Victoria sits in a special place, just as scenic as the rest of Australia, but situated where climates collide in spectacular fashion, especially by the sea. From the calm waters of Port Phillip to the wilder surf breaks of the Bass Strait, Victoria is home to just shy of 700 beaches, and among them are some of the most spectacular shorelines in the country. If we had to choose our favourites, we've already picked Melbourne's best beaches, and the best beach camping in Victoria, but we've turned to the travel experts at Lonely Planet for the showstopper shorelines that top Victoria's beaches. For the rest of Australia, you can read their Best Beaches Australia guide, available online and in your nearest bookseller. [caption id="attachment_1075590" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption] Bells Beach, Surf Coast One of Australia's most legendary surfing beaches, Bells was enshrined in pop culture when Patrick Swayze's adrenaline‐junkie character, Bodhi, waits his whole life to surf its fabled '50‐year swell' in the 1991 action film Point Break. But before its movie stardom, Bells Beach came from humble beginnings. Originally inaccessible, motorbikes and bulldozers eventually cleared a path to the beach in the 1950s, and in 1962 it hosted its first ever surfing contest when a gaggle of local surfers gathered at the frigid water's edge. Fast forward over 60 years and Bells enjoys a global reputation as one of Australia's – and the world's – best surfing beaches. The humble community‐run Easter Rally has morphed into the Rip Curl Pro, the longest‐running event in competitive surfing and an iconic stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Crowds flock to the dramatic red‐clay cliffs framing this natural amphitheatre every year over the April Easter weekend, watching as surfers carve, duck‐dive and glide along enormous 6m (20ft) waves. The thigh‐burning surf forms when Southern Ocean waves wrap around the point and hit an exposed reef, creating a surging wall of water with a right‐hand break perfect for carving with a surfboard. Getting there: Located on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, Bells Beach is 5km (3 miles) from the closest town of Jan Juc, or a 90‐minute drive southwest of Melbourne. You can also get here by bus. Stairs lead down from the car park to the small beach. [caption id="attachment_1075591" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park Enclosed by impressive granite boulders at either end, Squeaky Beach is a standout in Wilsons Promontory National Park, a rugged slice of wilderness at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, bordered by Victoria's largest marine national park. The fine, rounded grains of quartz sand on this snow‐white beach compress underfoot, creating a high‐pitched squeak – hence the name. Wander between the huge boulders at the northern end of the beach and splash in hidden rock pools, or dive into the bay's crystalline waters; at their most inviting during the warmer months (particularly November to March). Connecting Squeaky Beach with Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay to the north, the 6.2km (3.9‐mile) Three Bays Walk is another way to immerse in this spectacular stretch of coastline. Allow two hours each way. There's camping just around the headland at Tidal River; perfectly placed to savour a Squeaky Beach sunset. Native wildlife–watching opportunities also increase during the golden hour – look for wombats, kangaroos, emus and other critters. Getting there: Squeaky Beach is 222km (138 miles) or about a three‐hour drive from Melbourne/Narrm. Park behind the beach or walk here from Picnic Bay or Tidal River. Alternatively, catch a Yarram‐bound bus to Fish Creek, and take a taxi from there. [caption id="attachment_1075592" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Mount Martha Beach, Mornington Peninsula If you're flying into Melbourne/Narrm, you'll likely see Mount Martha Beach before you leave the airport, thanks to its brightly painted beach huts splashed across billboards welcoming you to Victoria. Nearly 100 weatherboard huts were first built in the mid‐19th century and, despite not having running water or electricity and some falling into disrepair, they're much‐loved local landmarks; privately owned and usually locked. Lapped by the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, the beach itself runs for 2km (1.2 miles), split down the middle by a shallow creek. At the northern end lies Mount Martha Life Saving Club, which patrols the beach from November to May, and a yacht club teaching kids and adults how to handle a jib. Wheelchair‐friendly beach matting extends from the Life Saving Club down to the waterline, and the club has an accessible changeroom with showers. Just across the road is a handy village of fish‐and‐chip shops, supermarkets and delis; perfect for picking up supplies for a sunset picnic by the water. Getting there: Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, Mount Martha Beach is an easy one‐hour drive from Melbourne along the coast. Arrive early to score a coveted parking spot. [caption id="attachment_1075595" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shutterstock[/caption] Wreck Beach, Great Otway National Park Descending the 366 steps from the cliffs down to Wreck Beach is a gamble. At high tide you'll find just a short belt of sand and heaving surf, with nowhere to go but back the way you came. But time your visit for low tide and you'll discover an abundance of history in the rock pools. In the mid‐19th century, decades before concrete was first poured on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, this infamous stretch of shallows and hidden reefs was feared among sailors, who dubbed it the Shipwreck Coast. An estimated 660 ships met their fate along the coast, many of them drawn to Melbourne/Naarm during Victoria's gold rush from 1851 to 1896, in hopes of cashing in on the city's immense wealth. Today, stories of ruin and survival are scattered like flotsam from Anglesea to Port Fairy, including the remains of two shipwrecks at Wreck Beach. The steep staircase leads you down to 2km (1.2 miles) of beach backed by a natural amphitheatre of wind‐buffered golden cliffs. There are no facilities, and the rough surf makes the water unsuitable for swimming, but wander about 400m (1312ft) from the bottom of the stairs and you'll find a pair of anchors with fascinating stories. Jutting out of a figure eight–shaped rock pool are the rusted remnants of Marie Gabrielle's anchor, with other parts scattered in the pools surrounding it. While carrying tea from China to Melbourne in 1869, Marie Gabrielle was blown off course by a heavy gale and crashed into Moonlight Head. Everyone onboard survived but the tea could not be saved. The Fiji wasn't as lucky. After leaving Hamburg, the ship was tragically close to the end of its journey when bad weather and faulty navigational equipment caused it to crash into Moonlight Head in 1891. Locals sent lifesaving gear from Port Campbell, which included a vital length of rope that went missing when they arrived at the wreck. The Fiji's rusted anchor is all that remains on the beach, but climb the steps at the northern end to see a white tombstone dedicated to the lost crew, including a poignant mention of the cook, 'name unknown', who perished with them. Getting there: Wreck Beach is a three‐hour drive from Melbourne/Narrm along the Great Ocean Road. From the car park, a short bush trail leads to a staircase to the beach. [caption id="attachment_1075594" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Getty[/caption] Ninety Mile Beach, East Gippsland From the top of Ninety Mile Beach's dunes, you can look both ways and see nothing but unending sand. Free from rocky outcrops to obstruct the view, Australia's longest single beach is an unbroken stretch of dunes, shallow inlets and lagoons that separates Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. Festooned along its length are the sleepy coastal towns of Woodside Beach, Seaspray, Golden Beach and – the largest and most popular – Lakes Entrance. In summer the area is popular for fishing in the surf, beachside camping and long walks, while in winter you can try your hand at spotting humpback and southern right whales migrating up the coast. To really connect with nature, pitch a tent or drive your caravan to one of 20 free camping spots behind the sand dunes. Most sites have toilets and paid showers, and most importantly, unrivalled access to the water. Beaches are patrolled during summer at Woodside, Seaspray and Lakes Entrance, with beach wheelchairs and accessible toilets available at Lakes Entrance Main Beach and Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club. Getting there: Ninety Mile Beach is a three‐hour drive east of Melbourne/Narrm, cutting a trail inland through the regional towns of Warragul, Morwell and Traralgon before arriving at Lakes Entrance. These excerpts were supplied by 'Lonely Planet' from their 'Best Beaches Australia' guide — available online and at bookstores near you now. Images: supplied
If you've been hanging out for an openair clubbing sesh ever since news dropped about the arrival of Melbourne's new floating club ATET, we're happy to tell you the wait is over. The Melbourne-first venue is finally set to open its doors this weekend and you can be one of the first aboard when it throws its huge launch party. From 1pm on Saturday, October 22, the ATET fun officially kicks off with a tune-filled fiesta to remember. And yes — they promised an electronic music haven and it seems they're keeping good on their word right from the get go. Gracing the decks for this all-important opening party will be a lineup of dance-floor favourites, including Walter Juan, Petra, Olivas, Cane Trott and Clare Choveaux, plus Donald's House, PDC and Very Jerry. And it's all set to kick on until 1am. If you're keen to help christen this floating club oasis, you'll have to be ready to jet to Docklands and hope for the best — tickets to the launch party are only available on the door, from 1pm on the day. If you prefer a safer bet, you can jump online to nab $35 tickets to the following day's event — it's being presented in conjunction with the folks from Novel and will be headlined by Late Nite Tuff Guy.
Trust Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, Australia's favourite Kates and funniest double act, to make a killer TV show about chasing a killer that's the perfect sum of two excellent halves. Given their individual and shared backgrounds, including creating and starring in cooking show sendup The Katering Show and morning television spoof Get Krack!n, the pair unsurprisingly add another reason to get chuckling to their resumes; however, with Deadloch, they also turn their attention to crime procedurals. The Kates already know how to make viewers laugh. They've established their talents as brilliant satirists and lovers of the absurd in the process. Now, splashing around those skills in Deadloch's exceptional eight-episode first season — which streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2 — they've also crafted a dead-set stellar murder-mystery series. Taking place in a sleepy small town, commencing with a body on a beach, and following both the local cop trying to solve the case and the gung-ho blow-in from a big city leading the enquiries, Deadloch has all the crime genre basics covered from the get-go. The spot scandalised by the death is a sitcom-esque quirky community, another television staple that McCartney and McLennan nail. Parody requires deep knowledge and understanding; you can't comically rip into and riff on something if you aren't familiar with its every in and out. That said, Deadloch isn't in the business of simply mining well-worn TV setups and their myriad of conventions for giggles, although it does that expertly. With whip-smart writing, the Australian series is intelligent, hilarious, and all-round cracking as a whodunnit-style noir drama and as a comedy alike — and one of the streaming highlights of the year. The place: Tasmania, in the fictional locale that gives Deadloch its name (that Deadloch Lake means 'dead lake lake' doesn't go unmentioned). That first body: a local gym owner and ProBro entrepreneur ("it's protein for bros," is the sales pitch), who'll soon have burning pubic hair, too ("holy shit, his dick's on fire," is the response). The key police duo: Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box, Stateless), a by-the-book type who traded being a stressed Sydney homicide detective for a quieter life for her vet wife Cath (Alicia Gardiner, Wakefield); and Darwin Major Crimes division's Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers), who asks "how long has shrivel dick been dead for?" about the deceased, is as loud as her Hawaiian shirts and fluoro camouflage getup, and intends to catch the easy culprit ASAP so she can hightail it back north. That Deadloch's initial victim is male gives the standard dead-girl trope an instant a gender-switched twist — even the genre's best, from Twin Peaks and The Killing to True Detective and Top of the Lake, have leaned upon it — but that isn't the source of Deadloch's humour, nor should it be. As recent comedy hits Only Murders in the Building and The Afterparty also know, murder itself isn't amusing either. Rather, it's the chaos around it and the people who get caught up in it that can be comic, which is where Deadloch frequently tickles ribs — that, and lampooning everything from small-town gentrification and tourist-courting winter festivals to arrogant detective archetypes and the male-centric world order, plus the show's glorious way with dialogue and Aussie swearing. Again, the series isn't funny because heterosexual white men comprise its rising body count, or because women are doing the investigating. The way that Deadloch's blokes react, the pressure piled on from the top and the frenzy swirling around is pointedly sidesplitting, though. This is a whodunnit with something to say, because there's no escaping the vast difference between the urgent demands for action from its fictional males and the off-screen reality when women are killed. Who did it? As Eddie leaps to obvious conclusions amid spitting out a non-stop barrage of insults, Dulcie's detective muscle memory kicks in. Deadloch's odd couple have help from constables Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama, Koala Man) and Sven Alderman (Tom Ballard, Fully Furnished) — one as eager as can be, especially with forensics; the other affable but seeing policing as just as job — and hear theories from almost everyone. That includes doctor and mayor Aleyna Rahme (Susie Youssef, Rosehaven), the driving force behind Deadloch's just-commenced Dark Mofo-influenced Winter Feastival, who is determined to keep the festivities going. And, as Eddie struggles with baggage from back home and Dulcie grapples with investigating her friends, their quest also leads them to Margaret Carruthers (Pamela Rabe, Wentworth), the town's most powerful figure, whose husband was Deadloch's previous mayor. Also adding thoughts and complications: new widow Vanessa Latham (Katie Robinson, Five Bedrooms); bakery owner Vic O'Dwyer (Kris McQuade, Irreverent) and her gastropub chef daughter Skye (Holly Austin, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears); the rabble-rousing Phil McGangus (Shaun Martindale, Sissy); obnoxious pathologist James King (Nick Simpson-Deeks, Winners & Losers); and aspiring AFLW player Tammy Hampson (Leonie Whyman, Mystery Road: Origin) and her studious cousin Miranda Hoskins (Kartanya Maynard, The Messenger). The list goes on, with the pool of suspects similarly broad. Whether they're vocally vicious — Phil spews misogynist vitriol, particularly about Deadloch's influx of lesbian tree-changers — or seemingly oblivious, this cast of characters is also aware that the town's facade isn't as calm and cosy as it appears. Indeed, McCartney and McLennan examine Australia's horrific race-relations history as well as the country's gender politics, interrogating how both blighted the show's setting long before multiple murders upset its supposed idyll. If The Kates had penned Deadloch as a book, it'd be a can't-put-down page-turner. On streaming, as cinematographers Katie Milwright (The Clearing) and Simon Ozolins (Heartbreak High) revel in a Tasmanian gothic look, their tale is that propulsive and addictive. And, the show's deeply layered writing — with Sami, Kim Wilson (Wentworth), Christian White (Clickbait), Anchuli Felicia King (Class of '07) and Kirsty Fisher (Mustangs FC) scripting with McCartney and McLennan — couldn't have a better roster of actors bringing it to life under directors Ben Chessell (The Great), Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) and Beck Cole (Black Comedy). Playing it straight and giving the series its emotional centre, Box could've walked straight in from Broadchurch. Tasked with thundering in, Sami is a comic genius as Eddie, ensuring that the character's unflinching honesty couldn't be more pivotal, and that Eddie is never a one-note OTT outsider. Trust McCartney and McLennan to give TV another tremendous pairing, swapping their own The Katering Show and Get Krack!n dynamic for Box and Sami killing it. Trust them to leave viewers with the feeling that every The Kates' project leaves: wanting more right now. Their time as a food intolerant and an intolerable foodie ran over two seasons, then their breakfast television stint repeated the feat. Here's hoping that Deadloch at least matches them — while its creators don't grace the screen this time, this crime-comedy ranks among The Kates' best work in every other way. Check out the trailer for Deadloch below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2.
This humble family-run bakery has quietly become a powerful player on the Melbourne bakery scene, with five shopfronts now pumping out some of the best bread and pastries in town. Little Sister lives by a simple philosophy: time-honoured recipes, executed with contemporary precision, to create beautiful bread for sharing. Little Sister focuses on classic French baking traditions and locally sourced natural ingredients — combined with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours — to create their signature loaves, rolls, focaccias and sweet and savoury goodies. You can taste the care and time that has been put into each and every product at Little Sister. Whether it's 72-hour fermented sourdough or focaccia baked fresh every day, the proof really is in the pudding (or the bread) at Little Sister, with the consistent and excellent quality of the product proving no corners are cut in this kitchen. While everything at Little Sister tastes as good as it looks, signature items include the seeded focaccia, with an irresistible salty and crunchy exterior, and the Sofia loaf, which is a dark, dense and nutty bread made with wholemeal flour, mixed grains, seeds, fibre and a hint of honey. The bakery is renowned for its loaded savoury pastries and breads. Focaccias are topped with an array of moreish combinations such as cheese, mushroom and onion, zucchini and feta, and tomato and pesto. You can also find shakshuka or sabich (a traditional fried eggplant sandwich) stuffed inside doughy pockets, as well as cheese and za'atar twists, or thick and crusty slices of pizza. On the sweet front, Little Sister excels in everything from croissants to scrolls to cookies. The cinnamon scrolls often sell out before midday, the Portuguese egg tarts are some of the best in town, and the chocolate challah is a favourite weekly special. The bottom line is that while it may be hard to decide, you simply can't go wrong with any choice at Little Sister. Images: Supplied.
Decking out your house with budget-friendly homewares and furnishing your abode with meaningful items aren't mutually exclusive. A case in point: Kmart's First Nations program. The retailer highlights Indigenous talents by creating collections in collaboration with artists — and, crucially, making their work accessible en masse. The latest creative teaming up with the brand: Dharug and Darkinjung artist Kyralee Shields. As Wiradjuri artist Judith Young did in 2023, Shields has overseen her own range with the department store, which hits shelves — and online — on Thursday, April 4. Called Mudyin Ngurrawa, it takes its name from the Dharug term for "family on Country". As featured on bedding, candles, servingware, candles, wall art and more, the theme comes through in the designs, the use of colour and the tales told via her art. One pink-, green- and brown-heavy pattern spans bottlebrush and gum leaves, native flowers and yam daisies, and representations of the tides and mountains. Another splashes a pale pink hue around prominently, using circles, arcs, dots and drawings of message sticks to link to Shields' ancestors, her maternal grandmother in particular, her mother and her three children, and also represent the space between Shields and The Dreaming. Clearly, when Shields makes art, she's taking her cues from her Indigenous heritage while conveying her own identity, and also aiming to both express and inspire cultural pride. Her pieces tell a story, then, including about her family and her mother's experience as part of the Stolen Generations, with Shields working closely with Kmart's design team in Melbourne to ensure that it came through authentically and accurately in the Mudyin Ngurrawa collection. To witness the results, and fill your home with them, you can shop the range's 13 items, with prices starting at $5. For that amount, you can get a four-pack of napkins. From there, a two-pack of Mudyin Ngurrawa mugs costs $10, while $12 gets you a three-pack of tea towels, a plant pot or a serving board. A tablecloth costs $14 — as do two types of candle, a mountains and a wildflowers version, as sold separately. Or, opt for the enamel bowl for $18 or enamel tray for $25. The quilt set comes in two sizes, queen and king, for $20 and $24, respectively. And, a canvas to hang is priced at $29. "Collaborating with Kmart is a dream come true. It's allowed me to work with a brand I grew up with who provide quality, on-trend products that are accessible to a wide demographic. It has enabled me to share my art with a wider audience while working with a forward-thinking chain," said Shields about the range. "Having a brand like Kmart support First Nations artists provides broad exposure to our culture and heritage through art and storylines within the evolving contemporary style, which is important to me," she continued. "It's been so gratifying to work on this project with such a wonderful team of people. It's also been enlightening to see all the different aspects that took my original painting through to the completion of this incredible range that now line Kmart's shelves." Kmart and Kyralee Shields' Mudyin Ngurrawa collection is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Ora has been a hotspot for coffee and brunch lovers in Kew for quite some years now. Most days, locals fight over the few seats inside and out in the garden to score some of the best brekkie in the area — often waiting quite a while to get a spot. It's clear that Ora outgrew its small site a while ago. But instead of having to relocate, the team was given the opportunity to knock down a wall and take over the space next door. Thankfully, they took the leap and expanded the cafe in early 2024, so it now holds up to 40 people inside and out. While they were at it, they also redesigned the whole cafe to have a more contemporary and high-end feel, and chose to extend the opening hours from Wednesday to Saturday. Now instead of being kicked out after lunch service, locals can stick around for some wines and share plates late into the night. Head Chef Adam Hutchings (ex-Soho House) has dreamt up the new evening menu, cooking up a broad-reaching selection of dishes that include crispy whitebait with yuzu mayo, pea and preserved lemon arancini, 12-hour barbecue beef brisket and king prawn skewers paired with chimichurri. Manager Alex Damoulakis has curated a list of wines from local and international makers and picked a few classic Med-inspired cocktails to serve at night — or during a boozy brunch.
If you've ever wandered into Heartbreaker at midnight, or were lucky enough to perch at The Everleigh or Bar Margaux, you've felt the Madrusan effect — fastidious drinks, generous service and a belief that the right cocktail can change the temperature of a night. Zara and Michael Madrusan's new book, The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, is that ethos on paper: a sprawling, meticulously organised reference designed to be used, dog-eared and returned to again and again. [caption id="attachment_854881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Madrusan's iconic rock 'n' roll dive bar in Melbourne's CBD.[/caption] Originally designed as an in-house guide for their own teams, the Companion has evolved into what Zara describes as "the definitive reference guide for classic cocktails, young and old" — the result of years of collecting, perfecting and categorising recipes from across the globe. The finished product is a bible that is equal parts accessible and technical (and looks pretty chic on the coffee table, too). We caught up with the Madrusans to talk about their cocktail philosophies, the summer drink everyone will be sipping, and why aperitivo culture will never go out of style. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bartender's Choice Consultancy (@bartenderschoiceconsultancy) CP: Let's talk summer drinks — if you had to pick one cocktail as the drink of this Australian summer, what would it be and why? Zara: The Pepino: a Blanco tequila sour with cucumber. It's light, clean and fresh. Tequila is thriving and we're here for it. CP: What trends are you noticing right now in the way Australians are drinking — either in bars or at home? Zara: Agave spirits are more popular than ever with our guests, and for good reason. There are so many amazing products available to us now. With more emphasis on health and wellbeing, low sugar, savoury cocktails are also very popular with ingredients like ginger, chilli and tomato. The martini is still having a moment (which is also music to our ears). This ongoing trend is pushing the industry to experiment with the classic formula, as well as creative garnishing, and scale — we love a half-size Hoffman House directly from the freezer, lemon twist, personally. CP: Spritzes and lighter aperitivo-style drinks have been huge over the past few years. Do you think that momentum will continue, or is something else about to take its place? Zara: The thing about aperitivo drinks is that they were deeply embedded in [Italian] culture long before they were popularised in modern culture. To so many people around the globe, they're not just drinks — they're a moment in time. Aperitivo culture connects people. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Concrete Playground Melbourne (@concreteplaygroundmelbourne) CP: For readers who want to impress friends at home this summer, which recipe from the book would you recommend they start with? Zara: Five-star cocktails don't have to be big, fancy-looking drinks. Some of the best reactions we've received from guests have been when we've offered simple, creative tweaks to well-loved classics — like adding a few dashes of absinthe to the negroni to make a 'Quill' or 'Ritz Negroni'. A subtle change that transforms the flavour profile, giving a crisp, dry finish to the bittersweet classic. Start with a base that people already know and love. This is where The Madrusan Cocktail Companion works wonders — if you know they love Gimlets, head to the Gimlet branch and you'll find a whole chapter of variations to explore. CP: The book draws on cocktail history dating back to the 1800s. Do you see any "forgotten classics" making a comeback this season? Michael: There are so many forgotten classics that are worthy of a resurgence, and we really hope this book brings them out of the shadows. I'm a big fan of blending base spirits — gin and Cognac go well, especially in refreshing drinks like the "Stay Up Late" from 1951. Zara: There are age-old cocktail categories included in the book that we don't see enough of currently. Simple drinks like the Sherry Cobbler from the 1860s deserve a renaissance this summer. CP: Non-alcoholic and low-ABV options are now firmly part of the drinking culture. How did you approach including those in the book, and what's exciting in that space for summer? Zara: Non-alcoholic cocktails deserve to be interesting and complex. The rise in their popularity is no surprise and shows no sign of slowing. Similarly, low alcoholic cocktails are a no-brainer. People are drinking differently, and it's exciting. We pushed our peers around the globe particularly with this category and included two distinct chapters in the 'By Popular Request' section of the book — 'Aperitivo and Spritz', which contains various low-ABV options, and a separate 'Non Alcoholic' collection with drinks spanning all styles. Don't skip past 'La Piña' by Jessica Gonzalez of Nomad NYC for sober summertime sessions — a Piña Colada riff spiked with jalapeño and lengthened with soda. CP: The scale of this book is staggering — but how do you personally like to drink when you're off-duty at home? Zara: We like a simple frozen Martini. It's truly a poem in a drink. 'The Madrusan Cocktail Companion' is out now — available via Murdoch Books. Prefer to have your cocktails made for you? Check out Melbourne and Sydney's best bars. Images: Supplied
Dappled shade, fluffy clouds, fruity drinks and a picnic basket stuffed with cheese — as far as outdoor socialising goes, it's hard to beat a sunny picnic at a great local park. Winter's done and dusted, and we'll take any chance we can get to enjoy Melbourne al fresco. The only downside is having to make a decision. The city has so many cracking parks and gardens that at times, it can be a little hard to choose. To help you out, we've rounded up the prettiest open-air haunts for your next park hang — best enjoyed with a picnic rug, some good company, and a few choice eats and drinks from somewhere local. Pack a picnic and check out this lineup of Melbourne's most idyllic parks. Recommended reads: The Best Melbourne Parks Where You Can BYO Booze The Best Outdoor Pools in Melbourne The Best Walks in and Around Melbourne The Best Beaches in Melbourne [caption id="attachment_702340" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Royal Botanic Gardens What many would deem the crown jewel of Melbourne parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens boasts all the quintessential features, from manicured lawns interspersed with a huge, colourful variety of flora to winding footpaths and duck-filled ponds. Encompassing 38 hectares of prime space just south of the CBD, this one's a true outdoor oasis that's home to picnic spots galore. Pick a setting — perhaps a shady tree-lined grove or some picturesque waterfront turf — and settle in. Stretching your legs post-picnic? A short wander through the gardens will take you to historic sights like the Melbourne Conservatory and the Guilfoyle's Volcano wetlands. You'll also find some free-to-use barbecues located along the Yarra River with epic views of the city skyline. [caption id="attachment_706394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Friends of St Kilda Botanical Garden.[/caption] St Kilda Botanical Gardens A serene green escape from the buzz of St Kilda's beachside stretch and nearby Acland Street, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens are a picnicker's dream. Registered with Heritage Victoria and created way back in the 1800s, the site is home to a whopping 810 mature tree specimens, including numerous iterations of the suburb's iconic towering palms. Pull up a patch overlooking the pond and solar-powered 'Rain Man' fountain, and kick back with some al fresco eats courtesy of one of the many nearby eateries. There are plenty of other fun features to check out while you're here, too, including the conservatory. [caption id="attachment_706399" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Edinburgh Gardens The smallest glimmer of sunshine and Edinburgh Gardens instantly becomes the inner-north's outdoor destination of choice, with people flocking to appreciate its tree-lined pockets and green expanses. Spread across 24 hectares, it's pure picnicking gold, complete with shady trees, sun-drenched lawns, barbecue facilities, a skate park and a sprawling off-leash dog zone for those four-legged visitors. Here, clinking drinks among the flower beds is allowed from 9am to 9pm each day, and you'll find loads of venues within strolling distance where you can stock up on supplies. Try Piedimonte's for snacks and cheese, or Blackhearts & Sparrows (Fitzroy North) for that all-important booze run. [caption id="attachment_706398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Cranbourne Botanical Gardens When you're in the mood for a little jaunt out of the city, Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens deserves a spot high on that picnic hit list. Not only does it have all of those prized park fixtures — sweeping grassed patches, walking tracks, barbecues and picture-perfect scenery — but it's home to an award-winning Australian garden with a renowned collection of plants. Set over an impressive 15 hectares and with a waterway winding through its heart, the garden showcases a huge array of native flora and fauna, alongside various landscapes from across the country. And with stacks of rare and endangered species calling the site home, it's well worth doing a little exploring before you settle down for that scenic picnic session. [caption id="attachment_754315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Fitzroy Gardens Envelop yourself in the leafy oasis that is Fitzroy Gardens and you'll find it hard to believe you're just metres from the edge of the CBD. It's rocking a typical Victorian-era park set-up, decked out with scores of grand old elms, rolling lawns intersected by neat pathways and even a conservatory. The site's also home to the charmingly tiny Captain Cook's Cottage. As with all City of Melbourne parks, you're allowed to enjoy a tipple here, so a pre-park stop by City Wine Shop is always a good idea. Throw in some treats from Spring Street Grocer's cheese maturation cellar and you've got yourself one very enviable picnic situation. [caption id="attachment_754318" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Carlton Gardens Nestled just beside the city, and home to the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum, the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens has long been a popular picnic pit-stop for locals and visitors alike. And you won't find a better pick for post-museum park hangs. The site abounds in green, open spaces and big shady trees, so you'll never have to battle for a spot to throw down your picnic rug, even when that sun's shining. What's more, with the culinary hot spots of Fitzroy's Brunswick Street just a quick stroll away, you've got a plethora of choices when it comes to those al fresco eats. St Vincent Gardens Sitting pretty in the heart of Albert Park, yet nice and removed from the suburb's more famous namesake green space, St Vincent Gardens is brimming with picnic potential. This quaint haven of flowers and greenery might be petite, but it's got everything you need for a relaxing park session — leafy trees, colourful garden beds and a healthy ratio of sun-drenched turf. Plus, it's heritage-listed, so you know it's got some style. And as far as food goes, consider yourself spoilt for choice with South Melbourne's main strip located just a few blocks north. Trust us: the South Melbourne Market has all the deli goods and cheese your heart could desire. [caption id="attachment_754751" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Port Phillip[/caption] Point Ormond Reserve Hunting for a particularly picturesque outlook? In this part of town, the parks come with an extra side of dreamy bay views. Point Ormond Reserve in Elwood — which falls just outside the City of Port Phillip's St Kilda Foreshore alcohol ban — is the perfect hill on which to perch yourself for a beachside picnic with some snacks and a couple of bevvies. Up here, there's plenty of open space, overlooking the water and with the city skyline in the distance. Pooches are also allowed to join in the picnic fun as long as they're on a lead. If you're in need of some last-minute picnic supplies, you'll find a healthy crop of cafes and wine stores lining nearby Ormond Road, offering a wide range of eats and drinks to-go. [caption id="attachment_622479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fairfield Boathouse, by Brook James[/caption] Yarra Bend Park Leafy Yarra Bend Park spans over 260 hectares, making it the largest area of natural bushland in inner Melbourne. It follows the tree-lined swoops and loops of the Yarra, so there are a great many nooks and crannies perfect for laying your picnic blanket in seclusion. Any spot along the river on the east of Yarra Boulevard will prove scenic and serene, as will the spacious, verdant sites near Dight Falls (a man-made dam built in the 1840s). Basically, there's no shortage of grassy patches beckoning you to settle in with a cheese board, a wine bucket and some good company. The park's also home to both the Fairfield Boathouse and Studley Park Boathouse, where you can pick up a bite to eat or venture out on a post-picnic river jaunt. Women's Peace Garden Tucked away in the heart of Kensington, the Women's Peace Garden is one of those picturesque suburban spots that simply begs you to unfold a picnic rug and settle in for a couple of hours outdoors. Filled with peace symbolism ranging from the rosemary and olive trees, to the universally recognised shape formed by its shelters and pathways, this charming open-air space is about as serene as they come. If you're after supplies, swing past neighbourhood favourite Local Folk, which'll sort you out with takeaway coffees, toasties and some top-notch sweet treats. You can find Abbott's Bakery products at all major supermarkets — and discover more tasty sandwich recipes via its website. Top image: Melbourne Botanic Gardens courtesy of Visit Victoria
Every two years, Sydney turns into one big art trail as the Biennale of Sydney rolls out exhibitions at major museums across the city, tied together by a thoughtful theme. Heading into its 25th edition, the 2026 biennale will spotlight the stories that have slipped through the cracks — either erased, overlooked or untold. In the 2024 edition, the biennale turned its gaze to the sun for the Ten Thousand Suns program. For its 2026 run, it's taken inspiration from a literary idol: in Toni Morrison's novel Beloved, the idea of 'rememory' describes how the past persists to be experienced again and again. The program will explore what it means to remember – and what it means when certain stories are forgotten— by bringing marginalised and diasporic narratives to the surface. [caption id="attachment_1049218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney, says, "The Biennale of Sydney is a platform for art and ideas that inspire, challenge and connect us. In this moment, more than ever, we need opportunities that invite us to step beyond our own perspectives [and] encounter experiences different from our own, to reflect on what binds us together, and to celebrate what makes us human." International names on the lineup include Nikesha Breeze, Dread Scott, Nahom Teklehaimanot, Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, Joe Namy and Sandra Monterroso. Closer to home, the program features local talent such as Abdul Abdullah, Dennis Golding, Helen Grace, Wendy Hubert, Richard Bell, Merilyn Fairskye and Michiel Dolk. [caption id="attachment_1053037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Daniel Boud[/caption] The biennale has also partnered with Cartier's Paris-based art arm, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain. The foundation has commissioned 15 First Nations artists to create new works of art in collaboration with its First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson McLean, who is also a Wierdi person of the Birri Gubba Nation. Indigenous artists globally have hopped onto the initiative, including: Native American interdisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger; sculptor Rose B. Simpson from the Santa Clara Pueblo tribe in New Mexico; acclaimed Yolngu artist Gunybi Ganambarr; and Tongan artist Benjamin Work, who is slated to present a sculptural tribute to the fusion of traditional Tongan dress with Western clothing. Exhibitions will dominate five arts institutions around Sydney, spanning the Arts Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Penrith Regional Gallery, Chau Chak Wing Museum, and White Bay Power Station (the once-sleepy industrial site that was turned into an arts hub by the 2024 Biennale of Sydney). Space out your art crawls with a jam-packed public program of evening gigs, crafty workshops and talks. We've compiled a handy guide of exhibitions and events to help you plan your route through the Biennale of Sydney 2026. White Bay Power Station [caption id="attachment_996125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] The biennale kicks off on March 13 with an opening party at White Bay Power Station, soundtracked to beats from local DJ INBRAZA Baile, First Nations-fronted Hand to Earth and Baltimore-born Nourished by Time. Keep an eye out for the car blasting music — it's part of 'Automobile', an elaborate sound installation by Lebanese artist and musician Joe Namy where he gathers local cars outfitted with tricked-out stereo systems that double up as instruments. Two landmark exhibitions will span the venue. One is Nikesha Breeza's 'Living Histories', an archive of stories from enslaved African Americans in the Antebellum South, set in a maze of floor-to-ceiling fabric columns that mimic the African Baobab tree. Another is a striking mural by Garrwa-Yanyuwa painter Nancy Yukuwal McDinny, capturing the post-colonial voices of the traditional custodians of the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_1049220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] On Friday evenings, White Bay Power Station lights up with Arts After Dark. Three music lineups are locked in so far: March 20 brings ethereal melodies from celebrated Japanese experimental pop artist and composer Tujiko Noriko and a viola-meets-electronic-music set by Sydney-based composer Mara Schwerdtfeger; an electronic commentary by Kashmiri sound artist Ruhail Qaisar and local genre-defying musician Marcus Whale on March 27; and a strings-leaning night with Gomeroi guitarist Liam Keenan and Yorta Yorta bassist Allara Briggs-Pattison on April 3. The heritage-listed site will host a slate of Inner West Council events during the biennale. Attend talks curated by local storyteller Lillian Ahenkan, known by her stage name FlexMami, on March 28. Then on 11 and 12 April, a collection of six performance artworks by Amrita Hepi, Charlotte Farrell, Emma Maye Gibson, Jacqui O'Reilly, Lauren Brincat, Lulu Barkell, Theodore Carroll and Red Rey will take the venue by storm. Redfern [caption id="attachment_638226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Redfern locals are in for something special. The Block has long been the beating heart of Indigenous communities in Sydney, and artist Dennis Golding will translate his memories of growing up there into a mini festival. Expect a beaded jewellery making workshop on May 10, where some of the beads are 3D printed from the bricks of the iconic Aboriginal Flag mural that once stood over The Block. Then, on April 9, enter a First Nations-led bingo night inspired by community games that used to be held regularly in one of the vacant Eveleigh Street terraces. Plus, there will be three monthly strolls around Redfern with long-time resident Aunty Donna Ingram, who will dive into the area's Aboriginal history. Art Gallery of New South Wales [caption id="attachment_1049224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Iwan Baan[/caption] Known for his collage-style canvases, internationally reowned Eritrean artist Nahom Teklehaimanot presents a trio of new large-scale canvases at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Encapsulated by its title, This is My Silence You Name the Sound, the collection reflects on the complexities of refugees' lives. The 15-year-old Kulata Tjuta Project is also making a stop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Kulata Tjuta means 'many spears', a literal nod to the thousands of hand-carved spears (and counting) that make up the contemporary work. Anangu artist Frank Young started the project within the Amata community in the remote regions of South Australia in 2010 — it's since expanded to involve over 100 Aṉangu men spanning over three generations of spear-makers. Penrith Regional Gallery [caption id="attachment_1049221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Lyndal Irons[/caption] Just an hour from the city, Penrith Regional Gallery is an intimate homestead with a charming heritage garden. Settle in for a yarn on the grounds, now a sprawling native plant sanctuary nurtured by Yindjibarndi Elder Wendy Hubert. The living showcase of ancestral knowledge features native plants that are used for food, healing, and ceremony. Inside the home-studio-turned-gallery, Monica Rani-Rudhar draws on her lineage to stage a poignant multi-channel video installation that explores how two traces of colonialism — trauma and resistance — are inherited through generations. Campbelltown Arts Centre [caption id="attachment_1049223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Nikki To[/caption] Located in the creative hub of Campbelltown, the Campbelltown Arts Centre is shaping up to be an unmissable stop for film lovers during the Sydney Biennale. When riots erupt in youth detention centres, it's officially labelled a Code Black/Riot. It's also the name of a large-scale collaborative project that aims to amplify the voices of incarcerated Indigenous youths, spearheaded by documentary filmmaker Hoda Afshar. The collective bagged the 2025 National Photographic Prize, and is now making an appearance at the Biennale of Sydney 2026, with Behrouz Boochani, Hoda Afshar and Vernon Ah Kee presenting a multi-channel video exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Another highlight is the multimedia work of Lebanese filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, which follows a circle of friends who are setting off to Christmas Island. Their journey unfolds alongside the annual red crab migration, where a mass of crabs swarm from the forest to the ocean. The result? An immersive installation that interlaces movement, migration and imagined utopias. Chau Chak Wing Museum [caption id="attachment_1049222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by David James[/caption] The much-loved museum at the University of Sydney will be home to two contrasting sculptures. One of them hails from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, where artist Benjamin Work has created a celebratory tribute to the endurance of Indigenous culture, sparked by the 19th century fusion of Western influence with traditional Tongan attire. The other takes a critical approach, examining how Australian arts institutions have preserved Indigenous cultural material. Visit the Biennale of Sydney website for more information.
ALDI is a special grocery brand. Not only is it the cheapest of Australia's big four grocers — the quarterly Choice report says the average basket is cheapest in ALDI compared to Coles, Woolworths and IGA — it's the only place in store where you can buy designer winterwear, a six person tent, a litre of milk and a bottle of wine in the one go. Now, ALDI shoppers in Victoria rejoice, because it's rolling out its home delivery service via DoorDash statewide, following a successful trial in Canberra last month. No more braving the winter chill or piling into a just-too-far-to-be-convenient drive to get your groceries, now a cheap weekly shop just requires you to pull out your phone — what a time to be alive. While there's no guarantee you'll be able to secure some of the rogue middle aisle items (it seems unfair to ask a driver to fit a weighted blanket and two metres of christmas lights in one of those paper bags), it's still great news for those who are looking to cut down on food related expenses, but can't make it to their nearest ALDI on good time. Jordan Lack, Chief Commercial Officer at ALDI Australia, said: "Since entering the Australian market, ALDI's mission has been to deliver high quality groceries at the lowest prices for Australian households and this ambition remains as strong as ever. Through our partnership with DoorDash, we can now literally deliver on this mission directly to Aussies' doorsteps in an exciting new way that we know our customers have been seeking." DoorDash APAC's Vice President Simon Rossi added, "We know that value and convenience are top priorities for Australians, and this partnership is about continuing DoorDash's mission to combine the best of both worlds. With ALDI's trusted quality and DoorDash's on-demand delivery technology, we're excited to create more seamless and accessible shopping experiences." ALDI is available to order from on DoorDash now, download the DoorDash app on the Apple Store or Google Play. Images: Esteban La Tessa
Planning a trip to the High Country? There's a good chance you'll pass through the heritage town of Euroa — about 1.5 hours north of Melbourne. While there's no shortage of places to stop along the Hume, the community is now even more inviting with the launch of The Wine List. Featuring an all-Australian lineup of products, this brand-new wine bar and bottle shop has got you covered, whether you're taking a break, staying the night or stocking up on fancy provisions. Launched by Toni Sayers and her mum Lisa, the family has no shortage of experience when it comes to operating landmark venues. Back in the day, Lisa and her late husband once owned iconic Melbourne pubs like The Rising Sun, The Vine and The Imperial. Now, the daughter-mother duo have teamed up, turning their attention to celebrating their favourite independent producers through an easygoing venue. Those who swing by will discover wine served by the glass or bottle (with corkage), as well as a rotating tap of local craft beer. There's also a small seasonal menu designed to pair with quality vino. For instance, the house-made focaccia with stracciatella and chilli honey couples with the Scion Blonde, while the tinned fish and sourdough with pickles is recommended to munch down with a glass of Harvest Moon Pinot Grigio. "The space is very much a family affair," says Sayers, who wanted to share her parents' hospitality legacy in the new space. "We've honoured that history inside the bar with framed photos and a rare 1870 map of Melbourne hotels. I designed the fit-out myself with the help of my husband, an architectural builder, blending old-world touches with a relaxed, contemporary feel." Also featured in the new design is a sunny outdoor space in the venue's rear. Perfect for families travelling through the region, this kid-friendly area is complete with a cubby house and toys, excellent for keeping the little ones occupied as you sip down a glass. Meanwhile, you might just spark up a conversation with locals and other travellers who share The Wine List's appreciation for a good drop. In the lead up to the venue's grand opening, Toni and Lisa spent months building relationships with many of Australia's best independent wineries. Bringing together an impressive menu that celebrates the makers and regions they admire most, visitors can expect a fascinating mix of acclaimed producers, cult favourites and little-known spots, from Billy Button and Mitchell Harris to Nomads Garden. The Wine List is open Thursday–Monday from 12pm–late at 43–45 Binney Street, Euroa. Head to the website for more information.
Melbourne's hospo scene was fairly devastated to see Rosetta close in May this year, as the popular Italian fine-diner wasn't included in Crown's ambitious redevelopment plans. Now the space — which was opulently decorated to look and feel like the iconic 1930s spot Harry's Bar in Venice — has been totally gutted to make way for its replacement: Marmont. Run and owned by Crown itself — in conjunction with DJ and Restaurateur Grant Smillie — Marmont will be both a bar and all-day diner inspired by California. Smillie just spent 12 years in LA, setting up a slew of bars and restaurants, and is bringing all he's done there to this new riverside venture. [caption id="attachment_889515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosetta[/caption] The new Marmont is slated to open this summer, and be a destination for Yarraside sip and snack sessions, long boozy lunches and intimate dinners. No further details have been shared about the food and drink lineup, but we'll likely hear more in the coming months. Music is also set to be a highlight — unsurprisingly so, given Smillie's DJ background — with an all-vinyl DJ console featuring in the space. Smillie said of the partnership, "It is great to be back in Australia, and even better to be partnering with Crown for this landmark project. Having been overseas for over a decade, I look forward to bringing a piece of California to my hometown. "This has always been my favourite site in Melbourne, and I'm excited to share my vision for this dynamic indoor-outdoor spot that is perfect for the day-to-night nature of the venue. "I can't wait to give Melburnians a taste of all of my favourite things — good music, atmosphere and food." The pressure is on for these guys to get Marmont right, with many people still sour about Rosetta's demise. Marmont is set to open this summer and will be found at Crown Riverwalk, Southbank. For more details, you can visit the venue's website.
Melbourne's Greek dining scene is in the middle of a serious revival. We don't have the exact figures, but it feels safe to say the city has welcomed more new Greek restaurants in the past three years than in the three decades before. That's no small feat for a place with the world's largest Greek population outside Greece — and a proud history of institutions to match. But for a long time, the city's Greek eateries were all marching to the beat of a similar drum. [caption id="attachment_985794" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kit Edwards[/caption] "I feel like [Greek cuisine] kind of got stuck in a certain era," says Nik Pouloupatis, owner of Astoria Bar Ke Grill in South Yarra, which opened last year. "Every neighbourhood has always had its little Greek taverna, but it was always that seventies, eighties style, and it kind of hadn't moved away from that." Migration has a way of freezing a cuisine in time. Diners grow used to the version that arrives with early waves of migrants, and new operators lean into it because that's what customers expect. It's a cycle that repeats across cultures. As Oscar Tan, chef at Greek pop-up-turned-restaurant The Pontian Club in Collingwood, points out: "My grandfather opened a Chinese restaurant in the country when he first moved here from Malaysia, serving sweet and sour chicken and honey chicken — nothing you'd ever find in China." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Pontian Club (@the.pontian.club) Now, though, a new generation of Greek Australians is rewriting the story. Former fine-dining chef Ioannis Kasidokostas is bringing contemporary Athens-style cooking to Aegli in South Melbourne, serving fresh spins on dishes like stuffed eggplant, youvarlakia (Greek meatball soup) and bougatsa. In Richmond, Salona has returned after a major revamp, serving a menu that bridges the restaurant's own history with ideas owner Stavros Konis honed while working on Kafenion, another pop-up success story. Others are taking cues from Melbourne's broader dining scene. The Pontian Club riffs on Greek food through a local lens, leaning into demand for simple, shareable plates that align naturally with the cuisine. "I feel [diners are] starting to pull away from the theatrics of it all," says Tan, who runs the space with Bertie Pavlidis and Al Brunetti. "People are looking for something more simplified across all cuisines and restaurant settings." View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAVERNA (@our_taverna) That ethos is central at Brunswick East's Taverna, where chef-owner Angie Giannakodakis celebrates seasonal produce and protein with minimal fuss. Pouloupatis is doing the same at Astoria, highlighting vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside the lamb and seafood classics. "Greek food was pigeonholed to gyros and souvlaki," he says. "Yes, we do like our lamb, but we eat so many other foods." Thornbury's Capers, run by the next generation of GRK Greek Kitchen and Bar next door, offers its own playful spin, adapting traditional dishes — think mushroom moussaka with vegan bechamel — and shaking up cocktails like the Greek salad martini, built with vinegar shrub, cucumber, tomato and olive brine. The venue has also become a community hub for young Greek Australians and their friends, hosting DJs and artists throughout the week. Still, tradition hasn't lost its place. Longstanding players like Jim's Greek Tavern in Collingwood and Eleni's Kitchen in Yarraville remain fixtures, thriving on consistency and familiarity. "We're very much about traditional family recipes, we don't muck around — that's basically the shop mantra," says Eleni's co-owner Thierry Amanatidis, who is committed to maintaining family recipes carried over from the Pontian region of Greece, now modern-day Türkiye. Far from feeling edged out, Amanatidis sees strength in the diversity. "The more places that open up, it's great because it puts us on the map and gets people trying different foods." Want to do some investigating for yourself? Check out our list of the Best Greek Restaurants in Melbourne. Images: supplied.
Amar Singh, the legend behind some of Sydney and Melbourne's most forward-thinking Indian restaurants, opened Bibi Ji on the Carlton end of Lygon Street in May 2024. Much like Daughter in Law in Chinatown, Bibi Ji is home to Singh's much-loved brand of 'inauthentic' Indian food. Inspired by street food snacks in India, but reimagined for a contemporary Australian audience, Singh's dishes are all about big flavours served up in an easy-to-share manner. To start, for example, you'll find the likes of a vegan chutney platter, spicy chicken bites, and zingy dahi puri among a heap of other snacks. You could easily treat Bibi Ji like an alternative sip-and-snack bar, stopping by for a few drinks paired with reimagined street eats. But it would be a shame to miss out on the extensive list of curries. Here you'll find Aussie staples like butter chicken and tikka masala, plus plenty of lesser-seen options, most of which are vegetarian. Beyond the curries, tandoori chicken cooked on the bone, lamb seekh kebab, achari prawns and paneer tikka are streaming out of the in-house tandoor oven. When stopping by, we were also pretty blown away by Bibi Ji's set menu. For just $55, you get to experience Singh's version of a South Indian tradition: thali. You start off with a huge banana leaf covered in chutneys and papadums, before a stack of entrees get dropped off at the table. Once you're about done with these, staff will come by with a selection of curries that are then dropped onto the banana leaf with a good pile of rice. If you want more curry, all you've got to do is ask for another complementary serving. And if you want it even cheaper, you can get the $35 option that comes without entrees. It's one of our favourite set menus in Melbourne. A healthy selection of classic and Indian-inspired cocktails and mocktails is available, as well as a long list of beers, whiskies and wines. When it comes to vinos, you can expect an entirely Victorian selection that covers your usual suspects as well as a few natty options. Design-wise, Bibi Ji could not be more different than the space's previous occupant, Cafe Notturno, which was there for an impressive 45 years. This 80-seat Indian diner is fully embracing the more-is-more aesthetic. The ceilings are covered in a kaleidoscope of draped fabrics, the walls are either tiled, mirrored, or covered in bright paintings, a few big birds of paradise plants are dotted around the restaurant, and the bar is a symphony of colourful tiles, marble, and shimmering plastic garlands. It's hard not to crack a smile when first walking into Bibi Ji. And we don't expect you'll lose that grin at any point during the dining experience. Images: Jana Langhorst
Ben Shewry is best known for plating up innovative contemporary Australian cuisine at his Ripponlea restaurant Attica. It's a must-visit spot for any die-hard foodie, but these incredible degustations will set you back a few hundred dollars per person. If this experience is currently out of reach — but you still want to sample a Shewry creation — then you best bookmark Saturday, October 5. On this day — and only this day — Shewry is heading over to Prahran Market's G.McBean Family Butcher to serve fat slices of his lasagne. This is all being done to promote Shewry's new book Uses for Obsession — A (Chef's) Memoir, in which he has included this lasagne recipe tributed to Gary from G. McBean. Head down to the butcher between 11am and 12pm to meet Shewry himself, who'll be signing books and chatting to customers. You can nab a serving of lasagne for $25 or get it with a signed copy of the new book for $50.
As Sydneysiders, we're lucky to be situated so close to so many of Australia's most celebrated wine regions — Orange, Mudgee, Hunter Valley et al. Whether you're looking for organically-produced, family-operated, or even inner city-located, wine lovers have got it all at a stone's throw away. If you're a fan of the plonk and you're not taking advantage of NSW's seriously kickass vineyards, it's time to get those engines revving. Here are ten top notch vineyards in your own backyard, from the best wine regions in NSW. Take a few pro tips before you head along though. Cellar doors and tastings are, for the most part, free. FREE. Some you'll have to book in advance, but most just let you rock up on the day. You're not obliged to buy anything, but you do have to be polite and respectful (don't guzzle yourself into oblivion on someone's hard work). Have a chat, talk to the winemakers, taste as many wines as you like, and you'll probably buy a bottle of something — and prices are usually wholesale, so cheaper than buying it later at the bottle shop. Also, do not drive home. Have a plan. The rest? These winemakers will take you through the tasting process (novice winos are always welcome). You just have to get there. ORANGE The Orange region is known for its sophisticated winemaking and cool climate which creates wines with bright fruit and deep, balanced flavours. [caption id="attachment_565814" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Andy Fraser.[/caption] PHILLIP SHAW Lead by Orange wine pioneer Phillip Shaw himself, this family-owned and operated vineyard has been kicking goals since 1988 and they take wine very seriously — award-winning seriously. The wines are 100 percent sourced from the 47-hectare vineyard and their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are both life-changing. Believe us, this is a Chardy not to be missed. A trip to the cellar door is more akin to visiting a wealthy friend's country house; the building is distinguished by a stone exterior and interior, with large share tables for tastings and stunning mountain views. You might even meet the famous Big renovations are planned for this site, and could change the game for Orange cellar doors across the board. 100 Shiralee Road, Orange; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 5pm [caption id="attachment_565815" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Andy Fraser.[/caption] SASSY WINES This single vineyard winery is family-owned and operated by husband and wife duo Rob and Felicia 'Fliss' Coles. Their signature wine, the Arneis, is an ancient Italian white varietal that dates back to the 15th century. Their newish cellar door is simple and modern, with glass walls showcasing their vineyard views. The head winemaker, none other than Peter Logan of Logan Wines, is a big part of the process; the two vineyards share grapes and techniques, the Coles taking over the process in barrel phase. 569 Emu Swamp Rd, Emu Swamp; Cellar Door Hours: Sat 10am – 5pm; Sun 10am – 4pm KANGAROO VALLEY The Kangaroo Valley region is distinguished by its rich volcanic soil which is ideal for viticulture — aka growing grapes. YARRAWA ESTATE The winding pathway to the remote Yarrawa Estate is not an easy one to follow, but you'll be pleasantly surprise as the path opens to this lakeside vineyard. If the golden retrievers and frolicking children remind you of a visit to your family country home, well, it should — the cellar door is quite literally set in the Foster family dining room, where strangers momentarily become relatives. Apart from the incredible wine, they also offer a range of nuts, jams and pickles made from homegrown produce. Be sure to taste their homemade walnut liquor wine, a combination of both passions. 43B Scotts Rd, Upper Kangaroo River; Cellar Door Hours: Sat 10.30am – 5.30pm; Sun 12.30pm – 5.30pm HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley is known for their Semillon and Shiraz and is easily the most popular of the NSW wine regions. BROKENWOOD This vineyard was established in 1970 and they've been turning out impressive, award-winning wines for decades. In this small barn of a cellar door, you'll find a fun and relaxed staff who are clearly passionate about winemaking, giving the place an infectious energy. It's a snob-free atmosphere where you can taste some great wines without being pushed to buy. Their Semillon is a must try, having just won best varietal of the year from the Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2016, and the Cricket Pitch blends are ever-popular. Overall, the bright, airy atmosphere of the place makes it one of the more fun tastings to be had. 401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5pm and Sun 10am – 5pm TEMPUS TWO Tempus Two is one of the more famous Hunter Valley vineyards for good reason — the wine here is a high-end, classy affair and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. Founded by the well-known McGuigan family, this slick, contemporary cellar door is a modern take on a country shed. The best part is that they'll let you taste the most expensive, vintage wines with no fee. The wine to try right now is their Uno Series Shiraz (2013), a cellar door exclusive. Feeling especially lavish? Set up a private tasting for up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS The Southern Highlands are characterised by the long, slow ripening period and high natural acidity which gives the wines a clean finish and noticeable fruit character. TERTINI WINES A relatively young vineyard, Tertini Wines has received much acclaim since establishing itself in 2000. Their award-winning Reserve Pinot Noir is worth the trek alone and their Riesling is especially tasty with honeysuckle and green apple notes. They hand-prune and handpick their grapes, with little cropping involved. The cellar door is a simple barn attached to the vineyard, amplifying the country feel of this notable winery. Kells Creek Road, Mittagong; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm MUDGEE Mudgee styles are known for their diversity, from organic to international varietals, and turn out some seriously impressive wine for a small region. LOWE WINES For some ungodly reason, organic wine has gotten a bad rap over the years. Thankfully, Lowe Wines disproves this fallacy time and again. Owner David Lowe is extremely passionate and specialises in small-batch winemaking, his most popular varietal being the Zinfandel. The vineyard is untrellised, unirrigated and certified organic. Their wine is distributed mainly to independent bottle shops and restaurant and Lowe is truly a no-intervention grower that we'd love to see more of. Tinja Lane, Mudgee; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm HILLTOPS The Hilltops region sits atop a large granite rock, creating deep soils that are well drained and ideal for grapevines. FREEMAN VINEYARDS Freeman Vineyards uses this unique region to their advantage, providing Australia's only plantings of two northern Italian origin grape varieties – Rondinella and Corvina – which are the source of their flagship and award-winning Freeman 'Secco' wine. Their winemaking process is also unique; the grapes are dried in a neighbour's solar-powered prune dehydrator and then aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. All this work is worth it: the wine just received the Red 5-Star rating in the Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2016. 101 Prunevale Road, Prunevale; Tastings by Appointment SYDNEY CITY For the lazy Sydneysider who deserves great wine anyway. NOMAD Nomad champions the little guys in the winemaking business; they sell wine solely from local growers, giving the small producers out there the time to shine. Their cellar door offers wines that are generally not sold commercially, many of which you can also taste at their celebrated adjoining restaurant. Stop in for some charcuterie and a glass or two, or stay for the full shebang with the chef's premium share menu ($85 per person). If you're too lazy to make such a short trek, go for online delivery of these exclusive wines. 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills; Cellar Door/Restaurant Hours: Mon – Tues 6pm – 12am; Weds – Fri 12pm –2.30pm; 6pm – 12am; Sat 12pm – 2.30pm; 5.30pm – 11.30pm CAKE WINES Just opened on March 10, Cake Wines is shaping up to be Sydney's new go-to city winery. Set in a restored warehouse, the space pays homage to its industrial roots with recycled wooden furniture, barrel wall and exposed brick interior. You won't just be getting simple wine tastings here — head winemaker Sarah Burvill is running masterclasses, blending sessions and workshops. Apart from their own award-winning wines, they'll be stocking small-batch wine, craft beer, cider and spirits, all Sydney local. Add live music and late nights to the mix and you've got one out-of-the-box cellar door on your hands. 16 Eveleigh St, Redfern; Cellar Door Hours: Wed – Fri 5pm – 11pm; Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 10pm. Honourable CBD mentions: Handpicked Cellar Door Urban Winery Sydney Top image: Nomad.
Beneath its glory and grandeur, Paris offers adventures a-plenty at ground level. For every 16th-century art gallery crowded with tourist snappers, there's a neglected street art masterpiece on a corner somewhere; for every ritzy hotel foregrounded with limousines, there's a quirky hideaway concealed behind a secret door; for every Michelin-starred restaurant, there's a laneway shopfront peddling regional produce. Thanks to the city's spiralling, snail-like arrangement, a diverse array of neighbourhoods is easily accessible from the centre. With only a week to dig up the picks of the Paris underground, I asked a few of the locals to show me around. DRINKING Unlike Australian wines, which are labelled according to grape variety, French ones are classified based on region. If you've been to neither Burgundy nor Bordeaux, ordering can be confusing and, occasionally, intimidating. One express way to get your head around this is at a tasting session. I found Alexis, a Parisian-born wine expert, through Localers, a company that organises left-of-field activities led by locals, from like-a-local crash courses, to macaroon classes, to games of petanque. His father started teaching him the difference between a decent drop and a dud when he was in his early teens. I met Alexis at Le Pharamond (24, Rue de la Grande Truanderie), one-time preferred eatery of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tucked away in a side street amid the cocktail bars of the first arrondissement, it's a direct link to the Belle Epoque, with its gilded mirrors, glazed tiles, high ceilings and hardcore traditional cuisine: offal, pigeon, escargot and tripe served up at boiling point. While these delicacies are available to anyone with a dinner reservation, Le Pharamond's shadowy, candle-lit wine cellar, dug out in the Middle Ages, is accessible only in the company of a guide – via secret hatch behind the bar and a series of steep staircases and ladders. This was where our class began. Filling our glasses with champagne, Alexis started explaining the rules of French wine, "Under no circumstances can champagne be referred to as champagne, unless it comes from Champagne." Then, whipping out a map, he pointed out which varieties grew where. Ask for a Burgundy red, and you'll be drinking a pinot noir; request a Chablis and you can expect a chardonnay. If you're in Bordeaux, don't even think about requesting a bottle from Burgundy, or anywhere else for that matter. Keeping things local is a pretty new trend in Australia, but the French have been fiercely defending their regionalism for centuries. After that we were ushered to a private dining room on the Pharamond's third floor, with a view to the street below. We sampled five more wines, representing a north to south journey through France, and matched with several premium cheeses and cured meats. "When you cut cheese in France," Alexis explained, "you must do it from the centre outwards, so that everyone ends up with an equal share of the rind." Armed with my new working knowledge of French wine and cheese etiquette, I was ready to brave Paris's culinary specialties. If not the tripe. EATING It's not difficult to find the city's renowned high-end restaurants, but scoping out the mid-range gems is tougher. The sheer volume of visitors has pushed up prices, especially on the major thoroughfares. So I enlisted the help of Lisa, a Canadian who's been living in Paris for two years. She runs her own small tour business, Flavors of Paris, which promises to take travellers "off the eaten path". We gathered at Les Deux Magots (6, Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés), where the likes of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Ernest Hemingway penned masterpieces in between coffees and cocktails. These days, Lisa told us, the Saint Germain area is quite "shi shi", but, despite the trendy stores, it's still bustling with students and writers. On a circuitous journey down cobbled alleyways and through courtyards, we visited independent boutiques where we sampled olives, olive oils, pastries, breads, cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates, jams, spreads and wines. On my own, I'd have had little chance of finding them. At chocolate concept store Un Dimanche à Paris (4, Cours du Commerce Saint-André) we indulged in the must-try creations of Pierre Cluizel, whose lifelong dedication to chocolate began when he was six; at Ma Collection Marchande de Saveurs (33, Rue Mazarine), we sampled a curated collection of local gourmet products; at the Marché Saint-Germain (14, Rue Lobineau), we bought direct from farmers; and at Bacchus et Ariane (4, Rue Lobineau), we tasted wine sourced from propriétaires récoltants (winemakers who grow their own grapes). ARTING Despite the crowds, the Louvre is always a magnificent experience. But if you prefer your art with some personal space, Paris's smaller galleries are worth a visit. Head to the Marais district, which is like Sydney's Paddington in its emphasis on independent design, but more intense. For new, challenging work, check out La Maison Rouge (10, Boulevard de la Bastille) a converted factory that's been exhibiting since 2004. Or for an element of surprise, step through the heavy, green doors of the Passage de Retz (9 Rue Charlot), whose maze of rooms started life in the 17th century as a hotel and now hosts temporary shows. Alternatively, take to the streets. Numerous corners, archways and parks act as canvases for street art, accessible 24 hours a day. Having spied various space invaders and OBEY references, I decided to get some context via a walking tour with Underground Paris. Beginning at the'70s-inspired Café Place Verte (105, Rue Oberkampf), the journey took us on a three-hour long saunter through the Oberkampf and Belleville, where low rents and warehouse spaces have been drawing Paris's art community since the '80s. We learned what inspired Space Invader's obsession, found out more about 'photograffeur' and TED-prize winner JR and discovered works by numerous lesser-known local artists. Using individual stories as a springboard, our guide carved out a broader history of street art, from graffiti tagging to multi-million dollar successes. We ended up in Parc de Belleville (47, Rue des Couronnes), one of the few places in Paris where you can picnic with panoramic city views minus the crowds. SLEEPING (ON THE RIGHT BANK) Wandering around the Madeleine district, on Paris's Right Bank, felt like walking through the set of a Baz Luhrmann film. Everything was grander, more beautiful and more decadent than real-life, from the golden Gucci dog collars, to the glittering macaroon sculptures, to the gilded statues atop the Palais Garnier. It's also a really visitor-friendly location, with the Champs Elysées within walking distance. The Hotel Chavanel (22 Rue Tronchet) is hidden behind an unobtrusive sliding door, just a few hundred metres from the spectacular Corinthian columns of the Madeleine Church. Sophie Charlet took over as hotelier in 2013, intent on turning the hotel into a bit of an artwork. Each of the 27 rooms has been designed individually, but they're linked by an aesthetic that combines traditional haute couture with bold, fun, contemporary concepts. It looks like what might have emerged out of a Christian Dior and Pierre Paulin collaboration. I stayed in the junior suite, on the sixth floor. It was furnished like the guest room of some cutting-edge interior designer: an enormous oval bed draped with cashmere, mushroom and tulip stools, a recliner shaped like a cloud, lamps made of silkworm cocoons from Thailand and lace-curtained windows affording district views. I wasn't surprised to learn that Sophie had overseen the placement of every single object and that she's big on ethical supply chains and supporting independent artists. The lobby's street-facing window is dedicated to exhibiting locally-made creations, from jewellery to sculptures, while breakfast comes in the form of a 100 per cent organic buffet. SLEEPING (ON THE LEFT BANK) Not far from where my Flavors of Paris tour started, and just around the corner from the Luxembourg Gardens, the Villa Madame (44, Rue Madame) inhabits a quiet street. On first impressions, it feels more like a welcoming private mansion owned by an arts philanthropist than a hotel. Sculptures and drawings dot the lobby-bar-restaurant, leading through to a secluded, leafy courtyard. Monthly live shows feature local artists, from musicians to storytellers to magicians. Owners Giles Delfau and Thérèse Tafanel employed specialist boutique hotel designer Michael Jounnat to create the Villa's artsy yet luxurious feel. His passion is restoring 'identity' and 'soul' to places, rather than following trends; some of his other projects include St Petersburg's Grand Hotel Europe, Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Palace and Oran's Royal Hotel. The atmosphere established from the outset extends seamlessly into the rooms. I stayed in a suite, made up of a courtyard-facing ground-floor room, a loft-style lounge room and an oversized bathroom. It was a classically Parisian experience - and a warm, cosy hideaway at the end of the day. Jasmine travelled as a guest of Localers, Flavors of Paris, Underground Paris, Hotel Chavanel and Villa Madame.
For many, the idea of camping — packing the car with a tent, sleeping bag or swag and going bush for a healthy dose of nature – is fun. For others, the idea of getting out into the great outdoors sends a shiver of displeasure up the spine. But no matter which camp you fall into, we're happy to report that there's a middle ground. And that middle ground is glamping. A portmanteau of glamour and camping, glamping has gained popularity among those of us who are happy to camp as long as we have small luxuries such as wifi, coffee and comfortable bedding. Take a coffee break and scroll through ten of the world's most incredible, luxurious glamping experiences — from Queensland to Tanzania, via Chile. NIGHTFALL, LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK, QUEENSLAND Breathe in the pure, fresh mountain air at Nightfall, and you'll feel like you've finally arrived at the life you should have been living all of these years. This super-exclusive camp is limited to six guests at a time, so you'll be guaranteed privacy. Take a dip in a natural spa pool in nearby rapids, or just laze in your private luxury tent accommodation. Located in a 'Lost World' paradise, this luxury camping accommodation would be absolutely perfect for a special anniversary, a birthday holiday, or just because you want to. MERZOUGA LUXURY DESERT CAMP, MOROCCO Imagine enjoying a sumptuous Moroccan feast under the stars in the heart of the desert, before retiring to your tent for a sound sleep in a squishy-soft bed. And when you open the traditional camel-skin door on your tent the next morning, a sea of red sand dunes rise up to greet you. Well imagine no more, because this is exactly what you're going to get when you head to the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp in Morocco. Located in the quiet and idyllic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, this tastefully appointed and endlessly glamorous camp is perfect for those seeking a luxury stay in one of the most incredible deserts in the world. WILD RETREAT, TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA Few wilderness camps even come close to the experience you're going to have at Wild Retreat. ScarJo and Ryan Reynolds honeymooned here (that's enough reason in itself to visit), and since it's only accessible by seaplane or boat, you're at greater risk of being accosted by a bunch of raccoons than being overrun by tourists. Enjoy the charming vintage-style tents, and then get out there and explore the incredible wilderness of British Columbia. PAWS UP, MONTANA, USA If you have something special to celebrate and you happen to find yourself in Montana, then we suggest that you get yourself to the Paws Up luxury camping park and indulge in the Cliffside Camp experience. Each safari-like tent comes complete with a private bathroom, fans, heaters, fine bed linen and a chef and butler at your beck and call. There's a dining area with a view you'll never find in Australia, and you won't have to sacrifice a good coffee and breakfast in the morning. LEWA SAFARI CAMP, KENYA If seeing the "big five" (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and rhino) is on your list of things to do, then you might just want to fling yourself in the direction of the Lewa Safari Camp. Spread out in your comfortable private tent under your thatched roof, and enjoy the sight of animals sunning themselves on the stunning Lewa plains through your opaque tent. Perhaps you might feel like taking a picnic out onto the plains. That's totally acceptable, and indeed encouraged. SPICERS CANOPY, SCENIC RIM, QUEENSLAND There are only ten tents at the Spicers Canopy accommodation in Queensland's Scenic Rim, so you're not going to be grappling with the crowds when it's brekky time. Meals are prepared from local produce by Spicers' experienced chefs, so you're about as far from the 'traditional' camping fare of beer-cooked barbecue as you can get here. Rejoice. Pull up a log at the open fire by night, and then snuggle up in your luxury tent (complete with hot water bottle turn down service) to sleep the night under the stars. SANCTUARY RETREATS PRIVATE CAMPING, TANZANIA Go on a safari trip in the game-filled wilderness of Kenya by day, and then enjoy a perfectly heavenly naval bucket bubble bath under the stars at this glamorous safari camp in Tanzania. Afterwards, slink back to your tent and sink into your bed, which has been tastefully draped with fabrics and covered in the softest of mosquito nets. You'll enjoy finding nods to Balinese and Italian styling throughout your luxury accommodation. Sanctuary Retreats encourage you to spend two weeks glamping with them in the wilderness — that's how luxe this place is. PATAGONIA CAMP, CHILE Enjoy the luxury of kipping in a yurt in the heart of the Chilean wilderness. Feel ever so spoiled as you laze in your cosy king-sized bed, tastefully decorated with local handcrafted textiles at the luxury Patagonia Camp in Chile. Thanks to a large central dome, you can look up at the clouds by day, and then enjoy the sight of a million and one stars overhead at night. PAMPERED WILDERNESS, WASHINGTON, USA Switch on your flat screen TV, snuggle up on the king-sized platform bed and then toast some marshmallows for s'mores on your outdoor fire pit when you stay in the Safari Suite cabin at Pampered Wilderness in Washington. Nestled in the heart of the historic 842-acre Millersylvania State Park, you can enjoy relaxed rambles though old growth cedar and fir forests, or take a dip in the freshwater Deep Lake. After tiring yourself out on a walk, head back to your cabin to enjoy a drink from your minibar as you watch the sunset from your deck. PRIORY BAY HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT, UK While most of the guests who stay at the Priory Bay Hotel live it up in the hotel, you're going to buck the trend and get what is arguably a far better experience when you stay in one of the designer crafted yurts. Enter your yurt home through stable doors with French windows before stepping down onto your secluded terrace. Maybe laze on a beanbag if the ordeal of standing on your own feet all becomes too much. Spend your days gazing out on sandy Priory Bay beach, taking bracing countryside walks, or rambling along woodland paths, nibbling on blackberries, and spotting squirrels. Top Image: Wild Retreat, Tofino, British Columbia.
For years, the Queen Victoria Market's night series has set two very different scenes — one of spiced mulled wine and barbecue smoke for its winter season, and of balmy evening air and sangria during the summer months. But what about the in-between seasons? Are we expected to go to restaurants on a Wednesday night? Since 2018, the answer is, no, not anymore, with the historic marketplace hosting a new spring edition of its popular hump day offering. Returning again in 2019, the Hawker 88 Night Market will fill that Wednesday night gap between September 18 to October 23. Riffing on the bustling hawker markets of Southeast Asia, it'll serve up a riot of flavours from across the continent, as imagined by more than 20 of the city's most popular vendors. From rich Indian curries and Malaysian feasts to Korean-style pork belly and Japanese karaage — if it's authentic, Asian street food, it'll probably make an appearance. Different weekly themes will give you the chance to explore various cuisines of the region alongside traditional entertainment, demonstrations and cultural experiences — get set for K-pop performances, Chinese lion dances and martial arts. The lineup includes a Mooncake Festival, a Diwali Bollywood Festival and weeks dedicated to Malaysia, Korea and Japan, Bali and Boracay Island, and south east Asia in general.
For years, the Lucas Group have been kicking goals on Melbourne’s restaurant scene with the likes Chin Chin, Kong and Baby all to their illustrious name. After whispers of a hawker-style market reared their heads in March 2015, the time has finally come for their latest project, Hawker Hall, to open to the public. Hawker Hall is opening in Windsor at 11am on Sunday, November 14 and is designed to mimic a Singaporean hawker market. Owner Chris Lucas told Good Food that the Tiong Bahru Food Centre in Singapore was a major inspiration for the project. Just to clue you in, hawkers are typically nomadic merchants who sell cheap street food and wares in a large open space by yelling (anyone who’s travelled to Southeast Asia will know exactly what we’re talking about). At HH, this will translate to a broad menu covering curries, noodles, dumplings and barbecue, a very reasonable price point ($10-20) and a big, noisy mess-hall-style venue. The kitchen will be manned by head chef Damian Snell (formerly of Charlie Dumpling) under the watch of Lucas Group executive chef Benjamin Cooper. The actual hall, which used to be a furniture store on Chapel Street, is being transformed by heavyweight designers Eades and Bergman (Kong, Bomba, Mr Miyagi) and Melbourne's Craig Tan Architects (Dock Square Pavilion, Brompton Pavilion, Roji Salon). But amongst the food market-style accoutrements, the other big item on the Hawker Hall agenda is the emphasis on craft beer, with a fluid, constantly changing tap menu planned that will showcase new and small-time breweries as well as the venue's own label, Shiki. If it’s anything like Chin Chin, you’ll have to get in early — because it’s going to be popular. And speaking of Chin Chin, the Lucas Group also announced that Chin Chin will be shutting down temporarily early in the new year. Don’t worry though, it won’t be for long. The old gal is turning five, is no spring chicken and needs a bit of work, including the installation of a coconut barbecue grill and smoke extractors (the new botox). Hawker Hall will open at 98 Chapel Street, Windsor on Sunday, November 14 at 11am. Via Good Food.
New York City has the High Line; Paris has the Promenade Plantée; Osaka has the glorious Namba Parks. In dense urban environments, it's always heartening to see green public spaces built on the bones of obsolete industry (both the High Line and Promenade Plantée are built along sections of disused elevated railway tracks). And now Melbourne has joined the list of 'cool urban metropolises who don't compromise on green space', all thanks to its very own elevated public park. As first announced back in 2016, Melbourne Sky Park is a 2000-square-metre public park in the heart of the city, bordered by Collins and Flinders Streets (directly across from Southern Cross Station, with a nice view of the award-winning space slug rooftop). Launching in stages, with the first section welcoming visitors since October last year and the second still due for completion, it comes complete with a green lawn, a landscaped garden and built-in outdoor seating — plus wi-fi, power outlets and USB charge points. With a name that pulls no punches, Sky Park adds a much-needed green space to the south end of the CBD, taking the city's solid rooftop culture and making it greener, bigger and — literally — more alive. For those keen to climb up, it's accessible during from Monday–Friday between 8am–6pm via a spiral staircase on Collins Street and glass lifts nearby. [caption id="attachment_561367" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] A render of Sky Park's proposed final design.[/caption] The park has been designed as part of a joint venture by Aspect and Oculus studios on the principles of biophillia, which is a fancy way of saying the health and well-being value of public parks stem from the instinctive bond between humans and other living things. Basically, if it's green and alive, we're down with it. Sky Park is part of a larger development, Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter, a brand new city precinct that includes new offices, homes, shops and hospitality spaces across an entire city block. Aiming to connect people with nature and improve liveability, the project unveiled its first building, One Melbourne Quarter, last year, with more to come. Melbourne Quarter isn't just for residents or workers either. When it's complete, over half of the new 'hood will be free for the public to enjoy, with the Sky Park adding sorely needed open green space to the inner city. But it's not the only environmental addition. As well as Sky Park, Lendlease have also announced plans for a new laneway to connect Collins and Flinders Streets, a neighbourhood park and Melbourne Square, a public plaza which will be the most significant public space developed in the CBD since Federation Square in 2002. Melbourne Sky Park is now open at One Melbourne Quarter, 699 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Designed to look like a traditional Japanese tea house, Marble Yakiniku is the best place to be in Melbourne if you're after authentic Japanese cuisine prepared with locally sourced wagyu cuts (plus some hailing from Japan). Its tableside barbecuing — from which it's taken its name, Yakiniku — is also one of the highlights of the whole experience. The menu is enormous at this haunt as well, so give yourself plenty of time to gaze over it. We suggest starting off with the sashimi — some of the best in Melbourne. The platter is the highlight, consisting of 12 pieces of the chef's selections and four kinds of daily fresh fish. For something unique, try the sea urchin sashimi paired with a miso soup. Elsewhere on the menu is a selection of nigiri, deep-fried and hot pot dishes. As well as wagyu and seafood, there are plenty of vegetarian options — the grilled eggplant in white miso sauce is a big win here. Steaks are also king here. The Marble Yakiniku menu gives you the option of Mayura M9 wagyu with cuts including tri-tip, oyster blade and short ribs, as well as Japanese A5 options such as rice yes and sirloins. Lost with this steak jargon? The front-of-house team know what they're talking about so let them guide you. But no matter your choice, this will be one of the best steaks you've ever eaten. The meat will be barbecued to perfection and will quite literally melt in your mouth. Pair it with an Asahi or Sapporo or a bottle from Marble Yakiniku's extensive sake list, which includes the impossibly hard-to-find Juuyondai Honmaru Honjozo.
No longer do ravenous souls roam the mean streets of Melbourne on a wild-eyed search for their favourite food truck. Thanks to Welcome to Thornbury, Melbourne's first permanent food truck trailer park, some of the tastiest names in mobile food vending are parked in the same place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Dreamed up by the legends at Mr Burger, Welcome to Thornbury is located at 520 High Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from Croxton Train Station and the 86 tram line. Once a used car yard, the renovated, 4000-square-metre venue features both indoor and outdoor seating, and hosts as many as six different food vendors and 700 hungry patrons a night. The Welcome to Thornbury calendar, that you can find on its website, promises a rotating list of trucks and a number of themed food events each week. It's also got its own in-built 200-seater bar where you can grab cocktails, wine and beer by the bottle or on tap. And because of it's overwhelming popularity over the years, the crew also opened up Welcome to Brunswick back in 2021 — replicating the winning formula for Brunswick locals.
UK-born Michael Lambie (ex-Stokehouse, Circa, The Prince and Taxi Kitchen) has been a big player in Melbourne's restaurant scene ever since he landed here back in the late 90s. He's worked at some of the city's top restaurants and even co-founded Lucy Liu — before selling it in 2020 and running off to Queensland for a short stint. But now he has returned and is ready to take on the CBD with a new venture: Juni. Opening in late-2024, you can now drop by Juni to find a menu full of contemporary twists on Southeast Asian fare — designed by both Lambie and Head Chef Hendri Budiman (ex-Coda). The menu is built around the concept of 'Fire and Spice', so you can expect all kinds of heat. Kick things off with snacks like the seared tuna tataki with ginger and wasabi dressing; half-shell scallops with spicy tom yum brown butter; crayfish dumplings with ginger and green onion, and togarashi-spiced cauliflower with sesame and tofu and walnut furikake. You've then got more substantial dishes like Juni's dry-aged Chinese duck with cucumber, pickled daikon, spicy hoi sin and pancakes; steamed barramundi fillets with black beans, ginger flower and leeks; and vegan Japanese pumpkin and eggplant red curry with lychee and hot mint. The full menu is available across the main dining room, front bar and mezzanine-level events space — although the bar is expected to have more of a sip-and-snack feel (for after-work or pre-theatre sessions). And when it comes to the sipping side of things, you can expect a playful cocktail menu, a decent wine list, and an all-important sake selection. Carlton-based studio Techne has designed the 140-person venue, which features a bright colour palette that blends bold reds and pinks with soft green and maroon hues. Glass, metal and concrete finishes are also used throughout, softened by a smattering of cushioned leather banquettes. Lambie shared, "I'm thrilled to be back cooking in Melbourne – it's become my hometown – and I've wanted to open up a restaurant here again for a long time." Images: Dylan Kindermann.
With Asian juggernaut Chin Chin as your older sibling (and with Society, Grill Americano and Kisume a part of the same family), sometimes it's easy for Chris Lucas' other venture, Baby Pizza, to shrink into the shadows. The Italian brainchild of one of Melbourne's most talked about restaurateurs took over the space on Church Street, Richmond in 2013 and has been a steady addition to the growing empire. A blend of rustic furniture, intimate booths and a familiar touch of neon, Baby Pizza's fit out and fare are designed to share. And while there once was a no bookings policy, you can now plan ahead and skip any walk-in queues. Serving over 13 variations of pizzas, we recommend going for one with the housemade mozzarella. In other words: all of them. The Polpette is one of the standouts, made with creamy fior di latte (mozzarella), meatballs, juicy San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino, fresh basil and chilli. As for the San Daniele Prosciutto with fior di latte, Reggiano, rocket and San Marzano tomatoes – Mamma Mia! The bases are thin and light, made with special flour from Naples to recreate traditional Italian pizza. Baby's best rests on the element of simplicity and the spaghetti al pomodoro with tomato, chilli and Reggiano shines, despite the deceivingly basic ingredients. Of course, no hearty European meal should be had without a glass of wine and luckily, there's no shortage of the good stuff here. The quality of the food and bevs is undeniable; the Lucas legacy is in full flight. Nobody puts Baby in the corner.
If you're a film and TV obsessive, how do you know that a new year has kicked off? Hollywood starts handing out awards. Tinseltown loves starting off the annual calendar by looking backwards, giving away trophies and having parties, with the Golden Globes 2025's first ceremony to celebrate on-screen achievements from the past 12 months — in cinemas and on television. 2025's accolades, rewarding 2024's big- and small-screen fare, took place on Monday, January 6 Australian time. Accordingly, there's now a brand-new batch of Golden Globes recipients for viewers to watch — or rewatch. Some, like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, haven't made their way Down Under just yet (they each arrive later in January), but plenty of others are ready and waiting for audiences to catch ASAP. Haven't seen Jesse Eisenberg (Fleishman Is in Trouble) and Kieran Culkin (Succession) play bickering cousins yet? Keen to relive every thrilling, heartbreaking and tense moment of Shogun? Fancy watching Baby Reindeer on your iPhon iPhone? Need a reason to shout "yes chef!". Feel like defying gravity? Eager for a dose of The Substance? They're just some of the 11 movies and TV shows that you can make a date with right now. (Wondering what else won, too? Read through the full list as well.) Movie Must-Sees A Real Pain He didn't feature on-screen in his first film as a writer/director, but 2022's When You Finish Saving the World couldn't have sprung from anyone but Jesse Eisenberg. Neither could've 2024's A Real Pain. In the latter, the Fleishman Is in Trouble actor plays the anxious part, and literally. He's David Kaplan, with his character a bundle of nerves about and during his trip to Poland with his cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin, Succession) — a pilgrimage that they're making in honour of their grandmother, who survived the Second World War, started a new life for their family in the US in the process and has recently passed away. David is highly strung anyway, though. One source of his woes: the ease with which Benji seems to move through his days, whether he's making new friends in their tour group within seconds of being introduced or securing a stash of weed for the journey. With A Real Pain as with When You Finish Saving the World, Eisenberg is shrewdly and committedly examining an inescapable question: what is real pain, and who feels it? Are David's always-evident neuroses more worthy of worry than the despondency that Benji shuttles behind his carefree facade, and is it okay for either to feel the way they do, with their comfortable lives otherwise, in the shadow of such horrors such as the Holocaust? As a filmmaker, Eisenberg keeps interrogating what he knows: A Real Pain's main train of thought, which was When You Finish Saving the World's as well, is one that he ponders himself. Although he's not penning and helming strictly autobiographical movies, his latest does crib some details from reality, swapping out an IRL aunt for a fictional grandmother, as well as a trip that Eisenberg took with his wife for a cousins' act of tribute. It's no wonder, then, that he keeps crafting deeply felt features that resound with raw emotion, and that leave viewers feeling like they could walk right into them. With A Real Pain, he also turns in a stellar performance of his own and directs another from Culkin, who steps into Benji's shoes like he wears them himself everyday (and takes on a part that his director originally had earmarked for himself). Thrumming at the heart of the dramedy, and in its two main players, is a notion that demands facing head-on, too: that experiencing our own pain, whether big or small, world-shattering or seemingly trivial, or personal or existential, is never a minor matter. Globes Won: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Kieran Culkin). Where to watch it: A Real Pain is screening in cinemas Down Under. Read our interview with Jesse Eisenberg. The Substance If you suddenly looked like society's ideal, how would it change your life? The Substance asks this. In a completely different way, so does fellow Golden Globe-winner A Different Man (see: below), too — but when Revenge's Coralie Fargeat is leading the charge on her long-awaited sophomore feature and earning Cannes' Best Screenplay Award for her troubles, the result is a new body-horror masterpiece. Pump it up: the sci-fi concept; the stunning command of sound, vision and tone; the savagery and smarts; the gonzo willingness to keep pushing and parodying; the gore (and there's gore); and the career-reviving performance from Demi Moore (Landman). The Substance's star has popped up in Feud, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Please Baby Please and Brave New World in recent years, but her work as Elisabeth Sparkle not only defines this period of her life as an actor; even with an on-screen resume dating back to 1981, and with the 80s- and 90s-era likes of St Elmo's Fire, Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal and Disclosure to her name, she'll always be known for this from this point onwards, regardless of whether awards keep rolling in. Turning 50 isn't cause for celebration for Elisabeth. She's already seen film roles pass her by over the years; on her birthday, she's now pushed out of her long-running gig hosting an aerobics show. Enter a solution, as well as another 'what if?' question: if you could reclaim your youth by injecting yourself with a mysterious liquid, would you? Here, The Substance's protagonist takes the curious serum. Enter Sue (Margaret Qualley, Drive-Away Dolls), who helps Elisabeth wind back time — and soon wants Elisabeth's time as her own. Just like someone seeking the glory days that she thinks are behind her via any means possible, Fargeat isn't being subtle with The Substance, not for a second. She goes big and brutal instead, and audacious and morbid as well, and this is the unforgettable picture it is because of it. No one holds back — not Elisabeth, not Sue, not Moore, not the also-fantastic Qualley, not Dennis Quaid (Lawman: Bass Reeves) eating shrimp, not Fargeat, and definitely not cinematographer Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman) or composer Raffertie (99). Globes Won: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (Demi Moore). Where to watch it: The Substance streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. A Different Man Two of 2024's best films have one person in common: Sebastian Stan. In cinemas in Australia, The Apprentice and A Different Man released within weeks of each other; as well as making a helluva double feature, they boast two of the finest performances of the year as well. In both movies, the former Gossip Girl star with the best taste in picking interesting parts — see also: Logan Lucky, I, Tonya, Destroyer, Monday, Fresh and Pam & Tommy — plays men chasing a dream that turns out to be a nightmare: once as a certain US real-estate tycoon-turned-reality TV host and then president, and once as a struggling actor who desperately wants a new face. When A Different Man's Edward Lemuel undertakes an experimental treatment for neurofibromatosis, his disfigurement disappears; however, his hopes for stardom, or even just to feature in his playwright neighbour's (Renate Reinsve, Presumed Innocent) off-Broadway production about his own life and attract her romantic interest, can't be grasped that easily. Also turning in an excellent portrayal is Adam Pearson (Ruby Splinter) as Oswald, who has a firmer grasp on the existence that Edward so feverishly covets without any medical intervention. Writer/director Aaron Schimberg (Chained for Life) knows that The Elephant Man will spring to many audiences' minds — and astutely probes and questions why in a film that is unflinching in its exploration of perception, prejudice, identity, authenticity and self-worth. As it muses on what it takes to accept yourself and ignore the world's feedback, too, and whether external change can bring about an internal transformation, A Different Man also pairs exceptionally well with The Substance (see: above). Styling his feature as a psychological thriller as much as a black comedy, Schimberg refuses to let any moment pass by without needling, probing and unpacking. He digs into not only the mindsets that surround Edward, but equally explores the character's own view as he reinvents himself — with his new Sebastian Stan good looks — as newcomer Guy Moratz. It might have a few kindred spirits in various ways among 2024's highlights, but nothing else truly like this has reached screens in years. Globes Won: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (Sebastian Stan). Where to watch it: A Different Man streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Challengers Tennis is a game of serves, shots, slices and smashes, and also of approaches, backhands, rallies and volleys. Challengers is a film of each, too, plus a movie about tennis. As it follows a love triangle that charts a path so back and forth that its ins and outs could be carved by a ball being hit around on the court, it's a picture that takes its aesthetic, thematic and emotional approach from the sport that its trio of protagonists are obsessed with as well. Tennis is everything to Tashi Duncan (Zendaya, Dune: Part Two), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor, La Chimera), other than the threesome themselves being everything to each other. It's a stroke of genius to fashion the feature about them around the game they adore, then. Metaphors comparing life with a pastime are easy to coin. Movies that build such a juxtaposition into their fabric are far harder to craft. But it's been true of Luca Guadagnino for decades: he's a craftsman. Jumping from one Dune franchise lead to another, after doing Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All with Timothée Chalamet, Guadagnino proves something else accurate that's been his cinematic baseline: he's infatuated with the cinema of yearning. Among his features so far, only in Bones and All was the hunger for connection literal. The Italian director didn't deliver cannibalism in Call Me By Your Name and doesn't in Challengers, but longing is the strongest flavour in all three, and prominent across the filmmaker's Suspiria, A Bigger Splash and I Am Love also. So, combine the idea of styling a movie around a tennis match — one spans its entire duration, in fact — with a lusty love triangle, romantic cravings and three players at the top of their field, then this is the sublime end product. Challengers is so smartly constructed, so well thought-out down to every meticulous detail, so sensual and seductive, and so on point in conveying Tashi plus Art and Patrick's feelings, that it's instantly one of Guadagnino's grand slams. Globes Won: Best Original Score — Motion Picture (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). Where to watch it: Challengers streams via Prime Video, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Read our full review, as well as what Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist had to say about the film when they were in Australia. Wicked The colour scheme was always a given. "Pink goes good with green," Galinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) tells Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Luther: The Fallen Sun). "It goes well with green," the grammar-correcting reply bounces back. The songs, beloved echoing from the stage since 2003, were never in doubt as both centrepieces and a soundtrack. As a theatre-kid obsession for decades, it was also long likely that the big-screen adaptation of Wicked — a movie based on a musical springing from a book that offered a prequel to a film that walked the celluloid road 85 years ago, itself jumping from the page to the screen — would have big theatre-kid energy as it attempted to ensure that its magic enchants across mediums. Enough to fill every theatre on Broadway radiates from Grande alone, someone who, as a kid, won an auction to meet the OG Wicked good witch Kristin Chenoweth (Our Little Secret) backstage. That enthusiasm is impossible not to feel. No one would ever want a muted Wicked, where the hues, in yellow bricks and emerald cities and more, weren't trying to compete with Technicolor — and the tunes, with Chenoweth and Idina Menzel's (You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah) voices previously behind them in such full force, weren't belted to the rafters. Jon M Chu has a knack as a filmmaker of stage hits reaching cinemas: matching the vibe of the show he's taking on expertly. It was true of his version of In the Heights. It now proves the case in its own different way with Wicked. Achieving such a feat isn't always a given; sometimes, even when it does happen, and blatantly, any stage spark can be lost in translation (see: Cats). Again, movie viewers can feel that synergy, and how much it means to everyone involved. Globes Won: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Where to watch it: Wicked is screening in cinemas Down Under, and streams via YouTube Movies and Prime Video. Read our interview with production designer Nathan Crowley. Small-Screen Standouts Hacks Sometimes you need to wait for the things you love. In Hacks, that's true off- and on-screen. The HBO comedy gave viewers a two-year wait, after its first season was one of the best new shows of 2021 and its second one of the best returning series of 2022 — a delay first sparked by star Jean Smart (Babylon) requiring heart surgery, and then by 2023's Hollywood strikes. But this Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner returned better than ever in season three in 2024, this time charting Smart's Deborah Vance finally getting a shot at a job that she's been waiting her entire career for. After scoring a huge hit with her recent comedy special, which was a product of hiring twentysomething writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, Julia), the Las Vegas mainstay has a new chance at nabbing a late-night hosting gig. (Yes, fictional takes on after-dark talk shows are having a moment, thanks to Late Night with the Devil and now this.) At times, some in Deborah's orbit might be tempted to borrow the Australian horror movie's title to describe to assisting her pitch for a post-primetime chair. That'd be a harsh comment, but savage humour has always been part of this showbiz comedy about people who tell jokes for a living. While Deborah gets roasted in this season, spikiness is Hacks' long-established baseline — and also the armour with which its behind-the-mic lead protects herself from life's and the industry's pain, disappointments and unfairness. Barbs can also be Deborah's love language, as seen in her banter with Ava. When season two ended, their tumultuous professional relationship had come to an end again via Deborah, who let her writer go to find bigger opportunities. A year has now passed when season three kicks off. Ava is a staff writer on a Last Week Tonight with John Oliver-type series in Los Angeles and thriving, but she's also not over being fired. Back in Vanceland , everything is gleaming — but Deborah isn't prepared for being a phenomenon. She wants it. She's worked for years for it. It's taken until her 70s to get it. But her presence alone being cause for frenzy, rather than the scrapping she's done to stay in the spotlight, isn't an easy adjustment. Globes Won: Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy (Jean Smart). Where to watch it: Hacks streams via Stan. Read our full review. Shōgun Casting Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4), Cosmo Jarvis (Persuasion) and Anna Sawai (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) as its three leads is one of Shōgun's masterstrokes. The new ten-part adaptation of James Clavell's 1975 novel — following a first version in 1980 that featured Japanese icon and frequent Akira Kurosawa collaborator Toshiro Mifune — makes plenty of other excellent moves, but this is still pivotal. Disney+'s richly detailed samurai series knows how to thrust its viewers into a deeply textured world from the outset, making having three complex performances at its centre an essential anchoring tactic. Sanada plays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who is among the political candidates vying to take control of the country. Jarvis is John Blackthorne, a British sailor on a Dutch ship that has run aground in a place that its crew isn't sure is real until they get there. And Sawai is Toda Mariko, a Japanese noblewoman who is also tasked with translating. Each character's tale encompasses much more than those descriptions, of course, and the portrayals that bring them to the screen make that plain from the moment they're each first seen. As Game of Thrones and Succession both were, famously so, Shōgun is another drama that's all about fighting for supremacy. Like just the former, too, it's another sweeping epic series as well. Although it's impossible not to see those links, knowing that both battling over who'll seize power and stepping into sprawling worlds are among pop culture's favourite things right now (and for some time) doesn't make Shōgun any less impressive. The scale is grand, and yet it doesn't skimp on intimacy, either. The minutiae is meticulous, demanding that attention is paid to everything at all times. Gore is no stranger from the get-go. Opening in the 17th century, the series finds Japan in crisis mode, Toranaga facing enemies and Blackthorne among the first Englishmen that've made it to the nation — much to the alarm of Japan's sole European inhabitants from Portugal. Getting drawn in, including by the performances, is instantaneous. Shōgun proves powerful and engrossing immediately, and lavish and precisely made as well, with creators Justin Marks (Top Gun: Maverick) and Rachel Kondo (on her first TV credit) doing a spectacular job of bringing it to streaming queues. Globes Won: Best Television Series — Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series — Drama (Hiroyuki Sanada), Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Drama (Anna Sawai), Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television (Tadanobu Asano). Where to watch it: Shōgun streams via Disney+. Read our full review. Baby Reindeer A person walking into a bar. The words "sent from my iPhone". A comedian pouring their experiences into a one-performer play. A twisty true-crime tale making the leap to the screen. All four either feature in, inspired or describe Baby Reindeer. All four are inescapably familiar, too, but the same can't be said about this seven-part Netflix series. Written by and starring Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, and also based on his real-life experiences, this is a bleak, brave, revelatory, devastating and unforgettable psychological thriller. It does indeed begin with someone stepping inside a pub — and while Gadd plays a comedian on-screen as well, don't go waiting for a punchline. When Martha (Jessica Gunning, The Outlaws) enters The Heart in Camden, London in 2015, Donny Dunn (Gadd, Wedding Season) is behind the counter. "I felt sorry for her. That's the first feeling I felt," the latter explains via voiceover. Perched awkwardly on a stool at the bar, Martha is whimpering to herself. She says that she can't afford to buy a drink, even a cup of tea. Donny takes pity, offering her one for free — and her face instantly lights up. That's the fateful moment, one of sorrow met with kindness, that ignites Baby Reindeer's narrative and changes Donny's life. After that warm beverage, The Heart instantly has a new regular. Sipping Diet Cokes from then on (still on the house), Martha is full of stories about all of the high-profile people that she knows and her high-flying lawyer job. But despite insisting that she's constantly busy, she's also always at the bar when Donny is at work, sticking around for his whole shifts. She chats incessantly about herself, folks that he doesn't know and while directing compliments Donny's way. He's in his twenties, she's in her early forties — and he can see that she's smitten, letting her flirt. He notices her laugh. He likes the attention, not to mention getting his ego stroked. While he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, he's friendly. She isn't just an infatuated fantasist, however; she's chillingly obsessed to an unstable degree. She finds his email address, then starts messaging him non-stop when she's not nattering at his workplace. (IRL, Gadd received more than 40,000 emails.) Globes Won: Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television (Jessica Gunning). Where to watch it: Baby Reindeer streams via Netflix. Read our full review. The Bear Serving up another sitting with acclaimed chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw), his second-in-charge Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2) and their team after dishing up one of the best new shows of 2022 and best returning shows of 2023, the third season of The Bear is a season haunted. Creator and writer Christopher Storer (Dickinson, Ramy) — often the culinary dramedy's director as well — wouldn't have it any other way. Every series that proves as swift a success as this, after delivering as exceptional a first and second season as any show could wish for, has the tang of its prior glory left on its lips, so this one tackles the idea head on. How can anyone shake the past at all, good or bad, the latest ten episodes ruminate on as Carmy faces a dream that's come true but hasn't and can't eradicate the lifetime of internalised uncertainty that arises from having an erratic mother, absent father, elder brother he idolised but had his own demons, and a career spent striving to be the best and put his talents to the test in an industry that's so merciless and unforgiving even before you factor in dealing with cruel mentors. Haunting is talked about often in this third The Bear course, but not actually in the sense flavouring every bite that the show's return plates up. In the season's heartiest reminder that it's comic as well as tense and dramatic — its nine Emmy wins for season one, plus four Golden Globes across season one and two, are all in comedy categories — the Faks get to Fak aplenty. While charming Neil (IRL chef Matty Matheson) is loving his role as a besuited server beneath Richie aka Cousin (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings), onboard with the latter's commitment to upholding a Michelin star-chasing fine-diner's front-of-house standards and as devoted to being Carmy's best friend as ever, he's also always palling around with his handyman brother Theodore (Ricky Staffieri, Read the Room). They're not the season's only Faks, and so emerges a family game. When one Fak wrongs another, they get haunted, which is largely being taunted and unsettled by someone from basically The Bear equivalent of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Boyles. For it to stop, you need to agree to give in. In Storer's hands, in a series this expertly layered as it picks up in the aftermath of sandwich diner The Original Beef of Chicagoland relaunching as fine-diner The Bear, this isn't just an amusing character-building aside. Globes Won: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy (Jeremy Allen White). Where to watch it: The Bear streams via Disney+. Read our full review. The Penguin Ambition courses through The Penguin, both within its storyline and in bringing the spinoff from 2022's The Batman to the small screen. HBO might be giving a swathe of its cinema hits the TV treatment, including Dune, IT, Harry Potter and The Conjuring; however, there's nothing by the numbers about Oswald Cobb's time in the television spotlight. With Colin Farrell reprising the show's titular role, and starring in two of 2024's standout new series in the process alongside Sugar, The Penguin isn't a mere attempted caped-crusader cash-in, as some fare about nefarious folks connected to well-known heroes have proven (see: Morbius, Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter). Across its compulsively watchable eight-episode first season, this crime drama has more than a touch of The Sopranos and The Godfather films about it — and not only is it aiming high in endeavouring to follow in the footsteps of two of the greatest mob stories ever told but, as developed and co-written by Lauren LeFranc (Impulse, Agents of SHIELD), it heartily earns its place in their company. Never forgetting who it is about and what Oz's future path is, no matter how much viewers start to warm to him throughout the series, The Penguin is also responsible for one of the most-heartbreaking moments of the past year. Set after the events of The Batman — a big-screen sequel to which, aka The Batman — Part II, is on the way — the show steps back into Oz's life as he's chasing his own ambitions. After years spent as an underling, including as the righthand man to Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong, Dune: Prophecy), he has his sights set on more than just doing everyone else's bidding. Complicating this quest for power: that it coincides with the release of Carmine's daughter Sofia (Cristin Milioti, The Resort) from Arkham, and she isn't willing to simply do what she's told by the new Falcone underboss (Michael Kelly, Pantheon). As Oz navigates a turf war also involving incarcerated rival Sal Marone (Clancy Brown, Gen V), The Penguin keeps his exploits personal through his demential-afflicted mother (Deirdre O'Connell, The Big Door Prize) requiring his care, and with kindhearted teenager Vic Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz, Encanto) trying to steal Oz's rims but ending up with a job as his driver. A grounded waddle into the supervillain realm, and boasting exceptional — and rightly Golden Globe-winning and -nominated, respectively — performances from Farrell and Milioti, this is comics-to-screen storytelling at its best. Globes Won: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Colin Farrell). Where to watch it: The Penguin streams via Binge. True Detective: Night Country Even when True Detective had only reached its second season, the HBO series had chiselled its template into stone: obsessive chalk-and-cheese cops with messy personal lives investigating horrifying killings, on cases with ties to power's corruption, in places where location mattered and with the otherworldly drifting in. A decade after the anthology mystery show's debut in 2014, True Detective has returned as Night Country, a six-part miniseries that builds its own snowman out of all of the franchise's familiar parts. The main similarity from there: like the Matthew McConaughey (The Gentlemen)- and Woody Harrelson (White House Plumbers)-led initial season, True Detective: Night Country is phenomenal. This is a return to form and a revitalisation. Making it happen after two passable intervening cases is a new guiding hand off-screen. Tigers Are Not Afraid filmmaker Issa López directs and writes or co-writes every episode, boasting Moonlight's Barry Jenkins as an executive producer. True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto remains in the latter role, too, as do McConaughey, Harrelson and season-one director Cary Joji Fukunaga (No Time to Die); however, from its female focus and weighty tussling with the dead to its switch to a cool, blue colour scheme befitting its Alaskan setting, there's no doubting that López is reinventing her season rather than ticking boxes. In handing over the reins, Pizzolatto's police procedural never-standard police procedural is a powerhouse again, and lives up to the potential of its concept. The commitment and cost of delving into humanity's depths and advocating for those lost in its abyss has swapped key cops, victims and locations with each spin, including enlisting the masterful double act of Jodie Foster (Nyad) and boxer-turned-actor Kali Reis (Catch the Fair One) to do the sleuthing, but seeing each go-around with fresh eyes feels like the missing puzzle piece. López spies the toll on the show's first women duo, as well as the splinters in a remote community when its fragile sense of certainty is forever shattered. She spots the fractures that pre-date the investigation in the new season, a cold case tied to it, plus the gashes that've carved hurt and pain into the earth ever since people stepped foot on it. She observes the pursuit of profit above all else, and the lack of concern for whatever — whoever, the region's Indigenous inhabitants included — get in the way. She sees that the eternal winter night of 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle come mid-December isn't the only thing impairing everyone's sight. And, she knows that not everything has answers, with life sometimes plunging into heartbreak, or inhospitable climes, or one's own private hell, without rhyme or reason. Globes Won: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Jodie Foster). Where to watch it: True Detective: Night Country streams via Binge. Read our full review.
Picture this: a cosy, wooden structure somewhere remote, away from the hustle and bustle — and far, far away from mobile phone coverage — of your everyday life, perhaps with a fireplace and/or some kind of heated outdoor bathing fixture. You know the kind of place we're talking about. In fact, you're fantasising about it right now, aren't you? Take a coffee break and take a scroll through some of the world's most dreamy winter cabins that you can actually stay in. We've teamed up with NESCAFÉ to help you take the desk break you, as a hardworking human being, deserve. So start planning your worldwide cold weather escape — we promise none of them were featured in a Joss Whedon-written, Chris Hemsworth-starring horror movie. [caption id="attachment_580297" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Justin Muir[/caption] FOSSICKERS HUT, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND Want to go off the grid? Well you've found your place. Fossickers Cottage is located just an hour from Nelson in NZ's Marlborough region, but it feels at least nine hours away from any kind of civilisation. The stunning early settler-style hut is the perfect perch in the middle of the bush right next to the amazingly clear water of the Wakamarina River. Along with a cosy kitchen room and bedroom (with a loft up top for a few extra mates), there's also a fire-heated outdoor bath. It doesn't get much better than that. LAKE O'HARA LODGE, CANADIAN ROCKIES, CANADA If you're looking for an old-school cabin that really does feel like it's in a movie (but sans scares), then Lake O'Hara Lodge is the place to be. This is the type of cabin that Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson would be proud of — well, aside from the fact that it's in the Canadian Rockies. Constructed in 1926, it's the perfect spot for skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and enjoying the serenity of British Columbia's Yoho National Park all year round. Their one-bedroom lakeshore cabins are of the 'no muss, no fuss' variety, boasting little more than a queen bed for sleeping, a day bed for relaxing, and a deck for looking out at the world. It's just what you need after a long day revelling in the splendour of the site's surroundings. UFOGEL, NUSSDORF, AUSTRIA Whichever way you look at it, there's nowhere quite like Austria's unique Ufogel cabin. You can take that literally, given the mountain hideaway's inimitable design, or you can see it as a statement on the once-in-a-lifetime experience you're bound to have in the one-of-a-kind structure in the village of Nussdorf. Inside, expect wood as far as the eye can see; the entire compact building is completely made of it. Bring a few mates — the place can sleep up to five — and don't waste your time wondering about the name. It's a blend of UFO and vogel, the German term for bird, as inspired by the structure's distinctive appearance. CHALET JEJALP, MORZINE, FRANCE Who hasn't fantasised about a snowy sojourn holed up in a chalet? If you like wintry sports, it's the ideal break: you'd hit the slopes when the sun is shining, and then enjoy the facilities inside looking out over the frosty valley of an evening. Chalet Jejalp is the exact place you want to get snowed in; the house includes a double-height glass wine cellar, bar, pool table, gym, sunken jacuzzi, sauna, cinema room, and on-site chef and chauffeur. Yep, this is the kind of place you need to win the lotto to stay in — but you know it'd be totally worth it. MOONBAH HUT, NEAR JINDABYNE, AUSTRALIA If you stay local, prepare to do some driving to get your Aussie cabin fix. But if you're willing to commit, the rewards really are stunning. Moonbah Hut is located on private frontage on the Moonbah River, the Snowy Mountains' cleanest, most unspoilt home for trout. Give your fishing muscle a flex from your front doorstep, while keeping an eye out for wildlife, from wombats to deer to brumbies. Or bunker down inside, with a huge, stone open fireplace for company. Previous guests have taken the experience next level and invited personal chefs along for an evening. Spanish chef Miguel Maestre is among those to have done the honours. LION SANDS GAME RESERVE, SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA Cabins come in all shapes, sizes and heights — and suited to all climates, too. Your idea of a winter cabin might involve snuggling up by the fire; however if you head to Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, it could involve hanging out in a treehouse, spotting wild animals and gazing at the stars as you nod off to sleep. Constructed out of wood and glass, their Kingston treehouse is designed to welcome visitors all-year-round, so there's no need to worry about any inclement weather. And if that's not enough to tempt you, how about this: it comes complete with a wooden drawbridge. Yes, really. EAGLE BRAE LOG CABINS, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND That ideal image of a wood log cabin you've been dreaming about? Well, that's what you'll find at Eagle Brae. Their seven two-storey open-plan dwellings have been hand-built using massive western redcedar logs sourced from the forests of Canada. And although it's cold, the cabins feature log-burning stoves to keep you warm. Indeed, if there's ever been a place tailor-made for staying indoors and snuggling up, this is it — though there's plenty to see outside, of course. That's where you'll find out just how the Scottish Highlands got their name, spot plenty of wildlife, and maybe even go salmon fishing as well. AZUR LUXURY LODGE, QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND Talk about a room with a view — and a bed and a bath too. If it's a private villa with stunning lake and mountain sights available from every available floor-to-ceiling window that you're after, then Azur Luxury Lodge has you covered. So it's not exactly a 'cabin', but when you're hanging out by the fire with a glass of wine, you're not going to concerned with specifics. Plus, for those who just can't unplug from the outside world completely, the Queenstown resort offers the best of both worlds, with all the mod cons like Wi-Fi in the middle of a gorgeous natural setting. BODRIFTY ROUNDHOUSE, CORNWALL, ENGLAND Centuries ago, in Celtic villages in the Iron Age, chiefs slept in thatched roundhouses. Seeing one is quite a sight, particularly since there's only a handful of replicas littered throughout the world — but spending a night in one? Well, that's something else. At Bodrifty in Cornwall, you can do just that. As well as marvelling at the experimental architecture, you can set up camp inside and stoke the open firebowl as well. And while it might appear as though you're stepping back in time, expect a touch of luxury when it comes to sleeping, as visitors will relish the modern comfort of a four-poster bed. POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR, USA Perched atop the cliffs of Big Sur in California, Post Ranch Inn provides several riffs on the cabin experience. Everyone wants a bit of rustic charm — and you'll get that here in a variety of accommodation types, including circular houses inspired by redwood trees and stand-alone treehouses. Choose from mountain or ocean views, and enjoy a dip in two infinity pools, a spot of fine dining and everything from yoga to nature walks while you're there. Okay, so this one's a modern interpretation of a cabin — but hey, who doesn't want to try that at least once? Words by Sarah Ward with Jasmine Crittenden. Top image: Justin Muir.
Melbourne's Gracie Greco feels like Greece. It's airy and bright, the furnishings are wooden and worn, whicker baskets act as chandeliers lending a soft orange glow late in the evening, and the room is always full of laughter, boisterous conversation and plenty of hugs and back-slapping. The two brothers who opened the restaurant grew up around the family business, which taught them to have a passion for food and hospitality. It was always their dream to open a restaurant together, and luckily for the people of Camberwell and all of Melbourne generally, they've gone and done it. The cuisine here has a special focus on the sea and everything is chargrilled or spit-roasted. To start with, look towards the caviar dip with pita bread, some marinated olives in fennel oil, grilled haloumi with honey and toasted sesame along with some eggplant dip and tzatziki. Moving on to the small plates, which are designed to be shared, order a plate of chargrilled octopus with lemon and oregano, some spicy, shallow fried school prawns, Hellenic croquettes with potato, fish and tarama aioli and a bowl of traditionally cooked whitebait. Pair them with a Cypriot gran salad of grains, nuts and pulses with yoghurt dressing. A bowl of lamb or chicken gyros completes the starters. For mains, highlights include the moussaka, a traditional beef, eggplant and potato bake; a gemista with peppers stuffed with beef, rice and seasonal vegetables; barbecue grilled calamari; char grilled king prawns or the fish of the day. If you've left room for dessert we're impressed, so treat yourself with a baklava, a custard filo or some Greek doughnuts. When it comes to wine, it's got an approachable and well-curated list, with Aussie, Greek and French drops intermixed. There's the obligatory list of ouzu, too, as well as beers and cocktails, including a few classics, such as negronis, cosmos and mojitos. Gracie Greco is clearly focusing on the classics, doing them to the book. It's not reimagining the cuisine. It's not trying to be fine dining, either. And there's absolutely no need to when you're working with Greek dishes and drinks that have been perfected over centuries. If it ain't broke.
Located in Hardware Lane, Claypots Barbarossa brings the wild, party atmosphere of a European market town to the heart of the city. If you're looking for somewhere to sip rose while listening to a two-piece jazz duo and enjoying the last rays of sun as "Aperitovo Hour" sets in, then this is the place to visit. This place works for every occasion, be it a first date where lingering silence isn't something you need to fear, a long business lunch where loosening the belt a notch or two is a given, or a boisterous night out with your mates. Oh, and the food is damn good too. The idea here is European fare with a heavy focus on the Spanish tapas tradition. Small plates include Kilpatrick oysters from Coffin Bay, king prawns with garlic chilli and coriander grilled in the shell, deliciously salty Spanish anchovies with caramelised onions on toast and grilled sardines just waiting to be peeled off their bones. Mains are divided between seafood, pasta, meat and vegetarian — they can be either shared or taken as a solo meal. Seafood highlights include a Moroccan clay pot with couscous and mixed seafood in an eggplant sauce or seared swordfish with pink peppercorn. From the Claypots Barbarossa pasta menu, look no further than the pasta puttanesca with a vegetarian option available, or the spaghetti alle vongole with squid ink and fino. The slow-cooked lamb with couscous is the pick from the grill, while vegetarians have an array of options to choose from, with the marinated grilled vegetables, the seared haloumi in minted oil and the field mushroom with dill the standout. To round it all out, choose from the cheese or the dessert menu, with classics such as pannacotta and creme brûlée making an appearance. Claypots Barbarossa has a bit of everything on its Eurocentric menu, but make sure you sample some of the seafood – it's what it's best known for. Top image: Hardware Lane courtesy of Visit Victoria
D.O.C Espresso has sat on the same spot of Lygon Street for 20 years, playing a big part in Melbourne's contemporary Italian restaurant renaissance — which saw a more modern style of Italian dining take over the city. After so many years of business, the crew thought the space needed a little love, and so shut up shop for renovations back in August 2024. But the team didn't just redo the interiors during this break. The chefs also redesigned the menu and the owners renamed the venue D.O.C Osteria. It reopened later the same year, and a new fitout saw the space gain a little more glamour while still holding onto its semi-casual charm. Gold finishes, luxe red marble countertops and banquette seating were included. The weatherproof streetside dining area and courtyard out back also got a little revamp, and the team expanded the kitchen to help the chefs make more fresh pasta onsite. As it was with D.O.C Espresso, Osteria has a strong focus on pasta — keeping a few dishes from the previous menu while reworking others and creating a smattering of new creations. Regulars will be glad to see that the famed lasagne remains — as does the funghi pasta, but in a slightly different form. We will admit that we preferred the original version, but this porcini and portobello number is still worth ordering. The mixed seafood linguine, though, is an absolute banger. Packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and rockling, and dowsed in garlic and chilli, it is more or less a must-order. The small bites have also been given a heap of love, helping D.O.C become a great destination for sipping and snacking — either alone, on a date or with a few mates. Get around the trio of cicchetti, its succulent marbled Rangers Vallery black Angus skewer, and a moreish crochetta — a crumbed and deep-fried cube of bucatini pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese and black pepper. The playful take on a classic panzanella salad is also a huge win, made with ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce and a balsamic crunch. There's a really good blend of simple comfort food and more elevated interpretations of classics — letting diners choose their own kind of Italian dining adventure.
Le Ho Fook has been serving up creative and stylish modern Chinese fare in Melbourne since 2013, when it opened its doors in Collingwood. Now located in the CBD, the brainchild of head chef and owner Victor Liong has become a Melbourne dining institution. So much so that in 2021, in the height of the pandemic that saw mass closures in the restaurant scene, he was able to open his second restaurant in Marvel Stadium, Docklands. The focus is Chinese-Australian classics with a modern take, designed to please everyone from the grandparents to the kids. The a la carte menu features a large list of house specialties which rotates from time to time. The pickled Apollo Bay mussels with chilli oil, fennel and nasturtium vinegar make for a tasty treat first up, while the much loved prawn toast is made with green garlic and salted egg yolk butter. It's not to be missed. For something truly surprising, the three cup stuffed chicken wings with wood fungi and black vinegar will have you recommending the restaurant to everyone you know. If its the classics you're here for, look no further than Lee Ho Fook's crispy eggplant with spiced red vinegar and an order of pork and chive dumplings with black vinegar and chilli oil. Pair this with some spanner crab fried rice complete with scallops and XO sauce and you have the Chinese meal of your dreams. Finish the evening with an exclamation point and order the mango pudding sorbet with passionfruit granita and a jasmine tea.
Melbourne's CBD is no stranger to a brilliant Italian restaurant, boasting institutions like Grossi Florentino and Di Stasio Citta, but 2023 saw a new legend join the game — Quando Quando Cucina & Bar. This semi-formal Sicilian restaurant comes from Pino Trigilia, who used to own and cook at Il Nostro Posto on Hardware Lane (now home to Funghi e Tartufo). For his new venture, Quando Quando, Trigilia has brought over two chefs from Sicily, Adriano Minutola and Vincenzo Accardi, who you can't miss in the open kitchen, cooking up magic while wearing big puffy chef hats most nights. Either pull up a stool at the pink marble bar overlooking the kitchen to see these guys do their thing or nab one of the few seats in the main dining room. The space has been left fairly bare, as the team leans into the industrial vibes. The rough concrete walls and exposed pipes and beams on the red-painted ceiling give the restaurant a slightly contemporary feel, even if it really is old-school at heart. Traditional and semi-formal Sicilian food is the name of the game here. Don't come expecting rustic cheap eats. Everything is more refined, but has a pleasing, well-considered simplicity. But the handmade pastas are the true stars at Quando Quando Cucina & Bar. Keep it simple with a classic gnocchi alla norma, or treat yourself to a linguini packed with mussels, calamari and prawns. The deeply rich lamb ragu is yet another banger. Portions are also generous, in true Sicilian style. Those not into the carb game can opt for the eye fillet wrapped in speck or whatever daily fish special is on the cards when you visit. And there will always be a few specials at Quando Quando, be they different variations of bruschetta, pasta or the aforementioned seafood arancini. For dessert, look no further than the tiramisu. This is one of the best in Melbourne, leaning to the more rich and bitter side of the tiramisu spectrum — tasting more of coffee than cream. The crew at Melbourne CBD's Quando Quando are sticklers for tradition, expertly executing crowd-favourite dishes and regional specials down on Little Collins Street from Monday to Saturday.
Siglo is an old favourite amongst many a Melbourne city worker. It was once somewhat of a hidden gem, located up a narrow set of stairs on Spring Street — but the word is well and truly out these days. The rooftop bar gets packed with business folk after work on weekdays, with late-night drinkers also flocking here until close at 3am. Up here, it is all very European, from the old school Parisian-style chairs and tables topped with white linen to the food and drinks menu. During hot afternoons, the rooftop is full of spritz drinkers, and as the sun sets over Parliament House, the vermouth sipping, red wine swirling Melburnians take over — adding some small plates of charcuterie and olives to their luxe bar experience. High quality cigars are also on the menu at Siglo. Don't be surprised to see some smokers puffing Cohiba, Partagas, Upmann and Punch varieties, all the while nursing a peaty single malt or an XO Cognac. It is a boojie spot, but it doesn't have to be. You can easily pop up to this fab Melbourne rooftop for a few cheeky spritzes and then head out to other city spots for more drinking, dining and theatre watching. Nonetheless, a smart casual dress code is enforced at Siglo, so be sure to leave the thongs and bin tang singlets at home. [caption id="attachment_876886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hisco (Visit Victoria)[/caption] Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
For most of us, meeting up at your local pub for a chinwag with your mates is always high on the agenda. The only problem is, as the days get colder, it can be tempting to go into hibernation instead. At times like that, it never hurts to fire up your competitive streak — because if there's anything better than catching up with your friends, it's crushing them into submission via a merciless game of Connect Four. With that in mind, here are five of our favourite Melbourne bars where you can enjoy a board game with your beverage. THE FOX As far as we’re concerned, if it’s board games you’re after, The Fox is the Holy Grail of good old-fashioned fun. They’ve got Cluedo, Trivial Pursuit, Mastermind, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Monopoly for all you (game) players out there. If that isn't tempting enough, they also do a Sunday Roast, Monday Parma night, Tuesday Steak night, and the first Thursday of the month is BYO vinyl night. Perfect. 351 Wellington Street, Collingwood; (03) 9416 4957; thefoxhotel.com.au 29TH APARTMENT While Jenga may be less about brain power than most board games, it certainly requires some serious strategy and self-control. The 29th Apartment in St Kilda has a giant Jenga set which has been known to bring out our competitive nature (and maybe a tantrum or two.) And make sure to grab yourself a James Squire Nine Tales Amber Ale to improve your focus and help keep your hands steady. 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda; (03) 9534 0485; www.29thapartment.com.au LUCKY COQ Let’s be honest: the start of the week isn't fun for anybody. Thankfully, the good folk at Lucky Coq recognise this, and so have turned Mondays into board game night. Current games include Giant Jenga and a few sets of backgammon; they’ve also had Scrabble, Checkers and decks of cards in the past, but when too many pieces go missing, it’s game over. If all this game playing gets you a bit peckish they also have $4 pizzas all night, plus DJs upstairs if you want to shake you Monday blues loose. 179 Chapel Street, Windsor; (03) 9525 1288; www.luckycoq.com.au KATUK Cosy, quirky and classy are the three Cs we use to describe Katuk (okay, technically that's two Cs and a Q), a gem of a fireplace-flanked watering hole on Chapel Street in South Yarra. Despite their snazzy fit-out, they’re not afraid of a little fun, with Connect Four available for punters any time outside of happy hour. This deceptively simple game is a great way to pass the time, and also helpful in sussing out the kind of person you might be on a date with. For those who like their games to be a little more interactive, they also offer Wii Mario Cart. 517a Chapel Street, South Yarra; (03) 9827 9004; www.katuk.com.au THE ALEHOUSE PROJECT Beer geekery is at its finest at The Alehouse Project, with 12 taps of micro-brewed beers on constant rotation. And if you're interested in continuing the nerd theme, they’ve also got Connect Four and Jenga on demand. For those looking to keep the good times going even further, The Alderman down the road is known to have stockpiled a Scrabble board or two. Looks like East Brunswick is where it’s at for fun and games. 98-100 Lygon Street, Brunswick East; (03) 9387 1218; www.thealehouseproject.com.au Top Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It's the film festival that gives German cinema fans a showcase of the European nation's latest and greatest movies without leaving Australia. It's a way to catch up on highlights from the Berlin International Film Festival from Down Under, too. And, it's where German-language flicks from beyond the obvious nation equally get their time to shine. Here's another description that fits: it's also where one of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's masterpieces is almost always on the bill. The event in question is the German Film Festival, which has a huge 2025 in store even just by the numbers. Making its way around Australia between Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 28, this year's fest has 29 days of movies on offer across eight legs in nine places and 23 cinemas. Cinephiles in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Ballarat, Byron Bay and Ballina, get excited: 20 features, plus 14-part miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz, are on their way across the festival's tour. Not every title is playing at every location, including the literally biggest of them all for 2025. Fassbinder's addition to this year's program only has dates with Sydney and Melbourne, playing on the silver screen across three weekends — but if you're a movie lover in either city, clearing your diary to see the page-to-screen great that is Berlin Alexanderplatz couldn't be more highly recommended. The German Film Festival's opening-night pick is showing at all legs of the event, however, with romantic comedy Long Story Short kicking off the celebration of cinema — and giving Australia the chance to see one of Germany's recent box-office smashes. Other highlights across the complete program include six flicks that first played at this year's Berlinale, spanning closing night's Mother's Baby, the Nina Hoss (Tár)-starring Cicadas and conspiracy thriller Hysteria, alongside Hildegard Knef-focused documentary I Want It All, comedy of manners What Marielle Knows and the family-friendly Circusboy. That strand of movies also demonstrates the fest's fondness for variety, and for veering from the amusing to the thrilling and the dramatic. Or, attendees can catch Anatomy of a Fall Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller in heist comedy Two to One, which is based on real-life events in 1990; Lars Eidinger (Babylon Berlin) as an orchestra conductor in Dying; Sam Riley (Widow Clicquot) in biopic John Cranko, about the choreographer; the literary loving The Door-to-Door Bookstore, as fittingly based on the novel; or Winners, which picked up the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children's Film. With Fassbinder, Hoss, Hüller and Eidinger, 2025's GFF is packed with well-known names. Another comes courtesy of doco Riefenstahl. About Leni, the controversial director that shares its moniker, the movie stems from unparalleled access to her private estate as it unpacks the legacy of the helmer of Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will, and the fact that her work contradicts her denial of close ties to the party. German Film Festival 2025 Dates Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Electric, Canberra Thursday, May 1–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central and Palace Moore Park, Sydney Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema and Palace Penny Lane, Melbourne Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Regent Ballarat, Ballarat Wednesday, May 7–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Wednesday, May 7–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square, Perth Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina The 2025 German Film Festival tours Australia from the end of April and throughout May. For more information, visit the festival website.
Located within Hotel Fitzroy, Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya is the kind of Japanese restaurant where the food, which is exceptional, isn't the only star. The restaurant itself is huge, with the stunning courtyard being the jewel in the crown. In summer, there is nowhere better to sit and soak up the ambience over a plate of sashimi with a Japanese beer, while in winter or rainy weather, the glass retractable ceiling spreads across, and the leafy ambience is just as potent. On busy nights, which is most, the place is absolutely humming, but with all its little nooks and crannies, they'll manage to seat you somewhere with an element of intimacy and privacy. The service here is friendly and professional, and you'll never feel hurried along. To start, we recommend the spicy cauliflower covered with homemade hot sauce or some of the crispy Japanese-style tacos — think fillings like lobster salad, slow-cooked pork and salmon tartare. If you're more into baos, look no further than the slow-cooked pork bao served with light and tangy coleslaw. For a main, share a sushi and sashimi platter that comes jam-packed with all the variations you can imagine or get on the freshly grilled yakitori. Wash it all down with a Japanese beer, a few cheeky glasses of sake, or a Japanese-inspired cocktail to make the most of your trip to Fitzroy's Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya. Purely traditional Japanese cuisine this is not. Yeah, the sushi — some of the best in Melbourne — is kept classic, but most of the options err on the side of contemporary. The chefs at Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya (of which there are always many buzzing around the kitchen) play around with unusual flavour combos and mix and match cuisines to create real crowd-pleasing dishes. And while the restaurant is technically only on the ground floor, when the main dining rooms book out, the team sometimes opens up the secret rooftop terrace. This mostly just happens on weekends, so be sure to ask about the rooftop when booking. It is a true Melbourne hidden gem. Appears in: The Best Sushi in Melbourne
One of the most perpetually praised coastal towns in Australia, Byron Bay is home to breathtaking beaches, mountains, rivers and rainforests, as well as a diverse, often experimental, grassroots foodie scene. This North Coast town is more than worth the ten-hour road trip up from Sydney, the easy two hours' flight from Melbourne or a two-hour drive from Brisbane and perfect for a summer adventure with your mates. This is, after all, a town that's best enjoyed together. To help you start planning your trip to Byron, we've teamed up with Jim Beam and mapped out some of the top spots to go to. Take note of the spots you want to hit, so you can detour from your regular routine and inject a little adventure into your life. Here's how to spend your days in Byron Shire — what to eat, drink and do in Byron Bay. STAY One of the best things about staying in Byron is its proximity to the beach. So, you'll want to stay as close to it as possible. Of course, beachside accommodation can get pricey, but luckily there are a few affordable options available close by, including Byron Bay YHA. Located in the centre of town and less than a ten-minute walk to Main Beach, this is not your average backpacker hostel. The facilities include private ensuite rooms, a lush pool courtyard and custom murals by Sydney artist Mulga and renowned artist Robert Moore. Spend the day out biking, surfing or boogie-boarding (which can all be hired from the hostel) and once you've enjoyed that sunset on Main Beach, head back for one of the nightly barbecues. Upstairs, you'll find the kitchen and two sprawling decks overlooking the pool where you can meet fellow travellers, and downstairs, there's a games and reading room where you can book swap and catch up on some holiday reading. Embracing the community vibes of the Byron area, the hostel also offers pancake breakfasts during the week and its large deck is an excellent spot for some BYO sundowner sessions. EAT AND DRINK Byron's serious food scene is plentiful and diverse, offering up everything from casual eateries to fine dining with a sincere focus on sustainable eating. Our favourite shop in town is Orgasmic Food, which hands down offers the best falafel we've ever had. This little Middle Eastern eatery provides some serious bang-for-your-buck eating, with the naked balls only 70 cents a pop and the half pita pocket just $7.50. If you'd prefer some meaty protein, the menu has plenty of Middle Eastern favourites like beef kofta and lamb skewers, too. For another budget option, head to the nearby town of Mullumbimby where Milk and Honey slings artisanal wood-fired pizzas like charred onion, gruyere and rosemary or wood-roasted pork sausage with tomato and mozzarella. Aussie wines and craft brews round out the offering here. If you're looking for some superfoods to start your day, Folk is the way to go — the adorable hut-like cafe focuses on organic, ethical and plant-based dishes that will get your engine going. And of course, there's The Farm, a must-visit spot sitting just outside of town. From the Three Blue Ducks crew, this agricultural playground is dedicated to ethical, collaborative and authentic practices, functioning as an eatery, bakery, shop and, of course, a farm. Take a seat on the terrace and order off the seasonal menu featuring dishes crafted from ingredients fresh from your surrounds. Dig in while breads by The Bread Social are kneaded and baked just next to you and some of the farm animals like chooks and pooches make cameo appearances. After your meal, digest with a walk around the farm and through the on-site macadamia farm. [caption id="attachment_606776" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cape Byron Distillery.[/caption] A must visit at dinnertime is The Roadhouse. The menu changes daily and the dishes use fresh, locally sourced and sustainably grown produce. Think a pulled pork open sandwich on wood-fired flatbread or organic sweet potato tacos with drinks like house-made kombucha and signature negronis. They also boast the biggest whisky collection on the North Coast, if that's your libation of choice. If beer is more your thing, a trip to Byron isn't complete without a visit to Stone and Wood brewery, one of our ten New South Wales breweries worthy of a road trip. The born-and-bred Byron Bay owners love the region and are a friendly, welcoming bunch. The demand for Stone & Wood led to the 2014 opening of their nearby Murwillumbah brewery, making the Byron shed a place for limited release and experimental batches. For those more into spirits, get a designated driver and head out to Cape Byron Distillery where you can savour Brookie's gin, infused with the flavours of neighbouring rainforest. Order a cocktail and take a seat outside overlooking the tropical rainforest preserved by owners Pam and Martin Brook. DO If you're staying in Byron, a morning trek around the Cape Byron Walking Track is a must-do. The 3.7-kilometre loop takes you through rainforest gullies and cliffs, complete with beach vistas and views of the Byron Bay Lighthouse — which Byron Bay YHA offers guided tours of. It's an ideal walk for spotting whales and dolphins. And on your way back down from the lighthouse, you'll pass by the launch point for Byron Airwaves Hang Gliding. Book in for a tandem flight that'll take you soaring above the Cape Byron Headland cliffs and down to Tallow Beach below. If staying firmly on solid ground is more your thing, watching the take offs is (almost) just as exhilarating. Another outdoorsy experience worth exploring is Tyagarah Nature Reserve. The seven kilometres of protected coastline offer swimming, sunbathing, fishing and birdwatching with not a car in site. Visitors can relax in the picnic area or hike along the bush trails studded with banksias, midgen berries, wallabies and bush turkeys. For those who prefer to skinny dip, the nearby Tyagarah Beach is clothing-optional. Another way to enjoy Byron from the water is on a sea kayaking tour with Cape Byron Kayaks. The three-hour trips will get you up-close-and-personal with bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and various species of sea turtles. Your guide will also delve into a bit of Byron Bay's history, most notably its Indigenous heritage. The group will pause to refuel mid-tour, too, with snacks and refreshments on the beach. If you prefer to do your own thing, the golden shores and crystal-clear waters of Clarkes Beach and Main Beach are just a stone's throw away from town centre. Plus, Main Beach is an ideal spot to watch the sunset soundtracked by free local music from the talented buskers who frequent the beach. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors.
Nestled up an unassuming laneway staircase above the neon buzz of Chinatown, this Cantonese restaurant is a simple sort of spot with minimal frills; all fluoro lighting and paper-topped tables. But it's also a true institution — a longtime hit with off-the-clock chefs and discerning late-night diners alike, and known to draw a queue. And it won't leave you waiting too long at all to discover just why for yourself. From the Supper Inn kitchen comes a roll-call of classics done well and served without restraint. It's safe to say no one's leaving here hungry. Tried-and true winners include the likes of a packed seafood chow mein, hor fun noodles with sliced beef, crispy-skinned roast duck served by the half or whole, and sweet and sour pork ribs with an extra hit of chilli and sesame. You'll find claypots brimming with combinations like chicken, shiitake and Chinese sausage; or eggplant with pork mince and salted fish; along with numerous incarnations of that age-old Cantonese comfort food, congee. And a hot tip for seafood fans: stay tuned to the specials page for plates like XO oysters, sweet and sour coral trout, and plenty of lobster-based delights. Throw in a BYO offering, and you've got no excuse not to fire up that group chat and organise a feast ASAP.
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool? If Three Bags Full was like the nursery rhyme, we'd want to be the little boy who lived down the lane. Fortunately for us, however, there is plenty of Three Bags Full goodness to go around. You'll find this gem of a cafe nestled inside a huge warehouse building in the back streets of residential Abbotsford. And like any good Melbourne cafe, Three Bags Full takes its coffee seriously. Very seriously. Five Senses coffee is expertly brewed to give each origin its turn in the spotlight. Single origins and seasonal signature blends are pumped out using their Synesso machine, which is custom made, of course. Filter and pour over are also on offer. The food is worth writing home about, too — and has been for many years. Oatmeal, toasts, and more adventurous breakfast dishes like the Turkish breakfast ($22) made up of cilbir eggs (a kind of poached egg), sliced tomato and cucumber, green olives, pickled chillies, baba ganoush and dried fruit on toast are all generous in their servings. And as Melbourne's cafe scene increasingly embraces healthier dishes, Three Bags Full has kept up with a series of less greasy options. The bircher muesli ($17) is a classic win with seasonal fruit, honey labneh, chia seeds, roasted almonds and elderflower pearly. The everchanging super bowl ($18.50) is a must-try for health-conscious diners, too. Boozy brunches are also on the menu at Three Bags Full, thanks to its decent selection of wines, beers and cocktails. We still can't skip the spicy chipotle bloody mary when trying to nurse that Sunday hangover. Like Three Bags' food and drink offerings, there's no room for disappointment when it comes to the place's interior. A beautiful, light room is filled with pieces that give it an industrial but warm feeling. We hear the communal table in the centre used to be a ten-pin bowling lane. Hearty food, buzzing atmosphere, and satisfying coffee have been on the cards at Three Bags Full for almost a decade — and this Abbotsford go-to is showing no sign of slowing down. To ensure you get a table at this beloved Melbourne cafe, book ahead via the Three Bags Full website.
Two of the greatest artists in history, who happened to have one of the most volatile relationships in recent memory, will be the focus of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' brand new exhibition in 2016. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is coming to the gallery next year, running June 25 to October 9, 2016. BOOM. Nice one AGNSW. Kahlo and Rivera's artistic and personal rollercoaster ride will be the focus, with 40 artworks, self-portrait paintings, drawings and canvases from the pair, all from the renowned collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Alongside these works will be approximately 50 photographs by the likes of Frida’s father, Guillermo Kahlo. Edward Weston and Lola Alvarez Bravo, so you can take a peek into these two artist's intimate world. Australia doesn't actually have a Frida Kahlo on public display, so this is one heck of a slam dunk for the gallery. The exhibition marks the cornerstone of the 2016 exhibition program for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, announced today. There's plenty more where that came from, including the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, The Greats, featuring Botticelli, Vermeer, Rembrandt and more masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. German artist Julian Rosefeldt will bring the Cate Blanchett-starring video installation Manifesto to the Gallery from May 28 to November 13, after a huge exhibition of gold, silver, glass and ceramics from the Chinese Tang dynasty in April. Beloved Australian artist Tracey Moffatt will see a huge exhibition of her work dubbed Laudanum and other works, featuring the namesake photographic series and her famous montage videos Love and Other. It's an on-year, so the Biennale of Sydney will return to the gallery from March 18 to June 5, alongside the ever-popular ARTEXPRESS from March 16 to May 15. For the AGNSW's whole 2016 program and beyond, head to the website.
There are baths, and then there are baths. And, we're sorry to say, your questionably clean five-foot bath with a view into your neighbour's backyard just isn't going to cut it after you've been exposed to the beauty of Japan's many bathing houses — no matter how many 'winter forest'-scented candles you burn. The ritual of visiting an onsen is one that's intrinsic to Japanese culture. As well as the healing and meditative qualities of the baths, it's pretty special to be able to sink into a hot body of water (naked, of course) with nothing but a view of a snowy Mount Fuji to distract you. People have been bathing naked in the natural hot springs of Japan since way back, and while it's basically second nature for its inhabitants, tourists are welcome to jump on board (as long as you can respect and adhere to their customs). There are over 2000 onsen in Japan, and Steve Wilde and Michelle Mackintosh visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their new book, Onsen of Japan. While they've collected handy information about 140 onsen across the country, we've pulled out ten of the more secluded, snow-surrounded, totally idyllic spots that you should pencil in for your next trip to Japan. GOTENBASHI ONSEN KAIKAN, GOTEMBA Day or night and in any season, Gotemba offers you a knockout view of Mount Fuji that you don't have to shell out the big yen for. At around one‑and‑a‑half hours from Toyko, Gotemba makes for an excellent day trip. A shuttle bus from Gotemba Station will whisk you to an onsen where, for a rock‑bottom price, you can get the full Fuji‑san view that would cost a bomb at a ryokan or designer hotel. KAWAYU ONSEN, WAKAYAMA One of the three onsen to make up the Hongu onsen-kyo area, Kawayu stands alone due to its popular Oto-gawa River bathing. Deep in the forest, this remote, majestic river bath was discovered in the mid-1600s when a local was tipped off to its existence by an enigmatic stranger. Fast forward hundreds of years later to a township that now has actual roads and hotels, but somehow manages to maintain its reputation as an esoteric and remote haven. SHIMA TAMURA, SHIMA ONSEN Founded in 1563, Shima Tamura is a ryokan experience that shows you just how the Japanese have elevated hospitality into the realm of an art form. The building itself is beautiful, with a traditional and inviting wood–entrance and sliding doorway under a thatched peaked triangle roof that looks almost like it has grown organically from the mountain slopes around it. Shima Tamura features an outdoor bath by a waterfall and seven hot-spring baths nestled in the forest; if you've dreamed of an onsen girded by foliage, hidden from the world and touched with the scent of forested glades with woodland creatures flitting among the cypress, Shima Tamura exists to make your dreams a reality. ZAO ONSEN, YAMAGATA In winter, Zao Onsen (a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata station) is one of Japan's top ski resorts and the trees become pudgy with snow, so much so that they are known as 'ice monsters', snow-smothered conifers that take on the appearance of a crowd of glacial goblins that huddle together on the mountains as if plotting to take over civilisation (don't worry, they're way too cold to bother). In other seasons, the abundance of nature, greenery and the changing hues of the foliage make Zao popular with lovers of the great outdoors. TSURUNOYU, NYUTO ONSEN A fairytale onsen village hidden beneath low-lying clouds among mountains thick with beech trees, Nyuto Onsen is famous throughout Japan, and the seven hidden onsen all have something magical to offer. Catch the onsen bus (it has a model onsen bath on the roof) that ferries you around to each different hot spring. We've featured Tsurunoyu, Taenoyu and Kuroyu, but everything here is something special. Ogama Onsen is housed in a picturesque old wooden building that was once a school. Ganiba Onsen dates back to 1846 and has a beautiful outdoor unisex bath hidden in a beech forest. HOSHI ONSEN CHOJUKAN, MINAKAMI Hidden in the depths of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Hoshi's dreamily beautiful building with a stunning dark wooden exterior accented by flecks of green foliage, flowers, leaves or snow, will transport you to simpler, quieter times. Inside you'll find winding corridors with low ceilings showing faded photographs of times gone by, taxidermied local fauna and small mementos of the building's past – all in glass cases. The 140-year-old Hoshi is a Meiji-period onsen featuring six baths of equal size under an awe-inspiring vaulted wooden ceiling. The architecture echoes the waiting rooms and stations of the railway boom of the 19th century and its beauty has earned it status as a protected 'cultural property'. MANZA PRINCE HOTEL, MANZA ONSEN With more than a hint of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's horror flick The Shining, the Manza Prince, set along an alpine ridge, is a sprawling hotel that has acquired the well-deserved description of 'grand' over the years. The world surrounding the Manza Prince is a snow-dressed highland in winter (skiers flock here), an ocean of rusty gold in autumn, and intense greenery in spring and summer. Like the lord of the peaks, the Manza Prince perches serenely among the clouds surveying all before it. The hotel has a memorable bathhouse alongside its labyrinthine corridors and abundant rooms, and they happily throw their doors open to day visitors. TAKARAGAWA ONSEN, MINAKAMI Takaragawa means 'treasure river'. Legend has it that the Yamato-dynasty prince Takeru fell ill on his journey east and a hawk led him to this hidden spring where he was miraculously healed. Today you can heal your metaphysical wounds in this hidden forest retreat. Sheltered in deep, wooded groves, Takaragawa's outdoor mixed baths are perched on the banks of the Takara River and encompassed by hewn rock, weathered wood, stone monoliths and a vista of charming traditional Japanese buildings. SATONOYU-WARAKU, KUROKAWA ONSEN Kurokawa Onsen is Kyushu's heart, a 300-year-old onsen town, lost in the mountains, barely touched by modern life and channeling the true spirit of the Edo era. Twenty-four inns line the Chikugo River, housed on winding lanes with small bridges, narrow pathways, moss covered stones and lazily spinning waterwheels. It's here you'll find the onsen, as most of these ryokan open their doors to day bathers. Many of the inns have private baths for an extra cost, giving you choices usually reserved for ryokan guests. HAKONE YURYO, HAKONE The free shuttle bus from Hakone‑Yumoto Station takes you on a steep winding ride into the mountains, delivering you to this contemporary, ultra‑stylish onsen nestled among some of Hakone's most beautiful mountainside foliage. This is the perfect city day escape, a bath in a forest, surrounded by Japanese nature at its finest. The range and quality of the outdoor baths is excellent, the pinnacle being the cypress bath that extends out over the forested glade. The many spacious rock baths are perfect for lying back and gazing at trees towering into the sky while you listen to insects as they lazily drone by. Solo baths give you your own space, and well‑spaced‑out benches allow you to kick back and be nude in nature. This is an edited extract from Onsen Of Japan by Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh published by Hardie Grant Travel, RRP $29.99. The book is available in stores nationally and online.
Ever been gettin' loose out on the town and thought, “I could destroy a round of mini-golf right now.” Procure an Argyle-patterned vest and beige slacks immediately, because the good folk at Howler are bringing us a custom-made nighttime mini golf course to conquer. The Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama, which will feature nine holes each complete with a classic theme (think windmills, volcanos and jungles, classic mini-golf), is opening on Sunday, July 26 at Brunswick’s beloved bar and will run until August 3. To use the course, all you have to do is turn up to Howler after 5pm, buy yourself and/or your golfing buddies a drink and choose your putter. The course will be set up in what was once Howler’s bandroom, and to keep the good times flowing, guest DJs will pump up the jams (and hopefully play a non-stop dubstep remix of Lee Carvallo’s putting challenge. In fact, consider this an official request). The course will also be open from 1pm on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August for those who enjoy a spot of weekend afternoon putting. Now, let's all dig out our Happy Gilmore VHS's and prepare to just taaaap it in. Find Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama at 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick. Open from 5pm July 26 to August 3, and from 1pm August 1 and 2. Golfing is free if you buy a drink from the bar. Image via. Marcus Hansson.
As the minds behind (and owners of) much-loved Fitzroy North haunt Neighbourhood Wine, Simon Denman and Almay Jordaan have some pretty good experience for opening a sequel venue. With the their original venue so well-loved, it's no surprise to see that the winning formula works so well in Brunswick East's Old Palm Liquor as well. Once again, the duo's created a comfortable, laidback destination that's on the right side of comfortable and classy, but not stuffy. But where its sibling has a jazzy, old-school lounge thing going on, Old Palm Liquor evokes feelings of some retro rumpus room, through a comfy mix of terrazzo flooring, a splash of vintage beige tilework and a healthy dose of timber veneer in the front section of the bar. And while the front is quite dark and moody, the back has lots of leafy foliage, natural light, a fireplace and a scattering of old-school light fixtures that round out the living room aesthetics. [caption id="attachment_753710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] True to form, wine is a huge part of the offering here, as is an emphasis on good value, top-quality, largely minimal intervention drops from winemakers like Konpira Maru, Das Juice and Yetti & the Kokonut. Expect a carefully sourced lineup plucked from all over the world, alongside a 12-strong range of tap brews – perhaps a citrus and rhubarb sour from Collingwood's Molly Rose Brewing — and a crop of house-bottled cocktail creations, served fresh out of the freezer at minus-20 degrees. On hot days, you can cool down with sips like the signature venetian spritz — made with a biodynamic prosecco, orange and a green olive. As for the food, it's a generous menu of top-notch produce cooked over hot coals on the woodfired grill, alongside a slew of snackier dishes that feature a bit of Jordaan's South African heritage. After-work drinks sessions might include the likes of beef carpaccio enlivened with Jerusalem artichoke and green tomatoes or some Pacific oysters with fermented rhubarb dressing. On the heartier side, you'll spy the likes of a 300g pork chop matched with caramelised swede, mustard greens and peppercorn, and a veg-friendly assembly of potato gnocchi, roasted celeriac, marsala and hazelnut crumble. Done with decisions? Old Palm Liquor also has a four-course shared feast option, which'll take you through a diverse spread of the menu's best. Images: Julia Sansone Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
