Sometimes a needle drop just works, even when it simply states the obvious. One of those instances: playing a remix of Nas' 'Got Ur Self a Gun' throughout the latest trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4. The song famously samples Alabama 3's 'Woke Up This Morning', the tune forever famous as the opening theme to iconic HBO series The Sopranos, and fits John Wick as much as the original fit Tony Soprano. Just over a month out from the latest John Wick flick hitting cinemas, the third sneak peek at what's to come has been unveiled. Unsurprisingly, plenty of action-packed confrontations are in the works, as brought to the screen with plenty of frenetic stunt choreography. Just as expectedly, Keanu Reeves is still using every weapon at his disposal in his fourth stint as cinema's favourite dog-loving assassin. If you're thinking that Wick's luck might run out at some point, the new film understands. But this stunt-filled saga still has one last way to give its namesake his non-violent life back. As past trailers have explained, he can agree to a duel against the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård, Barbarian) — but of course only one can survive. With that premise, expect the ante to be upped on the saga's latest onslaught of fights, as the latest trailer goes all-in on. Anywhere that Wick can shoot, fight and dispense with everyone trying to take him down, he will and does. This flick involves hopping around the globe, in fact, including Paris, New York and Berlin — and also getting into sword fights in Japan, riding horses through a sandy desert, using cars as weapons and boasting one mighty handy canine. Accordingly, as all John Wick movies have so far — the first in 2014, John Wick: Chapter 2 in 2017 and John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum all included — this one follows the hitman that other hitmen fear as he takes on his ever-growing list of adversaries. Whatever gets thrown his way hasn't stopped Wick yet, after he got dragged back into the assassin life when a past batch of enemies messed with his pet pooch. Reeves' former stunt double-turned-filmmaker Chad Stahelski directs again, as he has on all three prior movies. On-screen, Reeves is also joined by a roster of familiar and new John Wick faces, with fellow franchise mainstays Ian McShane (American Gods) and Lance Reddick (Godzilla vs Kong) returning, and Reeves' The Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne — after appearing in the past two movies — as well. And, Donnie Yen (Mulan), Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat), Shamier Anderson (Son of the South), Rina Sawayama (Turn Up Charlie) and Scott Adkins (Triple Threat) are all also set to feature. In similarly excellent news, a fifth John Wick movie is already in the works, because more ass-kicking Keanu is always a great thing. And, so are two spinoffs: The Continental and Ballerina. The first is a streaming series, clearly set around the hotel that features so prominently in the films as a safe haven for hitmen. As for the second, it's a movie that ties in with John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, and will star Ana de Armas (Blonde) — and also feature Reeves and McShane. Check out the latest trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4 below: John Wick: Chapter 4 releases Down Under on March 23.
The clue is in the name with this one: this High Street site is dedicated to all things knitting. The charming retail space and workshop houses all the colours, types and sizes of yarn your heart could desire, from baby-brushed alpaca and eco-cotton to fine Donegal tweed and silk mohair. You'll also find all the accessories to help get the job done too, such as lace needles, needle sets, crochet hooks, stitch holders, pom-pom makers and rulers. If you're new to the knitting game or want to improve your skills, Woolarium also offers spinning and knitting classes for all skill levels. Images: Julia Sansone
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, life as we once knew it changed suddenly, and everything started to feel like something out of a horror or sci-fi movie set in a post-apocalyptic future, films about contagions, outbreaks and infections all became go-to comfort viewing. We flocked to visions of situations similar to our own, even if only slightly, to help us cope with the existence-shattering shift we were all going through. Accordingly, Contagion proved eerily prescient, while I Am Legend and 28 Days Later mirrored the empty streets — and, yes, everyone was watching them. Next came the spate of flicks that were shot during the pandemic and responded to it. Think: opportunistic fare such as Locked Down and Songbird, neither of which proved memorable. Movies and TV shows will be ruminating upon life in the time of COVID-19 for years and decades to come, obviously; however, the highlights so far have rare. Add Station Eleven to the certain-to-keep-growing pile, but thankfully as one of the very best examples. Indeed, it's unfair to clump this haunting end-of-the-world miniseries in the same group as almost anything else that's emerged since the pandemic began, other than Bo Burnham's exceptional comedy special Inside. As also proved the case with Y: The Last Man when it reached streaming queues in 2021, Station Eleven's narrative actually predates our current predicament. Its nine-episode run now sits on Stan in Australia and Neon in New Zealand, available to watch in full, after its story first garnered a devoted following on the page. And, it taps into something far deeper than obvious observations about being stuck at home with your significant other for longer than either of you had ever considered, and having to scramble to buy toilet paper when the supermarket shelves are bare. The focus of this excellent show, and of Emily St. John Mandel's 2014 book before it: how art and community all play immeasurable parts in helping humanity process and navigate existence-shattering traumas, and to find a path out the other side. That's a sentiment that might sound mawkish and self-evident when described in a mere sentence, but nothing about Station Eleven ever earns such terms. [caption id="attachment_841063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parrish Lewis/HBO Max[/caption] Here, it all starts with a flu that swiftly proves more than just the usual sniffles, coughs, aches and pains. This one spreads lightning fast, too, and strikes down its unlucky victims heartbreakingly quickly. For eight-year-old Shakespearean actor Kirsten (Matilda Lawler, Evil), the chaos descends during a tumultuous opening-night performance of King Lear led by Arthur Leander (Gael García Bernal, Old). In the aftermath, she's stuck traipsing around snowy Chicago with Jeevan (Himesh Patel, Don't Look Up), who she has just met — and then sheltering in his brother Frank's (Nabhaan Rizwa, Mogul Mowgli) high-rise apartment. That's really just the beginning of this multi-layered narrative, which also jumps forward 20 years to survey Kirsten's (Mackenzie Davis, Happiest Season) adult life. There, she's a key part of a travelling theatre troupe who performs Shakespeare to the outposts of survivors it passes on its annual route — and she's spent almost her entire existence adjusting, like the rest of the planet, to this new normality. Still, while two decades might've passed and little may now resemble all that passed for routine before the flu, the earth remains an anxious and fraught place. So when a mysterious man, known as The Prophet (Daniel Zovatto, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels) to his army of child followers, shows up at one of the Travelling Symphony's stops, Kirsten is immediately and understandably suspicious. [caption id="attachment_841060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Watson/HBO Max[/caption] Station Eleven's narrative isn't just about one woman, the men who help her as a child and the other that threatens her status quo as an adult. As well as continually fluttering backwards and forwards between Kirsten's younger and older exploits, it dives into the experiences of others connected to her story in various ways. Before the flu, Miranda Carroll (Danielle Deadwyler, The Harder They Fall) devoted her spare time to writing and illustrating a graphic novel about feeling lost and adrift in space, for instance — and that text, which shares the show's name, is part of the series' broader contemplation of art, tragedy, trauma and dealing with our feelings in general. Premiering late in 2021, just as Omicron started sweeping the world, Station Eleven might've seemed blighted by unfortunate timing. Nonetheless, it's the ideal show for right now. Shot with a soft grey-blue sheen like it's unearthing watery memories, it cuts close to home but always plays like a beacon of hope — and an ode to endeavouring to make it through, come together and make a difference however one can. It's impeccably acted, with the broader cast also spanning Orange Is the New Black's Lori Petty, Veronica Mars' Enrico Colantoni, Arrested Development's David Cross, Veep's Timothy Simons, Succession's Caitlin FitzGerald and Little Joe's David Wilmot. It's meticulous and expressive with every shot, and perfects the feeling of simultaneously trying to get by and daring to dream about something other than weathering a pandemic. Rich and layered and cathartic, this is a dystopian disaster tale not just about merely surviving, but about truly enduring. In a sea of pandemic tales — those made before COVID-19 and since — Station Eleven is a lyrical, heartfelt and character-driven apocalyptic musing with an immediate difference. Check out the trailer below: Station Eleven is available to stream via Stan in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Top images: Ian Watson/HBO Max.
Real estate prices might still be on the rise, but with every passing week, it seems there's a new, more affordable way to get your hands on your own tiny house. Last month, we introduced you to Unyoked, a start-up that lets you stay in your own designer cabin in the wilderness. In September 2016, we got excited about Australia's first ever flat-packed, off-grid, little homes. Now, Japanese home goods giant MUJI has entered the arena. From August 2017, the MUJI Hut will go on sale in Japan. And its immaculately-designed twelve square metres of space will set you back $36,000. The hut is 100% Japanese timber and is split into two spaces: an interior of nine square metres and a covered patio of three square metres. Glass doors provide a divide between the two, creating an indoor-outdoor feel. Inside, you're surrounded by warm cypress plywood and potting about on a mortar-covered floor. Meanwhile, the outside has been charred using shou sugi ban, a Japanese method that increases the wood's resistance to insects, decay and fire. Underneath, a concrete foundation keeps you protected from moisture and cold. "It's not as dramatic as owning a house or a vacation home, but it's not as basic as going on a trip," the MUJI website reads. "Put it in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a garden, and it immediately blends in with the surroundings, inviting you to a whole new life." Before you go tree-changing, though, we do have to let you know that the MUJI Hut isn't selling outside Japan as of yet.
Repertoires of Contention sees Mexico City-based artist Joaquín Segura team up with local artist Tony Garifalakis for a fascinating exhibition that considers the global role of artists, and the cultural institutions that challenge perceptions and encourage public debate. The unlikely duo first met at the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York and found they share a similar outlook on global power structures and the way they are encouraged and simultaneously resisted. Repertoires of Contention features textile, video, installation, photographic and intervention works and explores the similarities in the pair's ideologies, despite their vast geographical differences in the place they live and work. Named after a social theory that describes the tools organised groups can use to protest and resist, Repertoires of Contention presents this interconnectedness in an exciting and enlightening exhibition. Repertoires of Contention is on now at Gertrude Contemporary until Saturday, November 4. Image: Curator Ivan Muñiz Reed with artists Joaquín Segura and Tony Garifalakis, courtesy of Joaquín Segura.
In news that'll come as little surprise given Melbourne's status as Australia's coffee heartland — and its predilection for complete coffee snobbery, too — a barista from the Victorian capital has taken out top honours at the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) National Coffee Championships. Anthony Douglas of Axil Coffee Roasters has nabbed the title of Australia's National Barista Champion for 2022. Douglas beat out scores of other Aussie hopefuls in the annual competition, which was held at North Melbourne's Meat Market last month. His winning offering on the day consisted of an espresso, a milk-based coffee and his own coffee-based signature drink — a concoction featuring pomegranate and feijoa syrup, a juniper reduction, barhee dates and honey. Your morning latte's got nothing on that bad boy. [caption id="attachment_869967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Douglas[/caption] The newly crowned coffee king will now go on to represent Australia at the World Barista Championship, which is happening at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 27–30. It's been seven years since Australia last claimed glory in the international competition, when Ona Coffee's Sasa Sestic was named World Barista Champion in 2015. Douglas has been in the coffee industry for 12 years, and names two-time National Barista Champion Dave Makin as his boss and mentor. Catch the World Barista Championship at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 27–30. Axil has a swag of cafe locations across Melbourne — find your local by jumping to the website. Top Image: Fahmi Fakhrudin via Unsplash
Unless you took advantage of Australia's trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand while it was open earlier this year, you've probably forgotten what an overseas holiday feels like at this stage of the pandemic. And with the entire states of New South Wales and Victoria currently in lockdown, and plenty of domestic borders closed as a result, the idea of jetting off overseas probably still seems like a dream. Qantas and its discount airline Jetstar are hoping it'll become a reality before the year is out, however. The Qantas Group, the company behind both carriers, is planning for that to happen in fact. Back in February, the airlines were aiming to start flying Aussies around the globe again in October. Then, in May, that idea was pushed back to December. Obviously, the latter is now inching closer, so Qantas has revealed that it's still working towards getting its international flights back in the air before 2022 hits. At present, those plans depend upon Australia's vaccine rollout, and also the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response — which outlines what Aussies will be able to do once the country reaches various jab thresholds. When 80 percent of adults are fully vaccinated, Australians will be permitted to travel overseas again for holidays under the current proposal. At the time of writing, 31.6 percent of people over the age of 18 have had both doses. Previously, Qantas had revealed its intention to recommence flights to 22 of its 25 international destinations — including London, Singapore and Los Angeles — while Jetstar was intending to resume trips to all of its 13 international routes. In a statement today, Thursday, August 26, the Qantas Group have now advised that it'll be focusing on destinations with high vaccination rates, including Singapore, Japan, the US, the UK, Canada and Fiji. Singapore has previously been floated as a possible candidate for a future travel bubble by the Australian Government. Also, Qantas will put flights for Australia–New Zealand routes back on sale, operating on the assumption they'll be able to resume in mid-December. "Key markets like the UK, North America and parts of Asia have high and increasing levels of vaccination. This makes them highly likely to be classed as low risk countries for vaccinated travellers to visit and return from under reduced quarantine requirements, pending decisions by the Australian Government and entry policies of other countries," said Qantas. "This creates a range of potential travel options that Qantas and Jetstar are now preparing for. While COVID has shown that circumstances can change unexpectedly, the long lead times for international readiness means the Group needs to make some reasonable assumptions based on the latest data to make sure it can offer flights to customers as soon as they become feasible." Obviously, a lot still needs to go to plan for the two airlines to have you jetting off to overseas spots this summer. That's Qantas and Jetstar's current target date, though. Hong Kong flights are targeted to restart in February, too. And, if you're interested in trips to other destinations, Qantas has pushed back its expected takeoff dates in places that have low vaccine rates and high COVID-19 cases — including Bali, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Johannesburg — to April 2022. When overseas flights do resume, Qantas will use digital health passes to verify vaccination and testing status. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has also previously stated that the airline would only allow vaccinated passengers to travel on international flights. Of course, even once international flights are up and running again, you can expect a much lower capacity than pre-COVID travel — Qantas previously said that it's not anticipating a full return to normality until 2024. As part of its efforts to encourage vaccinations — and to help speed up the return to its normal operations — the airline is also currently giving away discounts and frequent flyer points to vaxxed Aussies. To find out more about Qantas and Jetstar's international travel plans, visit the Qantas website.
"Your little cinematic universe is about to change forever." That's how Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds, Ghosted) describes being asked to enter the Marvel realm in the first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine. After that, he calls himself "Marvel Jesus". How true the Merc with a Mouth's words will prove won't be known until July 2024, when the full film hits cinemas — but the trailer itself has already made history. Disney premiered the debut sneak peek at the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the only one arriving this year, during the 2024 Super Bowl — so, on Monday, February 12 Down Under. Within 24 hours, it had become the most-watched movie trailer of all time, notching up a whopping 365-million views. The game itself also became the most-watched Super Bowl ever, attracting 123.7-million viewers in America alone to see the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to win back-to-back titles. (And, yes, to also see Taylor Swift watching along before she brings her Eras tour to Australia.) But on top of the folks who caught the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer during the game, another 240-million-plus people sought it out online. Announced in 2022, Deadpool & Wolverine gives the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe something that fans have been waiting for for years. Deadpool will officially become a part of the MCU. So will X-Men hero Wolverine. So, they're about to become the franchise's favourite big-screen odd couple. Reynolds has been playing Deadpool since 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, so this isn't the first time that him and Hugh Jackman (Faraway Downs) are teaming up as their famous characters — but, again, it is the first time in the MCU. Before now, Jackman has already busted out the adamantium claws in nine movies, starting with 2000's X-Men and running through to 2017's Logan, which was poised as his swansong in the role. But when you've been playing a part for that long, in that many flicks, what's one more go-around? After a non-Wolverine gap spent starring in The Greatest Showman, The Front Runner, Bad Education, Reminiscence and The Son, Jackman is clearly ready to get hairy again. That Deadpool & Wolverine is part of the MCU, the comic-to-screen realm that's been going since the first Iron Man flick and will likely never ever end, isn't a minor detail. The two characters have always been Marvel characters, but because of rights issues behind the scenes, they've stayed in their own on-screen sagas. But when Disney (which owns Marvel) bought 20th Century Fox (which brought the X-Men and Deadpool movies to cinemas so far), those business issues disappeared. Deadpool & Wolverine arrives six years after 2018's Deadpool 2. It also marks a reunion in another way. Behind the lens: director Shawn Levy, reteaming with Reynolds after Free Guy and The Adam Project. Also starring: Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Morena Baccarin (The Endgame), Rob Delaney (Argylle) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession), as well as Leslie Uggams (American Fiction) and Karan Soni (Miracle Workers). Check out the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer below — if you haven't already or you're keen to again: Deadpool & Wolverine will release in cinemas Down Under on July 25, 2024. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
There's nothing like lacing up your hiking boots and discovering a new trail. To help shave down the Googling time for our next adventure, we've asked Concrete Playground readers to share their favourite trails. So, if you are planning to take advantage of the long weekend and stretch your legs, here are your tips for the best hikes to check out — plus suggestions for neighbouring campgrounds, as well as the nearest The Bottle-O so you can stock up on bevs for a winner weekend. Cape to Cape Walk Track, Gnarabup, WA Starting off with the big one, Cape to Cape in WA. This multi-day track is on every hike lover's hitlist, and for good reason, according to John, who submitted this tip: "The best views you will ever get in WA. You don't have to do the entire 130 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin — unless you have up to ten days to spare. You can break it up and do a smaller section, easy." So pack your gear, pick up your mates and head down from Perth to the starting point in Cape Naturaliste. Stop in Brunswick for hiking snacks, easy meals to enjoy and bevs from Brunswick's The Bottle-O to enjoy as the sun sets across the ocean as you camp at one of the many campsites along the trail. Closest The Bottle-O: Brunswick Forts Walk, Magnetic Island National Park QLD Are you keen on koala spotting, historical tours, and epic views? Find all three at the Magnetic Island National Park, just an easy car ferry from the mainland. The island is a frequent getaway for our reader Karen who says: "There's always rock wallabies hanging around the beaches and headlands in Arcadia. The best walk is the Forts Walk, hands down." Explore the rest of the island's rainforest, rocky coastline and local wildlife before stocking up on supplies including local Queensland craft beers from The Bottle-O in Arcadia. Then all that's left to do is chill at the campsite with your mates. Closest The Bottle-O: Arcadia Middle Brother National Park, NSW The biggest of the 'Brothers' parks, Middle Brother, is found on the mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Reader Alex recommends the Middle Brother Circuit: "It's a hard hike that covers most of the park, so you will see a lot. There's little signal and signage, so it's best to come prepared for this one. Or do the shorter Peak Loop — great for a trail run." After a long day on the trail, pack up your car and head to North Haven to stock up on supplies at the servo and drinks at The Bottle-O before kicking back at one of the caravan parks and enjoy the bush and the beach over the long weekend. Closest The Bottle-O: North Haven Nelson Falls, TAS Keen to chase waterfalls in the wild western side of Tasmania over the long weekend? According to our Instagram follower Natalie, the best track is Nelson Falls in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. She says: "It's not a long trek, but it's worth the scenery and a perfect sidetrack if you're road-tripping from Cradle Mountain to Queenstown or vice versa. The best time to visit the falls is after heavy rain — the waterfall will be raging!". There's a free campground nearby, Lake Burbury, where you can relax with your mates and a few cold ones from The Bottle-O in Queenstown. Closest The Bottle-O: Queenstown Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk, VIC Melburnians who want to get out of the city for the long weekend are so spoiled for choice. You could go north to wine country or west to the Great Ocean Road, but reader Steve says you should head south along the Bass Coast to Phillip Island: "The best spot for an epic walk is the Cape Woolamai Circuit — it's the highest point on the island, so it's perfect for sunset snaps." The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it's super easy to get to, and everything you need is there. Plus, there are plenty of accommodation options, from farm stays and campgrounds to resorts and hotels — and The Bottle-O for all your beverage needs. So, whatever kind of adventure you want to take with your mates this long weekend, you are sorted. Closest The Bottle-O: Phillip Island Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Canva Stock
Since launching in 2013, Four Pillars has given Australian gin lovers plenty to drink, including its famed Bloody Shiraz Gin, an annual Christmas-themed tipple, barrel-aged gins and even a boozy ode to Melbourne landmark The Espy. Next time you pour yourself a sip of one of the above juniper spirits, you'll actually be pouring yourself a drop from the world's best gin producer, with the Yarra Valley-based distillery earning that title at this year's International Wine and Spirits Competition. In the event's 50th year, Four Pillars nabbed what's considered the industry's top gin gong, receiving the prize in London on Thursday, November 28 UK time. And if you're wondering about the size and scale of the IWSC, it's the globe's largest international competition for spirits, receiving more than 3000 entries worldwide. Winning for its impressive range of gins — which also includes its Rare Dry Gin, Spiced Negroni Gin and Navy Strength Gin — Four Pillars also made history by becoming the first Australian distillery to win the award. It's the latest exciting chapter in the company's short but substantial run so far, with the gin outfit founded by Cameron Mackenzie, Stuart Gregor and Matt Jones six years ago, earning plenty of acclaim and awards since, and selling a 50-percent stake to beer giant Lion earlier in 2019. In anointing Four Pillars this year's IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year, the organisation also recognised the company's role in the gin industry, its commitment to collaboration and creativity — and its full lineup of tipples. "When we started making test batches of gin back in 2012 we never in our maddest, wildest dreams thought this could happen so quickly," said Mackenzie. "This award is not for a single one of our gins but for the whole of our gin business and that's what makes it so incredibly special." To peruse the full list of International Wine and Spirits Competition winners, visit the organisation's website.
Treat yo'self to something sweet, help save one of Australia's most beloved animals: that's what's on the menu right now thanks to Lindt. The brand has just launched a limited-edition item that not only looks adorable, but also assists a great cause — with its new koala-shaped chocolates raising funds for the Australian Koala Foundation. Everyone knows Lindt's gold Easter bunnies, so consider this the suitably silver and thoroughly Aussie version, all to support the AKF's work to ensure the Aussie marsupial's survival. Beneath that shimmering foil and its cute red ribbon with a heart-shaped pendant, the 100-gram chocolate is shaped like a koala, obviously. It's hollow inside, but you'll taste notes of both caramel and honey within the milk chocolate itself. For each koala purchased — with the new choccies only available via Lindt's retail stores and its website — the brand is donating $1 to the AKF. And, for every dollar that Lindt donates, AKF is matching it. Those funds are specifically earmarked for the foundation's 'Koala Kiss Project', which is all about finding where the species' fragmented habitat comes close to joining up, then regenerating the landscape to create a koala conservation corridor — with the first stage of the project focusing on developing software and collaborating with scientists to plot out all those 'kiss points' over a 1.5-million-square-kilometres patch between Cairns and Melbourne. "The Lindt koala is more than just chocolate. We want our Lindt koala to raise awareness and educate the community of the important role the Australian Koala Foundation plays in the long-term survival of our beloved native animal," said Lindt Australia CEO Michael Schai. "If we achieve contiguous habitat across the entire stretch of the koala range, then all creatures great and small could traverse through the bush unthreatened. With over 30 years of research behind the Koala Habitat Map, AKF's next grand vision could redirect the fate of the koala," added Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of Australian Koala Foundation. "Lindt's support will help kickstart those efforts, with an ultimate vision to save the koala with 'kisses' through chocolate." Lindt's chocolate koalas are available to purchase for $6.25 at Lindt stores and via the Lindt website for a limited time.
There's no such thing as 'just a cocktail', as everyone who's fond of making and sipping them knows. Sourcing the exact right ingredients, combining them in the ideal way, perfecting your favourite recipe — ace all three stages, and you'll find yourself with a refreshing, drinkable work of art. One particular part of the above equation is especially crucial, of course. If you don't pick the right spirit to start with, your cruisy afternoon cocktail just won't taste the same. And, if you can go one better and find a standout local drop — an inventive gin or a memorable premix, for example — you'll be able to both enjoy a stellar beverage and support a homegrown distillery at the same time. When it comes to great spirits made right here in Victoria, you might already have your go-to. Or, you could be looking for ideas for your next concoction. Either way, we've teamed up with our pals at BWS to highlight five local outfits pumping out first-rate spirits you should know about. And, as well as adding them to your liquor cabinet, you can also sing their praises by voting for them to be stocked in more BWS stores across Victoria.
Even if it's just for a night, and no matter if you're only travelling as far as the CBD in your own city, spending an evening in a hotel instantly changes your mindset. There's something about walking through the lobby, then getting cosy in fuzzy robes and with a minibar right there, that switches your brain to relaxation mode. That effect is why we all love staycations when we can't head away for a vacation. Of course, the feeling is temporary — but if you took the bed, sheets, TV, towels, bar fridge and more home with you, maybe it wouldn't be? That's the bet that QT Hotels & Resorts is making in February by giving away almost the entire contents of two of its rooms. Sure, you might've taken a hotel notepad and pencil with you after your stay before, or the tiny toiletries and shower cap, but this giveaway goes much, much further. From cushions, the kettle, the Nespresso machine, glasses, crockery and the bathmat through to a Dyson hair dryer, the minibar contents, the in-room safe, the iron and ironing board, and the alarm clock, you'll nab them all — so you'll get a room, then you'll basically be able to recreate that room at your own abode. You'll also receive the tissues, an umbrella, pillows, Kevin Murphy toiletries, a cocktail shaker, coat hangers, a shoe horn, coasters, playing cards, a bin and slippers — and the list from there still goes on. Everything you get will be new, too. The promotion has been dubbed 'Get a Room!', in fact, and does indeed require you to book in at a QT hotel or buy a gift card for at least $100 for a stay via the chain's website. It's also timed around Valentine's Day, so you'll have to slumber at QT between Thursday, February 1–Thursday, February 29, 2024, or purchase that gift card in the same window. Wondering where to check in? The campaign is running across the entire QT Hotels & Resorts chain in Australia and New Zealand for the month of February, which includes in Sydney, Bondi, Canberra, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Regardless of where you pick, you'll be in the draw once you go to the promo's website and submit your booking confirmation or the order number from buying your gift card. Winners will be announced once early March rolls around, and there's two prizes up for grabs: the contents of a whole room in both Australia and Aotearoa. Now, to start planning where you'll put everything — or, if you'll be staying at QT with a date or mate, who gets what. QT Hotels & Resorts' 'Get a Room!' campaign covers stays between and gift cards purchased during Thursday, February 1–Thursday, February 29, 2024 — head to the company's website for further information.
"Mulder and Scully but in a country where nothing happens": that's how Taika Waititi described What We Do in the Shadows New Zealand television spinoff Wellington Paranormal on Twitter back before the hilarious supernatural series even hit screens. Across three seasons so far, those words have rung true in inventive and amusing ways — and viewers will be able to see them prove accurate yet again when the hit show returns on Wednesday, February 16. Wellington Paranormal's fourth season will start airing this week — via SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand in Australia and TVNZ 2 in New Zealand — which is as exciting as every time that police officers Karen O'Leary and Mike Minogue solve one of the mockumentary-style series' otherworldly (and highly entertaining) cases. But, this return also comes with sad news, because this will be the show's final run. That means you've got six more episodes, airing weekly, to spend with the Cops-esque spinoff, and with Wellington's trusty paranormal investigators — which also includes the always-eager Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu). Already, we've seen the crew try to keep the city safe from not only vampires and werewolves, but also ghosts, aliens and more; however, thankfully they've still got half a dozen cases left to solve. Equally funny and silly, and never afraid to bring other familiar What We Do in the Shadows faces, Wellington Paranormal was the first of two TV shows based on Waititi and Jemaine Clement's addition to the undead world — alongside the Emmy-nominated US television series also called What We Do in the Shadows that focuses on vampires sharing a house in Staten Island. We all know that bloodsuckers can be slain by staking them in the heart and lycanthropes aren't fond of silver bullets, but this undead franchise has just kept enduring after it initially jumped from a short film to a side-splittingly hilarious feature-length comedy, even if Wellington Paranormal is now coming to an end. In advance of the show's final episodes hitting screens, a trailer for Wellington Paranormal's fourth season has dropped, which you can check out below: Here's a sneak peak of Season 4 of #WellingtonParanormal, courtesy of our mates at @TVNZ. This Wednesday 16th February, Australia catch it on @SBSOnDemand and NZ on TVNZ 2 👍 pic.twitter.com/yDXq7EBWM7 — Wellington Paranormal (@WellyParanormal) February 13, 2022 Wellington Paranormal's fourth and final season starts screening on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand in Australia and TVNZ 2 from Wednesday, February 16.
If you've enjoyed a visit to the Melbourne Museum in the past decade, chances are you're well acquainted with Wild: Amazing animals in a changing world — that long-running, one-room exhibition filled with an array of taxidermied creatures from across the globe. If not, you'd better hurry and squeeze in a visit while you can, because the popular installation is about to call it a day. After an impressive 11 years, the exhibition is set to close permanently on Tuesday, January 26 to make way for the much-hyped addition of a 67-million-year-old adult triceratops horridus fossil, which will be unveiled in late 2021. Since first launching in 2009, Wild has played host to over 780 preserved animal specimens, offering a striking glimpse at the diversity of our planet's mammal, bird and reptile life. It sparked many people's curiosity, gave others the creeps and even spawned a few unlikely celebrities — like the eccentric-looking, 120-year-old taxidermied giant otter, known affectionately as 'sad otter'. That guy even made it to international meme status. Now-extinct species like the thylacine and pig-footed bandicoot were also among the mix, with some Wild specimens having been in the museum's collection for over one hundred years. Once they're retired from their current post, the animals will be treated to some much-deserved R&R. The museum's conservators will assess the condition of each specimen, making sure that they're properly preserved and protected for a return to display in the future. Wild: Amazing animals in a changing world will wrap up on Tuesday, January 26. Find it at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton — you can book tickets online. Exhibition images: Dianna Snape. Giant otter image: Jon Augier.
If you were out and about near Princes Bridge any time last December, chances are you spied some brave souls fanging it over the Yarra on a zipline. No, you weren't dreaming — that was indeed the 130-metre-long Firefly Zipline, which for a short, sell-out season had people soaring from Federation Square to Alexandra Gardens enjoying a unique adrenaline rush. And now, it's back. Yep, from Friday, December 16–Saturday, January 28, Firefly Zipline will make its return for an extended run of thrills (and hopefully no spills). Speed-demons of any age will be able to book a ticket, don a safety harness and helmet, and enjoy a hurtling flight over the Yarra, either solo or alongside a mate. Cruising six metres above the water and clocking speeds of up to 35 kilometres per hour, it's the ride you never knew you needed in your life. And just in case you need a little more adrenaline this summer, Firefly is unveiling a new experience for the season, dubbed the Firefly Quick Jump. Once you've got your kicks soaring over water, you can put your wits to the test with a simulated freefall experience off the top of a 10-metre-high platform. There's no age limit for zipline flyers, though anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian present to sign their waiver, and kids under 16 will have to ride with a paying adult. You'll also need to weigh between 25 and 120 kilograms to jump aboard. It's recommended you get in quick though, with limited tickets available. Firefly Zipline will operate multiple sessions daily from December 16–January 28. Tickets are $59 for adults, $49 for kids and $195 for a family of four. The Quick Jump clocks in at $25, with combo tickets available. Buy yours online.
With every new year comes new ambitions, goals and hopes for the next 12 months. Despite not quite ticking off everything from last year's resolutions list, there's something about a new year that restores your faith in your own ability to achieve your dreams this time around. And, if the world has shown us anything these past few years, it's to lean into fun while you can. While trying new things can be somewhat daunting, we hear that getting out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Whether you've been promising yourself to sign up to an acting class for years or you feel like trying a different sport, there are loads of ways you can get involved in a new activity this year. We've teamed up with Just Play to give you some inspiration for your extracurricular activities in 2022. PLAY A TEAM SPORT After so much time in solitude and indoors over the past few years, there's never been a better time to get involved in a team sport. Although this may sound very intimidating to some — especially if your high school dabbled in dodge ball — being part of a team sport can be a completely supportive and enjoyable experience. If you're ready to play but haven't got enough mates who are as keen you, Just Play is here to help find you a team. Simply sign up to one of the sports on offer — basketball, netball, futsal, soccer, touch footy, cricket, volleyball and more — as an individual or with a mate and you'll be added to a team in your area. How good. Once you've registered, Just Play will then send you a playing top and you'll be off and away with your new teammates. LEARN A NEW CREATIVE SKILL There's something super satisfying about getting your hands dirty to learn a new skill or to make something. And Work-Shop offer plenty of courses that will leave you feeling creatively fulfilled. You can try your hand at workshops across various art forms including ceramics, jewellery making, pot painting or simply sip on some wine as you paint a watercolour masterpiece. It even offers Kintsugi classes — the art of repairing broken pottery. By the end of each workshop, you'll leave with a beautiful piece of art and a story to tell your mates at dinner. Plus, classes fall on a range of different days and timeslots, making it easy to fit in around your busy weekly schedule. VOLUNTEER FOR A CAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT Volunteering is a top-tier way to get involved in your community and potentially discover new areas of interest. In Sydney, Story Factory has ongoing volunteer opportunities, both online and in person, focusing around greater western Sydney schools. If helping under-resourced communities through creative writing sounds like something for you, this will be right up your alley. There are heaps of other places you can volunteer, too. Consider yourself an animal lover? You could volunteer at an animal shelter. Love to read? Libraries could use your help. Or, if you like life on the more dramatic side, your local theatre is likely to love your creative input. Go Volunteer can help you get started with opportunities and organisations listed or Volunteer Match can help you find something that aligns with your interests. HIT YOUR MARK IN AN ACTING CLASS Ever think you could be the next Cate Blanchett or Eric Bana but just haven't been discovered yet? Well, it might be time to enrol in a NIDA Open course to help you discover your true acting ability or to simply have a bit of fun centre stage. There are intensive part-time courses and shorter weekend and evening classes available in stage acting, screen acting, stand up comedy, design, writing and more. Some courses require an audition to enter but many are available to anyone ready to take on a creative challenge. The best bit? NIDA Open offers regular classes in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. ELEVATE YOUR CULINARY SKILLS You can never stop learning when it comes to cooking. Some of us simply want to master the art of slicing things up a little more intricately. Others might want to figure out which spices should go with what dishes while some might want to perfect a pad thai recipe. Whatever skill you want to refine, a cooking class could be your answer. You can find a range of classes on Red Balloon to suit a range of palate preferences. Want to finally learn how to make some proper Italian pasta? How about delicious Japanese or Middle Eastern food? Either way, Red Balloon has you covered. You can even take a cocktail masterclass and impress all your mates next time they come over for drinks. ENROL IN A LANGUAGE COURSE Learning a new language is one of those things that perpetually seem to be on the 'I should get around to finally doing that' list. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to answer 'Parlez-vous Francais?' with more than 'Oui'? Well, this could be the year. There are plenty of courses to help. The Vocational Language Learning Centre offers courses in Arabic, French, Italian, Greek, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Russian and Spanish at centres in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. EXPLORE YOUR CITY ON SKATES Time to limber up those legs and get on some skates to see your city in a whole new way. Rollerskating is an excellent way to keep active and try something new and still maintaining an element of social distance (ideal in 2022). There are plenty of routes for you to roll around in our major cities. Hit up the St Kilda Beach Promenade in Melbourne, let loose on the long and scenic Brisbane River run or lap it up at Centennial Park in Sydney. In terms of purchasing the gear, Impala Roller Skates online store has plenty of good stuff. Or, there's Bayside Blades in Melbourne, Extreme Skates in Brisbane and Skater HQ in Sydney. Ready to try something new in your city this year? For more information on Just Play, visit the website.
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — but the show's final season is coming first. Before the weather turns cold again in the southern hemisphere, fans of the epic HBO series will be able to discover how the popular series wraps up, so mark your calendars accordingly. After leaving everyone hanging for the entirety of 2018, HBO has announced that Game of Thrones' eighth and final season will hit the small screen on April 14, 2019, US time — so Monday, April 15 in Australia — nearly two years after season seven premiered in July 2017. If you're eager to get your fix of the series' staples — that is, battles, bloodshed, betrayal, bare chests, family bickering, Jon Snow knowing nothing (including about his long-lost aunt) and plenty of dragons — then you can start counting down the days: there are 90 to go. HBO revealed the launch date this morning at the end of slightly creepy new teaser, featuring Jon Snow and Sansa and Arya Stark in the crypts of Winterfell. They're faced with the talking statues of Lyanna, Catelyn and Ned Stark, and look set to battle White Walkers, but you can watch it all below. You can check out the other season eight teasers here. Of course, we all know that this isn't really the end of the world created by author George RR Martin — and no, we're not talking about the now seven-year wait for his next book in the literary franchise, The Winds of Winter. A prequel TV series to Game of Thrones is in the works, set thousands of years before the events we've all be watching since 2011, with Naomi Watts set to star. Come next year, you'll also be able to tour original GoT filming locations in Northern Ireland. https://youtu.be/wA38GCX4Tb0
From clowns to furry critters to dolls, 80s and 90s pop culture drew plenty of scares from childhood staples. Decades later, Hollywood is conjuring up plenty more by bringing it all back again. With the IT remake not only working a charm back in 2017, but releasing a star-studded sequel later this year, the folks behind it are reviving another old favourite: Child's Play. While the horror franchise released its last instalment, Cult of Chucky, as recently as 2017, the new Child's Play is starting all over again. Remaking the original 1989 movie, it'll re-introduce the world to the psychopathic flame-haired plaything with a lust for murder. This time, the toy will terrorise Aubrey Plaza, who plays a young mother to a son who comes into possession of the knife-wielding doll. Whether you've seen any of the seven other Chucky flicks or are too creeped out by the idea to watch, you can probably guess where the story goes — this time, however, the murderous plastic moppet has been updated for the 21st century. And if you're excited about the character's comeback, then you'll be just as excited to know that even more is in store, with a Child's Play TV series also in the works. Check out the unsettling first trailer for the new Child's Play movie below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFy8ZgLd574 Child's Play releases in Australian cinemas on June 20, 2019.
Usually when we all encounter fog, it's hanging there in the sky, misting things up and reducing visibility. But when London-based, world-renowned food artists and multi-sensory design studio Bompas & Parr head Down Under for their first-ever Australian sensory installation, the fog will be considerably different. This mist will be fruit-flavoured, for starters, and it'll be edible. If you're intrigued by weird, wonderful, creative and inventive experiments with food — and with the senses in general — then Bompas & Parr's name should be familiar. Sam Bompas and Harry Parr first garnered attention with their jellies, and then whipped up a 200-course dinner party, unleashed an edible fireworks display, barbecued using real molten lava and served up anatomical whisky tastings. Also on their resume: bespoke cocktails based on your DNA, a feast where diners had to kill their own meal and non-melting icy poles. Yes, tastebud-friendly mist mist fits right in. [caption id="attachment_851679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ann Charlott Ommedal[/caption] We've all heard of pea soup fog, of course — but no, that won't be what you're tasting at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren in Melbourne. Rather, the consumable mist will form part of a flavoured fruit weather installation, and will swirl around oversized food sculptures laid out in a garden. And, there'll be three different varieties seeping through the air each and every day. The aim: to unleash some 'fruit weather' upon the Victorian capital, and to highlight the City of Casey's food heritage. When you're not thinking about horror movies like The Fog and The Mist, you're bound to be contemplating food while you're wandering around these giant versions of it, all with mist seeping out of the bottom. Well, we expect so at least, given that the flavoured fog is a world-first. Everyone keen to experience this hopefully delicious haze will find it lurking around Bunjil Place thanks to a free event called Casey Cornucopia, which'll run from June 24–July 17. Over that 24-day period, there'll be tours explaining how the garden installation came about, too — because it is really is the kind of thing that'll leave you with questions — plus parties, dinners and art. You'll also be able to hit up a food hub that brings together local farmers, growers, artisans, sustainability gurus and artists for a series of daily talks, demonstrations, samples and workshops. Casey Cornucopia will pop up at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren, Victoria, from June 24–July 17. Images: supplied by Bunjil Place and Bompas & Parr.
Dining rooms and offices across the city have stood silent for the past two months, sapping the CBD of its usual buzz. But the City of Melbourne is already setting its sights on sunnier days, unveiling a new plan to prioritise outdoor trading, dining and entertainment along streets and outside venues in the city. Designed to complement the Victorian Government's roadmap out of lockdown, the council's Inside Out initiative will aim to make things as easy as possible for venues and retailers navigating the reopening phase. The initial focus is firmly on open-air trade, with a push towards fast-tracking outdoor trading applications to remove as many hurdles as possible for operators. Plans currently under consideration also include an extension of retail trading hours as the weather warms up, and the closure of select laneways on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights so hospitality venues can offer outdoor dining into the evening. There are also plans to employ buskers to help liven up the streets and outdoor spaces. [caption id="attachment_827168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Godfrey for Visit Victoria[/caption] "This will be an exciting first for Melbourne. Imagine a bustling market with clothing racks and trestle tables on the street, along with food stalls and buskers that will help bring the vibrancy back to our beautiful city, safely," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said in a statement. Victoria's four-phase roadmap allows hospitality venues to start reopening for outdoor trade once 70 percent of the state's residents aged over 16 have been fully vaxxed, which is expected to happen in late October. Retail will fully reopen when Victoria is 80 percent double-dosed, which is predicted for around the first week of November. On top of its Inside Out program, the City of Melbourne is kicking on with other reinvigoration initiatives including its Flash Forward laneway creative art program and projects to help breathe new life into empty shopfronts. It's also keen to launch another round of the Melbourne Money dining rebate scheme, which originally kicked off in June. The Inside Out program is scheduled to launch from late October, in line with the government's roadmap. Images: Emily Godfrey for Visit Victoria.
Mount Buffalo is an absolute dreamland for outdoor adventure lovers — think mountainous hikes, alpine lakes and heart-pumping rock climbing experiences. This expansive natural playground located on Taungurung Country is situated about a 3.5 hours' drive from Melbourne and, thanks to its endless alpine scenery, is undoubtedly worth the trip. In partnership with Victoria's High Country, we've tracked down some of the top activities in the area, from guided walks to sky-high picnics. Whether you're camping overnight or based out of luxurious accommodation in Beechworth or Myrtleford, Mount Buffalo National Park is teeming with thrilling endeavours for every kind of adventurer. So, get out there. [caption id="attachment_838742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] GORGE HERITAGE WALK The Gorge Heritage Walk is the perfect introduction to the Mount Buffalo region. The 2.5-kilometre track is flanked by alpine ash trees and snow gums, and signage ensures you learn fascinating details about the local area along the way. The views are also spectacular, with the best seen at the towering Crystal Brook Falls, which plunges into the Buckland Valley below. There are a few picnic tables, too, should you wish to feast mid-walk. The trail's starting point is opposite Mount Buffalo Chalet, so don't miss your chance to visit this historical place either before or after your stroll. Plus, you'll find a new glass-bottomed lookout point nearby, where you can truly appreciate the depths of the magnificent gorge. [caption id="attachment_837286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE HORN TRACK (AND SUNSET PICNIC) Mount Buffalo plateau's highest point is at the summit of The Horn, which rises 1723 metres above sea level. So, it's safe to say you'll score sprawling views of the adjacent alps from up here. How do you reach this spectacular lookout? Along the Horn Track which starts at the oh-so-scenic Horn Picnic Area. The scenery is always remarkable no matter what time you reach the summit; however, we recommend you elevate your visit by timing your adventure at dusk. As the path to the top is relatively easy (about 45-minutes return), you can bring along a picnic basket and catch the sun set across the high plains while feasting on cheese and sipping an ice-cold brew. [caption id="attachment_804961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bright Adventure Company[/caption] CLIFF PICNIC Speaking of picnics, you won't find one more extreme than Bright Adventure Company's Cliff Picnic experience. Let's just say: acrophobes beware. But if you are willing to dine 300 metres above the valley floor, this unique picnic adventure will ensure your visit to the High Country is truly unforgettable. For $449, you and your fellow adventure lover will abseil down to your sky-high picnic spot on the side of Mount Buffalo. Then, you'll tuck into a picnic hamper overflowing with locally produced goodies. You can choose what time you'd like to snack and take in the jaw-dropping vistas, too, with sunrise, lunchtime and sunset slots all available. With each picnic lasting 2.5 hours, there's loads of time to revel in this once-in-a-lifetime experience accompanied by unmatched views. [caption id="attachment_839063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATHEDRAL HUMP TRACK Mount Buffalo is renowned for its striking landscapes, with the Cathedral Ranges and The Horn both widely regarded as the top landmarks in the alpine plateau. If you want to find a standout vantage point to enjoy them both, the Cathedral Hump Track is the ideal out-and-back journey. Along the moderately challenging two-kilometre walk, hikers are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding granite peaks. The one-way trail reaches a lookout over Cresta Valley and the surrounding countryside, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset viewing. [caption id="attachment_837279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Blackburn / Visit Victoria[/caption] KAYAK ON LAKE CATANI Located in Mount Buffalo National Park, Lake Catani is the only place where you can enjoy a day of watersports on the mountainous plateau. Surrounded by forest and alpine heathlands, this tranquil spot is perfect for breaking out your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. And should you capsize, you can rest easy knowing the waters are a cool (but not freezing) 16 degrees celsius in the height of summer. Want to get on the water but don't have any watercraft with you? No worries, you can hire some from the Dingo Dell Cafe just a short drive away from the lake. The alpine pool is surrounded by everything you need for a great day in the sun, including well-equipped bathrooms, barbecues, picnic tables and a jetty for bombies into the water. If you're keen to stay a while, there's also a campground which is the perfect spot to explore the area from. [caption id="attachment_838745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE BIG WALK No one said stunning hikes had to be named creatively. As you might guess, The Big Walk is one of the Mount Buffalo region's most impressive full-day hikes, with a stirring trail that climbs 1000 metres in nine kilometres. All up, the hike is 11.3 kilometres long, starting at Eurobin Creek Picnic Area and finishing at Gorge Day Visitor Area. It's estimated to take five hours to complete — so this one ain't the faint-hearted. Your calves are bound to feel the burn as you ascend the mountain, cross through various terrains and soak up the shifting landscape. But your efforts are well-rewarded, with several lookout points offering magnificent views of the Aussie alps and Buffalo Gorge. [caption id="attachment_837283" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ROCK CLIMBING The national park is known as one of Australia's top rock climbing destinations. And it's no wonder why. Its soaring granite structures provide the perfect crags and boulders to conquer. The best part, though, is that there are sections suitable for every level of climber, including newbies. Led by Adventure Guides Australia, climbers of all experiences are welcome to get on the ropes. You can take your pick of half-day and full-day tours, both of which provide a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing fundamentals. As you learn about specialist knots, anchor points and simple manoeuvres, you'll feel inspired to take your ability to the next level. Then, get climbing. [caption id="attachment_838747" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATHEDRAL EXPLORER EXPERIENCE Looking to see the Cathedral Range from every perspective? Bright Adventure Company's Cathedral Explorer is a guided tour like no other in the area. Across this three-hour adventure, you'll scramble across boulders and climb rope ladders on your way to the summit. Then, it's time for a break as you appreciate the sweeping valley views. However, there's more action-packed fun on the way back down, with rock climbing and abseiling adventures on your descent. You'll be led by an expert team, so there's no need for previous experience, either. Just pack some sturdy shoes and suitable clothing to complete this action-packed journey priced at $149 per person. Swap Home for Victoria's High Country and tap into your adventurous side this summer. To discover more epic walks and outdoor adventures, check out the Victoria's High Country website. Top image: Mount Buffalo, Visit Victoria
This multi-level Swan Street restaurant is the work of David Abela, Andrew Ryan and Daniel Vid; the same minds behind neighbouring cocktail haunt The Ugly Duckling. Tucked within a three-storey former art store, the 100-seat modern Euro eatery and bar now boasts creatively-charged yet timeless interiors by Flack Studio. It's a warm, eclectic space, featuring lots of rich textures, marble accents and an impressive art collection. In the kitchen, 2015 Young Chef of the Year Tim Martin (The European, Harvest) is delivering a contemporary menu spiked with lots of European influence. The snack game is particularly strong — think, prosciutto paired with a melon escabeche ($24), the pea and ricotta arancini ($12), and oysters with celery heart mignonette ($6). Deeper in, find duck ragu gnocchi finished with saltbush ($35); a seafood spaghetti starring littleneck clams, prawns and calamari ($38); and a pithivier (pie) of gruyere, potato and chard ($32). A grass-fed O'Connor scotch fillet features a madeira jus ($49), and you'll spy a Russian honey cake ($15) leading the dessert offering. The matching wine selection pays homage to Euro drops and varietals, with a healthy spread on offer by the glass. Perch up at the horseshoe bar to sip the Rob Dolan pinot blanc ($15), or head to France with a glass of the Domaine des Espérances gamay out of Touraine ($14). Cocktails stick to the classics with the likes of a negroni ($20) and a dry gin martini ($20), while the aperitif-sipping crowd will be all about the Spritz With No Name ($18) — a refreshing blend of Campari, Pampelle Grapefruit, sparkling wine, orange and olive. [caption id="attachment_842999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] Images: Anson Smart and Untitled
Imagine an informercial, but instead of steak knives and stain-proof trousers, this one's selling nothing less than The Great Society itself. You've got your host, Michael Moore, waddling his way from one set piece to the next and reacting with staged incredulity to every deal and reveal ("you get HOW MUCH annual leave in Italy!?") Then there are the interviews, not strictly scripted, but painstakingly selected to ensure they provide every piece of tantalising information without any of the fine print or shortcomings. And, finally, the offer: "Act NOW to adopt the Norwegian penitentiary system and we'll throw in Finnish tertiary studies ABSOLUTELY FREE!" The thing is, unlike so many of those late night absurdities, this one's genuinely enticing. The premise of Moore's latest documentary is a simple one: America hasn't won a war since WWII, so he's giving the US Armed Forces a well-earned stand down order and is instead single-handedly invading countries to steal the things America's most desperately in need of, including France's healthy school lunches, Germany's recognition of past national atrocities, and Italy's fair workplace conditions. Yes, Moore is selective in his 'spoils of war', only showing us the instances where such programs work, but as a model for better government, better business…better living, it's a forgivable choice. Unlike many of Moore's previous films such as Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Capitalism: A Love Story, there's a refreshing absence of cynicism in Where To Invade Next. Even with the overarching message, which basically boils down to "look how much better than us the world does these things", the film ends by reminding us how so many of those initiatives were born in America and, with just a little legislative courage, could easily be reintroduced to sudden and sweeping effect. Greed, unsurprisingly, is identified by Moore as the chief source of America's ills, and it's no grand revelation that the privatisation of prisons, schools and healthcare invariably precipitates a clash between value and values. However, as Moore seeks to prove, a healthy and educated society where welfare is considered a strength rather than an embarrassment is, in the long run, both a cheaper and a more productive one. Moore's trademark one-liners, musical gags and, for want of a better term, 'clowning', repeatedly threaten to distract (or even detract) from his message. Thankfully he demonstrates enough reserve throughout to let the compelling facts speak largely for themselves. And they are compelling, speaking directly to many of the same shortcomings here in Australia that few would deny are in need of significant redress. Most notable of these are Norway's humane treatment of incarcerated criminals to combat recidivism, and Iceland's massively increased female representation at the executive level across both business and politics. This is a film that shows you how things can be done better, then compels you to ask why it's not already the case. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KeAZho8TKo
Bridge Road Brewers' Brunswick East taphouse opened in 2023, and it's already a local favourite. Drink inside or out at this haunt, sampling some of the Beechworth brewery's 30 beers on tap — which regularly change as the team experiments with new creations. Local wines also feature prominently — especially drops from lesser-known wineries in Beechworth. You've then got all your classic cocktails, non-alcoholic wines and sodas. Chef Jabili Mchawala is running the kitchen here, championing top-notch pizzas, and a huge selection of snacks, sangas, salads and other bites. There's a bit of everything here, from pretzels with Bavarian cheese dip, grazing boards and meatball subs to peri-peri chicken, grilled barramundi and Morrocan brasied lamb.
For more than eight decades, Florentino has stood as a Melbourne dining institution — weathering trends, generations and the changing city around it. When the Grossi Group took the reins in 1999, it became Grossi Florentino we know today. But this November, the venue will shed its first name as the Grossi family closes out a chapter of shaping a restaurant that defined Italian hospitality. Raise your glasses at Grossi Florentino's final dinner service — a five-course showcase of the venue's most beloved dishes, including duck and porcini tortellini with caramelised pear and a family recipe of lamb with polenta. The meal will end, fittingly, with a Florentino chocolate soufflé.
We should all be well aware of the vast benefits that recycling brings to us individually, to our communities, and, of course, to the environment, and many of us make an effort to contribute as much as we can to this vital movement. Yet, some more than others have taken this dedication to reusing and recycling to an entirely new level. Artists and architects around the world have, over recent years, come up with ingenious creations made completely from recycled paper and cardboard. Buildings constructed using recycled paper are not only incredibly environmentally friendly but also cheap, lightweight, and easy to assemble. The structures can also be particularly distinguishable and aesthetically pleasing thanks to the creative methods needed to make use of the renewable materials. Here are seven of the most eco-friendly and remarkable structures made entirely from recycled paper. Dratz&Dratz Architekten's Office After passing by a recycling station and being inspired by the unexpected durability and functionality of recycled paper, Ben and Daniel Dratz of Berlin constructed this unique 2045 square foot workspace made from 550 bales of compressed recycled paper. The duo funded the project through a $200,000 grant from Essen's Zollverein School of Management and Design to build this pioneering 'paper house' on the grounds of a former mining complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The duo stacked and designed the building so that it could withstand several days of rain and then dry in the sun. Not only is this a wondrous architectural feat but it is also a mysterious construction with countless scraps of information and hidden secrets embedded deep within its walls. Shigeru Ban's Takatori Catholic Church One of the most famous paper structures from one of the world's most famous paper architects, the Takatori Catholic Church is not only an unfathomable achievement in architectural design, but it is also an incredibly important construction, which helped rebuild the spirit and unity of the Takatori community following the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Paper tubes were used as the structural elements of the rescue base and church — hence its nickname, 'Paper Dome' — and in 2005 these were then transferred to Taiwan to help the victims from the 921 Earthquake before being reused as a place of worship. Mode:lina Architekci's TRIWA Pop-up Store Nine hundred cardboard tubes were required to pull off this distinctive store for the up-market Swedish watch brand TRIWA. Aside from wanting to gain an alternative edge over their competitors, the company wanted low-cost, renewable materials that could quickly and easily be erected and which would increase their global brand awareness. The store is located in Poznan Plaza Shopping Mall in Poznan, Poland and consists of cabinets made from chunky chipboard panels, placed upon stacks of cardboard tubes made from OSB wood panels. Zouk Architect's Paper Tube Office Zouk Architects decided to adopt some eco-friendly methods for the construction of their very own open-plan office. Rather than simply discarding the unwanted moving waste when relocating their office, they decided to take full advantage of the cheap and highly structural materials to create an avant-garde office with a modern and renewable twist. Sumer Erek's Newspaper House In 2007, artist Sumer Erek made a call-out to the people of London to collate the newspapers lying inside their homes and scattered on the streets and add them to his creation, made entirely of 120,000 rolled newspapers. The transformative art- and think-piece is aimed to alter the perceptions of how Londonites, and everyone the world over, view rubbish and the mess we all contribute to. In an attempt to address the growing issue of free papers littering the streets of England, Erek wanted to reinforce the idea of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' and make the public realise that everyone is part of the problem, as well as the solution. Erek's expressive project was revealed in March 2008 and has since toured around England and various parts of Europe. Masahiro Chatani's Origamic Architecture On a slightly smaller scale, Masahiro Chatani's origamic architecture demonstrates the ways reused paper can be (re)used to create amazingly detailed and accurate depictions of famous buildings from around the world. Chatani invented the art of cutting paper simply using a knife to produce complex and beautiful paper structures in 1981 and since then many other artists have taken up the trend and added their own flair to it. Shigeru Ban's Tea House This tea house made entirely from recycled paper is another awe-inspiring creation from the hands of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, yet with a slightly more commercial edge. Ban wants to send out a message to the world, as many of these architects do, to stress the importance of reusing and recycling in order to save our planet from the heavy burdens we place upon it through the never-ending mounds of waste we continually create. Following true Japanese tradition, this 5-metre-long construction is complete with a table and four chairs as well as a waiting area with a bench — the perfect environmentally friendly location to sit back and enjoy a rejuvenating green tea.
"When was the last truly fucking nasty, nasty, bad pop girl?" the latest teaser trailer for The Idol asks. Whatever the answer to that question IRL, it seems that HBO viewers — and subscribers to Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — are about to meet someone who earns that description on-screen come June. After dropping sneak peeks since July 2022, the US cable channel's new music industry-set series finally has a release date. And, of course, another glimpse at what's to come. That celebrity is Jocelyn, as played by Voyagers' Lily-Rose Depp. She's quite the big deal, but a nervous breakdown got in the way of her last tour. Now she's back — and she wants be known as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America again. As the new trailer shows, nightclub impresario Tedros (Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd) just might be a part of that big return. There's a whole lot of parties, drugs, attractive actors and drama in The Idol's teasers so far, which hardly comes as a surprise given that Sam Levinson is one of its creators alongside The Weeknd. By now, audiences know that when something on HBO proves a huge hit, the network goes all in. One case in point: all things Game of Thrones, including House of the Dragon, plus the hefty list of other spinoffs also in the works. Another example: Euphoria, which Levinson is best known for, and appears to share its vibe with The Idol. Here, there's complicated relationships, too. Jocelyn and Tedros' time together is complicated by his sordid past, for instance, but also might gift her with a romantic awakening. Where the show goes from there will start to be revealed from Monday, June 5 Down Under, after it premieres at 2023's Cannes Film Festival. The Idol's stacked cast also includes Red Rocket's Suzanna Son, Boy Erased's Troye Sivan, Schitt's Creek's Dan Levy, singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim, Only Murders in the Building's Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Hacks' Jane Adams, Bodies Bodies Bodies' Rachel Sennott and Inglourious Basterds' Eli Roth. Also set to pop up in the series: Hank Azaria (Hello Tomorrow!), Hari Nef (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel), Steve Zissis (Happy Death Day 2U), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Tunde Adebimpe (Marriage Story), Elizabeth Berkley Lauren (Saved By the Bell) and Nico Hiraga (Booksmart), plus Anne Heche (All Rise) in what'll be one of her last performances. When it was originally announced in November 2021, The Idol was set to span six episodes, all filmed in Los Angeles — with She Dies Tomorrow's Amy Seimetz directing every single one. But back in April 2022, it was revealed that Seimetz had left the project and reshoots were underway as a result. How that'll impact the end product is obviously yet to be seen, but the teasers so far should have you intrigued anyway. And, so should the fact that A24 are also behind it, after 2023's already-stellar Beef. Check out the latest teaser trailer for The Idol below: The Idol will premiere on Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand on Monday, June 5.. Images: Eddy Chen/HBO.
Our phones have a lot of uses these days. While they were once merely a means of communication, they are now a great way to fill time or catch up on current events as well as the perfect crutch in an awkward situation. Need to fill an unbearably long silence or look like you're doing something while alone at a party? Just whip out an iPhone. But all of these new uses seem to defeat the original purpose of the device. With a smartphone glued to the palm of our hand, can we still maintain any meaningful communication face-to-face? A new photo series entitled 'The Death of Conversation' suggests not. Picturing friends, couples and dinner dates entranced with the screens of their phones but ignoring each other, these works by London photographer Babycakes Romero are all too familiar. It's something you see everyday. Don't feel too embarrassed. We're all guilty of it. This is what inspired the photographer to create the series. "I saw that smartphones were becoming a barrier to communication in person," he told Buzzfeed. "I saw how people used it as a social prop to hide their awkwardness, to fill the silence, but as I continued to observe and document this modern phenomenon I felt that the devices were actually causing the awkwardness and the silence." There's been a growing awareness of this problem over the past few years especially. Many musicians including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Prince now ask their audiences to put their phones away and "be in the moment"; some restaurants even ban their customers from taking photos of their food. "[Using your phone] is a form of rejection and lowers the self-worth of the person superseded for a device," said the artist. "I have nothing against technology at all but I feel it is starting to affect social cohesion, and we need to know when to switch it off or we will become permanently switched off from each other." Though this behaviour is now common all over the world, it may not be as bad as it first appears. Many theorists think this kind of criticism is unfounded. With this kind of constant digital companionship, aren't we in fact being more social than ever? It's for you to decide. But, at first glance, the evidence is pretty damning. Via Buzzfeed. All photos via Babycakes Romero.
Watching Bangarra Dance Theatre light up the stage isn't something that's easily forgotten. Seeing David Gulpilil grace the silver screen falls into that category, too. Australia's pioneering Indigenous dance company and the country's biggest acting legend have something else in common as well: they've both been the subject of excellent documentaries that've hit cinemas in 2021. The first, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, steps through the titular dance company's formation, history and impact. Of course, it can't recount Bangarra's origins, evolution, aims and achievements without also telling the tale of Stephen, David and Russell Page, who've become its most famous names over the past three decades. The film that results is a potent portrait of an Aussie arts powerhouse, as well as an important history lesson about the factors that gave rise to the company — and that it continues to address through its performances. The second movie, My Name Is Gulpilil, is a rare treasure — because it gives audiences the chance not only to look back at its namesake's now five-decade career (complete with roles in everything from Walkabout and Storm Boy to Goldstone and Cargo), but also to spend time with him as he reflects upon his life and achievements. He tells his story in his own words and, although he celebrates his successes, he doesn't overlook the struggles. Making the film all the more meaningful: the fact that director Molly Reynolds shot it while Gulpilil battled stage-four lung cancer. Thankfully, he's outlasted his initial prognosis, which allowed Reynolds to spend even longer recording his thoughts. Both of these docos have enjoyed their slots on the big screen. Both are exceptional films, too. Now, to celebrate NAIDOC Week, the ABC is both screening and streaming them — so, whether you missed them in cinemas or you'd like to see them again, you'll be able to do so at home, and for free. Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra screens first, airing at 8.30pm on Tuesday, July 6 and hitting ABC iView at the same time. Come Sunday, July 11, My Name Is Gulpilil will do the same. There's your viewing sorted for the week — with the ABC also showing Bangarra's Dubboo: Life of a Songman, and adding a NAIDOC Week collection of films and TV shows to iView as well. Check out the trailers for Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra and My Name Is Gulpilil below: Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra screens on ABC and hits ABC iView on Tuesday, July 6 — and My Name Is Gulpilil does the same on Sunday, July 11. Top image: Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, Daniel Boud.
Spending her career photographing some of pop culture's most iconic people including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, musician Nick Cave and actress Gwendoline Christie, Australian photographer Polly Borland has returned home with a brand new exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. On display at The Ian Potter Centre from September 28 to February 3 next year, Polyverse showcases 60 of Borland's surrealistic photographs captured over the last decade. Recognised for her dedication to shooting on film, Borland's strict creative process means she never alters images in post-production, instead working singlemindedly to capture the perfect image. Polyverse will also feature a tapestry recreation of Borland's renowned portrait of The Queen. Having collaborated with prisoner advocacy organisation Fine Cell Work, which trains prisoners in highly-skilled needlework, this work will be displayed, for the first time, as double-sided, showcasing not only Borland's expert composition, but also the intricate needlework of the prisoners. Borland has worked with some of the biggest names across arts and culture, making this exhibition an exciting opportunity to view the work of one of Australia's leading photography exports in the flesh — for free. Images: Installation view of Polly Borland: Polyverse at NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre running from 28 September, shot by Tom Ross.
We all have a mate with a special interest that doesn't quite match up to our own. Maybe you've got a friend who is trying to drag you on a camping trip when you'd much rather spend a weekend staying in a luxury hotel? Or a Crossfit-mad mate who wants you to fall in love with the beloved fitness regimen that you have zero interest in? We get it. But it doesn't mean you can't have a good time while supporting your mate's penchant for niche activities. To help you be a supportive mate (and to have a good time while you're at it) we've teamed up with Ticketblaster to find a few ways to enjoy yourself at your friend's special interest events. Whether it's getting around the footy or seeing a movie you don't couldn't care less about, read on to find out how you can have a good time in unexpected places — even when you'd rather be anywhere else. TO ENJOY THE FOOTY: WATCH THE GAME AT THE MEDALLION CLUB If you need extra convincing to head along to the footy in Melbourne, Ticketblaster has your back. You can nab tickets to the Medallion Club on a game-by-game basis exclusively through the ticketing site. Even if you're not a member, you can still have an elevated AFL experience (think: premium seats, dining and access to the corporate suites) at the MCG and its Shane Warne Stand or Marvel Stadium courtesy of Ticketblaster. That means you can enjoy all the perks of a season membership without the hefty annual price tag with tickets starting from $50. TO APPRECIATE THE THEATRE: START WITH TWILIGHT DRINKS IN THE COURTYARD If you're not typically keen on theatre or sitting in the dark for long periods on end, beginning your evening with an alfresco drink beforehand might just be the gateway you've been looking for. Make tracks to Malthouse Theatre, an old brewery turned contemporary theatre complex, which presents various forms of performing arts including comedy, music and theatre. Here, you can enjoy drinks in the sunny courtyard bar before heading inside to see that play that your friend won't stop banging on about. TO GET ON THE GREEN: MAKE IT MINIATURE Golf isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you make the game a more bite-sized length, it can be a good time for the game's naysayers. Thankfully, Victoria has a few options when it comes to mini golf. Holey Moley promises a putt putt party in the CBD, with a fully stocked bar and plenty of snacks to keep you going as you tackle the venue's whopping 27 holes across its three colourful courses. And, if you get sick of swinging your golf club, you can jump on the mic and have a crack at karaoke instead. Feeling adventurous? Head further afield to Maru Koala and Animal Park to test your skills at Pirate Pete's 18-hole course. Don't forget to say hello to all the gorgeous animals at the park after your day on the green. TO HEAD OFF ON A HIKE: SCHEDULE A SUNSET SOAK AFTERWARDS Been guilted into digging out the trainers for a hike in the great outdoors? Why not reward yourself with some serious relaxation after your trek? After getting your heart rate up, escape to the Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak in its spectacular baths. The geothermal mineral waters span over 50 bathing experiences, including the hilltop pool and smaller ones amongst the trees. There are also spa treatments if you really want to spoil yourself and moonlit bathing available, too. [caption id="attachment_799282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Kinross Photography[/caption] TO ATTEND A NICHE FILM: CATCH IT A BOUTIQUE CINEMA If you're being dragged along to a movie you don't really care for, make plans to see it at a boutique theatre. The Astor Theatre on the corner of Chapel Street and Dandenong Road is an ideal spot. There's only one screen in the huge auditorium that opened in 1936, and a trip to this famous theatre really does feel like an event in its own right. It's known for showing classic and cult favourites, along with new releases here and there. Another option is the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, which shows a selection of new releases and arthouse classics in a gorgeous 1800s building. The best part? There are cocktails and handmade ice cream to enjoy during your mate's favourite film. TO GET YOURSELF GAMING: TEST YOUR SKILLS AT AN ARCADE Not the gaming type? The arcade and pinball bar Bartronica, located on Flinders Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, might help you change that for the night. The retro arcade is filled with neon everywhere you look and boasts pinnies, consoles, arcades games and more. There's also plenty of tinnies and cocktails being slung and and bar snacks to keep you refreshed during the big gaming battles. Sounds pretty good right? Tap into the nostalgia of playing games in your younger years and enjoy a cold bev while you're at it. TO FROTH THE WAVES: HANG TEN AT URBNSURF Always wanted to try new surfing but afraid of, you know, sharks? URBNSURF Park in Tullamarine may be the way to go to indulge your mate who wants to hang ten. With ocean-like waves in a controlled environment, the surf park offers you the chance to catch a wave without the dangers (or anxiety) of deep ocean water. There are waves for newbies, intermediate surfers and challenging barrels for those who are more accustomed to the riding the sea. After your surf, head to Three Blue Ducks to refuel with food from a menu featuring sustainable and ethically farmed produce. Reckon you're ready to join your mate's niche interest activity? For more information on Medallion Club and to book tickets, visit the Ticketblaster website.
There's something simple, but so unbelievably scrumptious, about the espresso martini. A cocktail that's made a name for itself the world over for its appeal not only as a great dessert drink, but also as an often-needed pick-me-up for late nights out on the town. Vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, that's all it takes. There's more than one way to spin the espresso martini, so the Riverland Group, together with Kahlua, Absolut and Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, have teamed up to celebrate its versatility at a bunch of bars around Melbourne. You might be doing a double take on the mention of peanut butter whiskey — no it's not a traditional ingredient, but have you ever tried a peanut butter espresso martini? You'll get your chance soon with what Riverland Group venues across Melbourne are offering throughout June. All day every day from Sunday, June 1 to Monday, June 30, you'll be able to order and sip classic espresso martinis (made with Absolut vodka, Kahlua and fresh espresso) and the shaken-up spin of peanut butter espresso martinis (Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Kahlua and fresh espresso) or a Baby G Shot (made with Kahlua and Bumbu cream). No matter the venue, the martinis are $16 each and $30 for two, while the shot is $10. But where are these drinks available? In the CBD, you'll have to go to the waterfront since three participating venues in Melbourne are along the Yarra. Leading the riverside offering is the openair haunt Riverland Bar, joined by the boardwalk-flanked Boatbuilders Yard and one of the Yarra's most energetic pubs, The General Assembly. Otherwise, you can head to Brunswick's Hotel Railway or venture beyond the city to Jetty Road Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula. Espresso Martini: Absolut-ly Iconic will be running throughout the month of June at various Melbourne venues. Visit the venues' websites for more information.
It's been a long wait in Melbourne if you want to rock 'n' roll with AC/DC live. 2025 marks ten years since the iconic Sydney-formed band last took to the stage Down Under. It's also the year, thankfully, that they're making their Aussie concert return. After kicking off in 2024, the group's Power Up tour will play Australian dates, with Brian Johnson, Angus Young and company hitting up Melbourne on Wednesday, November 12 and Sunday, November 16. Let there be rock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then. This is the first time that the legendary Australian rockers have toured Down Under since their 2015 'Rock or Bust' world tour. In November in Victorian capital, Amyl and The Sniffers are onboard in support to make this massive concert even more so, and to give attendees a taste of two different generations of Aussie rockstars. This tour isn't just a fitting homecoming for AC/DC, but comes more than half a century since the band played their first-ever show in Australia. This 2025 gig will be just over a month and a half short of 52 years since that 1973 Sydney debut. Power Up is also the name of the group's 2020 album, their most-recent record — which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, made multiple best-of lists for that year and scored Grammy nominations. For those about to rock, AC/DC's high-voltage current set list spans their entire career, however, including everything from 'If You Want Blood (You've Got It)', 'Back in Black' and 'Hells Bells' to 'Highway to Hell', 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and 'You Shook Me All Night Long'. Images: Christie Goodwin. Updated: Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Welcome to Brunswick's next door hall venue, aptly named 'The Hall', has officially re-opened this month, following a top-to-toe refurbishment. For those that weren't aware, this is the old 'Mess Hall' venue, a heritage-listed Masonic Hall with timber beams that arguably belong in a Canterbury cathedral. The new Hall looks much the same, but the 4 Pines crew has polished the space and revamped the menu. The taps are still pouring freshly brewed 4 Pines, naturally. And the food has been designed to match: think pan-Asian snacking plates like battered, crispy eggplant and pork belly bao with slaw and sticky hoisin. You can also load up with some larger dishes — mostly curries. There's a knockout beef Massaman, a red pumpkin curry with baby corn and snake beans, plus the usual suspects like Pad Thai and a 12-hour braised pork belly. Plus, plenty of vegan options to keep everyone happy. Even better, to celebrate the grand opening, The Hall is currently selling curry bowls for $4 a pop (limited to one per person, you greedy monsters). This offer is for a limited time and expires on Friday, 30 June. There's also a Tuesday 'Locals Night', where guests can get 25% off their bill. All you have to do is flash a Brunswick postcode on your licence. Joss Jenner-Leuthart, Managing Director of Welcome to Brunswick, says the new space was designed with community in mind, "When we opened Welcome To Brunswick in 2019, we wanted to be a place that Brunswick locals and visitors could come for no-fuss food, the freshest beer and an easy going local vibe. The Hall now adds casual pan-Asian plates to our food offer and gives locals another reason to come into their local!" The Hall is open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday (weddings pending) from 5pm to 10pm. You'll probably need to book a seat if you want to nab a $4 curry bowl. The Hall at Welcome to Brunswick is open at 400 Sydney Rd, Brunswick from 5pm–10pm Tuesdays–Saturdays. Images: supplied.
For five days in October, the Queen Victoria Market will become the cheesiest place in Melbourne, all thanks to its new Holey Cheese Festival. Running on Tuesday, October 23 and again between Thursday, October 25 and Sunday, October 28, this is the type fest that'll fill your stomach with all of things fromage — so if you're not fond of dairy, consider yourself warned. A good cheese fest is all about the tastings, and this one promises samples of the state's best hard, soft, blue, white, fresh and aged rinds from both regular market traders and local producers. When you're not nabbing a bite of gouda, camembert or raclette, you can tuck into cheesy meals from food trucks, pop-up eateries — including a 140-cheese pizza from 400 Gradi (just ten cheese's shy of its record-breaking pizza) — Melbourne chefs and, once again, the market's regulars. Throw in live music, a bar serving up wine, beer and cider, and cooking demonstrations — hopefully showing you how to whip up the cheesiest possible dishes at home — and you'll be having cheese dreams for days.
With Campari as your host, this year's Negroni Week launch party is set to be a big one. In 2022, the yearly event — which sees the best bars and restaurants around the world put an imaginative twist on the iconic drink while giving back to charity — is holding a glass to 10 big, aperitivo-loving years. On Sunday, September 11, Campari — that essential ingredient of a classic negroni — is inviting fans to spend an afternoon exploring the bitter orange cocktail and celebrate its history. A bespoke negroni menu will be accompanied by free canapés and giveaways on the style-heavy Rooftop at QT. And that's just the beginning. After you've secured your posi at the al fresco venue, you'll be able to sip your way around four imaginative iterations of negroni. The tipples start at $16, with $1 from each sale going to Slow Food. DJ Kitty Kat will be kicking off the festivities at 2pm, with Paris Wells taking over the decks at 6pm. With good vibes aplenty, the tone will be set for the week of nationwide festivities to follow. Keeping you fuelled, the canapés will circulate the space from 5–7pm, and Campari will be giving away merch aplenty. The party will be running on a first come, first serve basis, so mark your diary now. Campari's Negroni Week launch party will hit Rooftop at QT on Sunday, September 11. Head to the website for more details.
In 2022, Airbnb had travellers worldwide vying for nights at the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine and The Godfather mansion, plus the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, Hobbiton and the Moulin Rouge! windmill, too. That's last year's batch of must-stay destinations. New year, new range of spots that you wouldn't normally get to slumber at, but can if you're lucky enough to score a reservation. And if you're keen on spending the night hearing the music of the night, you'll be excited about the accommodation platform's latest addition. If you don't know the Palais Garnier by name, that's okay — but if you've ever seen or even heard of The Phantom of the Opera, be it on the stage or screen, then you're familiar with the Parisian opera house without realising it. The theatre inspired French author Gaston Leroux's novel back in the early 20th century, after he reportedly heard rumours about the 19th century-built, 1979-seat venue. The rest is literary history, and musical history as well thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber and company from the 1980s onwards. As an opera house, Palais Garnier doesn't usually let folks slumber overnight — whether they're wearing masks like The Phantom of the Opera's namesake or not. But for two guests, that'll change on Sunday, July 16. This'll be the first time ever that the venue has opened for a sleepover, and whoever nabs the booking will even sleep in an opera box. The theatre's largest box, aka its box of honour, is normally reserved for visiting dignitaries — but that'll mean whoever gets to stay overnight this winter, too. For the Airbnb reservation, the chamber is being turned into a bedroom, complete with heavy splashes of luxurious red and gold. Of course, actually sleeping in such rare and decadent surroundings, and soaking in Palais Garnier's splendid architecture from the best spot in the house, is just one part of the visit. Also included is a tour of the theatre's hidden areas in the Palais Garnier, which usually aren't seen by the public — such as the Opera de Paris' private archives and its famed underground lake. You'll also get a private ballet initiation with one of the company's dancers, and watch a recital by the Paris Opera Academy over champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner will take place in the private Foyer de la Danse, the backstage dancing rehearsal room. Also, a tour of the private dance studios that sit beneath the building's eaves will let you scope out stunning views of the Paris skyline. Your host: Véronique Leroux, the great-granddaughter of French novelist Leroux, who is keen to "welcome 'phans' to the famous setting of his much-loved novel for a once-in-a-lifetime stay". Folks already dreaming of a night — and a Paris trip — to remember will need to get booking on Thursday, March 2 at 4am AEDT / 3am AEST / 6am NZDT. Your stay will cost you 37 euros, which is AU$57, and honours the box of honour's number. You will need to be over 18, have a verified Airbnb profile and boast a good record on the service — and getting to and from Paris is not included in the reservation, so that's at your extra expense (and you'll need to organise it). For more information about the Palais Garnier listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 4am AEDT / 3am AEST / 6am NZDT on Thursday, March 2, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Blue Max Media / Thibaut Chapotot.
What to do when your social life has once again reverted to virtual hangs with mates, but you exhausted most of the decent group activity options last time around? Enter: Virtual Escape — an Aussie website offering a digital version of the brain-teasing escape room experience. Much like the real-life challenge rooms you'd have tried back in pre-pandemic times, Virtual Escape hosts a series of interactive puzzles requiring fierce teamwork and plenty of clue-solving to get you out of sticky fictional situations. Only these ones are played entirely online, with participants communicating via video call. To play, you'll need a WhatsApp group, multiple devices and a way of viewing PDF documents. Each team of two-to-six players will be joined by their own facilitator, who'll provide the background info and set the challenge. Currently, there are two Virtual Escape experiences to choose from, one centred around a bank heist and the other featuring a bomb threat. A third, inspired by the humble hangover, is in development, to be released in the coming months. Each runs for a heart-pumping 60 minutes, priced at $45 per group of up to six. Got a competitive streak? The top ranking teams for each online experience are published on the website, in case you want to strive for the glory of the leaderboard.
It has been three months since the Australian Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel due to COVID-19, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. And, while other restrictions across the nation are starting to ease as part of Australia's overall roadmap out of lockdown, jetting overseas won't be on the agenda any time soon. This isn't surprising news. In fact, back in April, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy advised that international travel wouldn't be back for at least three-to-four months. But now Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has confirmed that opening our border to the rest of the world is still some way off. Speaking at the National Press Club on Wednesday, June 17, the Minister said that "international border restrictions are likely to be there for some time to come" — and that "keeping those border restrictions largely in place is a price we're going to have to pay to keep COVID under control". Given that the status of COVID-19 in Australia is vastly different to most other countries around the globe, again, that's hardly an unexpected revelation. Expanding on the subject, Senator Birmingham explained that "in terms of open tourist-related travel in or out of Australia, that remains quite some distance off, just because of the practicalities of the volumes that are involved and the need for us to first and foremost keep putting health first". And, when specifically asked if it was more likely to happen next year rather than this year, he said, "I think that is more likely the case". [caption id="attachment_769188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A trip to Sicily might not be possible till next year.[/caption] There are exceptions to Australia's border stance, however. The Minister noted that "international students and other categories of visitors to Australia who stay here for a longer period of time can more easily be accommodated, because we can simply work through the 14-day quarantine periods that have worked so well in terms of returning Australians to this country safely to date". Indeed, in the Australian Capital Territory, plans for a pilot scheme allowing around 35o students to enter the country are progressing. Senator Birmingham also advised that the government is trying to "find safe pathways to deal with essential business travel that helps to contribute to jobs across our economies". And, as has come up frequently over the past few months, implementing a 'travel bubble' with New Zealand — aka reinstating international travel just between the two countries before Australia's international border reopens to all nations worldwide — is still under consideration. "We will progressively and carefully step through what we can do to reopen," the Minister noted. "That's what talks with New Zealand are about, and I hope we can see that advance." He also touched upon opening up the travel bubble to other short-term visitors from countries with low COVID-19 rates. "That becomes much more challenging once you move beyond New Zealand. But not impossible and I hope that we can look eventually at some of those countries who have similar successes in suppressing the spread of COVID to Australia and New Zealand." It's worth noting, of course, that many of Australia's state borders are still closed, too. Queensland is working towards reopening to visitors from other states on July 10, although that hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, while the Northern Territory just today, Thursday, June 18, announced it'll reopen on July 17 — and South Australia is slated to do the same on July 20. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
The time of boring holidays is over. No longer are we locking ourselves inside a three-star resort for two weeks, limiting ourselves to whitewashed itineraries and experiences we could find at home. To really explore the world, we must occasionally check comfort and familiarity at the door. That's what you could do with a guided, small-group tour organised by Intrepid Travel. We've teamed up with the global exploration extraordinaires to showcase just a taste of the experiences on offer. All you need to do is dive right in. [caption id="attachment_970293" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ChanwitOhm via iStock[/caption] Hike up a Volcano in Lombok When it comes to Aussies on holiday, Bali is an all-time classic pick. The neighbouring island of Lombok isn't that far afield either, but there's more to an Indonesian getaway than massages and cocktails by the beach. Instead, you can secure a spot on a 12-day adventure across the islands of Bali, Lombok and Gili. You'll hike, bike and kayak your way through some of the most scenic landscapes Indonesia has to offer. The peak (literally) of the adventure comes on the island of Lombok, where you'll spend two days hiking up an active volcano, camp at its crater (at nearly 2600 metres high) and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the ocean — if the weather is clear. Watch the Sunrise From the Tallest Mountain in Borneo Borneo is one of the last wild nations on Earth, with a hugely diverse ecosystem and a range of iconic native wildlife—orangutans being the most famous among them. This 11-day expedition allows you to get up close and personal with those gentle forest creatures, as well as sea turtles, macaques, bears and maybe even pygmy elephants. During your adventure, you'll also get to scale Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the country. To see the sunrise from the summit, 4095 metres above sea level, you'll spend the night on the mountain and set off at 2am — but the views will be worth it. When you've descended, you will spend the afternoon unwinding in hot springs. Help Reforest an Island in Cambodia Community service in Cambodia is a highly regarded activity for Aussies abroad, but this eight-day tour of the country will put you in touch with more than just good karma. You'll bike through the Cambodian countryside, explore ancient ruins, meet endangered river dolphins and spend two days on an island in the Mekong River. On the small island of Koh Trong, you'll overnight in a local homestay, giving you ample time to explore the island's shores, rice fields and fruit orchards. Once you've had a good night's sleep and a home-cooked meal, you'll lend a hand to a local reforestation project to put some good back into the earth. Immerse Yourself in the Himalayas Along the Trans-Bhutan Trail There are few secrets on planet Earth as well hidden as Bhutan. Literally and figuratively dwarfed by its neighbours, India and China, this tiny Buddhist kingdom transports you back in time and takes your breath away with its awe-inspiring landscapes. You can spend 11 days exploring this remarkable nation with Intrepid. The altitude might thin out the air, but it's cleaner than anywhere else since Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country. Breathe deep as you drive and walk across the country's heart, stopping at high-altitude mountain passes, fortified Buddhist complexes and ancient monasteries built into the sides of rock faces. Kayak Amongst Stunning Limestone Islands in Lan Ha Bay Vietnam's scenery is on another level, with mountains, valleys and fields that create incredible memories (and photographs). It's a quintessential destination for travellers, but the art of balancing its many moving pieces is best left to travel agents and trip organisers. It's a good thing Intrepid offers an 11-day tour that'll see you hiking, biking and kayaking all over the country. First, you'll venture through the busy capital city of Hanoi for an on-the-ground Vietnam experience. Then, you'll stop in regional cities and towns like Sapa, Khau Bau, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island. Those landlocked locales will see you hit the trails and fields on bicycles and your own two feet, but the latter is in Ha Long Bay's World Heritage designation and features the iconic limestone cliffs and white sand beaches by the plenty. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka Sometimes overshadowed by its larger neighbour, India, Sri Lanka has been slept on as a destination by many for far too long. One of the most varied ways to explore it is a fairly physical eight-day exploration of the island, which will take you through mountains, tea fields, thick jungles and fast-flowing rivers. Along the way, you'll get up close and personal with four of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the country. First, there's the city of Sigirya, built atop a granite rock over 1500 years ago. You'll then head to the jungle-coated Knuckles Mountain Range, the Sacred City of Kandy and finally, the fortified Old Town of Galle. Trek to the Base of the Highest Mountain on Earth When talking adventure tours in Asia, we'd be remiss not to touch on the most famous of all: the two-week journey to the Base Camp of Mount Everest. It's a trip and a destination carved into human history, but the Base Camp trek is easier than the journey up the mountain itself. This tour starts in Kathmandu, but you'll fly to your real starting point in Lukla before setting off on the hiking journey of a lifetime. Take in the snow-crested peaks and green valleys of the Himalayan ranges as you make the journey up to Base Camp before turning around and taking a different route back to Lukla. You'll be spending your nights in teahouses and are likely to meet other hikers along the way since this is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Across its five seasons to date, Black Mirror has dedicated 22 episodes to imagining dystopian futures — and while it makes for compelling viewing, none of the sci-fi anthology series' predictions are particularly pretty. But, for all of its prognosticating, the Charlie Brooker-created show didn't foresee 2020's chaos. And now we've all endured this hectic year and are about to see it come to an end, the team behind Black Mirror has something to say about it. At 6pm AEST on Sunday, December 27, just before 2020 fades away forever, Netflix will drop a new comedy special called Death to 2020 — which is made by the Black Mirror crew. The show will look back on the year via a documentary-style special that uses real-life archival footage from the past 12 months, as well as narration from fictitious characters played by the high-profile likes of Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Diane Morgan, Cristin Milioti and Joe Keery. Immediately keen to see more? After revealing a teaser trailer for Death to 2020 earlier in December — when it first announced that the project even existed — Netflix has now dropped a full sneak peek. Jackson's character gets snappy, Grant's wants to make sure that a drink is close at hand, and Jones' advises she'd say 2020 "was a trainwreck and a shit show, but that'd be unfair to trains and shit". Brooker has a history of looking back at events that have just passed, as Newswipe with Charlie Brooker and his end-of-year Wipe specials between 2010–16 have all demonstrated — so satirising and savaging the year's developments definitely falls into his wheelhouse. Brooker and Netflix also love releasing new material over the holiday period, with interactive Black Mirror special Bandersnatch dropping between Christmas and New Year's Eve back in 2018. So, true to form, they're giving everyone an extra festive — and grimly funny — present this year. Check out the full Death to 2020 trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veUqfcyZ_Bo Death to 2020 will hit Netflix at 6pm AEST on Sunday, December 27 . Images: Saeed Adyani/Keith Bernstein.
If you look at some of the biggest cultural events around the country over the past few years, it's clear that we have a bit of an obsession with nighttime antics supported by neon light installations. Of course, Sydney has Vivid, Melbourne has White Night and, on a regional level, Uluru's Field of Light has been a huge hit. Now, Bendigo is following in these luminescent footsteps with its own White Night festival. Inspired by Paris' Nuit Blanche movement, White Night has been an annual festival in Melbourne since 2013 and expanded to Ballarat in 2017. And, along with Geelong, Bendigo is joining in on the festivities for the first time this year. Celebrated artistic director and producer David Atkins, OAM will be leading the event. From 7pm on Saturday, September 1 until 2am the next morning, Bendigo's CBD will be will be transformed by vibrant activities, artwork and performances. With View Street as the central hub, the festival will extend down Pall Mall and spill out into Bull Street, Chancery Lane and Rosalind Park. You will witness light installations — including a garden of a giant bugs and an inflatable space man — plus projections onto buildings, live music in the streets and endless free photo opportunities. There's also a mini film festival, a silent disco walking tour of Bendigo Art Gallery and a 70s disco in a heritage tram scheduled. For more information on the White Night Bendigo program — including info on accommodation and how to navigate the event — head to the website. Then check out our guide to Bendigo's arts and culture to make a weekend of it.
Loved by locals, Cafe Terroni is renowned in Melbourne's west for its friendly service and warm atmosphere. Their pasta is freshly made every single day, from the pillowy ravioli filled with fresh crayfish, prawn and crustacean oil ($33.90) to their allergen-friendly vegan, almond-based, gluten-free beetroot gnocchi ($24.90). If you're feeling adventurous, have a peek at their daily rotation of specials — the fish of the day is exceptionally fresh. Finding a park in the area can be a bit of a nightmare though, so we recommend catching a ride on Melbourne's (mostly) reliable PTV for the night.
Patient Wolf's name might refer to a cheeky quote from Hollywood screen siren Lana Turner — she famously said "a gentleman is simply a patient wolf" — but it's also fitting given how many of the gin label's fans have been waiting (perhaps not so) patiently for it to open a tasting bar of its own. Having launched the business in 2016, Matt Argus and Dave Irwin have been operating out of a cosy Brunswick distillery, only open to the public on a handful of celebratory occasions. But now, the wait is finally over — and just in time for gin season, no less. The team is just weeks away from opening the doors to its new, much grander, Southbank digs, which comes complete with cellar door, cocktail bar and plenty of room for future growth spurts. In fact, once running on all cylinders, it'll be Victoria's largest independent gin distillery (now that Four Pillars is half-owned by Lion). The distillery's entire operations will be relocated here, with the boys' original 220-litre Müller copper still to be joined next year by another sleek German-made edition with five times the capacity, as output amps up big-time. At the front of the warehouse space, you'll find a warm, contemporary 30-seat tasting bar, where you can camp out, sipping gin with a direct view of where it was crafted. Soft blue tones reference the juniper berry, contrasting with exposed brick walls and a few polished-up industrial elements. Brand ambassador Blake Hall (Jasper's, The Store Room, Fall From Grace) is heading things up front of house. With the bar team, he'll be gently pushing the knowledge side of things, and offering fun workshops and tastings along with top-notch Patient Wolf cocktails. You'll spy an ever-growing selection of vermouth, as well as a rotating showcase of favourite drops from other local craft booze producers. And — off the back of some successful collaborations and barrel-ageing adventures with Cheltenham brewery Wolf of the Willows — you can expect plenty more small-batch experimental stuff to come, much of which will be exclusive to the bar. An oft-changing cocktail list will pay homage to the classics, without being afraid to get a little creative. Settle in with a vibrant snow pea-infused southside, or perhaps a contemporary riff on the clover club. Or, for the ultimate boss move, there's the new martini trolley, wheeled right to your table. Booked by the hour, this one gets you a customised tasting featuring various vermouths and garnishes, a little education, and some tips and tricks to nailing the perfect martini at home. Patient Wolf's new distillery will open at 34–36 Market Street, Southbank in the coming weeks. We'll let you know when the doors are open. Images: Julia Sansone.
It's only been in the country for a matter of months but, following a series of complaints about the product, Duff beer has been found to be in breach of Australia's alcohol advertising code. The official Duff product, which was sold exclusively by Woolworths owned liquor stores such as Dan Murphy's and BWS, will be discontinued immediately. The stock currently left on shelves will be the last smooooth, creamy Duff you'll be able to get your hands on. The complaints voiced about the product's advertising were to do with its effects on underage drinkers, and those making the decision at the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code felt those concerns were valid. "The association of The Simpsons with the product name and packaging is so strongly entrenched in Australian popular culture that the name and packaging will draw the attention of under 18 year olds," said the panel. And you can't really blame them. There's no doubt that the Duff product has strong ties to the much-loved cartoon. Millions of children grew up singing 'Duff beer for me. Duff beer for you. I'll have a Duff. You have one too' and it now serves a dual function as the perfect drinking song. There's also the understandable concern that these younger people would use the product to drink to excess. But for all of us responsible adult drinkers who sometimes like to indulge in some light-hearted Simpsons sessions, this news comes as quite a blow. All we can hope now is that you snag one of the last few bottles. $17 per six-pack or $45 a carton is a nice price to pay for an official collector's item. Via Daily Mail and International Business Times.
Visiting New York City sits on plenty of bucket lists, and there are more than a few reasons why that's the case. But if you've always wanted to head to the Big Apple, wear designer outfits, get paid to write about your love life and, between cocktails and dates, hang out outside your apartment — sitting on the stoop with your significant other, whether you're making up or breaking up — then you obviously have Sex and the City to thank. Running from 1998–2004 (forget the terrible 2008 and 2010 movies), the hit HBO series made Manolo Blahniks a must-wear, turned cosmopolitans into the drink of choice for sips with the gang, and gave tutus their moment outside of ballet. It also showered Carrie Bradshaw's apartment stoop with ample attention, including in big, life-changing moments. Unsurprisingly, the filming location has become a tourist attraction over the last quarter-century. Always wanted to make the trip to follow in Sarah Jessica Parker's footsteps, but haven't yet had the chance? With Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That... arriving for its second season this month — after first debuting in 2021 — Binge is bringing a replica of that famous apartment stoop to Melbourne. And if this sounds familiar, that's because it did the same a couple of years back in Sydney. This time, the 2.2-metre-wide, 4.8-metre-high stoop is popping up at the David Jones Dome at Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre for three days, between Thursday, June 8–Saturday, June 10, ready to fill your Instagram feed. Just like when the Friends couch toured Australia, the Squid Game Red Light, Green Light doll towered over Sydney Harbour and a statue of Borat made an appearance at Bondi Beach — and when the Iron Throne did the rounds, and all of the other film- and TV-themed pop-ups over the years — this is all about three things: indulging one of your pop-culture obsessions, taking snaps and promotion ahead of And Just Like That...'s season two return on Thursday, June 22. It also marks 25 years since Sex and the City began. And no, as you're taking photos of yourself living out your Carrie Bradshaw stoop dreams — Manolo Blahniks optional — you won't find any Peloton fitness equipment in sight. Find the replica Sex and the City and And Just Like That... apartment stoop at the David Jones Dome at Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre from 11am–3pm and 5–9pm on Thursday, June 8–Friday, June 9 — and 11am–3pm on Saturday, June 10. Images: Chris Pavlich Photography.
The reusable cup scene has exploded in recent years, but one of the first on the block was frank green. Launched back in 2013, the brand's colourful lineup of coffee cups and water bottles became the must-have accessory and an easy solution to saying goodbye to single-use plastic waste forever. So, you might be surprised to learn that it wasn't until this time last year that frank green unveiled its very first brick-and-mortar location. Putting down roots at Chadstone, fans could now shop the range in person, customise their bottles and even give retired cups a second life. To celebrate this flagship store's first birthday, frank green is hosting a special celebration this weekend, handing out 50 gift bags filled with $100 worth of goodies. Just know, you'll have to be among the first 25 shoppers each day to score this frank green giveaway. With the party taking place from 9am–9pm on Saturday, February 21–Sunday, February 22, don't stress if you can't arrive first thing. There are still perks to get your hands on, including free cupcakes and complimentary monogramming on all eligible products, with no minimum spend.
Easter is nearly upon us, which means time is running out to make the most of your four-day weekend. Thankfully, there's plenty going on in Melbourne – from a chocolate-infused high tea overlooking the city at Pan Pacific to single-origin Easter eggs at Pidapipo. And here's yet another way to hop the fun. Johnny's Green Room in Carlton is hosting a long weekend party with eats, drinks and music. Settle in with a fish sandwich, starring crumbed barramundi, for just 16 bucks, before getting to work on your pick of GUM wines for $12 a glass. They're all made in an old-vine vineyard in the Cathedral Range from grapes sourced from Heathcote, the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria. Plus, all weekend, DJs from Hope St Radio will be in the house. Johnny's Green Room will be open as usual through Easter – on Good Friday from midday-midnight, Saturday from midday-midnight, Easter Sunday from midday-11pm, and Easter Monday from midday-11pm. Book yourself a spot over here.
When you've already announced Bad Feminist author Roxane Gay as one of your keynote speakers, what comes next? At the 2024 Festival of Dangerous Ideas, the conversation will flow from being a serial dissenter to the smartphone backlash, propaganda and censorship, giving kids the right to vote and taking on the one percent, then also cover tackling inequality, the myths surrounding women's health and humanity's need to find meaning through god-like figures. The just-dropped program for the Sydney fest, which will take over Carriageworks for two days from Saturday, August 24–Sunday, August 25, is filled with exactly what an event dedicated to crucial and complex topics demands: a wide-ranging lineup of boundary-pushing talks where hopping from one session from the next means jumping between a vast array of subject matter. [caption id="attachment_962706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reginald Cunningham[/caption] Under Festival Director Danielle Harvey, FODI has curated its 2024 roster around the theme of 'sanctuary'. For Harvey, this also means giving attendees a place to dig into sometimes-weighty, sometimes-provocative matters. "At a time when we are surrounded by bad ideas and bad faith, where information is cheap and shallow, we need a place people can come and be curious together and be inspired. A space safe from hype. Safe to listen and ask questions. A space with real experts from all disciplines," Harvey said, announcing the event's 2024 program. "Festival of Dangerous Ideas is here to be that space. The lineup won't please everybody (it never does!) and nor does it aim to. But it will be good for everyone. What FODI offers is a precious moment in real time with 87 thought leaders and creatives who will bring you next-level discussion, likely some disagreement and definitely some hope. Learning more about the world we are making and unmaking is a thrill, and I can't wait for you to discover new ideas and thinkers over one massive weekend of danger." [caption id="attachment_963054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Damon Winter/ The New York Times[/caption] Joining Gay among the 16 international guests presenting keynotes are US psychologist Jean Twenge, which is where diving into the impact of handheld devices comes in; journalist and writer Masha Gessen, who'll explore the ways that narratives about conflicts are controlled; and David Runciman to give the Christopher Hitchens Oration on the topic "votes for six-year-olds". Plus, Megan Phelps-Roper of Unfollow fame will team up with Andy Mills from The New York Times' The Daily and Rabbit Hole to dig into the impact of their podcast The Witch Trials of JK Rowling — and Jen Gunter has her sights set on the poor medical care women can be subjected to. Elsewhere, academic Saree Makdis will examine the west's response to the conflict in the Middle East, economists John N Friedman and Richard Holden will chat through ideas for increasing upward social mobility, The Next Frontier academic Todd Fernando will hone in on Indigenous excellence and The End of Race Politics' Coleman Hughes will be a guest on Josh Szeps' Uncomfortable Conversations. Attendees can also hear sustainability professor Jem Bendell step through how civilisation is already collapsing, philosopher David Benatar dive into the ethics of having children and comedian David Baddiel deliver the first John Caldon Provocation on how the need for god to give life substance disproves the deity's existence. [caption id="attachment_963055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandy Huffaker for The New York Times[/caption] The lineup goes on, whether you're keen for a session featuring Jordan van den Berg, aka renter advocate Purple Pingers, on why the one percent should be afraid — or chats about the new breed of world leaders, the price of democracy, public forgiveness, artificial and transplanted wombs, positive masculinity, peer pressure making us sick or individualism. If you can't attend or won't be in Sydney, some sessions will be livestreamed. For those heading along in person, perhaps you'd like to hear from Talk to Me's Danny Philippou about his favourite horror film and why we're all fascinated with fear, then crawl through a tape installation by Austrian and Croatian artists and designers Numen / For Use, then watch a jailbreak experiment by performance collective re:group, too? Yes, across what promises to be a busy weekend, they're all also on the program as well. The 2024 Festival of Dangerous Ideas runs from Saturday, August 24–Sunday, August 25 at Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, with select sessions livestreamed. To peruse the full program, and to buy in-person festival tickets from 7am on Wednesday, June 26 — with livestream tickets available in August — visit the festival website. Festival of Dangerous Ideas images: Jodie Barker, Ken Leanfore and Yaya Stempler.
