After almost two weeks under stay-at-home conditions, Victoria will emerge from its latest lockdown at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday, July 27. But, as has been the case after previous stints at home, life isn't returning to normality just yet, with Premier Daniel Andrews announcing both the end of lockdown and the next range of restrictions that'll be effective from this evening. Life won't actually be returning to normality for some time, the Premier noted, although he did call today's changes "significant". It's expected that these just-announced restrictions will remain in place for the next two weeks; however, it's also likely some form of restrictions will be in effect until vaccinations are available to more of the Victorian population. Wondering what your day-to-day existence will look like for the next fortnight? All of the just-revealed rules will be overwhelmingly familiar, as they've been in place in some shape or form during the state's ongoing response to COVID-19 over the past 18 months. Indeed, Victorians are definitely accustomed to venue and gathering restrictions by now. Also in the been-there, done-that category: limits on how many people can attend workplaces, and mandatory mask-wearing both inside and outdoors. First up: the rules around leaving the house will all lift, so you'll be able to go out for whatever reason you like. And, unlike when the last lockdown ended, you'll be able to venture as far as you like as well. The five-kilometre rule is being scrapped, and the Victorian Government isn't bringing in any other travel restrictions — so you can roam far and wide without worrying about the distance. Of course, the state's border rules, and those of other parts of Australia, may hamper your trip if you're planning on heading interstate. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1419824237401960449 If you're keen to catch up with your nearest and dearest, you'll be able to gather outdoors in public with up to ten people. You still won't be able to have anyone come over to your house, though. Also, food and hospitality businesses will be able to open with a cap of 100 people inside and 300 outside, as well as a density quota of one person per four-square metres. Retail stores, gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons can also reopen, with the same density cap, as can live music venues and dance classes. Large events won't be able to have crowds, though — so there'll be "no crowd at the footy, no crowd at large events, theatres, all those sorts of gatherings for at least two weeks," the Premier said. Indoor seated entertainment venues can have 100 people, while outdoor seated entertainment venues can have 300. The same limits apply to non-seated venues, with the one person per four-square metres rule in place if there isn't seating. Offices can welcome in 25 percent of their employees, too — or ten people at a time, whichever is greater. Weddings and funerals can have 50 attendees. And, masks will still remain mandatory both indoors and out — so the rules there aren't changing at all. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1419796271846494236 Announcing the new restrictions and addressing the past two weeks, Premier Andrews said he knows that lockdowns are difficult. "It is taxing, it is a pain, it is difficult, it is very, very challenging. It is the only thing that works against this virus — so I am deeply grateful to every single Victorian who has done the right thing," he said. He continued: "today is a good day — a good, positive day — but there's a lot of work that still has to be done. Please wear your mask when you're supposed to be wearing your mask. Please get tested whenever you've got even the mildest of symptoms. Please don't go and visit mum and dad at their place and think "no one will know, we're desperate to see them, we'll just sneak in, it will be OK" — no, it won't. That's how this virus spreads. So we all have to play our part and we all to be vigilant." Victoria currently has 198 active COVID-19 cases, including just ten new local cases identified in the 24 hours to midnight last night. Melbourne's lockdown will end at 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 27. For more information about the rules that'll be in place from that time, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. Top image: Visit Victoria.
Standing beside his own grave, Gore Vidal is asked by an unseen interviewer what he hopes his legacy will be. Although well into his eighties, his reply is loaded with all the wryness and lack of bullshit that has characterised his writing for decades: “I couldn’t care less”. So begins Nicholas Wrathall’s fascinating documentary portrait of the iconic author and public intellectual, a man whose scathing views on American imperialism were matched only by the sharpness of his wit. Born into privilege, Eugene Louis Vidal took the name by which he would become famous from his maternal grandfather, Senator Thomas Gore, who introduced his grandson to the wheelings and dealings of Washington. Intent on becoming a writer, Vidal published his first novel, Williwaw, in 1946, at the age of just 21. But it was his follow-up, The City and the Pillar, which brought him to the public’s attention, creating uproar in literary circles for its descriptions of homosexual sex. It would be the first of many bouts of controversy for Vidal, who in subsequent years became one of the nation’s foremost cultural commentators. Whether writing a book, running for office or appearing on television (the latter being one of two things he was famously quoted as saying he never missed the opportunity to do), Vidal’s outspoken views on sexuality, religion, capitalism and politics made him a hero to the left and a thorn in the side of the right. Wrathall, an Australian filmmaker, tells his subject’s story in an effectively straightforward manner. Archival footage from Vidal’s early days — including his infamous televised debates with conservative author William F. Buckley Jr. — is combined with interviews conducted in the last few years of his life. We see here that Vidal’s acerbic insight remained undiminished by age, as he tears into George W. Bush (“a goddamned fool”) as he did Reagan (“the best cue-card reader we could find”) and even Kennedy (“one of the most charming men I’ve ever known… and one of the most disastrous Presidents we’ve ever had”). United States of Amnesia doesn’t really challenge Vidal on much. Wrathall clearly had enormous respect and affection for the man, and it’s obvious that his film, like practically everything else with Vidal’s name on it, will play best to a left-leaning audience. Still, perhaps he can be forgiven: when you have a subject as eloquent as Vidal, it would seem foolish not to just let him talk. Admirers of Vidal’s work will find much to like in this entertaining biographical treatment, one that will also no doubt inspire a whole new generation of fans. Read our interview with filmmaker Nicholas Wrathall here.
Collins Street's diorama-sporting, museum-themed haunt has been reborn, with a more laidback vibe, as Natural History Public Bar. Opened in early-2018 as just Natural History — a fancy all-day bar, grill and cafe — the revamped bar is keeping its bumper natural wine offering, but that's now backed by a broad-ranging gastropub menu, after-work-friendly specials and a revamped entertainment program. It will now only open on weekdays, too. From the kitchen comes a roll-call of reimagined pub classics, with plates like a spicy beef tartare with cured egg yolk and fermented chilli, buttermilk-fried chicken ribs, and sliders stuffed with soft shell crab. Bigger appetites might meet the likes of a hearty crumbed pork schnitzel, a 500-gram rib eye, or a vegetarian-friendly potato and cashew lasagne. Match that feed with an organic or biodynamic drop from one of Australia and Europe's most interesting small wine producers, or get acquainted with a classic cocktail. The bar also has a killer happy hour, slinging affordable after-work beverages from 4–7pm each weekday. Alongside the regular deal of $7 wine, $8 spirits and $9 pints, the bar has a number of daily specials going on, such as a carafe of wine and a cheese plate for just $35 on Tuesdays. On Thursday evening, pretend you're fancy with a $10 negroni, old fashioned or espresso martini. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Melbourne's very own gentlemen of synth-pop are returning home to spread the good vibes and, as always, pack out the dance floor. Cut Copy's fourth album, Free Your Mind, was released last year and is probably the closest thing they have to a concept album, as it's hugely influenced by the Summers of Love in 1967 and 1989 according to lead singer Dan Whitford. It's strange to think that it's been 10 years since their debut album, Bright Like Neon Love, was released but at the same time exciting to see a band that tackles new ground while staying true to their original ideals. If their latest performance at this year's Golden Plains is anything to go by, punters can expect plenty of the new stuff and past favourites such as 'Hearts On Fire', 'So Haunted' and 'Need You Now'. Touch Sensitive and Nile Delta will be joining Cut Copy for a night that is sure to be all about the lights and music. For more, check out our interview with Cut Copy. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xPRJVKtrCCk
Gone are the days when a trip to the movies involved little more than a choc top, a jumbo-sized Coke, and a couple hours of screen time. Now cinemas come with all sorts of added extras, from decent booze on offer at the Candy Bar, to on-site cocktail bars for wining and dining before and/or after the credits. The latest treat for Melbourne moviegoers comes in the form of the Astor Theatre's new neighbouring cafe and bar, Overlook. In true film nerd-style, yes, it is named after the eerie hotel from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, whose dramatic art deco styling somewhat mirrors that of the historic, 80-year-old St Kilda cinema. But with its dapper fitout and walls of movie memorabilia, the Astor's Overlook is guaranteed to be a whole lot more approachable than the film version (and with much less attempted REDRUM). Rather, it looks like a pretty inviting spot for sipping pre-movie vino or dissecting plotlines over a post-film feed. The drinks list has a boutique wine, craft beer, or signature cocktail to complement any kind of feature, while the food is a collaboration with culinary favourites like Milk The Cow, DOC, and Doughboys. Overlook is now open right next to the Astor Theatre on Chapel Street, St Kilda. It's open early till late each night of the week. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Food is usually the gift you give when you can't think of anything else. Come on, it's true. However, anyone getting their dad Gelato Messina's latest special Father's Day creation can't be accused of that. Given that the gelato wizards are pumping out VHS tape-shaped, Negroni-flavoured gelato cakes, wanting to eat it before Dad can is understandable. Their limited-edition offering, which is completely made out of gelato and chocolate, and is entirely edible. Well, the choc-orange flavoured cake layered with vermouth gelato (!), almond crunch, more choc-orange cake and Negroni gel (made with Archie Rose gin and blood orange mousse) is — and the edible VHS chocolate top layer as well. Best not to take a bite out of the box it comes in, though. Kids of the '80s and '90s, if you're having flashbacks about accidentally sticking food into your parents' video player when you were too young to know better, you're not alone (you're not alone). And yes, that's a good enough reason to get a cake. These memory-jogging sweet treats serve six to eight people, and will be available from Messina's Bondi, Darlinghurst, Miranda, Parramatta, Rosebery and Penrith stores in Sydney, Fitzroy and Windsor digs in Melbourne, and South Brisbane. As is always the case with their creative concoctions, they're certain to get snapped up fast, so ordering one asap is recommended. You'll have to wait until September 3 to eat it, so enjoy this GIF of the cake:
He has serenaded Laura Dern with an Elvis song, swooned over Cher, swapped faces with John Travolta, voiced a version of Spider-Man and won an Oscar for playing an alcoholic. He's appeared on-screen as brothers, professed his love for milking alpacas and fought ninjas from outer space, too. We're talking about Nicolas Cage, of course, and the list of amazing inclusions on his resume just goes on. Indeed, he's about to step into Joe Exotic's shoes — and, via a new Netflix series, teach the world about the history of swear words as well. Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words is a very real series that definitely exists, and will hit the streaming platform on Tuesday, January 5. So yes, if you were hoping that 2021 would be better than 2020, we can think of one very good reason why that's likely to prove the case. The concept behind the show is extremely self-explanatory, so Netflix hasn't released too many details — but Cage will definitely be having fun with the concept, as the just-released trailer for the series makes clear. Paintbrush in hand, he's at his OTT best as he waxes lyrical about one particular word. You don't get the actor to take on this particular task and then ask him to dial it back, of course. In fact, the whole program looks set to have fun with Cage, with a painting of a peach appearing behind him in the first moments of the trailer — something Face/Off fans will particularly appreciate. As for whatever else is in store, consider that 2021's first big gift. Happy new year indeed. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4argVWl8AAE Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words hits Netflix on Tuesday, January 5.
If your ideal holiday involves hitting the sea, sailing to a heap of countries and exploring some of the most famous sites in popular culture over the past decade, then come September 2021, you'll be in luck. With Game of Thrones turning Iceland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Malta and Croatia into must-visit tourist destinations, a new cruise is launching to take fans to all of the above places. Naturally, it's called Cruise of Thrones. While it isn't officially affiliated with Game of Thrones, HBO, author George RR Martin or any of the enormous page-to-screen hit's powers-that-be, Cruise of Thrones will let fans live out their love for their series on a prolonged boat trip through Europe. Two eight-day options will be available, so you can pick one or the other — or sail them back to back. If you choose the northern cruise, you'll head to Iceland and Northern Ireland, where the Fist of the First Men, the Bloody Gate, Jon and Ygritte's cave, The Wall, Castle Black, Hardhome, Winterfell, Pyke and the King's Road all await. Folks on the southern cruise will journey through Spain, Malta, and Croatia, visiting Sunspear and the Water Gardens, the Tower of Joy, the Citadel, the Long Bridge of Volantis, King's Landing and the Red Keep. https://www.facebook.com/CruiseofThrones/posts/2368376046808980?__xts__[0]=68.ARDKtajQ6dIZzuH_8UMZveijqPbNWJ88xfHW_GQ6UnaQKDIySSo9wuynxBaGqzaE5RMgt1kvfbiPP72SkIxqYTDdqXHeRnGBbDFK-S1ZNx11lNElAkoMAz5BV-jxuAQP9mHcE0XZZDPoam__mGLvNX6HDpDg8q9Yfl7Gcry4wRIkfhAie_ASB0hdAcp2jqDh_Cjst8zO-V4-mLh6B1crmVCQWS2-ersCur9OLezRpRJhekaONPIVxPti0say29XxAi5MN150hD4GC29nvksfKnoO8gDgkoO9qS6q_YzRnKTmZhRjx1etMSh__oC9OKhEc04moCBZYECoat6Q2twFitPl4s3w&__tn__=-R Apparently the luxury ship will be fitted out to suit the theme, too; think dining rooms that resemble Winterfell's feasting halls, other decorative touches that recall various places from the show, and plenty of encouragement to dress up and play along. Everything from panels, discussions and lectures to wine tasting, storytelling, a scavenger hunt and game shows is also listed on the cruise's website, should you be in need of some onboard entertainment. A reference to celebrity guests is also made — presumably meaning GoT stars — but no specifics have been provided. If you're keen, you'll need to have a hefty Iron Bank account, with prices starting at US$5130 per person for eight nights. Of course, if you're not overly fond of organised cruises, plenty of fans have been making similar treks themselves — and, from sometime in 2020, you'll also be able to visit a huge new (and official) GoT tour through sets, costumes and props in Northern Ireland. For more information about Cruise of Thrones, which is due to set sail in September 2021, visit its website.
We all know there are items we shouldn't be stockpiling right now, but when we're all spending more time at home than usual it's probably a wise idea to stock up on some creature comforts — whether that's making a long list of shows we're planning to binge watch or stocking up the cellar with our favourite wines. Online cellar door Naked Wines launched in 2012 with the aim of connecting at-home wine drinkers with winemakers across Australia and New Zealand. Since then it's grown to include more than 53 winemakers and more than 100,000 'wine angels' — people who pay $40 a month to their Naked Wines account to use as credit to support the wineries they like and to receive discounts on bottles of vino. And those winemakers include the likes of Enfant Terrible from Adelaide Hills, Le Petit Mort from Queensland's Granite Belt and Hilltops, NSW, plus Blindside from Margaret River. You can order cases of six, 12 or 15 bottles. If you're based in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, Naked Wines could be winging their way to you by the next working day. For Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra, delivery is within two-to-four business days. It's also free delivery for members if you're in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, however there are delivery costs of up to $20 outside of those cities. And, as we're all in need of a little comfort right now, we've partnered with our friends at Naked Wines to offer first-time Naked Wines customers over 18 a $100-voucher to spend on your next case of wine. Simply head to this link to make your purchase and double-check the conditions below. To use the voucher you must be 18 years or older. The voucher entitles first-time Naked Wines customers to $100 off their first order of 12 bottles. All orders are a minimum of 12 bottles, and a minimum spend of $155.88. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. *Next day delivery is available to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth metro areas for orders placed before 3pm. Naked Wines does not ship to Northern Territory. Delivery not included. Offer is subject to change. See website for full Terms and Conditions. This story includes affiliate links, which means Concrete Playground may receive a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. This does not influence our editorial recommendations or content. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
There's escaping the city for an afternoon, and then there's driving 20 minutes down a dirt road to a secluded river and hopping into a canoe. In this canoe, it's quiet, very still. The Kangaroo Valley's bushland surrounds you, ascending on either side of the waterway, creating a landscape that's punctuated only by the occasional kingfisher flapping by or a solitary trout breaking the surface with a small splash. And I haven't even mentioned the best bit: this canoe is filled with wine. And snacks. So as you're floating down the river — minimal paddling is necessary — you'll be able to pop a bottle of local sparkling and tuck into a few canapés. Maybe you'll try a glass of top-notch sparkling Riesling from Mittagong's Artemis Wines and a yabby roll with native lime mayo supplied by The Loch in nearby Berrima. As you might have guessed, this isn't an ordinary off-you-go oar-bearing experience. This one is part of WildFEST, a new three-day celebration of the food, drink and wilderness of NSW's Southern Highlands. Led by experienced paddler Travis Frenay, the Canoes, Champagne and Canapés experience will lead you along the Kangaroo River in a custom-built double canoe, through the sunken forest and past a convict-built sandstone wall. Travis has an insane amount of knowledge on the area and will be able to answer pretty much anything you throw at him. There will be three sessions a day (9am, noon and 3pm) on October 27, 28 and 29. The whole thing sets off from Beehive Point and takes around two to three hours. Prices are on the heftier side at $195 each, but includes all food, wine and equipment. Plus, this part of the Valley isn't highly accessible for people without their own gear, so it's a great (and bloody delightful) way to explore the area on the water. Note: if weather conditions suggest your rusty old sedan won't make it there and back, the organisers may provide transport down the dirt road. But if it's dry, you're all good. It's part of the adventure. Canoes, Champagne and Canapés will run on October 27–29 from Beehive Point, Kangaroo Valley. For more info and to buy tickets, visit wildfest.com.au.
It's not like you need an excuse to embark on a cosy, autumn weekend getaway, but here's one all the same: the inaugural Ballarat Beer Hop is dishing up a day of Easter fun for grown-ups, on Saturday, April 20. You'll forget all about those chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, when 12 of the state's best-loved breweries and six local winemaking legends descend on the regional town, taking over six of its star venues. Local hot-spots The Mallow, Campana's, Hop Temple, Freight Bar, Housey Housey and PWTN will each host two breweries and a winery, setting the scene for a roving tasting tour — basically, the Easter egg hunt of your big kid dreams. For their $40 ticket, guests will each score a Beer Hop tasting glass and 18 sampler tokens, to try beers and wines from the likes of Two Birds, Red Duck, Hop Nation, Cubby Haus, Dollar Bill and Federation University. To match those brews, there'll be plenty of entertainment throughout the day, as well as top-notch eats on offer at each venue.
In all art forms, creativity is the cornerstone of the craft. As we move into a modern world where everything has been created before, creative work has come from all corners of contemporary life. One could list many crevices where the beauty of the art form has spawned an unlikely trade, but never before has gelato been the source of such delicious innovation. Not like this. It is the cult of Gelato Messina, of course, which has spilled into every corner of Sydney like a sugar-laden avalanche blanketing the city. People eat it for breakfast, follow the rotating specials like movements of the sun and — I can only assume — thank the goddamn world each morning that Messina is open seven days a week, 364 days a year. It’s a sheer phenomenon and, with the opening of the first Melbourne store today, it's not one that's waning anytime soon. With 10 years already under their belt, an operation that started with just three guys and a gelataria in Darlinghurst has become one with a slew of stores, a factory and over 100 staff. While it's taken a while for Messina to drip down to Melbourne, it was just a matter of finding the right place, says part owner and founder Nick Palumbo. "We feel at home in Melbourne, even Fitzroy kind of reminds us of Darlinghurst," says Palumbo. "For us it just made sense." The Smith Street store may take their total to six (with four in Sydney and one in China), but the additional demand certainly won't affect the gelato's artisanal properties. Ask anyone in the Messina family, and they'll tell you that their gelato is unlike anyone else's in Australia. It's artisan gelato in every way; everything is distinctly made from scratch and nothing is out of the question. "What we do differently is that we don't use any pre-prepared pastes or powders that come out of Europe," says Palumbo. "Until about six years ago we had a few flavours that we could not get right, where still using pastes would achieve a better product, but, we finally cut that and now we don't use anything that comes out of Italy. We just do everything ourselves." While most gelato makers rely on flavoured pastes — akin to a box of cake mix — Messina works of the premise of creating recipes from raw, mostly local ingredients. One of their most popular permanent flavours, tiramisu, was the flavour that spearheaded the whole concept of making their own versions of desserts, says Palumbo. And so, they built a real tiramisu, complete with egg yolks, mascarpone cheese, marsala wine and coffee-soaked biscuits that could be frozen, churned and sold in-store. There's no doubt that this is doing things the hard way — "it's a very labour intensive procedure," says Palumbo — but it seems it's the only way these guys know how to do it. And the proof is in the numbers: they go through 1000 litres of milk a day, 2 tonne of sugar a week and an obscene amount of salted caramel each month. The way Messina develop and produce their gelato is not only one of skill, but one that's reliant on constant innovation. With Palumbo's love of gelato dating back to early visits to his family's native Messina in Sicily, he saw an opportunity to bring real, Italian gelato to Sydney — with a twist. "Back then, and even now, gelato places are doing the same flavours they've been doing for twenty years, and, in Australia, gelato has become this hard, icy thing — which it's not at all," says Palumbo. "We saw an opportunity to do something different and be creative and innovative with flavours." After starting to experiment with flavours such as Pavlova and coconut lychee, the team has progressively moved from tame to all-out rebellion with inventions such as Isn't That A Salad? (goats cheese, walnut, beetroot) and Nacho Libre (avocado cream, salsa, crushed corn chips). Taking inspiration from their mums, aunties, customers and progressive chefs, a lot of the flavours are variations of dishes or desserts they've eaten at restaurants. With five or six specials constantly rotating each week, the creative process is always in action. Managed by Simone Panetta, a man with a strong gelato background, Messina Melbourne is set to continue the gelato revolution. While the mix will be shipped to Fitzroy from the Rozelle factory, all the churning of the gelato will be done in store. If you're already following their Instagram account, you'll know that Sydney's weekly specials are posted as they are placed in the cabinet — and, for now, Melbourne will run on the same schedule. "We're going to start off with whatever specials are running in Sydney, will also run in Melbourne at the same time," says Palumbo. "It's going to be huge, but we’re going to give it a shot." And, giving it a go is something that's worked out pretty well for these ice cream artisans. Gelato is now an art form, with Messina at the helm of its reinvention. Gelato Messina is located at 237 Smith Street, Fitzroy. As part of Good Food Month, Gelato Messina is holding Talk & Taste Classes on Saturday 16, 23 & 30 at their Fitzroy store, $60.
When summer holidays seem like a depressingly distant memory, nothing recharges the soul quite like a couple of days spent exploring the very best of a city — especially when that city is considered the world's most liveable city at that. So, we've teamed up with the folks at DoubleTree by Hilton to curate your ultimate Melbourne weekend getaway. Boasting a top-notch Flinders Street location, right in the heart of all the action, the Melbourne hotel is primed for that hard-earned city escape you've been planning — plus, they'll always welcome you back with a nice, warm 'welcome cookie'. Lose yourself down laneways, feast your way through the city's many multicultural offerings and shop till you're ready to drop, knowing you've got a comfortable home away from home to land yourself at the end of the day — with a spot for a nightcap, if you should feel so inclined, at the hotel's Platform 270. Here's our guide to a cracking Melbourne weekend. START THE DAY AT HIGHER GROUND, CBD As much a feast for the eyes as for the belly, CBD cafe Higher Ground makes its home within a gorgeous, lofty space that once housed the Little Bourke Street power station. Here, award-winning designer touches and exposed brick walls create an elegant backdrop for the kitchen's forward-thinking, artfully designed fare. Pop in for breakfast and a specialty coffee to kick-start a big day of exploring, or swing by after dark to road-test the chic dinner menu on offer Thursday through Sunday. GET YOUR ART FIX AT ROSE STREET MARKETS, FITZROY Each weekend, Fitzroy's Rose Street becomes a shopping hot-spot, playing host to two vibrant weekly markets. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the Rose Street Artists' Market to find a stellar lineup of local makers showcasing an array of art, fashion, homewares, jewellery and photography, plus an onsite cafe primed for caffeine pit-stops and brunch feeds. Just a few metres down the street there's yet more shopping goodness in store for you at Saturday's Fitzroy Mills Market. This one's got a health and wellness focus, sourcing top produce from local makers and growers — expect treats like quality fruit and veg, desserts, artisan bread, vegan eats and even fare for your four-legged friends. GO FULL MELBOURNE AT WHITEHART, CBD Tucked down a laneway, surrounded by lively street art and crafted from a couple of upcycled shipping containers, Whitehart is unmistakably Melbourne. The industrial-inspired bar slings a top-notch booze lineup of clever cocktails, boutique wines and craft brews, while food comes courtesy of a rotation of visiting food trucks. Also impressive is the soundtrack, as the decks play host to a dance-worthy mix of resident DJs and guest artists from across the world. Swing by for a sunny afternoon session, or after dark to soak up those late-night Melbourne vibes. WANDER THE NICHOLAS BUILDING, CBD A veritable treasure trove of fashion and design, art deco stunner The Nicholas Building is home to a diverse mix of studios, boutiques and galleries. Drool over beautiful heritage features like the leadlight dome above the arcade while you get some retail therapy. Highlights include a huge selection of pre-loved threads at Australia's largest vintage store Retrostar, perfume from The Powder Room, Kimono House's Japanese crafts and textiles, jewellery designs from Victoria Mason and women's fashion from the likes of Obus and Kuwaii. DIG INTO SUPERNORMAL, CBD At the sleek Asian-accented Supernormal, acclaimed Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell delivers some very memorable eats, drawing on a range of influences and serving it all with a healthy side of fun. Here, classic flavours from across Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China are reworked into a menu of modern delights and matched with a contemporary drinks offering of sake, local wines and intriguing cocktails. Just remember, McConnell's cult classic lobster roll is a must and, when opting for the banquet menu, it pays to be within rolling distance of where you're staying. [caption id="attachment_659089" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Gollings.[/caption] EXPLORE THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, SOUTHBANK Delivering a diverse program of bold exhibitions, performances, talks and events, the Australian Centre For Contemporary Art is a hotbed of creativity and a must for any visiting art aficionado. Boasting an award-winning building set among the arty offerings of Southbank, it features thought-provoking works from big-name artists the world over, in addition to commissioned pieces designed to change the way the world sees contemporary art. Cruise the current exhibitions at your own pace, or jump on one of the free public tours, held each Sunday during exhibition periods. CATCH SOME VIEWS AT ROOFTOP BAR, CBD An astro-turfed, open-air space perched at the very top of Swanston Street's Curtin House, Melbourne's original rooftop bar is a year-round favourite, thanks to its laidback feel and those sprawling city skyline vistas. Venture up for brews with a view and eats from The Rooftop Burger Shack, while getting acquainted with one of Melbourne's most iconic drinking spots. During the warmer months, you can even catch a flick on the outdoor big screen for the legendary Rooftop Cinema. PICNIC IN THE SUN AT ABBOTSFORD CONVENT, ABBOTSFORD Set among picturesque grounds in Melbourne's inner north, multi-arts precinct the Abbotsford Convent has a little something for everyone. Once operating as a convent and one of Australia's largest Catholic complexes, the heritage-listed, 16-acre site now boasts a colourful assortment of galleries, studios and green space — not to mention a stack of architectural gems to marvel at. Lose a day happily exploring the current offerings, from exhibitions and talks to markets and performances. Social history tours are run every Sunday afternoon, and there's a plethora of great onsite eateries to choose from come lunchtime. [caption id="attachment_649405" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Durrant.[/caption] EAT TAPAS AND MONTADITOS AT BAR TINI, CBD Having won hearts across the country with his stable of MoVida restaurants, Frank Camorra's latest project is another Spanish-inspired charmer — this time, a cosy laneway haunt called Bar Tini. With its warm red accents and cheery decor, this one's a nod to the bodegas of Spain, its menu a cracking lineup of imported tinned seafood, flavour-packed tapas and montaditos, and open sandwiches. Snack your way through, while sipping vermouth on tap and revamped classic cocktails. Pop in for a daytime visit and you'll even be able to check out the iconic street art of Hosier Lane outside the front door. [caption id="attachment_658995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stano Murin.[/caption] LAUGH IT OUT AT THE BUTTERFLY CLUB, CBD If a culture fix is on the cards, you can bank on finding a ripper program of happenings at The Butterfly Club. The laneway theatre hosts a diverse lineup of over 1100 performances each year, from cabaret acts to side-splitting stand-up shows. You'll also find a solid mix of regular events, including Tuesday night's burlesque life drawing sessions and Friday's long-running improv comedy show, The Big Hoo Haa. The Butterfly Club's two bars make for charming pit-stops in themselves, decked out with lots of kitsch touches and slinging an oft-changing lineup of themed cocktails. Spend your weekend exploring some of the very best things around Melbourne, and when you need a place to recoup, find your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton on Flinders Street.
UPDATE: November 23, 2023 — We've arranged an exclusive package to help you make the most of Mona Foma 2024. Book with Concrete Playground Trips and you'll have accommodation, ferry transfers, festival tickets and more all sorted, from just AUD$600 per person. There is only a limited number of packages available, though, so secure your booking here ASAP. Dark Mofo might be taking a breather in 2024, except for a few beloved events, but Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will still be embracing summer at Mona Foma. The sunny counterpart to the Apple Isle's moody winter fest has locked in its return from Thursday, February 15–Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Hobart, and from Thursday, February 29–Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Launceston. It has also dropped one helluva getaway-worthy lineup. Back in October, Queens of the Stone Age announced an Australia tour for 2024, and were also revealed as the first act on Mona Foma's program for the year. At the latter, they'll have no shortage of company. Also on the music bill: Courtney Barnett, TISM, Paul Kelly, Mogwai, Shonen Knife, and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, for starters. [caption id="attachment_923480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pooneh Ghana.[/caption] Making a Tassie stop on her latest tour, Barnett's show features two sets. To begin with, she'll work through album End of the Day — aka the score to the Barnett-focused documentary Anonymous Club — with Stella Mozgawa. After that, she'll dive into the rest of her catalogue of tunes. Now that TISM are back playing live together — something that only started happening again in 2022 after 19 years without gigs — the Australian legends will bust out 'Greg! The Stop Sign!', 'Whatareya' and 'Ol' Man River' at Cataract Gorge. The Ron Hitler-Barassi-led band are part of a free one-day event at the stunning site during Mona Foma's Launceston weekend, as are Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. Head along and you'll also enjoy morning meditations to start the day, and hear from Mulga Bore Hard Rock and FFLORA + Grace Chia. [caption id="attachment_926549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moshcam[/caption] Still on tunes, Kelly will be focusing on his 2022 compilation Time, while Mogwai and Shonen Knife are part of the returning lawn-set Mona Sessions — as are fellow overseas talents Holy Fuck, Wednesday, Michael Rother and Friends (playing Neu! songs), and Lonnie Holley with Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements. Clearly, there'll be no shortage of musicians to listen to. Darren Hanlon, Bree van Reyk and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra are teaming up; Isaac et Nora, the 14- and 11-year-old French-Korean siblings, will perform Latin-American songs they've learned by ear; and producer Filastine and singer Nova, one based in Barcelona and the other hailing from Indonesia, will provide live tunes on a 70-tonne sailing ship's deck to muse on the climate crisis as part of Arka Kinari. DJs will get spinning beneath James Turrell's Armana at Mona as well, and Mona Foma artists will be hitting up the Frying Pan Studios to jam and record. [caption id="attachment_926554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wei-Tsan Liu.[/caption] Emeka Ogboh's contribution to the program is also a big highlight, coming via exhibition Boats. Here, the Nigerian artist ponders migration as part of an experience that boasts its own gin — as made with native Tasmanian and West African botanicals — plus snacks, conversation and a sound installation. Also set to impress: Taiwanese artist Yahon Chang getting painting on a 20-metre-by-15-metre canvas at Princes Wharf 1, including using a brush that's human-sized, in a performance that'll blend calligraphy, art, meditation, kung fu and tai chi. [caption id="attachment_926552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Brown, image courtesy of Street Eats @ Franko Hobart and Mona Foma.[/caption] Other Mona Foma 2024 standouts include the world-premiere of Anito, a solo performance by Justin Shoulder that takes its cues from queer club culture, plus everything from theatre and dance to visual arts and installations; Dancenorth's latest production Wayfinder, which includes Hiromi Tango on design duties and music from Hiatus Kaiyote; party venue Faux Mo returning, but in a new home at The Granada Tavern; and a Street Eats night food and drink market pop-up. "Mona Foma wrangles over 500 performers and artists from places as far flung as Nigeria, Taiwan, Rajasthan and Launceston into a veritable orgy of creativity. If you can't find something to do, then you're dead — but then you wouldn't be reading this," said Mona Foma Artistic Director Brian Ritchie, announcing the 2024 lineup. "So, buy tickets, except for TISM, which is free. One of the most reclusive bands (only three gigs in twenty years) for free in amongst the most unique water feature of any urban environment, qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Carpe diem." [caption id="attachment_923130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andreas Neumann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ivan trigo Miras[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick McKinlay[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Naomi Beveridge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Businovski[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Akira Shibata[/caption] Mona Foma will take place from Thursday, February 15–Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Hobart, and from Thursday, February 29–Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Launceston. Tickets go on sale at 10am AEDT on Tuesday, November 21 — head to the festival website for further details. Top image: Steve Cook. All images courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma. 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.
Good news hasn't been easy to find among Australia's music festival scene in 2024, but Strawberry Fields is bucking the trend. The annual fest on the banks of the Murray River is only just dropping its lineup now, on Monday, July 8, but it's already almost at ticketing capacity. Some events are all about who's taking to the stage. Some boast a setup and setting worth spending a weekend in no matter which acts are on the bill. Strawberry Fields doesn't skimp on talent, of course, but its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. That spot: Tocumwal in New South Wales, where the regional weekend-long party sports not just multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, but also a bush spa. Having a soak between sets is worth entry alone. So far, 95 percent of Strawberry Fields' tickets have been snapped up — a huge feat that was achieved in a mere three hours — but more are going on sale from 9am on Tuesday, July 9. If you're lucky enough to secure your attendance from now, you won't be locking in a music-fuelled getaway across Friday, November 15–Sunday, November 17 sans lineup. The just-unveiled roster of acts is massive, including DJ EZ, KiNK, Daddy G from Massive Attack and Seun Keuti & Egypt 80 just for starters. Some will make the Wildlands stage their temporary home, such as Sam Alfred, SWIM, DJ Theo Parrish and DJ TSHA among the other names. Others, like Jaubi, KOKOKO! and Soichi Terada, will hit up The Grove stage. The Deep Jungle stage will welcome Circle of Live's Australian debut, plus DJ Paula Tape, Sébastien Léger and Township Rebellion. And over at expanded The Beach stage for 2024, which will indeed get you making shapes while in the river, Physical Therapy leads the charge. Also, a showcase from Japan's underground scene is sure to be a highlight. Beyond the tunes, a new amphitheatre is part of this year's fest, focusing on performance art, lifestyle and chilling out; the bush spa now boasts a sauna; and a special projection art installation will pay tribute to Nick Azidis. Also, the Moroccan Bedouin lounges and tea ceremonies will be running in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, plus the glamping options are back to make your weekend as lavish and as low-maintenance as possible. For another year, if you happen to be born on this year's festival dates, you can register to score a free ticket. Happy birthday to you indeed. Tickets for locals come at a discount, too, costing half the regular price if your postcode is in the Berrigan Shire. In addition to all of the above, Strawberry Fields lays claim to being one of the country's most-sustainable festivals, doing the environment a solid while unfurling its fun. It is powered by biodiesel fuel as well as solar power, its rewash revolution system has diverted over 200,000 single-use plastics from landfill, composting toilets are provided and all transport is carbon offset via Treecreds. Strawberry Fields 2024 Lineup: DJ Afrodisiac Aldonna Babycino Bertie Byron Yeates College of Knowledge DJs Daddy G (Massive Attack) x Don Letts Dameeeela DJ EZ DJ Pgz featuring Ecstatic Mob Dr Banana Ed Kent Emmyk & Tilly Hiroko Yamamura Jordan Brando B2B Luke Alessi Kia Kim Ann Foxmann Laura King Livwutang Lovefoxy Marie Montexier Mikalah Watego Minyerra Mothafunk Naycab Niks Nooriyah Paula Tape Physical Therapy Pnny Poli Pearl Rainbow Disco Club featuring Kikiorix, Sisi, Kuniyuki (live) Rona. B2B Dima Sam Alfred Sébastien Léger Simona Castricum Sky High Trio Soul Clap Stev Zar Suze Ijó SWIM Theo Parrish Township Rebellion TSHA U.R.Trax Vanna Zjoso Live Alisa Mitchell Cinta Circle of Live featuring Kuniyuki, Sebastian Mullaert and Sleep D Evening News Harvey Sutherland Immy Owusu Jaubi Jupita Kaiit Karo X Kee'ahn KiNK Kobie Dee Kokoko! Mandeng Groove Mildlife Miss Kaninna Pataphysics Sachém Sarita Mcharg Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Sinj Clarke Soichi Terada Tarabeat x Mz Rizk Versace Boys Viken Armen Wulumbarra Xmunashe Zfex & Ausecuma Beats Zourouna [caption id="attachment_887378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] [caption id="attachment_887377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Strawberry Fields 2024 will take place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, November 15–Sunday, November 17. The final release of tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, July 9. Head to the festival website for further details. Strawberry Fields images: Duncographic.
Trendy trio Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, performing this Wednesday at Billboard, make retro-inspired soulful tunes mixed with a dash of modern funk. Their already impressive repertoire of appearances at Falls, Meredith and the Big Day Out is being added to over the next few months with concerts in both Melbourne and Sydney before they head up to the beloved Byron Bay for Australia's largest and most renowned blues and roots festival, Bluesfest. Hailing from north-west London, the trio derive a lot of their inspiration from the swinging melodies of the '40s, '50s and '60s and have been described by NME as "the sound of yesteryear, but also a band for the future". To jump on the bandwagon and see what all the hype is about snap up still available tickets for Wednesday night's performance.
Word is, good things come in threes, but if you're in the market for some new gear for your home, then it looks like the magic number this week is four. That's because furniture and homewares giant IKEA has kicked off a giant four-day sale, slashing the price of a huge range of products at stores across the country. Running from today until Sunday, October 21, the clearance sale is dishing up bargains on 400 different IKEA products, from flatpack furniture, to those random storage solutions you can never seem to have too many of. And the reductions are well worth battling one of IKEA's impossible maze-like stores for, with all sale prices promising at least 40 percent off. Venture in to stock up on budget-friendly pieces like coffee tables, chairs, beds and homewares — the offers are available in-store only. To check out what's discounted at your local store, head to the Ikea website and punch in your postcode. The IKEA Clearance Sale runs from October 18–21. For more information, head to the IKEA website.
If you don't know Mandek Penha, then you should probably stop reading and just go to the gig. They are one of those acts that needs to be seen before they make any sense — but I'll try. This video might be some help, too. They're a cult band that worships The Father, whose dominion, South Sarra, is accessible through a portal orbiting above North Korea. They express their love through song, usually falling somewhere in between noisepop and punk rock, with a bit of electronic folk in there somewhere too. Led by the Current Earthly Embodiment (CEE) and his first bride, Mandek Penha sing religious songs of sexual inquest, religious tradition, and most of all their love for the Next Earthly Embodiment (NEE) — a 12-year-old girl in a freaky mask who has a penchant for crying onstage. There's also the odd cover version in there as a special treat. Beginning a month-long residency at the Toff in Town, Mandek's weird blend of hilarious showmanship, complex songwriting and eye-widening religious spectacle is unmatched on the Melbourne live music scene today: it must be experienced. Good thing they're playing on three Mondays this month.
The cliche saying that the greatest things come in the smallest packages isn't always proven true, but it seems to be the case for a new musical development in nanotechnology, the Nano Guitar. Researchers at Cornell University, Dustin W Carr and Professor Harold G Craighead launched the project in order to show skeptics how advanced and precise (and cool) nanotechnology is. The microscopic instrument is made of crystalline silicon and is 10,000 nanometres long, which is about the size of a single human red blood cell or one-twentieth the size of the width of a strand of hair. Can it be played like a full-sized guitar? Well, its six strings are each only 100 atoms wide, so tiny that they can only be plucked by sending miniature lasers through an atomic force microscope to produce one of the highest pitches to ever be recorded. The sound is a 40 megahertz signal 130,000 times higher than that of a regular guitar, unable to be picked up by the even most sensitive microphones. The Nano Guitar has sparked new discoveries in nanotechnology, including a new method of manipulating laser beams to aid in fibre optic communications. Big things do come in small packages.
Sometimes life in the big smoke can leave you feeling a little disconnected from where your food came from. But there's little chance of that happening at the newly launched Acre Farm & Eatery. You'll find this hotly-anticipated, 2000-square-metre urban farm and restaurant sitting atop the just-opened Burwood Brickworks, helping the precinct push towards its goal of being the world's most sustainable shopping centre. Run by the same minds behind Sydney's Acre Eatery, a farm-to-table restaurant, Acre is designed to educate and inspire its visitors, while putting them back in touch with the terroir of their food. It's an openair rooftop space, where you're encouraged to wander through the plants, and touch and smell the growing produce. Right now, the farm's home to 70 different plant varieties, ranging from flowers like dahlias, salvia and foxglove to tomatoes, leafy greens, passionfruit and rhubarb. It's a carefully selected mix, chosen not just to get as much produce as possible, but also to be showcased across the menu of the adjoining cafe and restaurant. Here, Executive Chef Brad Simpson (Lamaros, The Smith) is turning out a menu that's every bit as fresh and nourishing as you'd expect. After all, you can grab a sunny window seat overlooking the farm and tuck into ingredients just metres away from where they were grown. You might find plates like creamy stracciatella served with a smoked tomato compote and fresh focaccia, roasted salmon teamed with basil aioli, or slow-roasted pork hock starring fennel, lovage and apple. If you want to try it all, the restaurant also offers three banquets, which range from the very reasonably priced $40 Intro to the seven-dish Feed Me fpr $70 a head. And while the rooftop farm's not big enough to handle all of the kitchen's food supply, any remaining ingredients are being sourced from a crop of top Victorian suppliers. Sticking with the local-is-best mentality, the food's served alongside an all-Victorian wine offering featuring drops like Ingram Road's pinot noir out of the Yarra Valley and Central Victoria's Sibling Rivalry sauvignon blanc. Elsewhere on the rooftop farm, a quail coop provides both eggs for the kitchen and fertiliser for the gardens, sustainable composting systems help the plants thrive and a careful selection of flowers feeds all those important insects. And stay tuned for a program of workshops, tours and other hands-on green thumb experiences. Find Acre Farm & Eatery at 78 Middleborough Road, Burwood East. It's open 5.30–10pm Wednesday–Thursday, 11.30am–10pm Friday–Saturday and 11.30am–4pm Sunday.
The Hunter Valley is that perfect spot to chill out with some friends, have a romantic weekend away with your special someone (alternatively, your mum) or go and have a staring competition with a cow. Most Sydneysiders have lost count of the number of times they’ve headed north, like some kind of stocking-up-the-cellar and stuffing-their-faces-full-of-cheese migration, but for Melburnians it remains a largely undiscovered playground for big kids. Here's our take on the perfect Spring weekend away in the Hunter. Hit the Wineries Take a leisurely drive up north and don’t waste any time hitting up the wineries. Getting a few photos with the wildlife and vines along the way is a must. Make sure you stop by the tourism centre to pick up an all-important map of the wineries. You'll be surprised by how many (and spread out they all are). More so without the map (and you'll keep on seeing the same fence again and again). If you're a chardonnay lover, there's no escaping Scarborough. Seriously. They know what they're doing. You'll find it hard to leave without a case. Just remember that boot space is at a premium, and you may have to con a friend into scooching their stuff over just a little bit. The cellar-door-only White Label Chardonnay (the Yellow is also good stuff) would be easy to write an essay on, but also worth your quaffing is the dessert wine and pinot noir. Tyrells, just past the Hunter Valley Gardens, is worth stopping by, not only because of the cute little rustic shack (which the good man used to live in — not quite as comfortable as where you're hopefully spending the night), but also because of the vino. And for those who get splitting headaches the day after a long drinking session, you need to check out Tamburlaine. Yup, it's the organic stuff. This means: no headaches (or not as bad) because there's none of the naughty stuff in it. The Christmas pudding sticky is a must for any sweet-tooths out there (and makes fab Christmas pressies, too). For the sparkling lover, Peterson House will be your next destination. They have the oh-so-easy-to-drink Blush bubbles (perfect for when the girls get together), or ones with a bit more oomph like the Museum. From bubbles to balloons If you can still stand after these tastings and the bubbles haven't gotten to your head, it's time for a hot air balloon! This isn’t just for the kiddies, it's the most gentle and relaxing thrill you can get that's legal. Sunset is the perfect time for it (and remember to take some of the wine you just bought and some smelly cheeses and lavosh from the Smelly Cheese shop — they do good cheese boards here too.) One place that does ballooning is Balloon Aloft, but there's plenty of options. Apart from the noise when the gas gets released, it's like you’re floating on a marshmallow. Can't get much more romantic than that (unless the marshmallow is being toasted on a fire). If you've taken it easy on the wine tastings, another afternoon plan could be a horse ride with the kangaroos. You'll score a large dose of fresh air and most are pretty gentle rides (unless you get a particularly spirited horse who doesn't like following trails much. There's always one). Lie Down in the Valley By this point, your eyes will most likely be ready to shut (either from the wine, or the activities), so it's worth hitting the bed, pronto. You could try out a suite at the Chateau Elan at The Vintage, if spas and golf are your thing. Or for views over the Brokenback mountain range, you could try Talga Estate — a good option for a big bunch of friends. The barbecue on the verandah is perfect for your own cook-up. If you're not quite sure what you're after, Hunter Valley Resort is worth checking out. It's got a wine school, horse and carriage tours, a wine theatre, vineyard tours and a whole lot more. We figure that if you're surrounded by wine, like you are at the Hunter, you might as well know a thing or two about it. You’ll find out the correct way to swirl the wine in your glass, really give it a good looking at, create air while sipping it and feeling it in your mouth. Or you could just drink it. The Quest Singleton is near the local shopping area, and if you're already feeling a bit wine and cheesed out — you can hit the gym. Yep, there are a lot of options. Sunny Side Up Hopefully hangover free, the next morning you’ll be needing a big breakfast. There are options in all of the hotels, or you could try out Cafe Enzo for a meal next to a fountain, and then look at the antiques next door. They usually have awesome vintage cheese knives — as well as a whole lot of random goodness, and very expensive antique engagement rings. Hint hint. Botanica and Esca are fancier options for a brunch or lunch or any time really. At Esca you can arrive by helicopter if that's the way you roll. Just remember to pack oversized sunnies and a designer bag to make this really work. Make sure you try the white or red wine tasting plate, which comes with a trio of smaller meals. Or you could make a picnic and find a scenic spot to park your bottom for the day. Last-minute leisure Before you head home, remember to stock up on wine (if you've finished it all off by now), cheese, chocolates and some more fresh air. And if you’ve got time, go for a spa treatment. The Hunter is all about spoiling yourself, inside and out. Even if you spend Monday rubbing your cheese belly or feeling slightly pickled. Just make sure you pack a friend who is a good ol' responsible driver, and you'll be just fine. Regional NSW is on sale now at Lastminute.com.au. You can check out The Hunter options on sale here.
Talk about stating the obvious: "this is a multi-year journey you're about to embark on," Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo, Dark Waters) tells Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black) in the new She-Hulk: Attorney at Law trailer. He's teaching her the ways of being green and huge, and possessing super strength — and, in the kind of winking, nudging tone that the new Disney+ series looks set to revel in, he's clearly not only talking about the on-screen journey, but the experience of keeping up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe for those watching along. This far in — 14 years since the first Iron Man reached screens, with 28 other movies releasing since, and the slate of streaming series only growing — being a fan of the MCU is a big commitment. After a few gaps during the first year of the pandemic, there's always something new Marvel-related to watch on screens big and small, or so it seems. In 2022 so far, Moon Knight, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Ms Marvel and Thor: Love and Thunder have all already arrived, for instance. Hitting Disney+ from Wednesday, August 17, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the next title on the way — and, yes, the idea is all there in its name. Walters is a lawyer newly specialising in superhuman law. After an experiment by Banner, she's soon turning green when she's scared and angry. And as both the initial and the new trailers for the about-to-release MCU show point out, with the latest dropping during this year's San Diego Comic-Con, things get chaotic from there. If your memory of TV extends back to the late 90s and early 00s, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law should give you big Ally McBeal vibes — but with superheroes instead of Calista Flockhart and dancing babies. Walters' work life, her efforts to balance being an attorney and being She-Hulk, her dating experiences: they're all covered, as is sitting around chatting about everything with her best pal (Ginger Gonzaga, Kidding) over drinks. The latest trailer also takes a few cues from The Boys, diving headfirst into the fallout when "more and more eccentric superhumans are coming out of the woodwork", as Walters is told. That's why she's enlisted to head up the legal division — her boss wants the She-Hulk to be the face of it, he explains. As it explores what it's like to be a single thirtysomething attorney who is also a green six-foot-seven-inch hulk — you know, that old chestnut — the show's nine-episode first season will also feature familiar MCU faces in the form of Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) as Wong and Tim Roth (Sundown) as Emil Blonsky/the Abomination. Rounding out the cast is a heap of recent sitcom standouts: Josh Segarra (The Other Two), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), Jon Bass (Miracle Workers) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Girls5eva). And, behind the lens, Kat Coiro (Marry Me) and Anu Valia (And Just Like That...) share directing duties across the season, with Jessica Gao (Rick and Morty) as head writer. Check out the latest She-Hulk: Attorney at Law trailer below: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will start streaming via Disney+ from Wednesday, August 17. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
UPDATE, October 30, 2020: Melbourne's outdoor cinemas are now reopening — including the Coburg Drive-In, and the Lido, Classic and Cameo outdoor cinemas. Antebellum opens with a sprawling, roving and weaving single-take shot that's designed to garner attention from the get-go. Constantly roaming — and saturated with both sunlight and colour, in case you aren't instantly glued to its vivid sights — it surveys a stereotypical-looking plantation in America's south. This is where resident belle Elizabeth (Jena Malone) lives. A troop of Confederate soldiers under the leadership of Captain Jasper (Jack Huston) also call it home, too. And when the latter aren't in combat, they join Elizabeth in imposing their might on the property's other residents: its enslaved Black workers. Watching this conspicuously eye-catching introduction, it helps to know what Antebellum's title actually means. The term refers to a time before a war, and is typically used in relation to the American Civil War — but, in the movie's first sequence, it certainly seems as if that historical conflict is raging away. Indeed, that'd explain the soldiers' presence, as well as the cruelty and brutality meted out to the plantation's slaves for daring to speak while picking cotton, refusing to acquiesce to every single order or trying to escape. First-time writer-directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz haven't chosen Antebellum's moniker by accident, though, and that clash between the word's definition and the sights seen on-screen is crucial to their movie. Yes, Antebellum hinges on a twist, endeavouring to use the horror genre to explore US race relations in the manner that Jordan Peele has recently perfected. Alas, this copy-cat flick consistently proves far less surprising, powerful and clever than it thinks it is. Here's the setup: attempted runaway Eden (Janelle Monáe) is one of the property's enslaved workers, and subject not just to beatings, brandings and forced labour, but also raped regularly by the general (Eric Lange) who has claimed her as his own. She's planning another escape; however, thoroughly unexpectedly given the surroundings, a mobile phone suddenly rings. Now Monáe's character is called Veronica Henley, and she's a well-known activist and author. Also, everything about her life — including the conference in New Orleans she attends, meeting up with her outspoken best friend Dawn (Gabourey Sidibe) while she's there — is firmly set in the 21st century. Obviously, how Monáe's dual roles intertwine is best discovered by watching, as is the reappearance of Too Old to Die Young's Malone as a modern-day caller for Veronica. But even if you'd hardly call yourself a horror or thriller fan, or even just a movie buff, the big shift here isn't hard to guess. Bush and Renz rely so heavily on their one twist that the film resembles M Night Shyamalan's more forgettable works more than Get Out, Us or TV series Lovecraft Country, and suffers noticeably as a result. Their aim is undeniably bold, smart and timely, unpacking systemic racism by not only looking at how Black Americans have been treated both in the present and in the country's history, but by finding a way to firmly, unmistakably connect the two. And yet, Antebellum feels more like an exercise in making a provocative genre film than a feature that actually says something substantial about engrained prejudice in the US — a topic that sadly continues to remain relevant, but is treated here as stock-standard horror fodder. Take the movie's always-lurid, often-violent imagery as an example. Visually, Antebellum isn't easily forgotten, but its parade of grim frames is a double-edge sword. On the one hand, it reinforces how horrific the idea of slavery is, and shows the audience exactly why in graphic detail. Of course, viewers already know this, even without such heavy-handed reminder. Accordingly, Bush and Renz seem to revel in startling sights almost for the sake of it. If its main victim didn't seem so much like a symbol — more than a fleshed-out character, that's for sure — Antebellum might've succeeded in getting viewers to stare unflinchingly at her pain, experiencing it with her like Australian standout The Nightingale did so expertly, but it really just appears to put her through the wringer to evoke shocks rather than emotion. Most of Antebellum's cast are only asked to fit a specific type, too, as Malone, Huston and Lange all demonstrate. In fact, although Kiersey Clemons (Hearts Beat Loud) pops up as a new arrival at the plantation and Tongayi Chirisa (iZombie) also features among the property's fellow captives, the film tasks them with little more than being present and distraught. The exception is Monáe, with the Moonlight and Hidden Figures star turning in a masterly performance. That's a credit to the musician-turned-actor and her all-round excellence more than the material, though. And if everything around her didn't feel so formulaic and calculating, this'd be a far better film — rather than just an ambitious one that mistakes jumping on a bandwagon for actually making a meaningful statement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nf--afqelY
Epic party throwers Soothsayer and I OH YOU are joining forces this November to bring the Melbourne CBD one seriously packed day party. Dubbed City Loop, the new daytime shenanigans will go down on Saturday, November 10, from 1–10pm at RMIT University's city campus. Fittingly, the ticket pries are fairly university student-friendly, too, with all releases coming in under $100 and early birds going for only $45. As to who will be playing at this sunlit affair, the party duo is bringing you some good'uns. Expect DJ sets from the likes of Cut Copy and CC:DISCO!, a performance by much-loved Melbourne duo Kllo and a Detroit house-meets-west coast rap battle by LA artist Channel Tres. Plus, Australia's own Andy Garvey (Pure Space), Ben Fester and Midlife will appear, too. Yup, it's going to be a big day out. Tickets to the City Loop party are on sale now, and we suggest nabbing yourself one sooner rather than later. CITY LOOP LINEUP Andy Garvey Ben Fester CC:DISCO! Channel Tres Cut Copy (DJ set) Dance Party Francis Inferno Orchestra Kllo Love Deluxe Mildlife Miss Blanks Asha & Nightlight Images: Bec Taylor
You know those bad Christmas gifts, the ones that make you slap on your very best fake smile in order to say thanks without groaning. A brick-like pud, some subpar sports socks, a sickly sweet candle — generic and uninspired clutter that you instantly want to return, regift or chuck in the trash. We don't want to sound ungrateful — sure, it's the thought that counts — but a poorly chosen present can be kind of disappointing, not to mention wasteful. Nobody wants to get — or give — a gift like that. Indeed, there's a fine art to Christmas shopping. Not all of us can be gift-giving masters, after all. So, to help you pick the perfect pressie and avoid any bigtime blunders, we've partnered with Australia Post to pull together ten stellar gift ideas, which won't warrant a return. They all cost less than a pineapple, can be ordered online and conveniently delivered to your nearby Parcel Locker so you can pick 'em up whenever it suits you. Let your fingers do the walking, forgo the crazy Christmas crowds and rest easy knowing your parcel is stored securely till you're ready to collect. Happy shopping, Santas. FRANK GREEN STAINLESS STEEL REUSABLE CUP Forget splashing cash on a mug with some trite "Keep Calm and Carry On" message inscribed on the front and get a cup that is both eco-friendly and uber trendy instead. The Frank Green stainless steel reusable cup is pretty much the Superman of drinking receptacles; crafted from commercial grade stainless steel, it's built to last forever (in a good way) which is great if you have clumsy caffeine-lovers in your midst. Drop this baby and there's no need to cry over spilt milk — it won't shatter or break. The cup is also stain and odour resistant, has a nifty spill-proof lid and a clever one-handed toggle button to drink and reseal — like we said, Superman. How much? $39.95 RELOVE PRINT BOOK SUBSCRIPTION We all know a bookworm and a surefire way to score a special place in their heart is to shout them a book subscription. Revolve Print will ship one quality preowned book to their doorstep each month, so they'll never have a shortage of great literature. What's more, they get to curate their reads and pick what kind of pageturners they receive. This gift is not only super thoughtful, but it's also eco-friendly. To take things up a notch, arrange to meet each month to discuss the books. How much? From $9 per month SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR An excellent accessory for the silly season, the portable Luckies Smartphone Projector 2.0 projects music videos, films and photographs anywhere you please. It's a great gift for the gadget-obsessed as it's both stylish and practical. With up to 8x magnification, the projector is light, compact and works with iOS and Android smartphones. Come Christmas Day, the family can stop crowding around one iPhone to look at Uncle John's travel photos and instead see them on the big screen. How much? $49.95 GROW YOUR OWN TEA Tea is a real crowd pleaser; young or old, most people enjoy a good cuppa. While you could gift a nice loose-leaf blend, why not go one step above and give that special someone a Grow Your Own Tea Kit. Each kit contains a growing pot, some soil, the tea seeds — choose between chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm or echinacea — as well as a mug and tea strainer to taste-test the brew. Not only is this pressie full of antioxidants, but it also gives the grower a sense of satisfaction and achievement, which is priceless. How much? $34.95 BACON MAKING KIT This gift is for that one friend or family member who always hangs by the Christmas ham — the bona fide pork fiend, the bigtime bacon fan. Introducing the Baconsmith Bacon Making Kit, which produces top-notch bacon in just seven days. The kit makes two-kilograms of tasty bacon — sweet or savoury, the choice is theirs. All it requires is a good slab of pork belly. The great thing about this present is that it's also like a gift to you. Give it to a housemate or your partner, and you'll reap the benefits, too, with some tasty homemade bacon to snack on next fry-up. We guarantee they (and you ) will be squealing with delight. How much? $34.95 MEMOBOTTLE A staggering one million single-use plastic bottles are purchased around the world every minute and most end up in landfill. Depressing, right? Do your bit and buy your mate a Memobottle. Remember the book Flat Stanley? This is the water bottle version of that; it's nice and slim and can slide right into compact spaces. Memobottles are great for students as they pack neatly into backpacks, between all those textbooks. The bottle has a 450-millilitre capacity and is BPA free — so the water will stay nice and pure. How much? $44.95 DIY BEESWAX WRAPS If you're friends with a passionate eco-warrior or want to inspire a less socially conscious friend, sling them this beeswax block and get them making their own environmentally friendly version of Cling Wrap. The Wanderlightly DIY Beeswax Wraps are non-toxic, biodegradable and reusable — save on cash and save the planet. Win, win. The step-by-step instructions are super simple, just add cotton fabric and you're ready to go. Since they'll be spending less money on plastic packaging for, well, the rest of their lives, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. How much? From $17.50 AESOP JET SET KIT Ah, the intoxicating aromas of Aesop. We still haven't worked out how they make it smell so darn good, but we're not complaining. Give the globetrotters in your life the gift of sweet smells and smooth skin with this Aesop Jet Set Kit. The assortment features the go-to products — like classic shampoo and conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm — and can be stored in their carry-on for easy access. Aesop products are renowned for their hydrating qualities, exactly what one needs during a long-haul. How much? $41 COFFEE MUG BY INDIGENOUS ARTIST LUKE PENRITH Yes, this is the second cup we've mentioned but its eye-catching design warranted a spot on the list. Created by Aboriginal artist Luke Penrith, the mug depicts the Yilawura Camp Site in soothing green and blue tones. It's a statement piece, which would suit any kitchen or office desk. Since it's only $16, you can order two or three and gift a set. Let's face it, one can never have too many mugs. And if you're a fan of the artwork, you can pick up a range of other wares featuring the same design. How much? From $15.99 SOLAR-POWERED PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER We all have that one friend or family member who is forever searching for a phone charger. Treat them to this solar-powered portable phone charger and never hear "Hey, can I borrow a charger?" again. While the top of the line chargers can set you back around $100, hit up eBay to find a charger on the cheap. With USB connectivity, this compact little nugget will charge everything from an iPhone to a tablet to a digital camera. Just add sun and you're all set. How much? From $22.99 Christmas shopping has never been so simple — order online, ship to a Parcel Locker and avoid the hectic shops with Australia Post.
If you’ve ever daydreamed about the days when gents wore three-piece suits and ladies dolled up in flapper finery, the upcoming Gangster’s Ball may be for you. Hosted by the Forum, the ball offers a chance to get gussied up in your vintage best for what sounds like a memorable night out. Embracing the entertainment of the 1920s-'50s, the evening includes live magic, vaudeville, cabaret and a turn from NSW’s reigning burlesque queen, Kelly Ann Doll. Should you need a break from being a spectator, you can get all gangster and try your luck in the gambling den (pinstripes and spats compulsory) or pamper your inner-moll at the vintage styling parlour. Cocktails and a spot of drunken swing dancing are optional.
You probably recall when Peking Duk caused a major stir by hosting a rave at Bunnings. Now the hardware retailer is getting back into the gig game, this time collaborating with Beyond the Valley on a free pre-festival party held from 7.30pm on Saturday, November 22. Featuring headline festival acts Mallrat and DJ Cooper Smith, the timber yard of Bunnings Port Melbourne will be transformed into a live music venue, offering an alcohol-free chance to get caught up in the tunes. Yet there's more to this gig than just viral marketing. Instead, it's a celebration of Melbourne's music community, with proceeds from the sausage sizzle (of course) going towards Support Act — a leading charity guided by the music industry, for the music industry. This pop-up gig also gives music fans the chance to win a luxurious camping experience at BTV. While most will simply score tickets to the sold-out festival, two winners will arrive to an extra bougie campsite ready to level up their New Year's fun. Tickets are available on the Bunnings website and the artist's social channels from 12pm on Wednesday, November 19. Images: Casey Garnsey / Sammy-Jo Lang-Waite.
It has been 12 years since RuPaul's Drag Race first premiered in the US, and its mission to unearth the next drag superstars shows no signs of stopping. Currently, the original series is reaching the pointy end of its thirteenth season, while international versions also exist in the UK — also hosted by RuPaul — plus Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Next, it's finally making the leap to Australia and New Zealand. RuPaul's Drag Race already airs locally, but now it's being made here as well. The eight-part RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will focus on Aussie and NZ drag queens battling for supremacy, and will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand. That was announced back in January; however, now you can mark your calendars for the show's debut on Saturday, May 1. While not all overseas iterations of Drag Race are hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under definitely is. RuPaul is also taking on judging duties, alongside show veteran Michelle Visage and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson. If you're wondering just who'll be competing, too, that was unveiled back in March during the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Ten contenders will strut their stuff for drag supremacy, spanning seven Australians and three New Zealanders. So, prepare to see plenty of Art Simone from Geelong, Melbourne's Karen from Finance, and Sydney's Coco Jumbo, Etecetera Etcetera and Maxi Shield. Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Perth's Scarlet Adams round out the Aussie queens, while Auckland's Kita Mean, Anita Wigl'it and Elektra Shock comprise the NZ contingent. Fans already know the format, which features fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Until next month hits, you can check about the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under cast reveal video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSLPdMi0b8U&feature=youtu.be RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will start streaming via Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, May 1, with new episodes airing weekly. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
When was the last time you paused to marvel at the tower of good times that is Curtin House? This multi-level beauty is brimming with history filled with activities you've probably forgotten about. Built back in 1923, and once acting as the headquarters of the Communist Party, it's now home to the much more light-hearted business of eating, drinking and shopping. In lieu of your usual Saturday night local, take time to explore one of our city's historic gems from bottom to top — from drinking craft beers at Cookie and cocktails in a train carriage booth at The Toff, to browsing the shelves at independent bookshop Metropolis, getting into punchy Mexican eats and top-notch tequila at Mesa Verde and brews with a view up at Rooftop Bar.
Spooktober claims to be Melbourne's spookiest Halloween festival, so you know it has considerable things up its sleeves when it comes to giving you a fright. And this year, it's going big — not only extending the scares across eight nights (and four days) between Friday, October 25 and Sunday, November 3, but doing so at Luna Park for the first time. The new setup will feature roving zombies, two custom haunted house experiences called Extreme Phobia and Haunted Fairytales, and a Haunted Spirits Bar so you can get some liquid courage into you, stat. There'll be Luna Park's rides and carnival games, too, but given a themed twist. Also on the lineup is a ghastly glamour parlour where you can get made up to look the part, costume competitions, spooky entertainment and a trick or treat trail for the littlies. Yes, some of the festival is family-friendly, but if you're an adult and you're still scared that's okay. Spooktober @ Luna Dark is open on Friday, October 25 from 6–11pm; Saturday, October 26 from 11am–5pm and 6pm–12am; Sunday, October 27 from 11am–5pm and 6–11pm; Wednesday, October 30 from 6–11pm; Thursday, October 31 from 6pm–12am; Friday, November 1 from 6–11pm; Saturday, November 2 from 11am–5pm and 6pm–12am; and Sunday, November 3 from 11am–5pm and 6–11pm.
Miss Saigon, the award-winning tale of love and loss, has arrived at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre after a stellar run at the Sydney Opera House. Since its 1989 debut, it has charmed audiences, earning a string of awards and global praise, and proved a testament to the power of theatrical storytelling. Miss Saigon weaves an epic story of love and loss amidst the emotional tumult, chaos and danger of the Vietnam War, weaving a captivating narrative that continues to resonate with its intense, heart-wrenching themes. One of the show's stars is Sydney's Abigail Adriano, who plays the role of Kim, a young Vietnamese woman working in a bar in Saigon. The story begins during the final days of the war, and it's here that Kim meets and falls in love with an American GI. Their passionate but brief relationship is at the heart of the narrative that transcends cultures and generations — not a bad gig for a 19-year-old former law student. We sat down with Adriano to find out what it's like behind the scenes, why Miss Saigon continues to captivate generations, and how a last-minute audition — driven by a blend of passion and destiny — catapulted her into the role of a lifetime. Kim is a pretty big role — what has your journey towards landing this gig been like? I've always known about the role of Kim because I come from a really big Filipino family — and the first person to pioneer the role was the iconic Filo girl Lea Salonga. She's become a legend in theatre, and she put us Filos on the map when it came to performing arts. But also, I've always just loved the music from Miss Saigon. As an Asian girl growing up, you don't see a lead character who's Asian. When I did music as a subject in high school, people would ask me, 'What's your favourite musical theatre show?'. And I'd be like, 'Miss Saigon', because it was the only show that I could really see myself represented in. So it's a dream come true that I'm even able to perform such an iconic role. It was crazy that it came around because, at that point in my life, I was really focused on just getting through my academic side of things. And I actually really enjoyed school — so much that I got into law school. I did a year of it and took a pause from performing completely. But one day, my singing teacher reached out to me and said, 'I remember you telling me that Miss Saigon's your favourite musical — their auditions are closing tomorrow if you still want to submit something'. Oh wow. No pressure. So I literally had like ten hours left to submit. It was blood, sweat, and tears into that audition tape. But I knew that this was meant to be. I just had this gut feeling that I had to submit. That's pretty amazing. So what was the moment like when you found out you landed it? Oh my God. Look, the audition process was quite challenging. They were workshopping with me a lot. I think I had three rounds, and so I was putting all this effort into our audition calls. It took about a month or two before I heard anything back. In this industry, if you don't hear anything, that's your sign that you didn't get it, and you just have to move on. I was sitting my first-semester law exams at the time, so I just kind of put it to the side. I was also tutoring primary and high school kids. So I was in the middle of a tutoring class on Zoom when I got the phone call, and as soon as I saw my agent's name on my phone, I was like 'Okay, this is it'. So I said to my student — and he was only five years old at the time — I was like, 'Hey buddy, I just need to go to the bathroom'. And then I picked up the phone, and all he said to me was, 'You got it'. I was instantly crying. I was on the floor. That must have been such an incredible moment. You've just wrapped Sydney's run and, having grown up in Sydney, it must have been pretty special playing the Opera House. I'd never stepped inside the Opera House until I got to play the role. So It was really cool because, growing up in Sydney, I've always been past the Opera House, taking pictures with it — I have baby pictures with it. So I think it was really cute that I could put those pictures side by side — me playing Kim and me as a child. It was really fulfilling; it was just amazing. Miss Saigon has been a significant musical for decades. Why do you think this musical resonates so strongly with audiences across generations? Oh yeah, that's a great question. I think if we just look at the current climate in the world right now… there's this one line that I sing to my child in the show: 'Why do you learn of war or pain?'. This is a story about survival and the emotional tolls of war and, oh my God, it's just written so well. It just speaks to what we see in the world today, and the music resonates with people because of its universality. People need to see tragedy sometimes to be woken up. It's really, honestly, unlike other shows. This is a story that we need to hear because it's a story that's still happening around the world today. I imagine playing Kim is not only physically draining but also emotionally quite taxing — how do you decompress after a show? Actually, after giving a lot of emotions like that on the stage, I think it almost naturally encourages the cast to be really bubbly after the show. I think what we give on the stage is... very honest and very genuine. So, as soon as we get off the stage, there's just a natural lightness that we all have, and everyone checks up on each other. Honestly, I get home, and I put on a rom-com, I eat my ramen and I take Gaviscon so it doesn't affect my vocal cords the next day. Could you give us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show — what's something regular theatregoers might not know that goes on backstage? So much happens backstage. There was this one time my best friend replied to my Instagram story, and she was like, 'I can't believe you guys are making TikTok dances while someone is crying their eyes out on the stage'. Or sometimes I'll go into Seann Miley Moore's room because our dressing rooms are right next to each other, and we're just dancing to Blackpink songs because we both love K-pop. There's also this really funny thing that Seann and I do before we bow — we do this K-pop dance move just before we run onto the stage. There was also a time when we had Halloween, so everyone dressed up in costumes for warm-up, and it's just things like that, you know, it's always fun. That does sound fun. What's a typical show day like for you? So, depending on the day, I usually do night shows, so it's actually really nice I get to have a relaxed morning. It used to be I'd wake up and have breakfast with my fam because my mum loves cooking. But now that I'm living on my own, I wake up and I go to Woolworths by myself, and I grab breakfast. Or I go to a really nice brunch place — I just love avocado on toast; that's my go-to. I do a vocal warm-up in the shower. Sometimes I meet up with some friends in the cast — but we're not actually needed until an hour before the show. So we get there an hour before, do a warm-up, and then when the show happens, we make magic. Hell yeah. So, what do you hope the audience takes away from their experience of watching Miss Saigon? I want girls who look like me, or anyone who looks like me, to be able to feel like they have more than an opportunity to be on that stage. Because when I was younger, if I didn't have Miss Saigon, I wouldn't have believed that I could do a lead role. But for audiences in general, I hope they take away that there's so much we need to do, to learn and talk about, to make this world a better place. I think our musical doesn't give the answers. But it wakes us up to realise that these things are still happening — and this musical was made 35 years ago. On opening night, we had some politicians coming through, and before the show started, we were all like, 'Let's do it so that they can hear our story'. That's what I want people to take away. Catch Miss Saigon at Her Majesty's Theatre until Saturday, December 16. Grab your tickets here.
Back in 2020, which now seems a lifetime ago, Laneway Festival celebrated 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes. The beloved fest marked that milestone with a characteristically jam-packed lineup that made its way to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, as well as Auckland — but since then, it's been quiet thanks to the pandemic. First, the bad news: no one will be raising a plastic cup at the fest in 2022, Laneway organisers have confirmed. Now, the great news: the event is gearing up to finally make a comeback in 2023. In a social media announcement, the Laneway crew noted that right now it'd usually "be sailing the Laneway cruise liner into Australia/NZ, docking at Adelaide." That's clearly not happening at the moment, and "for obvious reasons we have decided to sit out again this year but rest assured, we are busy bees preparing for Laneway '23," the post continued. Dates, cities and venues for 2023 haven't been announced yet, but the Laneway team also noted that they're quite advanced in the planning for next year. "It's unusual for us to have booked so many acts so early on but that is what we can confirm we have done for Laneway 23, and it's already feeling like one of those very special Laneway lineups... there are so many exciting ideas and dreams coming into the picture and we look forward to sharing them with you into the new normal," organisers revealed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jerome's Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) If you're now already looking forward to next year, that's understandable. If you're now speculating on who might be on the bill, that's perfectly natural, too. Laneway's news comes after restrictions eased in both New South Wales and Victoria on Friday, February 18, allowing dancing again — with NSW's ban on dancing at music festivals set to lift this week as well. Laneway Festival will return in 2023. We'll update you with further details, including dates, venues and lineups, when they're announced. Top image: Anthony Smith.
Ah, the humble pie. It's the quintessential Aussie dish that's stuck by you through footy games, birthday parties and family dinners. And now, it's got top billing at a brand new CBD venture by a top chef. Located in Collins Place, The Pie Shop is the brainchild of chef Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan) and the second outpost of the store, which first launched in Brunswick East back in 2017. A veritable pastry wonderland, the store is open from 8am Monday to Friday — for hungry city works looking to up their lunch game — and from 10am on Saturdays. The offering covers the sweet, the savoury, the wonderful and the (slightly) weird. The six-pie lineup sounds almost as Aussie as The Castle's cast list, featuring creations like The Shazza, with its filling of cauliflower cheese and potato; a chunky beef and veg number named The Allen; The Bruce, which encases spag bol in pastry; and a breakfast number called The Uncle Pete filled with jalapeño baked beans, cheese and egg. You can even grab a family-sized version of The Shazza or The Allen to take home for later. [caption id="attachment_746486" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Uncle Pete. Photo by Annika Kafcaloudis.[/caption] There's a free-range pork sausage roll, too, which you can grab as part of a bangin' deal with a pie and a drink for 15 big ones, and two sweet pies, both available by the slice: the apple and salted caramel Rita and The Edith, which is a gooey combo of honey and buttermilk. And if just the sound of all that pastry is making you a little thirsty, you'll be happy to know that you can also pick up tea, Kirks soft drinks and 36th Parallel Coffee at the shop. Find The Pie Shop at Collins Place, 45 Collins Street. It's open from Monday–Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 10am–3pm. Images: Annika Kafcaloudis Updated October 23, 2019.
Sitting outside, getting comfy in a deckchair and watching a movie under the stars is a regular part of Melbourne's summers. It's also the kind of activity no one across the city has even been able to dream about during the past few months of lockdown. But, come the end of October, it's set to become a reality again. Under Victoria's just-announced roadmap out of stay-at-home conditions, outdoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen once 70 percent of eligible Victorians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — which is expected around Tuesday, October 26. Two venues that are counting on that happening: the Lido and Cameo cinemas, which've just announced the reopening lineups for their respective rooftop and outdoor setups. Both sites will welcome in movie buffs again from Tuesday, October 26, with the Lido getting things started with a gala session of wild tweet-to-screen flick Zola, and the Cameo going the Marvel route with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Other flicks Melburnians can look forward to at the two openair spots include the excellent new Candyman movie, which'll screen on Halloween (obviously) at both venues; the Ryan Reynolds-starring Free Guy, where he plays a non-playable video game character who becomes self-aware; and Australian drama Nitram, the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor-winner that depicts the days leading up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. There's also Disney's animated newcomer Ron's Gone Wrong, plus Adam Driver, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-led medieval drama The Last Duel — all of which have tickets on sale now. Although they don't yet have sessions on sale, big-name flicks Eternals, The Many Saints of Newark, No Time to Die and Dune are all also slated to light up the big screen at Lido on the Roof and Cameo Outdoor Cinema. And if you're wondering about the third openair cinema run by the team behind these two venues, Classic Cinema's Rooftop Cinema, it's set to reopen again after lockdown as well — but a date hasn't been set as yet, as its screen needs to undergo some maintenance first. It will be reopening its rooftop bar on Tuesday, October 26 for drinks, however, so you'll be able to stop by from 4–8pm on weeknights and 2–8pm on weekends. Capacity-wise, Victoria's roadmap allows outdoor entertainment venues to reopen with a cap of 50 people at the 70-percent fully vaxxed mark. That'll increase when the state hits the 80-percent double-jabbed threshold, which is expected around Friday, November 5. That date is when indoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen, too, with a 150-person cap per space. Lido on the Roof and Cameo Outdoor Cinema will reopen on Tuesday, October 26, pending Victoria reaching the 70-percent fully vaxxed threshold by that date. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the Lido and Cameo cinemas websites.
A recent episode of This American Life told the story of Ralph, an earnest Texan with a pet Brahman bull. When the bull (named Chance) died, he had him 'brought back from the dead' with the help of science — they cloned him. Ralph goes on for years believing that the clone is his bull reincarnated, but it becomes clear that the new one (named Second Chance) is not the same as the other when it attacks him quite violently. It's surprisingly touching stuff. The episode was initially aired in 2007, but the sentiment remains the same: although they might have some of the same DNA, clones are not one and the same. They're totally different. And that's what should be kept in mind when visiting Code Black Howard Street, the new North Melbourne sister cafe to Brunswick favourite, Code Black Coffee. It's a smaller space (no attached coffee roastery here), and it's light, airy — less Sydney Road, more Copenhagen — and immaculately designed. There's an explosion of blonde wood in the tables, the front door and up above, detailing the small mezzanine dining level; the whitewashed walls are a nice change to the black of Brunswick, as is the sunny disposition of it all. The appearance of the new outpost — which appears to be the yin to Brunswick's yang — is not the only thing that's different here. The menu doesn't seem to borrow much from the existing kitchen, with breakfast dishes like the acai bowl ($14.50) and salted apple caramel hotcakes being thrown into the mix. The apple wood hot-smoked salmon on a citrus and herb potato cake ($18) seemed to be getting quite a fanfare on our visit, but we'd suggest the black beans with jalapeno cornbread ($12). The beans make an extra comforting bed for the fried egg and lime, and the cornbread is a nice alternative to regular sourdough. It's a relatively small dish, so add the pork belly — you won't regret it. And while it's good to see Code Black departing from a menu they already know works, it didn't seem to match the offering in Brunswick. There just seemed to be less choice in comparison to the great menu a few suburbs north. There are less gluten free options, too. Their signature coffee is a constant, with the same smooth Code Black beans making an excellent cup. And in its own right, Code Black Howard Street is a great cafe serving good coffee and a solid all-day breakfast and lunch menu. It isn't just Code Black #2, this is a whole new cafe.
After a couple of years spent staring at screens our brains are pretty thirsty for some lush green scenery. We are in the mood for tumbling waterfalls, secluded swimming spots and remote rainforest hikes that make us feel like we're living in an endless summer. Luckily for us, Tropical North Queensland fits the bill nicely — and you won't have to renew your passport to get there. In this part of the world, summer lives on a little longer with refreshing tropical rains and warm autumn days. The national parks are a little quieter and the waterways run a little deeper during this time of year, making it the ultimate time to explore the rainforest from top to bottom. From canopy walks, to castles and kayaking — there are plenty of ways to experience the rainforest this autumn.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you aboard the new luxury superyacht Scenic Eclipse II as it travels all over the world. We've also teamed up with Scenic Eclipse to offer a totally exclusive travel deal that takes guests from Darwin to Broome in 11 days. It includes a free room upgrade, unlimited alcohol, meals at any of the ten dining areas and a heap of unique excursions — plus, we got 20% off the whole experience. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This ultra-luxurious superyacht only finished construction this year, meaning it has stacks of the latest lavish features. Every guest will enjoy relaxing on their own verandah, on-shore excursions, unlimited food and drinks at any of the ten restaurants and bars, use of the spa and pools and a special butler service. Of course, this doesn't come cheap — but if you can afford it, boy is it worth it. THE ROOMS There are 114 suites on this massive yacht, each with separate bedrooms and lounge areas as well as a large private deck. And the bathrooms are next-level luxe. Expect white marble counters and showers with mist settings and colour light therapy. Because why not? Every guest also has access to the on-board butlers. Order a bottle of champagne and a dozen oysters to your deck and get ready for an epic journey. FOOD AND DRINK We know that when joining a trip like this — with all your excursions included — you shouldn't spend every moment of your time on the boat. But, we'll admit, with ten unique dining experiences on board, we could easily spend the entire holiday eating and drinking atop the yacht. Try out a few of the main restaurants or book one of the really special dining experiences. Our favourites? Night Market at Kokos is an eight-person teppanyaki grill inspired by the food markets of Asia, India and the Middle East. And the indulgent chef's table offers guests an alway-changing 11-course degustation. Drinks are also included in the price of your trip — even the top-shelf tipples. Get around aged whiskies, champagne (not simply sparkling wine), award-winning vinos from the regions you are visiting and all the cocktails your boozy heart desires. Every suite even comes with a coffee machine, specialty teas and a fully stocked minibar (that will be quickly refilled should you call the butler). It is all so over the top, and we love it. THE LOCAL AREA There is no single local area for Scenic Eclipse II. It sails all over the world — with tours to Australia's Top End, Antarctica, the Pacific Islands, Scandinavia, The Med and Buenos Aires as a start. But, our exclusive deal takes travellers from Darwin to Broome, stopping off at sites that include King George River, Ashmore Reef, Collier Bay and the Kimberley region. It has got to be the most luxurious way to explore this pristine part of Western Australia. THE EXTRAS You have every extra under the sun when travelling aboard Scenic Eclipse II. After seamless transfers to the vessel, you can head to the lounge and bar for live entertainment or hit up the theatre for its dedicated musical nights. Head to the spa for separate men's and women's spaces — each with steam rooms and saunas. Take a class at the yoga or pilates studio or simply swim in one of the pools located on the deck. Then, jump on the superyacht's own helicopter to discover the area you're in — or go on one of the complimentary tours that are just as luxurious as the boat you're sailing on. 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.
2024 marks four years since Sydney and Melbourne welcomed a new film festival devoted to the weirder side of cinema. That event: Fantastic Film Festival Australia, which pops up in the first half of each year to showcase boundary-pushing flicks both new and old. It also features an annual nude screening, challenging what hitting the pictures means not just on the screen, but as an audience experience. For its fourth season, FFFA is going with an "if it ain't broke" approach. The festival's setup has worked a treat in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and this is the type of event where a new batch of movies should always be the star of the show. In 2024, then, get ready for a Ryan Corr-starring monster movie, a 4K restoration of The Raid and a 15th-anniversary session of Enter the Void for starters. Sting, which is helmed by Australian director Kiah Roache-Turner (Wyrmwood: Apocalypse), and sees Corr (In Limbo) joined by Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), Noni Hazelhurst (One Night), Penelope Mitchell (What You Wish For) and Silvia Colloca (Wellmania) — plus some eight-legged creatures — is opening Fantastic Film Festival Australia 2024 in both cities. The fest will run in Sydney from Wednesday, April 17–Friday, May 10 at the Ritz Cinemas in Randwick. In Melbourne, it'll span Thursday, April 18–Thursday, May 9 at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, plus from Thursday, April 25–Tuesday, April 30 at Thornbury Picture House. Fans of Gareth Evans' (Gangs of London) epic Indonesian action effort The Raid will scope out the shiny restoration for the first time in Australia during the festival. Also in the throwback category throughout the event: Australia's own Melbourne-set thriller Metal Skin from 1994. And Gaspar Noé's (Vortex) Enter the Void has the closing-night slot, with Sydney-based electronic artist Corin providing a new original live score. If catching a movie in the buff has been one of your big FFFA highlights previously, you'll be able to strip off again this year. If you haven't made it along in the past, you're getting another chance to redress that while undressing. The film you'll be watching: comedy classic The Naked Gun. Clearly it has the right title for it. From there, there's no shortage of other must-sees on a program that covers 24 features alongside 14 shorts. Luc Besson's (Anna) DogMan stars Caleb Landry Jones (Nitram), Steven Soderbergh (Full Circle)-produced thriller Divinity gets another Down Under run after playing SXSW Sydney 2023, and Cannibal Mukbang from first-time director Aimee Kuge combines romance and gore. Or, there's Krazy House with Shaun of the Dead favourite Nick Frost and Clueless great Alicia Silverstone — and also gothic horror The Vourdalak, which hails from the pages of AK Tolstoy's novel. From South Korea, The Childe follows an amateur boxer and an assassin. France's The Deep Dark gets trapped with cave miners a thousand metres below the earth's surface — and, also representing Gallic cinema, Hood Witch stars Golshifteh Farahani (Invasion) and Denis Lavant (Holy Motors), Mars Express heads into the future and off the planet in animation, Vincent Must Die sees random strangers attack its namesake and Pandemonium follows folks who suddenly find themselves on a remote mountain road. Or, there's Japan's One Percenter, which is a love letter to action cinema; a travelling knife salesman crossing paths with robbers in The Last Stop to Yuma County; and Mami Wata, which was Nigeria's Oscar entry — the nation's third ever. For those keen on shorts, some will play before the features, while Melbourne will also get a session focused on locally made efforts. 2024 Fantastic Film Festival Australia Dates: Melbourne: Thursday, April 18–Thursday, May 9 — Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn Thursday, April 25–Tuesday, April 30 — Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury Sydney: Wednesday, April 17–Friday, May 10 — Ritz Cinemas, Randwick Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs in April and May at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney, plus Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn and Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
Hotel No, the relatively new rooftop hotel in Melbourne, offers a luxurious alternative to the cramped family camper you would have piled into as a kid. Located atop a Flinders Lane car park in the CBD, this boutique venture consists of six vintage airstream caravans transported from the US and completely refitted as "designer urban accommodation", complete with queen size bed, split-system heating and cooling, and a fridge full of complimentary craft beer and wine. Throw in a little laneway graffiti art, and this couldn't get any more Melbourne if it tried. In addition to the amenities listed above, each caravan at Hotel No comes with a television, linen and an en suite bathroom with full-height shower. It sounds a little cosy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need, especially when you're dealing with chilly Melbourne weather. There's also an 'Airstream with benefits' ultra-luxe option, which includes access to a goddamn spa outside your trailer. The rooftop itself, meanwhile, has recently gotten a new lick of paint courtesy of local artist Ash Keating. Appears in: The Best Hotels in Melbourne
Unroll your posters, dust-off that secret diary and get ready to rock your body right: the Backstreet Boys are bringing their latest world tour Down Under in 2023. Get ready for another hefty dose of 90s nostalgia, too, given that you can now see the huge boy band and the vastly dissimilar blink-182 in Australia and New Zealand in the near future. With the sheer number of popular 90s gigs, nights and tours happening over the past five years or so, plus the remakes of childhood favourites like The Lion King and Aladdin, this is the run of shows that was always going to happen — and it was already supposed to. The targets of all your teenage affection were meant to hit our shores in 2020, but we all know what got in the way. Instead, Backstreet's back — alright — in 2023. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', 'As Long As You Love Me', 'I Want It That Way', 'Larger Than Life' and 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely' when the famous five — aka AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson — head to Australia and New Zealand in February and March for a very nostalgic arena tour. Hitting up stadiums in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, the Backstreet Boys will also be performing songs off their 2019 album DNA, which debuted at number one on the charts when it was released and features Grammy-nominated single 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. Fingers crossed that they also break out tracks from their new festive record A Very Backstreet Christmas, even though it won't quite be the season when the tour gets here. Either way, we know you'll most likely be there for the 90s and early 00s goodness. You've got a few months until the band gets here, so that's plenty of time to relearn the moves to 'Everybody' over summer. BACKSTREET BOYS DNA WORLD TOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2023 DATES: Saturday, February 25 — RAC Arena, Perth Tuesday, February 28–Wednesday, March 1 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, March 4–Sunday, March 5 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, March 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Saturday, March 11 — Spark Arena, Auckland The Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour heads to Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2023. Tickets are on sale now via Live Nation.
If seasonal change has left you in a dizzy headspin of new colours and fabrics and prints and jackets — or if, y'know, you just like some fancy new clothes now and then — you'll be pretty pleased to know that the Big Fashion Sale is back. Usually, it's a physical affair that takes place in Sydney and Melbourne; however like plenty of other events at the moment, the shopping extravaganza is going online — and national — for its next outing. The name pretty much says it all. This thing is big. You'll find a hefty array of lush items from past collections, samples and one-offs from a huge lineup of cult Australian and international designers, both well-known and emerging — including Romance Was Born, Alexander McQueen, Isabel Marant, The Row, Dries Van Noten and more. With discounts of up to 80-percent off, this is one way to up your count of designer threads while leaving your bank balance sitting pretty, too — whether you're keen on clothes, shoes, swimwear or accessories. The Big Fashion Sale's online edition kicks off at 9am on Monday, May 18 on the event's website — and you can register in advance to be notified when it kicks off.
Melbourne crew The Altar Electric has been helping happy local couples pull off their own larger-than-life, Vegas-style nuptials for a little over a year. That equates to more than 70 riotous, tradition-bucking ceremonies that have graced partner venues, the CBD's Ferdydurke and Sandy Vee's in Fitzroy. Or, as founders and celebrants Dee Brinsmead, Anthony Cribbes and Sarah Dobson like to call them, "registry-style weddings that rock". And now, there's a whole lot more fun to come, as The Altar Electric unveils its fabulous new permanent digs. With help from interior stylist Kate Forsyth (Good Day Vintage Rentals) the team has transformed a cosy space at Schoolhouse Studios into the wedding chapel of your Vegas-loving dreams. With room for 20 guests, the flexible Collingwood site's been pimped out in a nod to Melbourne's edgy, creative side, where retro rock 'n' roll meets old-school disco in a haze of contemporary colour. Think cherry red modular couch, neon wall art aplenty, sparkly cushions, cowhide rugs and an extra unconventional signing booth complete with disco ball planters. Those wedding snaps are going to be fierce. Dobson says the new venue has given team the "creative license to build a totally rocking and inclusive space for couples of any gender or orientation". Plus, it happens to be right in the thick of it in Collingwood — which she says is "great for after-party options". If you're getting hitched and this sounds like your dream venue, The Altar Electric has a couple of different packages, starting from $650. Find it at 81 Rupert Street, Collingwood. Images: Oli Sansom.
It's the ultimate holiday dream, particularly when the weather's warm: golden shores and blue waters as far as the eye can see, comfortable surroundings for all-day lazing around, and your full run of the resort facilities. For most of us, it'll remain a fantasy; however, if you happen to have a cool $5.99 million burning a hole in your bank account, you can head to the Whitsundays and make this beachy vision become a reality. Mackay and Marina Real Estate have listed the Cape Gloucester Beach Resort for sale, and the inclusions are epic. Your fat stack of cash will get you thirteen hectares of sand and bush, plus a licensed bar, a restaurant and an array of beach-side, self-contained cabins boasting 45 beds. The resort was established in 1995, offers visitors everything from snorkelling and kayaking to bird- and whale-watching, and is located 45 minutes by car from Airlie Beach — or 20 nautical miles by boat, if that's your preferred mode of transport. The current owners are four Brisbane friends who put their funds together to purchase the property around six years ago, but are no longer able to make the most of having their own beach getaway. If you'd like to follow in their footsteps (or pretend that you might, just for a minute or so), check out the listing. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Mackay and Marina Real Estate.
Been swooning over Ryan Gosling's crooning? Taken a fancy to Emma Stone's fine footsteps? Felt like La La Land's bittersweet, Los Angeles-set antics were shining just for you? Damien Chazelle's big screen musical has been winning over audiences, critics and awards bodies alike, including taking home seven Golden Globes and being tipped to fare quite well at the Oscars — and once it's done with dominating the movie world, it might just be making its way to the stage. Feels fitting, really. So far, the concept is just that; however it's one that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, the company behind the hit flick, is looking into. Speaking to investors, co-president Erik Feig said that "if we want to do a stage show, we can do a stage show." Lionsgate has certainly been forging ahead with taking its other films to non-cinema realms; a live Step Up stage show is playing in Dubai, while The Hunger Games has spawned a popular touring exhibition, which is currently on display in Sydney. If La La Land does make the leap from the screen to the stage — with live tunes and routines, obviously, but surely without its high-profile movie stars — the musical will be in considerable company. The list of films turned theatre productions just keeps growing, with Amélie, Moulin Rouge!, The Bodyguard, Groundhog Day, Matilda, Singin' in the Rain, Heathers and Carrie all also receiving the singing, dancing theatre treatment in recent years. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
From this week, the waves won't be the only things making a splash at Melbourne's new surf park Urbnsurf. Finally debuting at the Tullamarine site on Monday, November 30 is its much-anticipated culinary addition — the first Melbourne outpost of Three Blue Ducks. While the park's surfing lagoon has managed to get in a few months of operation since opening in January, the restaurant wasn't quite so lucky, forced to skip its planned March launch due to COVID-19. But the doors have now swung open, in time for a busy summer of surf, sun and sustainable fare. Known for its farm-to-table food ethos and with five permanent outposts across Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay and the Snowy Mountains, Three Blue Ducks is now set to deliver its sustainably-focused offering to Australia's first surf park. In a 350-seat indoor-outdoor space overlooking Urbnsurf's sparkling lagoon, the team's plating up an all-day menu built around simple food, and top-quality local ingredients. Whether you've just put in a morning's worth of waves, or you're there solely for the food, the breakfast menu is set to impress. On it, you'll find inventive creations like the spanner crab scramble matched with bean shoot salad and house-made Sriracha; a bacon and chilli jam brekky roll finished with slaw and mayo; and harissa-glazed pumpkin with sauerkraut and turmeric cashew cream. [caption id="attachment_792592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Deeper into the day, you can settle in with share-friendly starters — think, kingfish ceviche and crumbed pork terrine served with pickled onion purée — in addition to vibrant pizzas, a daily-changing vegetarian pasta and mains like the Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken and a bone-in porterhouse with bagna cauda (an Italian garlic and anchovy sauce). Sides might include the likes of carrots done with burnt honey and ricotta salata, and dessert will see you feasting on treats like a flourless chocolate cake matched with rich whiskey cream. And no matter what time of day you visit, vegetarian and gluten free diners can count on being spoilt for choice. The sustainable focus extends to the drinks list, too, with Single O coffee showcased alongside local beers and ciders from the likes of Moon Dog, Stomping Ground, Bodriggy and Fixation. The wine selection celebrates organic and biodynamic practices, while a produce-forward cocktail lineup stars sips like the Balmy Nights Spritz, made with tequila, lime, chilli and strawberry. Right across the offering, there's a commitment to minimising both food miles and wastage, so expect to find on-site composting systems, a kitchen garden growing herbs and edible native plants, and plenty of drinks served on tap, rather than from the bottle. Find Three Blue Ducks Melbourne at Urbnsurf Melbourne, 309 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine. It's open from 8am–8pm Monday–Friday and from 7am–8pm Saturday–Sunday. Venue images by Ed Sloane; food and drink images by Kitti Gould.
Once again, Melbourne's late summer openair cinema will occupy hallowed turf, with a pop-up cinema on the pitch at the MCG. Taking over the iconic sporting arena for two nights in mid-February, Cinema at the 'G will showcase a pair of hit movies from the last year under the stars. On Friday, February 14, the venue will be feeling the love for its screening Rocketman, the Taron Egerton-starring hit about the life of Elton John. The following evening, Ride Like a Girl will race across the stadium's screen, telling the true tale of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne. The venue might seat 100,000 on grand final day, but only 2000 tickets are available for each night of cinema. Ticketholders can bring picnic blankets, pillows and snacks, or munch on food available for purchase onsite. Doors open at 6.30pm for an 8.30pm start, and proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Bank of Melbourne Foundation, which in turns supports an array of Victorian charities.
Since launching in 2008, Airbnb has drastically changed the short-term accommodation market. Travellers can now stay somewhere other than a hotel — and find more than three million places in 65,000 cities and 191 countries around the world — while anyone with a spare room or an empty house can rent them out and make some cash. Alas, their gains can come with pain for folks living next door to an Airbnb-listed property. There's no shortage of stories about neighbours finding themselves faced with an endless stream of parties, for example. Enter Airbnb's next move, Niido. Set to open in 2018, it's a Florida complex that's designed specifically with house-sharing in mind. In partnership with property developer Newgard Development Group, Airbnb will build a 324-unit block near Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida, rent out its apartments to tenants, and allow anyone who signs a lease for a year to offer up their homes on the website for up to 180 nights each year. If residents just wish to list a single bedroom, then there's no cap. If this sounds familiar, that's because it's rather similar to plenty of concepts that already exist, including ones that Airbnb is in direct competition with. Basically, it's their version of a hotel and time-share accommodation combined. Other hotel-like touches include keyless doors, housekeeping and cleaning services, and an on-site "master host" (aka, a concierge) who checks-in visitors, helps during their stay, and can act as an intermediary between hosts and guests. Speaking to Financial Times, Newgard CEO Harvey Hernandez said that 2,000 Airbnb-branded units are planned in the next two years. Airbnb aren't the first to attempt to reinvent something that already exists — Lyft announced plans for a bus-like shuttle service earlier this year. Via Financial Times / Forbes. Image: Airbnb.
