with an apology: "please excuse Wednesday, she's allergic to colour". Morticia actually met Gomez at the school, and thought that their eldest would love it there as they did, but Wednesday's storyline was never going to be that straightforward. With Burton behind the scenes, and also sitting in the director's chair for the first four episodes — in the job the Frankenweenie, Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands filmmaker was clearly born to have — cue high-school chaos, a monstrous murder spree to stop and a supernatural mystery linked to Wednesday's parents a quarter-century ago to solve. Oh, and a killer goth wardrobe, naturally. Wednesday unsurprisingly proved a smash, breaking the Netflix record for most hours viewed in a single week, then doing so again — notching up 341.23-million hours viewed in its first week, then 411.29-million hours viewed in its second. All things Addams Family have always found an audience, with the Ricci-led 90s films beloved for decades for good reason, and the 1960s TV show and 1930s The New Yorker comics before that. Check out the season two cast announcement video for Wednesday below: Wednesday streams via Netflix, with season one available now and season two arriving at a yet-to-be-announced date. We'll update you with further details about season two when they're revealed. Read our full review of Wednesday season one. Images: Netflix.
If you thought rooftop bars were only for warm summers of spritzes and sunshine, think again. Melbourne has provided the goods with a bunch of winter-friendly venues for you to frequent over the chilly months. It won't matter if it's blowing a gail outside, because these spots have retractable roofs, in-built heated seating, warming snacks and plenty of booze to keep you warm. With bars home to bottomless waffles and cocktails fit for a wizard, there's no excuse not to soak up that city skyline this winter. Rain, hail or shine, these are the top bars in Melbourne that have got you covered.
