The program for 2018's Melbourne Food And Wine Festival has officially arrived. And even though it's more than three months until it all kicks off on March 16, you're going to need most of that time to plan your attack, because this is one chock-a-block lineup. In a fun new addition, MFWF 2018 will for the first time incorporate its own mini hotel experience, as festival hub the House of Food and Wine takes over the Hotel Lindrum. Punters wanting to really dig in deep can now opt for an overnight stay right in the MFWF epicentre, enjoying contemporary breakfast, mini-bar and room service menus designed by acclaimed chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone. As with its predecessors, next year's hub will also feature a bar offering curated by the city's top mixologists and sommeliers, and will play host to a series of dinners and one-off events. Highlights here include a March 25 laneway lunch dedicated to dumplings and wine, and a speed dating-style wine tasting called Vino Rapido, on March 21. The Bank Of Melbourne World's Longest Lunch returns for its annual group feasting session – though this time it'll grace the banks of the Maribyrnong River – as chefs Jerry Mai (Annam), Adam D'Sylva (Coda, Tonka) and Kay-Lene Tan (Coda, Tonka) pool their talents to deliver a multi-cultural, modern Australian lunch to 1,700 diners. There'll also be food for the mind, as the MFWF Theatre of Ideas talks series explores ideas about sustainability and community. Other festival fun might find you noshing on a Brutally Early Breakfast at Collingwood's soon-to-launch Congress; enjoying a BBQ block party starring eats from both Fancy Hanks and Smith & Daughters; embarking on a boozy trip through time with a specially curated cocktail journey at Dinner By Heston; and partying hard at Bouvier Bar's dedicated sausage festival.
When it comes to cinema, there's something rather cool about being ahead of the curve, watching the latest and greatest flicks unfold on the silver screen well before anyone else. Well, at Flickerfest Short Film Festival you can do just that. Yep, break out the popcorn, the internationally acclaimed festival is back. After its official launch in Sydney earlier this year, it's headed south, and there's a swag of world premieres on the bill. This year, the folks at Flickerfest received 2700 entries from more than 100 countries around the world. And on Wednesday, February 13, you'll get to see the best of the local bunch, with Kino Palace Cinemas screening a handpicked selection of nine shorts by Victorian filmmakers. Standout shorts from the homegrown lineup include All These Creatures — a 13-minute film shot in Dandenong, which picked up Best Editing in an Australian Short Film at the Flickerfest 2019 Awards ceremony in Sydney — and stunning documentary This is Yarra, which follows a South Sudanese community in Melbourne as they prepare for a national basketball tournament. Also on the bill are An Act of Love, which explores the sometimes-fraught connection between identical twins, and The Hunt, a dystopian thriller featuring a female hunting collective. For some more lighthearted content, look out for live action/hand animated hybrid film Troll Bridge, about an old barbarian and his talking horse, and Lost & Found, which tracks the adventures of an adorable knitted dinosaur. Tickets for the evening cost $25 and include drinks and snacks following the screening. To see the full Flickerfest Best of Melbourne Shorts 2019 program and grab tickets, head to the website. Plus, we've got five double passes to give away. Enter with your details below, cinephiles. [competition]706271[/competition]
The first half of 2020 hasn't served up a whole lot of goodness, but for dessert-lovers, there's at least one sweet new addition. While much of Melbourne was in lockdown, the Cannoleria crew was busy whipping up its biggest creation yet: a dedicated cannoli factory. Yep, the much-loved dessert producer has moved into spacious new digs at Heidelberg West, setting up shop a couple of suburbs away from sibling company That's Amore Cheese. And that means a whole lot more room — 500 square metres, to be exact — for the team to pump out those signature Sicilian sweet treats, featuring crunchy pastry tubes piped full of fresh ricotta. As well as allowing Cannoleria to up production, the new factory site will allow for even more experimentation, which means there should be a stack of new cannoli flavours to come. There are also plans to open an onsite eatery later this year, which'll serve up lunches, coffee and, of course, plenty of that freshly-made cannoli. The factory expansion comes as demand for Cannoleria's cult Italian treats continues to boom two years on from its debut, with people flocking to get their mitts on the all-natural, preservative-free desserts. The group's already got four popular retail stores under its belt — at South Melbourne Market, Preston Market, Watergardens Shopping Centre and Highpoint Shopping Centre — in addition to regular pop-ups and a catering arm. And, the good news for those preparing to enter lockdown again, the Cannoleria is offering delivery to most of metropolitan Melbourne. You can order those ricotta-filled babies to your house by heading over here. Cannoleria's new digs are located at 69 Sheehan Road, Heidelberg West. The onsite eatery is slated to open in spring 2020. You can order delivery over here.
The Helium 2014 program gets a little weird (in a good way, of course). In what's been described as a "multimedia This is Spinal Tap", Applespiel Make A Band and Take On the Recording Industry is a live-action rockumentary from Sydney performance group Applespiel. The show follows a fictional eight-piece indie band who crave success, complicated riders and "truckloads of cocaine". Needless to say, things don't work out for them, but an insight into their downfall will prove to be amusing nonetheless. Now in its third year, Malthouse Theatre's Helium is a celebration of independent theatre-makers and original ideas; the realms of high and low culture coming into proper alignment. Partnering up with Next Wave and the Melbourne Fringe for certain productions, this year's initiative from the highly respected Malthouse Theatre is quickly building momentum and looks to be a major player in this year's already bustling cultural program. Applespiel Make a Band and Take On the Recording Industry runs September 3 -13, tickets available via Malthouse Theatre. To check out the rest of the 2014 Helium program, we've got the wrap up over here.
Prepare yourself, folks — this year, Australia's launching into summer with the help of a huge new music festival. The brainchild of industry big guns Onelove (Stereosonic), Live Nation (Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival) and Hardware (Piknic Electronik, Babylon), Festival X will shoot onto the scene from Friday, November 29, touring Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The large-scale music party is pulling no punches when it comes to its debut lineup, headlined by international heavyweights including Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, the Grammy-nominated Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki and our own Alison Wonderland. Spanning multiple stages, it's set to deliver a world-class serve of hip hop, pop and electronica. US rapper Lil Pump will make his own Aussie debut, joined on the all-star bill by the likes of British DJ duo CamelPhat, Ohio-based rapper Trippie Redd, Denmark's Kölsch and German techno king Paul Kalkbrenner. Meanwhile, there'll be plenty flying the flag for the local scene, with sets from favourites including bass and dubstep star Godlands, Australian-raised trance DJ MaRLo, Sydney act Sunset Bros and singer-songwriter Thandi Phoenix. The inaugural Festival X tour is set to hit Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, November 29, Sydney Showgrounds on Saturday, November 30, and Melbourne Showgrounds on Sunday, December 1. Presale tickets are up for grabs from 1pm on Wednesday, July 31, with general tickets on sale from noon on Thursday, August 1. Top image: Stereosonic
Do you remember that point in your life when you finally started to earn enough cash to have at least one meal out a week that wasn't dumplings? And then BAM! out came your university debt repayments and you were back to share-house cooking and Little Bourke Street for special occasions only. Sometimes it’s hard to recall the useful stuff you learnt during your degree/s, which makes it all the more painful to see those dollars fall away from your payslip. But what if you could take relevant, 75-minute classes for just $12? You could shove it in debt's face, that's what. Laneway Learning is all about affordable, practical classes for everyone. Whether you’re interested in becoming a ukulele king (like the 'King' himself) or perhaps finally beating your dad at chess, Laneway Learning has the tutorial for you. Sessions are usually held at either The Little Mule or The People’s Market on a weeknight with beer, food and good coffee aplenty. If you fancy yourself a bit of a know-it-all on a particular topic, you can even teach a class yourself. The student becomes the master. Image via Laneway Learning.
If you're fond of exclaiming "whoa!" to mark huge news — and you've been conditioned to do just that by a certain Keanu Reeves-starring sci-fi franchise — then the past year or so has given you more than a few opportunities to break out that word in the best possible ways. First came the confirmation that a fourth live-action film in The Matrix series was 100-percent happening. Then came trailers for that very flick, giving us all a few sneak peeks before we could watch the full thing. And, when Boxing Day rolled around in 2021, the movie itself — aka The Matrix Resurrections — finally arrived on the big screen. Here's another reason for you to channel your inner Keanu Reeves right now: just a month after reaching cinemas, and while still actually showing in cinemas, you can stream The Matrix Resurrections via video on demand at home. Fast-tracking films to digital is a trend that's been gathering steam during the pandemic — and if you've been a bit cautious about going out during Australia's current Omicron wave, you can still fall down the dystopian franchise's rabbit hole sooner rather than later. A hit for more than two decades now, this is the science-fiction epic that smartly recognises that it's Keanu's world and we're all just living in it, after all — and now, we can plug into all four live-action movies from our couches. Get ready for Neo (Reeves, Bill and Ted Face the Music) to once again grapple with the Matrix and everything it means for humanity — and also for Carrie-Anne Moss (Jessica Jones) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Girls Trip) to return, too. They're joined by Matrix newcomers Neil Patrick Harris (It's a Sin), Jessica Henwick (On the Rocks), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (The White Tiger), Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman). And yes, Reeves and Moss once again take centre stage this time around, because casting them in the first place — and showing unwavering belief in the duo — is the greatest move that filmmakers Lana and Lilly Wachowski ever made. It was a bold decision two-and-a-bit decades ago, with Reeves a few years past sublime early-90s action hits Point Break and Speed, and Moss then known for TV bit parts (including, in a coincidence that feels like the product of computer simulation, a 1993 series called Matrix). But, as well as giving cinema their much-emulated gunfire-avoidance technique and all those other aforementioned highlights, the Wachowskis bet big on viewers caring about their central pair — and hooking into their chemistry — as leather-clad heroes saving humanity. Indeed, amid the life-is-a-lie horrors, the subjugation of flesh to mechanical overlords and the battle for autonomy, the first three Matrix films always weaved Neo and Trinity's love story through their sci-fi action. In fact, the duo's connection remained the saga's beating heart. Like any robust computer program executed over and over, The Matrix Resurrections repeats the feat — with plenty of love for what's come before, but even more for its enduring love story. Lana goes solo on The Matrix Resurrections — helming her first-ever project without her sister in their entire career — but she still goes all in on Reeves and Moss. The fifth Matrix movie overall counting The Animatrix, this new instalment doesn't initially give its key figures their familiar character names, however. Rather, it casts them as famous video game designer Thomas Anderson and motorcycle-loving mother-of-two Tiffany. One of those monikers is familiar, thanks to a surname drawled by Agent Smith back in 1999, and again in 2003 sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. But this version of Thomas Anderson only knows the agent from his own hit gaming trilogy (called The Matrix, naturally). And he doesn't really know Tiffany at all, instead admiring her from afar at Simulatte, their local coffee shop. Check out the trailer for The Matrix Resurrections below: The Matrix Resurrections is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Read our full review.
In 2007, Dublin-born writer-director John Carney released his low-budget indie musical Once to widespread critical acclaim. Seven years later he returns to the genre with Begin Again, a similarly plotted follow-up, just with a far bigger budget and cast. The additional gloss and star power runs somewhat contrary to the film's subject matter, about two unlikely collaborators making music on the cheap. Still, with leads this charismatic, it's difficult to go wrong. In a role that recalls his likeable loser persona from The Kids Are All Right, Mark Ruffalo plays washed-up New York record executive Dan. Once a successful music producer, he's long become disillusioned with the biz, pissing off everyone who matters and getting fired from the company he helped found. His personal life is in a similar state of disarray — when you need to borrow beer money from your teenage daughter (Hailee Steinfeld), it's a sign that things aren't exactly going great. While drowning his sorrows in a bar in the East Village, Dan hears a melancholy performance from Gretta (Keira Knightley), who we soon learn is the recently ditched girlfriend of up-and-coming British pop-star Dave Kohl (played in a fun, self-deprecating turn by Maroon 5 front-man Adam Levine). Convinced that she's got what it takes, Dan approaches Greta with a record deal. The catch is that neither of them has any money, so they'll have to record it live on the city streets. More than once, there's a sense that Carney wants to have his cake and eat it too. The film is highly critical of the music industry — embodied by Levine's sell-out Kohl — and champions the DIY approach of independent artists for whom music is about a lot more than money. It's a message that felt perfectly suited to the micro-budget Once but seems a little bit at odds with the A-list names and glossy production values found here. Begin Again is also a far perkier film than Carney's previous work, gliding over more serious plot points, such as Dan's apparent alcoholism, with relentless, fairytale positivity. Yet only a cynic would begrudge the film its optimism. Even as you're aware of the script's somewhat hypocritical construction, it's hard not to be won over by its considerable warmth and charm. Ruffalo and Knightley have wonderful chemistry, and the fruits of their partnership are a joy to hear come to life. The songs, like the rest of the film, are cutesy but ultimately enjoyable. And who knew Knightley could sing? https://youtube.com/watch?v=zqRL2dY5-us
Travelling across Japan via train is a bucket list experience: everyone wants to do it, and for good reason. There's nothing like taking in the country via locomotive, but if you haven't hit their railways yet, you might want to update your plans. You might want to start saving too. The Train Suite Shiki-shima is the type of train that would make all other vehicles quiver with jealousy if we were living in a certain popular children's cartoon series or a car-focused Pixar franchise. Forget whatever glamorous locomotive setups you've seen in old movies — they've got nothing on this. It was designed by man also responsible for luxury cars such as the Ferrari Enzo, the Porsche AG and the Maserati Quattroporte, after all. Venturing between Tokyo and Hokkaido, the ten-car train can accommodate 24 passengers in its 17 opulent suites, with some rooms decked out with baths and fireplaces. Other features include front and rear glass-walled observatory cars, a lounge with a piano, and a dining room. In the latter, the seasonal ingredients cooked up — from a menu by a Michelin-starred chef — change according to the region the train is passing through. In good news, the Shiki-shima is has been riding the rails since May 1, with one-, two- and three-night journeys available. In not-so-good news, due to demand, applications have already closed for trips up until March 2018. When bookings are accepted again, they'll set you back between 450,000 and 1,050,000 yen — or between AU$5,500 and $13,000 — but doesn't it just look and sound worth it? Via Travel and Leisure. Images: Train Suite Shiki-shima
Surrey Hills is no longer the alcoholic 'dry-zone' it was a mere decade ago. If the presence of The Hills Wine Bar — from the team behind Milton Wine Shop and The Alps — isn't enough to prove it, maybe the bar's life-size graphic of Maria von Trapp prancing through the Austrian Hills with a bottle of wine in either hand will. The modest-fronted bar on Union Road opened in 2017, and winds back farther than the passerby would expect. That means it provides plenty of perfect spots to sit and catch up over a bottle of wine — and with 220 varieties choose from, that's no easy task. There's also a trusty list of beers, a few ciders and some staple cocktails to at least keep the front of a balanced drinks menu. As for food, the bar offers up solid pizza options, including the Milk & Honey with prosciutto, pork, gorgonzola, rosemary, and honey. It's also added classic bar snacks and an attractive DIY cheese and charcuterie board selection. In keeping with its wine-centric vibe, The Hills also provides wine experiences for those eager to learn more about what they're drinking. These range from What is Natural Wine ($49) to the Burgundy Masterclass ($390) — and can take place in-house, at the office or even in your home.
If a comet was hurtling towards earth on a collision course that'd wipe out all life as we currently know it, you'd think that humanity would react — and fast. But in the trailer for Netflix's new disaster comedy Don't Look Up, only two people really care: astronomy professor Dr Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and his grad student Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: Dark Phoenix). To everyone else, the impending end of the world isn't really something to worry about. The President (Meryl Streep, The Prom) and her son and Chief of Staff (Jonah Hill, The Beach Bum) barely seem to mind, the media definitely doesn't, and neither does the general public. Instead, Kate goes viral for screaming about the apocalypse as she and Randall embark on a media tour to try to convince the planet that being obliterated — in less than six months, and by a Mount Everest-sized comet that's orbiting our solar system — really is kind of a big deal. Forget Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck endeavouring to save the world from an asteroid, because that's so 1998. The former "king of the world" and Katniss Everdeen teaming up to stop a comet from eradicating earth is the firmly 2021 version. And, after first being announced at the beginning of the year — as part of Netflix's lengthy list of new flicks heading its way before 2022 hits — and then dropping a teaser trailer back in September, Don't Look Up now has a full trailer so you can catch a glimpse of how that'll all play out. The film thankfully isn't a sequel to the aforementioned Armageddon. Instead, it's the latest movie from The Big Short and Vice director Adam McKay — and it's set to hit both cinemas and the streaming platform in December. As well as its two high-profile leads, Don't Look Up also stars basically every other actor you can think of, including Timothée Chalamet (Little Women), Cate Blanchett (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), Mark Rylance (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Tyler Perry (Those Who Wish Me Dead), Ron Perlman (Monster Hunter), Himesh Patel (Tenet), Melanie Lynskey (Mrs America), Kid Cudi (Bill & Ted Face the Music) and Ariana Grande. The film will hit Netflix just in time for your Christmas break, dropping on Friday, December 24. It'll also screen in some cinemas from Thursday, December 9, if you'd like to see it on the big screen. And if you're wondering how Don't Look Up will fare tonally, McKay looks like he's in The Big Short and Succession mode, rather than harking back to his Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Step Brothers days. That said, Blanchett does play a TV host, so maybe the filmmaker will have audiences thinking about Anchorman as well. Check out the full trailer for Don't Look Up below: Don't Look Up will be release in select Australian cinemas on Thursday, December 9, and will be available to stream via Netflix on Friday, December 24. Images: Nico Tavernise/Netflix.
One minute Sydney's Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell were writing nostalgic garage pop in a Newtown bedroom. The next, they were on high rotation on triple j, applauded by Splendour in the Grass-goers and basking in Channel V praise along the lines of "terminally infectious". With comfortably breezy tunes that could rival Oasis, DMAs are Australia's answer to Brit-rock — and they have the wardrobe of Adidas to match. The trio's sweet acoustic sound first hit the ears of influential label I OH YOU (Violent Soho, DZ Deathrays) in September 2013. "A good friend (who I guess I owe a beer to now) called me up and began barking down my phone about an amazing young band from Newtown," explained I OH YOU director Johann Ponniah, who released the trio's debut EP earlier this year. Their debut single 'Delete' swept across social media and dominated radio rotation, then the lads were one of the highlights of Splendour in the Grass this year, prompting many a singalong to 'Feels like 37' and 'The Plan'. Living well up to the significant hype, DMAs played their Britpop-loving butts off, as frontman Johnny Took steered the crew with his Gallagher-like pipes and tambourine stick. After a few smaller, low-key shows to promote their debut EP, the Sydneysiders are now embarking on their first ever national tour; playing shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Fremantle. If you haven't seen DMAs live yet, get amongst it at Northcote Social Club on October 11 and 12. Adidas trackies optional. Supported by The Creases. Words by Molly Glassey and Jasmine Crittenden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vKSWC5r1tYg
Port Melbourne is set to score its own taste of the 1950s jazz scene, when sophisticated cocktail lounge Clooney Kitchen & Bar opens on Bay Street later this month. Named not for the actor, but for his famous jazz musician aunt Rosie, it's a little dose of old-world Hollywood glamour down under. Heading up the bar are Shannon McFarland (The Rochester, Woodland House) and Will Crennan (Gin Palace, Collins Quarter), who have pulled together a collection of artisanal spirits, inventive signature cocktails, craft beers from across Italy and Australia, and a tidy, yet well-travelled lineup of wine. Dialling up the luxury will be lesser known Italian liqueurs, Scotch tasting trays and George Clooney's own Casamigos tequila. Meanwhile, McFarland's house-made liqueurs promise to add a unique edge to your drinking sessions. To match, Head Chef Leigh Stanicic (Melbourne Wine Room, The Fat Duck) has designed a menu of bar snacks and small bites drawing inspiration from across Europe and Asia, full of big, fresh flavours and boasting lots of raw dishes. Choose your own adventure, or settle in for the four-course food and cocktail degustation, a collaboration between McFarland and Stanicic. The space itself is dressed to impress, designed by Darren Kerf of Kerf Designs, with swanky plum velvet booths, art deco features and bold wallpapers full of 1950s elegance. To round out the experience, the team is matching that vintage sophistication with an old-school sense of hospitality, serving drinks carefully customised to guests' palates, and respecting the classics, while also embracing the new and innovative. Find Clooney Kitchen & Bar at 171 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, from late August.
Take a Melbourne artist who has collaborated with the likes of The Design Files and Gorman, add Modern Times gallery, a space that focuses on vintage furniture and modern Australian homewares and you have Ellie Malin’s first solo exhibition. Moonflower will open in Fitzroy on Thursday November 21 and exhibit a range of woodblock prints that explore the connection and beauty between nature and the manmade. Colour and texture come alive in what started out as offcuts of paper, that Malin then turned into woodblocks for printing. You can see the connection to Gorman when you look at the prints too. The shapes and colours are reminiscent of a beautiful shift dress or bucket skirt. Don’t blame us if you feel like wearing the artwork after.
If we look back to where we were in our early 20s, it was probably still skiving off our parents' health insurance and taking our washing back home every other weekend because we couldn't afford a washing machine. Charlie Carrington, on the other hand, is casually opening his own South Yarra restaurant, Atlas Dining — and he's only 22. Yep, you read that right. You still haven't bought a washing machine and this kid is opening his own restaurant. And if that wasn't work enough already, Carrington will be doing the cooking too. A trained chef, the 22-year-old has earned his stripes in the kitchens of Vue de Monde and Sydney's Firedoor, as well as a slew of international restaurants. His recent travels around the world is what's led to the decision to not tie Atlas Dining to one cuisine. Instead, it will change with the seasons; every four months the menu will switch to a completely different country of origin, beginning with Vietnamese when the restaurant opens on September 1. Starting with northern Vietnam and honouring dishes from regions like Hanoi and Sapa, the menu will move steadily down the country representing more southern regions as the weather warms up. Carrington picked the Southeast Asian country to kick things off, saying that it felt like a natural fit. "It really worked out well in terms of the fire-cooking we'll be doing," he says. The connection with fire will see him bring techniques he learnt at Firedoor to the plate — and it sounds like tasty, firey things are nigh. "We've got the same grills, raising and lowering grills, all the charcoal stuff, and we have a woodfire oven too," says Carrington. So bring your meat belly along. What comes after Vietnam? Well, he's heading to Israel at the end of the year, so we know what cuisine #2 will be come 2017. Next stop is Korea (North or South not specified, but probably South) and the rest of the trip is as yet unplanned. In the meantime, check out Atlas Dining's Vietnamese fare, continue feeling unaccomplished (we are), and heed his advice for young chefs: go and travel. Definitely words to live by — even if you've never cooked a thing in your life. Atlas Dining opens on Thursday, September 1 and will be open for dinner Tuesday through to Saturday at 133 Commercial Road, South Yarra. For more info and to make a booking, check out their atlasdining.com.au.
The Big Green Idea is an initiative of the British Council, and it's all about treasuring Australia's creative people and and people who want to make the world a better place. The project is aiming to attract and encourage local entrepreneurs to develop new sustainable projects which will help people adapt to the effects of climate change in cities. It's all a part of a region-wide initiative begun by the British Council to encourage environmental sustainability across East Asia and the Pacific. And they have some very attractive grants up for grabs. This year up to six grants will be awarded to environmentally conscious kids which have the potential to make a dramatic impact on the country's environmental future. You can apply for either a $10, 000 or $20, 000 cash grant. The successful applicants will also get project mentoring by business and sustainability leaders, as well as the British Council, to help the projects have the greatest and widest positive impact they can. Applications are open now. They can address issues such as resource efficiency, travel, water, sustainable design, communications campaigns and the effects of climate change on disadvantaged communities. So if you've been inspired by the upcoming Earth Hour, get your idea submitted for a chance to make a real change.
October is made for weird, wild and wonderful movies filled with shocks and scares. 'Tis Halloween season, after all. So, the world obliges, including on screens big and small — and, in 2023, via the return of Australia's genre film festival Monster Fest, which is dedicated to flicks of the spooky, dark, twisted, offbeat and out-there variety. Monster Fest doesn't always pop up in the month when everyone is worshipping pumpkins and thinking about costumes; however, the timing obviously couldn't be more perfect. As it always does, it'll run long in Melbourne, taking over Cinema Nova from Thursday, October 12–Sunday, October 22. Standouts titles on the 2023 program include Suitable Flesh, which stars Heather Graham (Extrapolations) as a doctor going mad, takes its inspiration from HP Lovecraft and boasts Joe Lynch (Creepshow) behind the lens; The Last Video Store, a horror-comedy set, yes, in one of the last video stores; and Norwegian flick There's Something in the Barn, about a gnome uprising that plagues an American family (including Party Down's Martin Starr) who've relocated to Scandinavia. Or, there's also sci-fi comedy Time Addicts, Australian slasher Bloodmoon getting a 4K restoration 33 years after its OG release and Trim Season's nightmarish trip to a weed farm. When Evil Lurks and its demonic infection will launch the Victorian capital's leg of the fest. From there, that's also where Red Rooms, which recently won Best Feature at the 2023 Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal, joins the program. And, so does the kung fu-filled The Invisible Fright, a 4K restoration of Jim Jarmusch's (The Dead Don't Die) Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and a 30th-anniversary session of ninth Friday the 13th entry Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (screening on the appropriate date, of course). On the doco front, erotic thrillers are thrust into the spotlight in We Kill for Love, Satan Wants You looks back at 80s-era satanic panic and Enter the Clones of Bruce surveys the talents that endeavoured to replicate Bruce Lee after his death. Going all in on Bruceploitation, Monster Fest is also putting on a double of The Dragon Lives Again and Challenge of the Tiger, where Dracula and James Bond are among Bruce's foes.
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, Cat Power and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 24 through Saturday, March 7. Last month, Zoo Twilights announced famed LA composer and singer Randy Newman — who has won two Academy awards and seven Grammys, and is behind songs in nine Disney and Pixar films — as one of its headline acts. And, now, it's just dropped the full 2020 lineup. Aussie pop royalty Missy Higgins, Twilight regulars The Cat Empire, seminal Jamaican reggae group Toots and The Maytals, Perth noir-pop band Methyl Ethel and dance floor starters Confidence Man will all taking the stage this season. A few big throwbacks are also on this year's program, including the pub-rock legends behind 'Great Southern Land' and 'Electric Blue' Icehouse, 70s English band 10cc — if you don't know the name, you'll definitely know their hit 'I'm Not in Love' — and US gospel queen and 99 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples. UK-French avant-pop band Stereolab has also reunited after a ten-year break and will be treating to the crowd to its first live performance in a decade. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Mountain Pygmy possum. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2020 PROGRAM Friday, January 24 — Confidence Man, supported by Wax'o Paradiso Saturday, January 25 — Icehouse, with special guests Friday, January 31 — Toots and The Maytals, supported by Systa BB Saturday, February 1 — An Evening with Randy Newman Friday, February 7 — Missy Higgins, supported by William Crighton Friday, February 14 — The Cat Empire, supported by Emily Wurramara Friday, February 21 — 10cc, supported by Russell Morris Saturday, February 22 — Methyl Ethel, supported by Hatchie Friday, February 28 — Julia Jacklin, supported by Weyes Blood Saturday, February 29 — Meg Mac, supported by Fergus James Friday, March 6 — Stereolab, supported by Mildlife Saturday, March 7 — Mavis Staples, supported by Emma Donovan and The Putbacks Tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 22 at zootwilights.org.au. Updated October 16, 2019. Images: Ian Laidlaw
Housed within the heritage 1930s Equity Chambers at the Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, sits dapper destination eatery Luci. A contemporary Australian fine diner with an Italian-Euro twist, it's named after the Roman leader and famous gourmet, Lucias Lucullus. Here, chef Sam Moore (Pier in Rose Bay, Becasse, No.35 at Sofitel Melbourne) is serving a sharp, produce-driven menu across brekkie and dinner. The food strikes a balance between the classic and the modern, while the space boasts a grand, old-world fitout complete with original wood panelling, restored heritage elevators and stonework galore. The menu hits plenty of high notes. For breakfast, there's a fried duck egg paired with roasted squash, hazelnuts and duck ham ($22), along with the likes of a wattleseed bircher ($12) and the smoked ham hock on potato rosti with cabbage ($23). Come dinner, you might find plates like a goat's milk ricotta gnocchi ($22/36), Hiramasa kingfish featuring mango and coriander ($24), and a lamb saddle with cos lettuce and anchovies ($44). The wine list is also a winner, fully stocked with a broad mix of local drops and interesting low-intervention options. Meanwhile, the 1930s-style Douglas Club next door is your go-to for elegantly revamped classic cocktails, with a bar run by Gee Shanmugam (from Windsor's Galah Bar and Mya Tiger at The Espy). Images: Food and interiors by Kristoffer Paulsen; Hilton entrance by Paul Gosney
Enter the enchanting speakeasy-style cocktail lounge adjacent to Naught's gin distillery, and you'd be forgiven for assuming you're deep within the inner-city reaches. But in fact, the moodily-lit bar, with its elegant sense of drama and standout cocktails, makes its home around 25 kilometres northeast of the CBD, in the leafy suburb of Eltham. The brainchild of former teacher Chris Cameron, Naught has been quick to make a splash in the gin world, having scooped a swag of local and international awards since its first gin release in 2020. In December, the Australian Dry Gin scored both the Champion New World/Contemporary Gin and Champion Victorian Gin trophies at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. Now, the label is proving itself as a serious player in Melbourne's cocktail bar scene, with this sultry drinking den kitted out by Studio Y (Lumé, Nick & Nora's and Pearl Diver). Designed to transport you well beyond its pocket of suburbia, the space is a glamorous one, featuring striking wallpaper, touches of velvet and an imposing sculptural work of dried native botanicals suspended from the ceiling. Pull up a seat at the bar or in one of the deep leather booths, and admire the gleaming copper of the attached distillery while you sample Naught's creations at play. The bar's signature cocktails are crafted on either Naught's Australian Dry, Sangiovese or Overproof Gin, with the much-hyped Classic Dry also set to join the menu upon its release. Here, there's a focus on the classics, backed by a lineup of subtle reworkings and clever signature sips. Take a trip back in time with an Aviation or a raspberry-spiked Clover Club, or re-energise with Naught's take on the espresso martini; made with macadamia and toasted wattleseed liqueur, and coffee by Eltham's Craftwork Roasting. Also earning buzz is the HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A — a blend of the Australian Dry Gin, orgeat, fresh pineapple and bitters, named after the state fish of Hawaii. Elsewhere, you'll find a three-gin tasting flight, a couple of house G&T's and a top-notch martini offering. A tight crop of hyper-local beers and wines also make an appearance. Meanwhile, the share-friendly food menu will see you matching your sips with the likes of a loaded grazing board; the chicken, leek and truffle terrine; buffalo mozzarella with Pedro Ximénez balsamic and red-gum-smoked sea salt; and tins of caviar paired with crème fraîche and crisps. Find Naught Cocktail Bar & Distillery at 2/32 Peel Street, Eltham. It's open 5–10pm Thursday, 5pm–12am Friday and Saturday, and 2–10pm Sunday.
It's been a heck of a long time coming, but retail giant Amazon will this week open the doors to the first of its automated grocery stores in Seattle, USA. As reported by CNBC, the Amazon Go concept is out to shake up the retail industry, by doing away with the queues, checkouts and registers of traditional grocery stores. Instead, customers scan their Amazon Go app upon walking into the store, cameras and sensors are used to track which products are taken from the shelves and make their way into a virtual shopping cart, and shoppers are charged accordingly and emailed their receipt after leaving. But while it all sounds pretty nifty, there's always a swag of hype surrounding Amazon's new technologies and launches, and lately the company seems to have had some issues bringing them to fruition. The Seattle store was scheduled to open to the public back in early 2017, but was delayed for testing nearly a year due to kinks in the automated check-out technology. There has been speculation that Amazon is aiming to open bricks-and-mortar stores in Australia as well, namely its grocery service Amazon Fresh. But given the long-overdue launach of Amazon's Australian online retail service late last year, we won't hold our breath waiting for the Amazon Go concept to arrive Down Under for a little while. Via CNBC.
For over 20 years now, the annual Top Arts exhibition has brought together the stunning works of Victoria's emerging student artists in a showcase of the next generation of talent. Top Arts 2017 features the works of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students who studied Arts or Studio Arts with the exhibition highlighting the diverse skills of students through painting, drawing, sculpture, multimedia and installation works. Held at the NGV's Ian Potter Centre, the exhibition will run until July 16, and displays the art of 47 students to an estimated 200,000 visitors with Top Arts proving to be one of the NGV's most popular annual exhibitions. Each year approximately 2000 hopeful student artists from all across Victoria apply for the opportunity to exhibit at Top Arts, with a shortlist of the leading 150 reached before the final exhibiting selection is made. Image: Brendan Hartnett next to his work Ennui (2016), oil, synthetic polymer paint, cement and charcoal on canvas, 125.4 x 180.0 cm. Shot by Eugene Hyland.
Peer into the murky world of government surveillance and modern combat, with this season of eye-opening documentaries at ACMI in Fed Square. Running from October 13-25, the Lies and Secrets program features four fascinating non-fiction films that will leave you shocked, appalled and more than a little bit paranoid. The centrepiece of the season is Alex Gibney's Zero Days, a critically acclaimed tale about the unintended consequences of cyber warfare. Alongside it filmgoers will find Sonia Kennebeck's National Bird, which screened at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival and concerns the secrecy surrounding the US aerial drone program. The remaining films focus on the war on the ground. Jim: The James Foley Story tells the tale of the photojournalist of the same name, whose public execution signalled the emergence of the Islamic State. Finally, The Land of the Enlightened takes audiences on a seven year journey through war torn Afghanistan, where the actions of foreign fighters shape the lives of the next generation.
Thanks to streaming, you can basically watch a movie anywhere you like these days — but there's still nothing quite like feeling the grass beneath your feet and the breeze on your face as the silver screen lights up at an outdoor cinema. That's what Barefoot Cinema serves up, and has since first springing to life in Portsea in 2016. The event had to sit out the past two years due to the pandemic; however, this multi-venue setup is now making its return — including at a brand new venue. First up, from Wednesday, January 5–Saturday, January 29, Barefoot Cinema is kicking things off in Mount Martha on the Peninsula — which is where you can see old-school delights such as Dirty Dancing, Grease and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, as well as current releases like No Time to Die, The French Dispatch, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Licorice Pizza, The Matrix Resurrections, Encanto, West Side Story and House of Gucci. Then, from Tuesday, February 1–Saturday, February 26, the event will hit the St Kilda Botanical Gardens for the first time ever. There, you can once again recent and classic flicks aplenty, all under the stars — including some of the aforementioned titles, plus Ghostbusters: Afterlife, King Richard, Scream, Spencer and The 355. Finally, it's off to the Victorian State Rose Garden at Werribee Park between Tuesday, March 1–Saturday, March 19. The lineup there hasn't yet been revealed, so watch this space. Although movies are the main attraction, Barefoot Cinema isn't just about watching a film, of course — with the event also featuring live music, food trucks, lawn games, local wines and craft beers. Updated February 2.
Glittery mirror balls, synth-heavy disco tunes and pizza — it's a Saturday night match made in heaven and it's the combo that's going to end your year right at Connie's Italian Diner. On December 31, the modern trattoria and much-loved party spot is combining its favourite things for a NYE party to remember. The venue's opening its leafy rooftop terrace, firing up its dance floor and inviting you to spend your final evening of 2022 getting down to a soundtrack of Italo-Disco tunes. Nab yourself a $125 ticket and you'll enjoy four hours of free-flowing drinks to match — including beer, vino, bubbles and a slew of aperitivo cocktails. Because what's a rooftop party without a few spritzes or Americanos? To fuel you up for all that dancing, they'll also be rolling out lots of Italian-style snacks; from mozzarella sticks, to arancini, to Connie's signature pizza varieties. And we reckon that terrace will offer a pretty good peek of the midnight fireworks, too.
Okay, it seems like Airbnb spend a buttload of cash to list some wacky accommodation option every other week. And while shark tanks, van Gogh's bedroom and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' secret lair are pretty bloody cool, they're nothing compared to their latest listing in Far North Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef. Let us rephrase that: their latest listing is floating on the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef floating home is what your tropical sea dreams are made of (or nightmares, if you don't like the idea of being stranded in the middle of the ocean). But let's go with dreams because this place is insane. Like, we can hardly believe it's real. Look: The floating dreamboat comfortably fits four people, and comes fitted with luxe white sails above your bed, as well as a lounge area where you can gaze out at probably the best view in the country. Your neighbours? Oh, they'll just be 600 types of soft and hard corals, 100 species of jellyfish, 3000 varieties of molluscs, 500 species of worms, 1625 types of fish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, and more than 30 species of whales and dolphins. Hope you're cool with that. As you might have guessed, this is no ordinary listing — it's part of a competition run by Airbnb and Disney to coincide with the release of Finding Dory. One lucky fam (the T&Cs state you have to take family members) will not only get to spend one night on the floating home on July 13, but they'll also have Neil Perry cook them an epic lunch, be taken on a dive and learn a thing or two about the impact humans are having on the reef. Doing their bit to help the Reef, Airbnb have also committed to planting new wetland plants for every guest who books a place in the region for the rest of 2016. So if you haven't entered yourself and all your family members already, you can go here to do so. Godspeed.
Think you've seen it all when it comes to wedding fairs? Think again — this one's a little less about the dress and a little more suited for, well, suits. Groom Fest will unite around 40 wedding vendors from all over Australia to concentrate on those who need a snappy three-piece suit and a pocket square to top it all off — the grooms of the world. There'll be much to see in the way of men's fashion, not to mention suiting, styling and grooming advice, with a barber setting up shop to do live hairstyling demonstrations. Presenter and wedding celebrant Shura Taft will play MC for the day, while you wander through the stalls and get that special day sorted. To help you sail even closer to being your smoothest self, live panel sessions will cover everything from delivering a killer wedding speech to nailing that daunting first dance. There'll be plenty of food and drinks on offer, including gin tastings from Sydney-based distillery Archie Rose and live music performances from The White Tree Band (to help settle that band-versus-DJ argument once and for all). The event is open to all (not just grooms), so round up the troops for a two-hour wedding planning power session. All attendees will score a free goodie bag filled with items from Hunter Lab, a free Hello May magazine and the official Pocket Groom's Guide, written and produced exclusively for the event. Groom Fest will take place from 7.30–9.30pm on Tuesday, March 26 at The Toff in Town. Entry is free but RSVPs are essential — and you can add a donation to Movember at check-out if you wish. To reserve your ticket, head this way. Images: The White Tree.
Australia and Germany aren't so different, you know. We both have a rich history of meat-eating — we take our sausages very seriously — and we wear our beer bellies with a possibly misplaced sense of pride. While we usually just celebrate both these pastimes with a piss up on Australia Day, the Germans make a whole festival out of it. Jealous? Us too. That's why Munich Brauhaus has everything you need to bring the celebrations down under. The 900-seater, authentically styled German beerhall, just a short walk from the CBD, has an enormous list of beers on tap, enough schnapps to get your Bavarian grandmother excited, and most things on the menu are in some way related to seasoned pork. Here are a few of the events they have in store for you this Oktoberfest. Get into tradition with a keg tapping First off, despite what the name may suggest, Oktoberfest officially starts in September. Get kitted out in proper lederhosen from September 19 and embrace the full experience of a Bavarian beerhall at Munich Brauhaus. Here, you can spill half your drink while participating in a bier stein carrying competition, and get it filled up again with the traditional tapping of the keg. The venue is also playing host to an array of German games. Our favourite is hammerschlagen (nail hammering) — because what could be better than copious amounts of beer and untrained people swinging hand tools? September 19 Don't even think about not drinking beer Usually we're up for a full taste test of everything on the menu, but Oktoberfest is all about the beer. Don't be the person who orders a chardonnay or a single malt scotch. Your drink is going to look strange and miniature next to the 1L steins everyone else is swaying above their heads. But, if you really have no idea what to order — especially when everything on tap is invariably spelled with an umlaut — try a traditional bier flight. You can taste a little bit of all the rare German offerings and look like a real connoisseur of the craft to all the diehard bierheads out there. Bier flights throughout Oktoberfest. Go Pro in The Oktoberfest Hunt Not only are lederhosen good at keeping your pants up and fun to obnoxiously pull at, in this case they could also win you a prize! This year, Oktoberfest venues across the country are on The Hunt for the Prince and Princess of Oktoberfest. Deck yourself out in festival garb, head down to the Brauhaus and get set to compete in basic Bavarian trivia, some traditional games, stein drinking competitions and more. For your trouble, you could be looking at $5,000 worth of prize money when the national finals are held here on October 12. Do you have any idea how many hot pretzels you can buy with that kind of money? Melbourne finals September 28, national finals October 12. Pace yourself for the Oktoberfest Long Weekend Though traditional festivities kick off in late September, be mindful not to drink yourself into a Deutsch stuper too early on; the real party hits from October 3-6. Jägermeister are teaming up with the Munich Brauhaus to start the party on Friday, and thing are bound to step up a notch. See the season off in style, while singing with an elderly oom-pah band, downing a couple of schnapps of Jäger, and swaying your free stein of freshly tapped weissbier above your head. If at all possible, please drink responsibly/stay alive. October 3-6 For more Oktoberfest shenanigans, see the Munich Brauhaus website.
Crossing acclaimed restaurants off your dining bucket list is a little easier when they're within touching distance of the city. But one that some have yet to check off is Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel — a lauded two-hatted restaurant situated in Dunkeld at the foothills of the Grampians National Park. However, scratch any plans you had to head west, as the Royal Mail Hotel is coming to town to host a special winter dining series at the Rippon Lea Estate. Transforming its grand ballroom into an intimate fine-dining destination across four July and two August dates, Executive Chef Robin Wickens is bringing all his garden-to-plate ideas to the table for this three-hour experience. Featuring produce harvested directly from the Royal Mail Hotel's abundant organic kitchen garden, each multi-course menu will honour the richness of the Grampians' winter cuisine. Think slow-grown root vegetables, fragrant brassicas, cool-climate citrus and bitter herbs. Prepared with a minimalist approach, Wickens and his team let the ingredients speak for themselves. Not to be overlooked — it's one of Victoria's finest estates after all — guests will also receive a Rippon Lea-inspired cocktail or mocktail on arrival, with curated beverage pairings available. "This is about bringing the essence of what makes Royal Mail Hotel special — our connection to place, season and exceptional produce — to Melbourne diners who might never make the journey to Dunkeld," says Wickens. Images: Emily Weaving / Kristoffer Paulsen.
Remember how in 2008 everyone still had a Myspace, wore unnecessary denim vests and listened to Panic! At The Disco? Yeah...neither do we *shifty eyes*. There were, however, good things about the bygone era and a throwback party on at CBD club Brown Alley is ready to confirm that for you. Buy a ticket and celebrate the ten-year reunion of 2008 by entering three different rooms of tunes from a decade ago: bangers and electro, house and techno, and indie/pop/R&B throwbacks. And all ready to make you yell "omg do you remember this song?" at your mate. The fact that 'Low' by Flo Rida was the top song in Australia that year should tell you everything. Armand Van Helden, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Hot Chip, Kings of Leon, Bloody Beetroots, Crystal Castles, Kid Cudi and that one song by The Ting Tings will definitely feature, but perhaps the best throwback of the night will be low drink prices of times gone by. Head along for $5 Jagerbombs all night and embrace your once-in-a-decade hangover the next day.
'Social distancing' isn't just a phrase that you might remember from watching Contagion years ago. As the world reacts to COVID-19, it's an important and crucial tactic to help stem the growing spread of the coronavirus. That means not only keeping your distance from other people if and when you do venture out of the house but, increasingly, staying home entirely. If communal viewing parties are part of your usual social routine, however, you don't have to completely adjust to watching Netflix alone. Thanks to a Google Chrome plug-in called Netflix Party, you can now stream movies and TV series on the platform simultaneously with your friends — with the browser extension synchronising everyone's playback so you're truly watching each and every frame at the same time. It also features an online chat function, allowing you to talk, laugh and otherwise comment while your film or show of choice plays. To use Netflix Party, everyone you'd like to watch with will need have their own Netflix account. They'll also need to use Google Chrome — and the plug-in is only available on desktop and laptop computers, so you won't be able to sync your television sets. After downloading the extension, you'll want to head to the Netflix website, select what you'd like to watch and hit the 'NP' button at the top of the browser next to the address bar. Then, select 'start the party', which'll create a URL for you to share with your mates. For those receiving a Netflix Party URL, you'll need to click on it to open it in Google Chrome, then hit the 'NP' button at the top of the browser next to the address bar. Once you've done that, it should automatically bring you into the communal viewing space. Of course, people have tried synchronising their streaming viewing manually ever since Netflix and other platforms emerged on the scene. If you've attempted that option, though, you'll now that it's tricky, involves a constant barrage of text messages asking "which part are you at now?", and just proves logistically frustrating. Netflix Party is available for Google Chrome on both desktop and laptop computers. To download the plug-in, visit the Netflix Party website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Netflix.
British and Mediterranean Easter traditions are well-known and celebrated all over Melbourne. You'll find hot cross buns at most supermarkets, bakeries and cafes. Greek Easter egg smashing is well-loved by many who aren't Greek Orthodox. And Italian Colomba is looking like it will soon be as famous as its sibling the panettone. But Brunswick East's Eat Pierogi Make Love is keen to teach Melburnians about Polish Easter festivities. And, of course, it's doing this through food. What better way is there to pique our curiosity than appealing to our appetite? Pop over to the Lygon Street restaurant on either Friday, March 29 or Saturday, March 30 to get a food-filled education. For $149, two people get a traditional Easter soup made with fermented rye flour, smoked meats, and marjoram; a sharing platter loaded with pickled herring, baked pork and beef pate; sausage and sauerkraut pierogis; plenty of bread for mopping up all the sauces and ferments; and a Polish cheesecake. Chef Ola Gladysz is known for her generous portions, but there's always the option to add more a la carte options during the night if you so wish. Our recommendation? As many pierogis as you can manage.
If the waning temperatures have got you feeling frosty about the cooler months to come, here's something that'll warm up your outlook: Naarm's (Melbourne's) major citywide arts festival RISING is back. As always, it promises to be the bright spark in Victoria's winter. From Wednesday, June 7 till Sunday, June 18, a blockbuster 185-event program is transforming the city streets — and it's set to be a monumental affair. More than 400 artists are assembling for almost two jam-packed weeks of art, culture, music, performance and culinary goodness. There are 35 works commissioned exclusively for the festival and an impressive 12 world premieres set to happen. Alongside the already-announced Euphoria, which will take over Melbourne Town Hall with an immersive multi-screen film installation starring Cate Blanchett (as a tiger on the hunt, no less), the program is filled with a hefty and diverse array of happenings. Large-scale events abound, not least of which is Shadow Spirit — a showcase of First Peoples-led projects across the realms of art, performance, music, food and more — which takes over abandoned rooms in Flinders Street Station. Another large-scale offering is The Rink, which fantastically will be sticking around for longer than RISING's residency. From Thursday, June 1 till Saturday, July 8, it's the place for carving icy laps in Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra. There's warming snacks (like pizza courtesy of Fugazi) and even more bevs (like boozy Mörk hot choccies and mulled wine). The Rink's precinct is free to enter and is kept toasty by fireplaces, so even if you're not lacing your skates, it's a magical spot to hang. Then on Saturday, June 10, a mass participatory work by composer Ciaran Frame will hit Federation Square. The free experience will see 10,000 biodegradable kazoos played simultaneously by eager locals (like you). While Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde's SPARK takes the form of a wondrous floating light show, animating thousands of 'fireflies' crafted from biodegradable materials from Wednesday, June 7 till Saturday, June 10. On the music front, there's a bunch of shows with tickets still available (you're too late for Ethel Cain or Thundercat, sadly). Catch Flying Lotus on Saturday, June 17; Paul Kelly on Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7; and many more. Gigs are hitting the Forum, Max Watt's and the Melbourne Recital Centre for the duration of the festival. RISING's free festival hub Night Trade is taking over the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral for the duration of the spectacular fest. It comes to life with super-sized surrealist art from Poncili Creción, live performances, hawker-style dining by Free to Feed, patio bars with bevs and sans-booze sips aplenty, and even a smattering of drag karaoke. Gather here with your group, get fed and plan the rest of your festival explorations. RISING will take over Melbourne from Wednesday, June 7 till Sunday, June 18. To plan your visit, head to the website.
Windsor's Singapore-inspired Hawker Hall is celebrating its reopening with a new lunchtime deal called Satay Club. Kicking off on Friday, June 26 and available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm thereafter, the midday offering includes saucy deals on both drinks and food. Shiki beers will be pouring for just $3 a pop and satay sticks — in a variety of flavours — will be going for four for $11 ($2.75 each). You'll be able to choose from turmeric and lemongrass chicken, sichuan and chilli salt beef, cumin and sesame salt pork, and spicy tofu and sweet potato. If you're still hungry after you've eaten your way through four (or more) sticks, you can also order prawn toast ($15.50), fried chicken wings ($14.50), steamed bao buns with spicy rendang beef ($14.50), curried beef spring rolls ($15.50) and fried rice ($10.50). With limits on capacity — Victorian restaurants can only have 20 — lunch sittings at Hawker Hall are currently limited to 90 minutes and bookings are essential. To make one, head over to the website. [caption id="attachment_773958" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Lallo[/caption]
Put down the books. Step away from the screen. For your next history lesson, you're busting out your best fancy footwork. History of House commemorates dance music through the decades, covering tunes and beats from half a century. 70s disco? Check. Pop from the 80s? Tick there, too. All things house ever since? That's the star of the show. History of House boasts two big-name talents as well: Groove Terminator and the Soweto Gospel Choir. The Australia DJ and the Grammy-winning, world-famous choral group have been joining forces to break house music's origins and evolution down — and, yes, bring the house down — since the 2020 Adelaide Fringe, where it won the Best Music Show award. House music with the choir that've played with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Queen — plus Bono and Celine Dion — isn't the type of gig that you get to see every day. Now, it's Melbourne's time to make shapes, with the concert hitting up the Victorian capital on Saturday, October 28. Your dance floor for the evening: Forum Melbourne on Flinders Street. Images: Helen Page / Brisbane Festival.
With summer upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it's the perfect time to treat yourself and sort out your sleep. If you're tossing and turning at night it might not just be because of the state of the world, it could be your mattress and pillow as well. Luckily, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you get a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are 25 percent off from Monday, November 9 to Wednesday, November 11. If you've been complaining about a crook neck, maybe head off to the physio and get yourself fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so you can pack it up and take it with you everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, get in early with some Christmas shopping. Ecosa is your one-stop sleep shop, with luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and weighted blanket all available at the discounted price. So, you can treat yourself, your friends and your whole family to a better night's sleep. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Easter in Sydney doesn't just mean chocolate, hot cross buns and whatever other sweet treats the city's eateries happen to come up with at this time of year — it also means the Sydney Royal Easter Show. And, while you won't find the latter at El Camino Cantina's Tex-Mex Mex joint in Melbourne, of course, the chain is getting into the spirit of the event nationwide with its returning limited-edition margarita menu, which it has dubbed The Greatest Rita Show in 2024. For its latest batch of creative flavours, El Camino Cantina is serving up cream'n soda, sour lemonade, bubblegum, sour grape cloud, cherry bomb and chilli triple-buttered popcorn versions, too. The six showbag-inspired ritas are on offer from Monday, March 18–Sunday, April 7, in both 15-oz and 24-oz glasses — and they also come with new drunken bears, which are gummy bears infused with tequila and Grand Marnier. If you'd like to pair your sips with tacos, you'll find The Greatest Rita Show food menu on offer as well. Ever had a puffy taco? It's also a fresh limited-time addition, features a puffed-out taco shell, and comes filled with your choice of steak, marinated prawns, brisket, pulled pork and grilled chicken. To round out the bites, banana fritters are your dessert choice. In Melbourne, you'll find The Greatest Rita Show tempting your tastebuds at El Camino in Fitzroy.
The Victorian Government isn't set to deliver the 2020–21 State Budget until Tuesday, November 24, but it has been revealing some of its details and funding plans in the lead up to that date. And, as the announcement of $200 vouchers for regional getaways made clear, it's focusing on getting Victorians to explore their own backyard — and the entire state — in a big way now that this year's two period of lockdown have come to an end. Also already revealed as part of the budget: a heap of cash directed towards projects in regional areas that Melburnians will want to visit. If you like moseying along the coast, camping by the water and heading to a hot springs resort — another one, in addition to Peninsula Hot Springs — then you're in luck. For folks keen to hit up the Great Ocean Road, that area of the state is set to receive $47.5 million in funding. From that money, $23.8 million will be used to build a coastal walking trail that meanders by the sea and through the hinterland, spanning from Fairhaven to Grey River. It'll extend the existing Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail, and will include up to five new swing suspension bridges with impressive views of the Surf Coast. Around $2 million will go towards creating more campsites along the Surf Coast, too, while $18.3 million is earmarked for upgrading visitor facilities and infrastructure in the area, like toilets, viewing platforms, trails, beach access and car parking — and installing free public wi-fi. [caption id="attachment_746191" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] In the Gippsland region, $18.5 million is being set aside for a number of projects — including several places to spend a hefty amount of time. Over at the Cape Conran Coastal Park, $3.5 million will go to building ten eco-pods to stay in, all from sustainable materials. Next, $1.5 million will be spent on Metung Hot Springs, to create a new year-round geothermal mineral spring that can welcome 250 guests. And, another $1 million is destined for the proposed Nunduk Spa and Eco-Resort at Lake Wellington. The Gippsland funding will also use $3.5 million to restore the timber trestle Snowy Rail Bridge so it can be used safely by pedestrians and cyclists, plus $2 million for additional camping spots in East Gippsland. Another $2.8 million will go towards making Mallacoota Inlet easier to access, and $3.85 million to do the same for the Point Hicks Lighthouse, with $350,000 earmarked for expanding the Raymond Island koala trail. [caption id="attachment_681271" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] From an overall Victorian Tourism Recovery Package clocking in at $465 million, cash will also be allocated to a range of other areas — including the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing hiking trail, the Grampians Peak Trail, Mackenzie Falls, the Murray River Adventure Trail, Wilsons Promontory, the Mallee Silo Art Trail and the new National Centre for Photography in Ballarat. For wine-lovers, the funds will also be used to help expand the Prosecco Road winery district, and to establish accommodation at Dal Zotto Wines. Exact timing around all of the above hasn't been announced — and it's a hefty list, so it's safe to say it won't all happen quickly. Still, if you didn't already have a sizeable number of places to visit across the state, you will in the future. For more information about the Victorian Tourism Recovery Package, read the Victorian Government announcement. Top image: Great Ocean Road, Visit Victoria
With summer fast approaching, it is once again time to head out to Victoria's countryside and explore the region's orchards, wineries and small towns. The Yarra Valley is surely high on your list of places to explore, but getting around to all of the best bits can be tough. Thankfully, the Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) is bringing together a stack of the region's top producers for its huge Road to Food Discovery Festival. On Saturday, November 9, you can head over to CherryHill's gorgeous Coldstream Orchard to sample food and wine from local independent producers while immersing yourself in the orchard experience. Rayner's Orchard, Millgrove Dairy, Silva Coffee, and Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods will all be at the orchard, selling their produce and chatting about what they do. You can also stop by for a scone-making class with Mary Eats Cake or level up your cooking skills with a regional produce cooking demonstration run by Balgownie Estate. Blowgoneie is also teaming up with Cuvee Chocolate to teach you what chocolate goes with what wine. Along with interactive experiences and entertainment, visitors can browse market stalls filled to the brim with fresh produce, artisan goods, and homemade creations sourced locally in Yarra Valley. And don't forget to get a taste of CherryHill with fresh, premium boxed cherries, cherry ice cream, and refreshing bevs.
Since the beginning of time, humans have always matched food with wine. Jesus broke bread with vino, the Vikings had their salted fish and mead, the French have cheese and champagne and the Italians cicchetti and aperitivo — a pairing we've all enjoyed more than a few times this summer. If you've spent the last few months like we did, cured meats, olives, vegetables in oil, cheese and the like have become a diet staple, especially when paired with a spritz or even simpler, a crisp glass of prosecco. As we move into autumn, there's no need to lose this little evening, pre-going out ritual — even if that summer sun starts to slip away. To help you take the magic of this molto buono pairing from the bar terrace and into your home, we've partnered with the wine aficionados at Dal Zotto and crafted five cicchetti to serve with the new Dal Zotto prosecco. Before your next night out, grab a few friends, a bottle of bubbles and kick back at your own at-home aperitivo hour. Red and white gingham tablecloths are entirely optional. CURED MEAT AND CHEESE TOASTS The zesty flavour of the prosecco cuts through the rich flavours of the meats and cheese. Plus, making it DIY limits prep time so you can easily plate, serve, eat and go. — preferred cured meats (spicy salami, salumi, prosciutto, bresaola, etc.) — preferred cheeses (provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, gorgonzola, etc.) — baguette, sliced about 2 centimetres wide and toasted Plate the meats, cheeses and bread together for everyone to construct themselves to their preference. Just make sure to keep the bubbles flowing. PANCETTA WRAPPED PRAWNS This upscale version of shrimp on the barbie is crunchy and rich and contrasts beautifully with the ripe fruit flavours and crisp acidity of prosecco. — 16 raw prawns, deveined — 8 pancetta rashers — aioli (serves four) Preheat the oven to 200°C and cut the rashers in half lengthwise. Wrap each prawn in a pancetta slice and place on a baking tray and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until fully cooked. Serve with aioli and well-chilled prosecco. BRUSCHETTA This classic is an oldy but a goody — and requires minimal effort. All you'll need is a toaster, chopping board and well-sharpened knife. Oh, and a glass of prosecco for while you're constructing. — 4 large slices of ciabatta — 4 tomatoes, roughly chopped — 2 garlic cloves, crushed — 2 red onions, diced — 3 cloves garlic, minced — 1/2 cup of basil, chopped — pepper and salt, to taste — balsamic and olive oil, to drizzle (serves four) Toast the ciabatta until almost burnt, then oil the bread. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl, then divide the mixture evenly onto each piece toasted slice. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with basil leaves. Serve alongside a glass of prosecco immediately. PESTO ESCARGOT No, we're not eating snails. It's just a tasty pastry which has a cute snail-like (spiral) appearance, and the bitey parmesan and pesto counter the bubbly prosecco perfectly. — 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted — 3 tablespoons basil pesto — 1 cups parmesan cheese, grated (makes about 12 pieces) Preheat the oven to 180°C, then line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside. Roll out the dough and spread the pesto and cheese evenly over the pastry. Then, roll the sheet tightly into a long scroll and slice evenly into 12 pieces. Lay each piece on the tray leaving 2 centimetres between each roll, and bake for 10–15 minutes. Enjoy at a snail's pace over the afternoon with a bottle of bubbly, of course. ANTIPASTI SKEWERS Prosecco and antipasto are like old-timey best mates; they're always better together. The acidity of the prosecco counterbalances the saltiness of the olives and the creaminess of the mozzarella. — prosciutto — bocconcini — pitted olives — grape tomatoes — marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved — basil leaves — skewers Add each ingredient onto a skewer, alternating colour and taste as you go. Arrange all the skewers on a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil and serve with a glass of prosecco. Keen for more fizz? Visit The Osborne, Auburn Hotel, The Cove, Captain Melville, Jimmy Watsons, La Manna or Parkhill Cellars for a glass of bubbly perfection. Plus, as part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2019, Dal Zotto winery is hosting an Italian lunch feast on Saturday, March 16. For more information and to book tickets, head this way.
You can't get closer to the centre of Beechworth than The Hive Apartment. Owned and operated by Australian honey powerhouse Beechworth Honey, The apartment is the location to explore the historic town and learn about the lives of beekeepers and honeybees. The building that houses The Hive Apartment was originally built in 1856 — the apartment was actually the original residence of the bank manager of the Bank of New South Wales, one of the oldest bank buildings in Victoria. Beechworth played a large role in the Australian gold rush in the 1800s, and gold was often held here in the 'Gold Office'. Now, it houses a liquid gold: honey. The self-contained apartment is situated on the first floor, providing an impressive outlook across Beechworth's two main streets, its historic buildings and its original architecture. It features a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining and living room. The apartment can accommodate up to six guests across three bedrooms. The spacious king room offers a view overlooking Beechworth's iconic clock tower. The queen room offers its own private ensuite while the third bedroom is made up of two single beds. You won't have long to walk to discover all the local attractions including the Beechworth Honey Bee School, and the Historic Beekeeping Archive & Museum. There are plenty of restaurants or bistros nearby but if you fancy utilising the generous kitchen, there's a supermarket across the road. Visitors can enjoy a honey breakfast basket courtesy of Beechworth Honey. The Hive Apartments' central location in the heart of Beechworth means you are only a short stroll from local attractions. The Hive Apartment is located 300m metres from The Beechworth Honey Shop, its flagship store with over 40 Australian single varietal honeys to taste plus a working bee hive to see the busy bees at work. There are plenty of restaurants or cafes nearby but if you fancy utilising the generous kitchen, there's a supermarket across the road. Visitors can enjoy a honey breakfast basket courtesy of Beechworth Honey.
UPDATE: MARCH 11, 2020 — Originally scheduled for this Friday, March 13, the official reopening of The Albert Park Hotel has been delayed until further notice due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19. While VicHealth has deemed the venue safe, the pub will remain closed as staff, who came into contact with a guest that's since tested positive for coronavirus, self-isolate for two weeks. The Albert Park Hotel will consult with VicHealth again before confirming a new opening date. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. It's endured plenty of changes throughout its 137-year history as a pub, but The Albert Park Hotel is now about to unveil its grandest makeover yet. The long-running corner boozer officially throws open its doors this March, having sat dormant since being bought by new owners the Colonial Leisure Group in 2014. Joining a stable of popular venues that includes the likes of Lucky Coq, Bimbo Deluxe, Brunswick's The Penny Black and the Portsea Hotel, it comes as no surprise The Albert Park Hotel is jumping back onto the scene with a contemporary new look. Or that it's dishing up a modern Chinese food offering in place of the classic pub grub. Headed up by Six Degrees Architects and stylist Anna Roberts, the full revamp has seen the once dark and enclosed space transformed into something bright and upbeat, with light pouring through the windows of a new four-storey atrium. The interiors cleverly blend old and new, with modern finishes bringing new life to the pub's original brickwork and historic features — from the front bar and restaurant to the streetside beer garden and through to a cosy upstairs lounge. A sprawling artwork by Spacecraft pays homage to local flora and fauna, as well as to the suburb's past, while Roberts' careful selection of antiques and vintage artefacts mirror the Chinese angle of the new menu. That contemporary offering from executive chef Ken Yuen is available throughout the venue, but takes centre stage within the restaurant, Happy Valley. It's a menu heavy on familiar Chinese flavours, while celebrating modern technique and local ingredients. Expect dim sum aplenty, alongside the likes of san choi bao, peking duck pancakes, XO pipis and a kung pao chicken laced with facing heaven chilli. Crisp Eugowra quail is done with lashings of szechuan pepper salt; char siu salmon pairs with coriander, sesame and a soft fried hen's egg; and steamed Port Arlington mussels come bathed in an aromatic ginger soy broth. [caption id="attachment_764278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff[/caption] You can match your feed with a few crisp brews and some footy in the front bar, or perhaps take advantage of the Aussie-led wine lineup and a reserve list that's at once high-end and affordable. Meanwhile, a comfy hideaway awaits upstairs in the elegant lounge bar, where DJs spin through the weekends and crafty cocktails come courtesy of Bar Manager Asher Spitz (Boilermaker House). Settle in with some mod-Chinese snacks matched to sips like the 'Espresso Tropicale' — a reworked classic featuring vodka, szechuan spices, espresso, lime and coconut. The Albert Park Hotel will open soon on the corner of Montague Street and Dundas Place, Albert Park. We'll let you know as soon as an opening date is confirmed. Images: Simon Shiff
Sweet news: beloved Sydney mainstay Chat Thai is celebrating its 16th successful year — and what's a sweeter way to celebrate than with a brand-new range of dedicated desserts? Chat Thai OG Thaitown and Tokyo Lamington have teamed up to create tasty Thai-inspired treats to toast the restaurant's sweet sixteen. The Haymarket staple has continually served up an enticing array of Thai cuisine to Sydneysiders at an affordable price point for years, spanning over six Sydney locales after growing a cult following. Chat Thai OG Thaitown has decided it is time to honour its achievements with an exclusive collaboration birthing an original and unconventional snack range. By partnering with the experimental lamington brand, the much-loved Thai restaurant hopes to recognise achieving its milestone by bringing the iconic flavours of Thailand to Australians in a new and inventive offering. "This collaboration is more than a fusion of flavours; it's a celebration of two culinary worlds coming together," said Pat Laoyont, owner of Chat Thai. From Wednesday, September 20, the limited-edition birthday range will be available across three Sydney locations and Tokyo Lamington's Melbourne flagship outpost. The dedicated range will feature lamingtons inspired by Thai flavours alongside a range of savoury dishes combining a fusion of Chat Thai favourites and Australian classics. "We are honoured to partner with Chat Thai, a name synonymous with authentic Thai cuisine, to create something truly special," said Adds Eddie Stewart, co-founder of Tokyo Lamington. Among the seven lamington flavours on offer, you'll find Thai milk tea, a Khanom buaing (candied egg yolk) option, mango black sticky rice and a take on popular deep-fried pandan-flavoured ice cream. On the other hand, the savoury selection will star Chat Thai's famed Mussamun beef curry in the form of a golden, flakey pie alongside a herbaceous and chilli-forward larpb gai sausage roll and a tom yum mushroom quiche. However, this collaborative effort is only available during September, so you'll want to get in quick to get your hands on one or more exclusive treats. To find the limited-time birthday menu, hit up Chat Thai's flagship location or Boon Cafe in Haymarket or Tokyo Lamington Newtown from Wednesday, September 20 — the exclusive range will launch in Tokyo Lamington's Melbourne location later this month.
The Lona Group's late-night bar and restaurant Hotel Lona is tucked away in the centre of Frankston and is set up for big groups. The menu includes sharing dishes, pub classics, woodfired pizzas, tender steaks, and tempting vegan options. It's designed to satisfy most, so even your fussiest mate should find something that tickles their fancy. Every night, local acoustic musicians perform live at Hotel Lona, which comes alive with a vibrant energy as the night goes on. Under the stars, the rooftop turns into a dance floor where DJs spin tunes that extend the celebration until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. A calendar full of seasonal events also guarantees that there's always something to look forward to. In addition, this space is a destination for all types of celebrations, from sophisticated rooftop parties that can hold up to 200 guests to more intimate get-togethers in the private dining room.
The zombie apocalypse has evolved. When just 28 days had passed, survivors faced a nightmare. Little had improved when 28 weeks had gone by. Now, following 28 years of chaos, Jodie Comer (The Bikeriders), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy), Ralph Fiennes (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Jack O'Connell (Back to Black) and Alfie Williams (His Dark Materials) are dealing with the aftermath of a society ravaged by a horrific infection for decades. Yes, the trailer for the aptly named 28 Years Later is here. Although 2030 will mark 28 years since viewers were treated to one of the best zombie movies ever, aka 28 Days Later from filmmaker Danny Boyle (Yesterday), you'll be watching a new flick from Boyle in the same franchise in 2025. First confirmed at the beginning of 2024, the movie has dropped its first full sneak peek to help close out the year — complete with Teletubbies, towers of skulls and bones, a possibly familiar-looking zombie, and the grim reality after days became weeks and then years of coping with the new status quo. 28 Days Later has already spawned one follow-up thanks to 2007's 28 Weeks Later, but Boyle didn't direct it. Screenwriter Alex Garland, who also penned Sunshine for Boyle, then hopped behind the camera himself with Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men, Civil War and TV series Devs, wasn't involved with 28 Weeks Later, either. But they're both onboard for the third film in the series, which is the start of a new trilogy. The saga's fourth feature 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple has already been shot, in fact, with Candyman and The Marvels' Nia DaCosta directing. The setup this time around: almost three decades after the rage virus initially seeped through humanity after escaping from a biological weapons laboratory, some survivors have etched out a life on a small island. Elsewhere, quarantine remains a key way of tackling the infection. With that starting point — and with unease dripping through the first trailer, complete with stunning imagery — expect Boyle and Garland to dig into the terrors that linger when two of the island's residents venture over to the mainland. With 28 Days Later among the movies that helped bring Oppenheimer Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy to fame, the actor is an executive producer on 28 Years Later. That mightn't be all that's in store for him, though, if you pay close attention to the trailer. In the original film, he played Jim, a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma in a deserted hospital 28 days after an outbreak changed the world forever. Marking Boyle and Garland's first proper collaboration after Boyle adapted Garland's best-selling novel The Beach for the big screen two years prior, 28 Days Later still ranks among the best work on either's resume — and on Murphy's as well, even if it didn't win him any of Hollywood's top shiny trophies. Set in the aftermath of the accidental release of a highly contagious virus, the film's images of a desolated London instantly became iconic, but this is a top-notch movie on every level. That includes its performances, with then-unknowns Murphy and Naomie Harris (the Bond franchise's current Moneypenny) finding the balance between demonstrating their characters' fierce survival instincts and their inherent vulnerability. If you wondering why 28 Months Later wasn't made, it was talked about for years, but the time has now passed unless the new trilogy includes a flick set between 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later. Check out the first trailer for 28 Years Later below: 28 Years Later releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Call it Red Light, Green Light. Call it Statues. Call it Grandmother's Footsteps. Whichever name you prefer, how good are you at playing the game that gets folks a-sneaking, ideally without being caught? Now, how would you fare trying to creep forward while avoiding being spotted when Young-hee is lurking? Squid Game fans, if you visit Luna Park Sydney, you'll be able to find out. Opening timed to Squid Game season two's arrival on Netflix on Boxing Day 2025, Squid Game: The Experience will get everyone playing Red Light, Green Light with Young-hee in Luna Park's big top — and also busting out their marbles skills, then walking over the glass bridge. Get your green tracksuit ready. Front Man is there to dare you to take the Squid Game challenges IRL, which obviously doesn't involve notching up a body count like in the series — and isn't televised like reality competition show Squid Game: The Challenge. Some games are inspired by the Netflix program. Others are brand new. Players can take part individually, or in groups of up to 25. As you work through the challenges, which get harder as you go along, you'll earn points. Another difference from the series: if you get eliminated from a game, you'll still be able to take part in the challenges that follow. And yes, Young-hee has popped up Down Under before, with a 4.5-metre, three-tonne recreation of Squid Game's eerie animatronic figure with laser eyes making its presence known also in Sydney back in 2021. [caption id="attachment_975032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Netflix[/caption] Updated Friday, May 23, 2025.
Whether you love the olive garnish that comes with a classic martini, or opt for the dirty variety where brine goes straight in the drink, there's no doubt that olives play a big role in this enduring tipple's sharp, herbaceous appeal. To celebrate one of the world's most iconic cocktails, Four Pillars is bringing back its Martini Collective for the next month or so, teaming up with much-loved bars and restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne for an aperitif-style sip and snack pairing. Running until Sunday, June 22, at a host of stellar venues, the drink at each venue is the same wherever you decide to visit — a mini martini made with Four Pillars' bright and savoury Olive Leaf Gin. However, the snack that adorns your beverage changes up from place to place, ensuring you can explore the full spectrum of pairings to see which leaves the biggest impression on your palate. In Sydney, there are ten venues taking part in the third edition of the Martini Collective, with several returning favourites to explore. For instance, Shell House is serving up a cruller topped with whipped fish roe and white anchovy; The Charles is offering a white anchovy gilda; Le Foote is plating a tartine featuring smoked peppers, sheep's yogurt and sauce vert; and NOMAD is presenting a green olive and pumpkin seed tartlet. As for the Melbourne lineup, the series is back in town for its second year, with newcomers like Hazel, Society, Grill Americano and Bar Liberty joining previous hosts, including Bar Bellamy, LUI Bar and Reine. Head to Flinders Lane to see how Hazel's fish cake complements your mini martini, or wander up to Society on Collins Street to experience its smoked tomato sourdough crostini. Who knows — maybe this carefully balanced umami bomb will provide the dream pairing with your aperitif. With this first-class selection of venues getting in the mood for Four Pillars Martini Collective over the next month, there's plenty of time to sample each and every pairing. Plus, with the Martini Collective running through World Martini Day on Saturday, June 21, it's the perfect way to celebrate your love of this timeless cocktail. The Four Pillars Martini Collective is running now until Sunday, June 22 at various venues across Sydney and Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Declan Blackall / Chege Mbuthi.
As the rolling back of COVID-19 restrictions and the holiday season converge, you may be looking for your fix of food, drink and Christmas cheer. QV Melbourne's new festive courtyard serves up all three. The Christmas Hub, which was launched over the weekend, features a pop-up garden bar, al fresco dining and a massive 15-metre-tall Christmas tree. CBD rooftop bar Father's Office has taken charge of the pop-up bar, which is serving up bottles of GH Mumm for $65, pink gin and soda, beer and cider. Cocktails will also be flowing, with watermelon daiquiris, margaritas and espresso martinis among the offerings. To eat, there's noodle soup from Thai Town, Gippsland yoghurt from Mumuyo and build-your-own ramen from Mr Teriyaki. Each Friday and Saturday from 11am–2pm and 4–7pm you can catch interactive festive entertainment in the form of stilt walkers, acrobats and 'roller bauble' performers. The centre's Christmas Hub is free to visit and open until Christmas Eve, while the pop-up bar will be open throughout summer. All-day parking is available for $20 or you can nab a free spot around the CBD under the City of Melbourne's extended free parking plan. The Christmas Hub is located on Level 2 of QV Melbourne at the corner of Swanston and Lonsdale streets. Father's Office is open from 3–10pm Monday–Thursday and 1–11pm Friday-Sunday. Images: Carmen Zammit
Sometimes that creative spark just won't flicker into action. To help you recharge, former creative director and now leading breathwork facilitator Conor Rua is hosting an immersive one-hour event in the rejuvenating surrounds of Fitzroy Gardens' The Conservatory. Presented across two 60-minute sessions at 5.45pm and 7.15pm on Saturday, June 14, Breathe Into Creativity asks participants to lock in away from the desk. You'll spend the next hour engaged in gentle breathwork, creative visualisation and expression-based practices — helping to dissolve inner blocks and provide a powerful reset. "The creative process is not just about producing work — it's about presence. I created this experience to help people slow down and return to that deeper well of inspiration that's always there — under the noise," says Rua. With no prior experience necessary, The Conservatory's tropical blooms and tranquil architecture provide a welcoming space to take a moment for yourself. Following Rua's playful, body-led session, expect to leave with a refreshed nervous system flowing with creative ideas and purpose-driven motivation.
