The hole in the ozone layer might be smaller than it used to be, but that doesn't mean we're winning the war. According to this 2017–18 report, the national plastics recycling rate is about 9.4 percent. We clearly still have a way to go and everyone needs to do their share — but, the good news is that it's never been easier. Awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, and doing your part at home really couldn't be more simple. Not sure where to start? Eager to build upon your environmentally friendly choices so far? We're here to help. We've teamed up with Glad and its new Glad to be Green range to outline a list of changes that we can all make to be more eco-conscious — and, together, to do our bit to make our world just that little bit greener. BREW YOUR OWN MORNING CUPPA WITH A SIMPLE COFFEE MAKER With Australians going through over a billion takeaway coffee cups a year, the need to switch to a more sustainable alternative is urgent. Many people now take their own reusable cups to their favourite cafe, but there are a range of easy-to-use coffee makers that can give you that sweet java hit in your own home (and save you some coin, too). The classic option: the french press. Or, you could add a V60 or Aeropress to your kitchen — the latter brewing method is so popular, it even has its own world championships. For added eco-friendly points, make sure to buy your beans from a vendor that ethically supports growers. Also, those old coffee grounds make for great fertiliser or even a body scrub. KEEP YOUR LEFTOVERS IN REUSABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS Whether intentionally or not, we all cook more food than we need to from time to time. So, when you do have leftovers for lunch tomorrow, you'll want to store them in an eco-friendly way. There are a raft of green alternatives that are better for the planet, including Glad to be Green's range includes snack and sandwich resealable bags, which are 50 percent plant-based; have a lower carbon footprint; and, if you rinse them out, can be reused. Lunchboxes and tupperware are obvious choices, too, but many are still made of plastic, so make the choice to hunt down metal, glass or long-lasting silicon substitutes. WHIP UP SOME COOKIES ON COMPOSTABLE BAKING PAPER Considering the shape that the environment is currently in, it's important to try to maximise your green efforts wherever possible — even in areas that may seem relatively harmless. Everyone has a roll of baking paper in their kitchen drawer, and chances are that after you rip some off and use it, it then gets thrown into the bin. Enter Glad to be Green's new baking paper, which is compostable. So, once you're done cooking your chicken nuggets, chips, cookies, banana bread or whatever else you're putting in the oven, the non-stick paper can then go straight into the compost. START COMPOSTING YOUR FOOD WASTE Speaking of compost, do you have a compost bin? Gone are the days when all of our household waste went straight into landfill, thankfully. You might've been recycling for a long time, but your green and compostable waste could also benefit the environment by providing plant life with nutrient-rich soil. Better yet, so you're not stuck cleaning decomposing organic matter off of the inside of your bin, you could make use of a Glad to Be Green Compostable Kitchen Caddy Liner. That way, there's no mess to clear up — and the entire contents of the bin, bag and all, can then happily go onto the compost heap. WASH YOUR DISHES WITH ECO-FRIENDLY DISH SOAP Traditional dish soaps can contain a number of nasties, from ingredients that can encourage algal bloom and pollute waterways to chemicals linked to skin irritation. In short, your dishes may be clean, but they ain't green. Luckily, a range of eco-friendly alternatives have hit the shelves in recent years. You'll have seen them in your local supermarket, no doubt, so it's not hard to browse the aisles to find the bottle that's best for you, and the world around you. If you want to go the full nine yards, you can even find instructions online to make your own sustainable dish soap at home. MAKE YOUR OWN FIZZY DRINKS WITH A SODASTREAM Good news: the ultimate wishlist item from your childhood is actually great for the environment. When you were a kid, you probably just wanted to drink free soda whenever you like — as it turns out, you were way ahead of your time. Instead of buying mass-produced drinks in single-use plastic bottles, having a Sodastream in your kitchen means there's no need for water to be carbonated on an industrial scale. Let's not forget the environmental impact of transporting a product that's largely tap water, too. On top of all that, the carbon dioxide canisters Sodastreams use can be exchanged when empty, then cleaned and refilled for the next happy customer. And yes, being able to whip up your own soft drinks — or cocktails — at the literal touch of a button is mighty handy. PACK YOUR SHOPPING INTO REUSABLE BAGS When it comes to single-use plastic bags, state and federal governments as well as large retailers, like Woolworths and Coles, have started to do their bit (although there is still a way to go). So, many of us have already made the shift to using reuseable bags for our weekly grocery run. And, it's a habit that's worth getting into. Single-use plastic bags aren't exactly the most eco-conscious option. So, pick a sturdy, tote bag with a fun design, head down to the organic market and wear your self-satisfaction with pride — you're doing your bit to save the planet. Go green and visit the Glad website for more tips and tricks.
Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon, Kiss and Tell) brought Windsor Wine Room to Chapel Street in June 2024, adding to the precinct's growing number of stellar wine bars. Chef Michael Stolley (ex-Ish Restaurant and Eazy Peazy) is running the kitchen, plating up a mix of small and large sharing plates that are loosely inspired by a range of European cuisines — mostly Italian, German and French creole. Start off with small plates like mussels escabeche paired with a fennel aioli and potato crisps, kingfish crudo with kumquat, cucumber and mint and burrata served with a vodka-spiked sauce. Bigger bites include a reasonably priced $38 bavette steak with a roast tomato butter, jerusalem artichoke gnocchi with hazelnut, sage and pecorino and a hearty cauliflower pie with French onion gravy. As is in the name, wine is the star of the drinks list. And there's plenty to get through here. An impressive 23 drops are available by the glass, while the eight pages of bottles span Australian, New Zealand and European varietals. These cover a vast range of vinos, with plenty on offer for both traditional wine lovers and fans of new-wave natty numbers. Cocktails, beers, and a pretty far-reaching collection of spirits round out the booze options. Images: Threefold Social
By this point, Archie Rose needs little introduction. One of Sydney's first distilleries in 160 years has reignited many an Aussie's appreciation of spirits since opening in 2014 thanks to its diverse range of premium whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums showcasing native ingredients. Along the way, it's become the nation's most awarded distillery, and it's also given us one-off collaborations, limited releases and interactive spirits experiences from masterclasses to fascinating distillery tours. If that weren't enough, now Archie Rose has only gone and created what it's calling its best-ever gin. Bone Dry Gin is a limited-edition run that's the brand's first from its new Banksmeadow distillery and its one-of-a-kind copper vacuum stills. The spirit extracts the diverse flavour profile of hand-foraged juniper berries from North Macedonia through hot and cold distillation, and it is lifted with notes of Australian coriander seed, Tahitian lime and lemon-scented gum. The result is a tipple with a supple start on the palate that gives way to bold citrus and herb notes that leads to a pine-accented, bone-dry finish. To celebrate the release of Bone Dry Gin, we've teamed up with Archie Rose to give two lucky readers the chance to win the ultimate Archie Rose prize pack. Enter below to go into the running to win a case of Bone Dry Gin (six bottles), a pack of Caperberry Martini cocktail bottles (two bottles) and a pair of tickets to an Archie Rose Blend Your Own Gin masterclass in Sydney (valid for three years). That's nearly $1000 worth of Archie Rose goods, on us, for you to enjoy the ultimate gin experience — including the chance to make your very own. [competition]828345[/competition]
If you're a fan of all things garlic, you'll find yourself in excellent company with a visit out to Meeniyan on Saturday, February 18. That's when the famed annual Meeniyan Garlic Festival sees thousands of fellow aficionados descend on the Gippsland town for a jam-packed day of garlic-infused fun. This year's program is as big as ever, featuring a hefty offering of chef appearances, markets, talks, live tunes and events to tempt just about every palate. Oh, and around two tonnes of garlic, too. With Gippsland Food Ambassador Alejandro Saravia (Farmer's Daughters, Victoria) helming the chef lineup for the new Festival Kitchen, expect plenty of garlic-driven cooking demonstrations, with more culinary insights from the likes of Gerard Phelan (Tinamba Hotel) and Maria Stuart (Millie & Romeo's Cooking School). [caption id="attachment_711871" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chef Alejandro Saravia[/caption] Then hit the food and drink precinct to sample and stock up on garlic-infused pantry products, and to feast your way through the day's food stalls — ranging from dumplings and paella to gozleme and Greek street food. Meanwhile, the Gippsland Wine Academy pop-up will be showcasing a handpicked crop of wines from ten award-winning wineries, as curated by Matt Jensen (Farmer's Daughters, Atlas, Vue de Monde) and his knowledgeable sommelier crew. Here, there'll be guided tasting flights and lots of wine available to purchase for home. The town's Main Street eateries will be getting into the spirit with a slew of special garlic-inspired menus and dishes, while The Garlic Institute hosts a series of talks and presentations dishing up all sorts of garlicky knowledge. Plus, don't miss out on the Australian Garlic Awards, which'll be announced during the festival. [caption id="attachment_707080" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Spence[/caption] Top images: Meeniyan Garlic Festival
You're never too old to get a kick out of a carnival — especially one that's popping up for the festive season. That's what to expect from The Christmas Carnival, which is bringing ten days of all-ages fun to Birrarung Marr from Wednesday, December 14–Friday, December 23, as part of the month-long Melbourne Christmas Festival. The free-entry carnival is packed with classic games and rides on which to unleash your inner kidult — from dodgem cars and the cup and saucer, to a neon-lit ferris wheel and the soaring high Skyflyer. Prices start from $7 per ride, which means cheap thrills abound. Of course, you can't have a carnival without appropriate snacks and this one is bringing the goods with a roster of food trucks slinging all the classics. The Christmas Carnival is running from 11am–10pm each day, so it should be easy to squeeze in a few visits around your Christmas shopping duties. Top Image: Adam Renyard
Geelong's Cartel Coffee Roasters is a much lauded operation that's made a name for itself for continually sourcing some of the finest coffee in the world. Now, it's finally bringing its top-notch brews to inner-city Melburnians, opening a cafe down Somerset Place in the CBD. It's the first local outpost for the ten-year-old roastery, which is committed to both quality and traceability, knowing the origins, story and supply chain of every single cuppa. And coffee is just as serious a game at the new Melbourne store. "The point is about getting people to experience coffee in a different way," explains Melbourne General Manager Lex Clayman. "We want to be an educational space without forcing it, to give people the idea that there's no such thing as just coffee." To that end, expect an interactive, approachable set-up, with lowered coffee machines and a wraparound brew bar giving customers a close-up experience. Sure, the basic espresso option clocks in at $5 a cup, but it's made on a rotating single origin bean, carefully selected to either shine through milk or sipped black. The baristas also have the know-how to chat you through the options and help you pick something you'll like, based on your favourite flavours. There are always a few new things to sample at various price points — perhaps the $5 batch brew of the day, a single origin cold brew extracted over 24 hours ($6), or the weekly changing 'exotic' coffee showcasing something high-end from one of the top international producers ($10). While space is too tight for a full kitchen, you can match your caffeine infusion to a number from the jaffle menu, featuring combinations like spicy barbecue pulled pork with jalapeños, or the classic bacon, egg and cheese. Stretched across one wall is a selection from Cartel's extensive online store, running from equipment, to take-home packs of beans. A mini roasting outfit is set to be installed upstairs soon, and keep an eye on the cafe's Facebook page for an upcoming program of interactive masterclasses and cupping sessions, for both baristas and the coffee curious. Find Cartel Coffee Roasters' new CBD outpost at 19 Somerset Place, Melbourne. It's open from 7am–4pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm Saturday and 9am–1pm Sunday.
You know those bad Christmas gifts, the ones that make you slap on your very best fake smile in order to say thanks without groaning. A brick-like pud, some subpar sports socks, a sickly sweet candle — generic and uninspired clutter that you instantly want to return, regift or chuck in the trash. We don't want to sound ungrateful — sure, it's the thought that counts — but a poorly chosen present can be kind of disappointing, not to mention wasteful. Nobody wants to get — or give — a gift like that. Indeed, there's a fine art to Christmas shopping. Not all of us can be gift-giving masters, after all. So, to help you pick the perfect pressie and avoid any bigtime blunders, we've partnered with Australia Post to pull together ten stellar gift ideas, which won't warrant a return. They all cost less than a pineapple, can be ordered online and conveniently delivered to your nearby Parcel Locker so you can pick 'em up whenever it suits you. Let your fingers do the walking, forgo the crazy Christmas crowds and rest easy knowing your parcel is stored securely till you're ready to collect. Happy shopping, Santas. FRANK GREEN STAINLESS STEEL REUSABLE CUP Forget splashing cash on a mug with some trite "Keep Calm and Carry On" message inscribed on the front and get a cup that is both eco-friendly and uber trendy instead. The Frank Green stainless steel reusable cup is pretty much the Superman of drinking receptacles; crafted from commercial grade stainless steel, it's built to last forever (in a good way) which is great if you have clumsy caffeine-lovers in your midst. Drop this baby and there's no need to cry over spilt milk — it won't shatter or break. The cup is also stain and odour resistant, has a nifty spill-proof lid and a clever one-handed toggle button to drink and reseal — like we said, Superman. How much? $39.95 RELOVE PRINT BOOK SUBSCRIPTION We all know a bookworm and a surefire way to score a special place in their heart is to shout them a book subscription. Revolve Print will ship one quality preowned book to their doorstep each month, so they'll never have a shortage of great literature. What's more, they get to curate their reads and pick what kind of pageturners they receive. This gift is not only super thoughtful, but it's also eco-friendly. To take things up a notch, arrange to meet each month to discuss the books. How much? From $9 per month SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR An excellent accessory for the silly season, the portable Luckies Smartphone Projector 2.0 projects music videos, films and photographs anywhere you please. It's a great gift for the gadget-obsessed as it's both stylish and practical. With up to 8x magnification, the projector is light, compact and works with iOS and Android smartphones. Come Christmas Day, the family can stop crowding around one iPhone to look at Uncle John's travel photos and instead see them on the big screen. How much? $49.95 GROW YOUR OWN TEA Tea is a real crowd pleaser; young or old, most people enjoy a good cuppa. While you could gift a nice loose-leaf blend, why not go one step above and give that special someone a Grow Your Own Tea Kit. Each kit contains a growing pot, some soil, the tea seeds — choose between chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm or echinacea — as well as a mug and tea strainer to taste-test the brew. Not only is this pressie full of antioxidants, but it also gives the grower a sense of satisfaction and achievement, which is priceless. How much? $34.95 BACON MAKING KIT This gift is for that one friend or family member who always hangs by the Christmas ham — the bona fide pork fiend, the bigtime bacon fan. Introducing the Baconsmith Bacon Making Kit, which produces top-notch bacon in just seven days. The kit makes two-kilograms of tasty bacon — sweet or savoury, the choice is theirs. All it requires is a good slab of pork belly. The great thing about this present is that it's also like a gift to you. Give it to a housemate or your partner, and you'll reap the benefits, too, with some tasty homemade bacon to snack on next fry-up. We guarantee they (and you ) will be squealing with delight. How much? $34.95 MEMOBOTTLE A staggering one million single-use plastic bottles are purchased around the world every minute and most end up in landfill. Depressing, right? Do your bit and buy your mate a Memobottle. Remember the book Flat Stanley? This is the water bottle version of that; it's nice and slim and can slide right into compact spaces. Memobottles are great for students as they pack neatly into backpacks, between all those textbooks. The bottle has a 450-millilitre capacity and is BPA free — so the water will stay nice and pure. How much? $44.95 DIY BEESWAX WRAPS If you're friends with a passionate eco-warrior or want to inspire a less socially conscious friend, sling them this beeswax block and get them making their own environmentally friendly version of Cling Wrap. The Wanderlightly DIY Beeswax Wraps are non-toxic, biodegradable and reusable — save on cash and save the planet. Win, win. The step-by-step instructions are super simple, just add cotton fabric and you're ready to go. Since they'll be spending less money on plastic packaging for, well, the rest of their lives, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. How much? From $17.50 AESOP JET SET KIT Ah, the intoxicating aromas of Aesop. We still haven't worked out how they make it smell so darn good, but we're not complaining. Give the globetrotters in your life the gift of sweet smells and smooth skin with this Aesop Jet Set Kit. The assortment features the go-to products — like classic shampoo and conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm — and can be stored in their carry-on for easy access. Aesop products are renowned for their hydrating qualities, exactly what one needs during a long-haul. How much? $41 COFFEE MUG BY INDIGENOUS ARTIST LUKE PENRITH Yes, this is the second cup we've mentioned but its eye-catching design warranted a spot on the list. Created by Aboriginal artist Luke Penrith, the mug depicts the Yilawura Camp Site in soothing green and blue tones. It's a statement piece, which would suit any kitchen or office desk. Since it's only $16, you can order two or three and gift a set. Let's face it, one can never have too many mugs. And if you're a fan of the artwork, you can pick up a range of other wares featuring the same design. How much? From $15.99 SOLAR-POWERED PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER We all have that one friend or family member who is forever searching for a phone charger. Treat them to this solar-powered portable phone charger and never hear "Hey, can I borrow a charger?" again. While the top of the line chargers can set you back around $100, hit up eBay to find a charger on the cheap. With USB connectivity, this compact little nugget will charge everything from an iPhone to a tablet to a digital camera. Just add sun and you're all set. How much? From $22.99 Christmas shopping has never been so simple — order online, ship to a Parcel Locker and avoid the hectic shops with Australia Post.
The huge dose of nostalgia that Milan Ring's latest release 'Are Your Friends Alright?' generates is only partially intentional. The Sydney-based artist and producer explains that she drew inspiration from parties she had been to throughout her teens and twenties where gatecrashers or uninvited people brought negative energy. "I was playing with the idea of not allowing that to make your night with your friends a bad vibe." It's an idea that most people could relate to. But, with the very notion of socialising and partying with mates seeming quaint and far away right now, the song strikes an even deeper chord. It's about focusing on the good things and channelling positive energy. Produced in collaboration with Sydney-based artist Blessed, 'Are Your Friends Alright?' is a charged track, packed with sensual vocals, soulful harmonies and a funky bassline. It's a prime example of why Ring was chosen as one of the visionary artists to collaborate with Miller Design Lab, the home of creativity and self-expression built by Australia's leading minds in design, art, technology and fashion. The platform is a celebration of our nightlife and its impact on culture to deliver exceptional moments to you and your home. To that end, we spoke with the Sydney-based talent to talk about life as an artist — from having a flexible process to seeking inspiration from her city and collaborating with some of the best in the biz. Artist is a broad term, but it's an important distinction when referring to someone like Milan Ring — she can't be pigeon-holed into one category. Throughout her teens, she spent time jamming on guitar and experimenting on an analogue drum machine, before getting a diploma in sound engineering and technical production. She started performing professionally in her twenties, first as a guitarist in bands and then progressively as a backup vocalist. Now, not only does she write and compose all of her music, but she also produces and mixes it all — and masters some of it, too. And most of that magic happens in her studio, which she built in a Marrickville warehouse with her best friend two years ago. This loaded skillset affords Ring a lot of flexibility in her creative process. "There are times when I just want to create, do something fresh and improvise. And then there are times I just want to fix things and do all the technical stuff. I listen to myself. Sometimes I go in with the intent to create a new song. I start and I'm like 'I'm not really feeling it', so then I'll pull up a song to finish the mix." Though Ring admits that she mostly works alone, she also places enormous value in teaming up with other artists and producers, including Blessed and American band The Social Experiment (who in turn have worked with Chance the Rapper). "It's down to finding the right collaborators, but you don't know until you try. Every collaboration, even if it doesn't end up with a song that's released — there's something to take away from that and something to learn." And, for Ring, there's a direct relationship between collaborating and customisation. "The way I interpret customisation would be drawing inspiration from something and making it your own. Someone like BLESSED might send me some beats and then I'll use this, change this sound, delete that, move that over here and then record it. Therefore, I've customised, added to and changed his initial concept into something else". The idea of customisation is also evident in the stitching together of Ring's various sources of inspiration. Her music is known for sampling from various genres — she specifically mentions Latin, Afro-Cuban and American-style jazz and soul music, which she spent a lot of time listening to growing up. But when it comes to lyrical content, Ring looks to her community in Sydney's inner west. "I'm definitely inspired by the area I grew up in and different people I know or have met and their stories. Things I've observed or had people tell me their story, I've written about it and taken the essence of the story and then gone off on a tangent." Ring specifically mentions a number of places around her studio in Marrickville that she frequents for inspiration, including cafes like Matinee, West Juliett and Two Chaps, the cluster of craft breweries and a handful of pubs like The Henson, The Vic on the Park and The Marrickville Hotel. And even just going and sitting Enmore Park. "It is nice being surrounded by people even if you're not talking to them. That's one of the things that I've been missing in this time [during lockdown] is just being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyone's lives." Speaking to this hiatus period due to COVID-19, which resulted in Ring cancelling her national tour Switch Off, Milan explains, "I haven't been as inspired to go into the studio and hustle. With everything that's going on, I'm not particularly pushing myself — it's a bit of a respite." Instead, she is spending quality time with her dog, cooking and collaborating with a friend on a kids' play-along book. And she's been working her way through a Stevie Wonder songbook on the guitar. "I'm trying to get back into my jazz theory, which I put on the back foot as I've been working on being the best producer and mixer I can be. It's been quite therapeutic for me." But there's no doubt that once lockdown is over, she'll be back out there making the most of Sydney's nightlife. "Being out with friends, going to restaurants, then going to bars and then going to a show — it about being part of culture and the community and feeling connected to all these people. Even though you don't know who they are, you're all there for the same reason." For more, check out Milan Ring's collaboration with Miller Genuine Draft here. For more ways to celebrate your city's nightlife and recreate its energy in your own space, head this way. Images: Reuben Gibbes
We all love a free feed. Melbourne's city workers are lucky enough to have the chance to get a mighty good one on Wednesday, February 28, when Banh Mi Stand is givinh away hundreds of free banh mis. These aren't just your usual banh mis. The crew here has teamed up with Vietnam Airlines to create a series of sangas inspired by destinations that the airline flies to from Melbourne. This includes a London banh mi that comes with Sunday roast fillings; a French-inspired number that's packed with duck confit and orange plum sauce; an Indian roll that includes turmeric cauliflower and kasundi; and a German banh mi that's loaded with pork sausage, salted cabbage and chilli. The team's classic Vietnamese banh mi is also up for grabs on the day, filled with Hanoi cha com, a pork and rice mix, and Hai Phong pâté. The banh mis have been created especially for the banh mi giveaway, and will only be available on the day. If one particular version sounds like your dream lunchtime treat, be sure to get down early. The team will start the giveaway from 10am and will be slinging the goods until they run out. But Banh Mi Stand isn't ending it there. The first 200 punters will get a free banh mi and also a free Vietnamese iced coffee. The Melbourne banh mi shop will have both your lunch and caffeine fix sorted for the day, without you needing your wallet.
How does it feel to watch Timothée Chalamet play Bob Dylan belting out 'Like a Rolling Stone'? The second trailer for A Complete Unknown — a title that also stems from the same song featured in the new sneak peek — is here to help you find out. Set to hit cinemas Down Under in January 2025, the new biopic steps through the early days of the music icon's career, focusing on how Dylan became a sensation. A Complete Unknown's subject has been no stranger to the screen for decades. Martin Scorsese has made not one but two documentaries about him. I'm Not There had six actors, including Cate Blanchett (The New Boy), play him. The Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis couldn't take a fictional tour of the 60s folk scene without getting its protagonist watching him onstage. And docos about him date back to 1967's Don't Look Back and Festival. Only A Complete Unknown has Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) picking up a guitar, however, now that Dylan is getting the music biopic treatment again. With the curls and the gaze — and the early 60s-era wardrobe, too — the film's star looks the part in both the initial trailer (which dropped 59 years to the day that the 1965 Newport Folk Festival took place, where Dylan performed acoustic songs one day and went electric the next) and the just-released latest sneak peek. Chalamet also sings the part as the Wonka and Bones and All star transforms into the music icon at the start of his career, another reason for the movie's title. In a picture directed by Walk the Line helmer James Mangold — swapping Johnny Cash for another legend, clearly — A Complete Unknown charts Dylan's rise to stardom. The folk singer's early gigs, filling concert halls, going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival: they're all set to be covered, including his famous performance at the latter. "They just want me to be singing 'Blowin' in the Wind' for the rest of my goddamn life," notes Chalamet in the new look at the flick, as it digs into the impact of his fame and the expectations that it brings. As well as Chalamet as Dylan, Mangold (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) has enlisted Edward Norton (Asteroid City) as Pete Seegar, Monica Barbaro (Fubar) as Joan Baez and Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil) as Woody Guthrie — and, because he isn't done with Cash yet, Boyd Holbrook (The Bikeriders) to step into Johnny's shoes. Elle Fanning (The Great), Dan Fogler (Eric) and Norbert Leo Butz (The Exorcist: Believer) also feature. Check out the full trailer for A Complete Unknown below: A Complete Unknown releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Images: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
Miss Saigon, the award-winning tale of love and loss, has arrived at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre after a stellar run at the Sydney Opera House. Since its 1989 debut, it has charmed audiences, earning a string of awards and global praise, and proved a testament to the power of theatrical storytelling. Miss Saigon weaves an epic story of love and loss amidst the emotional tumult, chaos and danger of the Vietnam War, weaving a captivating narrative that continues to resonate with its intense, heart-wrenching themes. One of the show's stars is Sydney's Abigail Adriano, who plays the role of Kim, a young Vietnamese woman working in a bar in Saigon. The story begins during the final days of the war, and it's here that Kim meets and falls in love with an American GI. Their passionate but brief relationship is at the heart of the narrative that transcends cultures and generations — not a bad gig for a 19-year-old former law student. We sat down with Adriano to find out what it's like behind the scenes, why Miss Saigon continues to captivate generations, and how a last-minute audition — driven by a blend of passion and destiny — catapulted her into the role of a lifetime. Kim is a pretty big role — what has your journey towards landing this gig been like? I've always known about the role of Kim because I come from a really big Filipino family — and the first person to pioneer the role was the iconic Filo girl Lea Salonga. She's become a legend in theatre, and she put us Filos on the map when it came to performing arts. But also, I've always just loved the music from Miss Saigon. As an Asian girl growing up, you don't see a lead character who's Asian. When I did music as a subject in high school, people would ask me, 'What's your favourite musical theatre show?'. And I'd be like, 'Miss Saigon', because it was the only show that I could really see myself represented in. So it's a dream come true that I'm even able to perform such an iconic role. It was crazy that it came around because, at that point in my life, I was really focused on just getting through my academic side of things. And I actually really enjoyed school — so much that I got into law school. I did a year of it and took a pause from performing completely. But one day, my singing teacher reached out to me and said, 'I remember you telling me that Miss Saigon's your favourite musical — their auditions are closing tomorrow if you still want to submit something'. Oh wow. No pressure. So I literally had like ten hours left to submit. It was blood, sweat, and tears into that audition tape. But I knew that this was meant to be. I just had this gut feeling that I had to submit. That's pretty amazing. So what was the moment like when you found out you landed it? Oh my God. Look, the audition process was quite challenging. They were workshopping with me a lot. I think I had three rounds, and so I was putting all this effort into our audition calls. It took about a month or two before I heard anything back. In this industry, if you don't hear anything, that's your sign that you didn't get it, and you just have to move on. I was sitting my first-semester law exams at the time, so I just kind of put it to the side. I was also tutoring primary and high school kids. So I was in the middle of a tutoring class on Zoom when I got the phone call, and as soon as I saw my agent's name on my phone, I was like 'Okay, this is it'. So I said to my student — and he was only five years old at the time — I was like, 'Hey buddy, I just need to go to the bathroom'. And then I picked up the phone, and all he said to me was, 'You got it'. I was instantly crying. I was on the floor. That must have been such an incredible moment. You've just wrapped Sydney's run and, having grown up in Sydney, it must have been pretty special playing the Opera House. I'd never stepped inside the Opera House until I got to play the role. So It was really cool because, growing up in Sydney, I've always been past the Opera House, taking pictures with it — I have baby pictures with it. So I think it was really cute that I could put those pictures side by side — me playing Kim and me as a child. It was really fulfilling; it was just amazing. Miss Saigon has been a significant musical for decades. Why do you think this musical resonates so strongly with audiences across generations? Oh yeah, that's a great question. I think if we just look at the current climate in the world right now… there's this one line that I sing to my child in the show: 'Why do you learn of war or pain?'. This is a story about survival and the emotional tolls of war and, oh my God, it's just written so well. It just speaks to what we see in the world today, and the music resonates with people because of its universality. People need to see tragedy sometimes to be woken up. It's really, honestly, unlike other shows. This is a story that we need to hear because it's a story that's still happening around the world today. I imagine playing Kim is not only physically draining but also emotionally quite taxing — how do you decompress after a show? Actually, after giving a lot of emotions like that on the stage, I think it almost naturally encourages the cast to be really bubbly after the show. I think what we give on the stage is... very honest and very genuine. So, as soon as we get off the stage, there's just a natural lightness that we all have, and everyone checks up on each other. Honestly, I get home, and I put on a rom-com, I eat my ramen and I take Gaviscon so it doesn't affect my vocal cords the next day. Could you give us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show — what's something regular theatregoers might not know that goes on backstage? So much happens backstage. There was this one time my best friend replied to my Instagram story, and she was like, 'I can't believe you guys are making TikTok dances while someone is crying their eyes out on the stage'. Or sometimes I'll go into Seann Miley Moore's room because our dressing rooms are right next to each other, and we're just dancing to Blackpink songs because we both love K-pop. There's also this really funny thing that Seann and I do before we bow — we do this K-pop dance move just before we run onto the stage. There was also a time when we had Halloween, so everyone dressed up in costumes for warm-up, and it's just things like that, you know, it's always fun. That does sound fun. What's a typical show day like for you? So, depending on the day, I usually do night shows, so it's actually really nice I get to have a relaxed morning. It used to be I'd wake up and have breakfast with my fam because my mum loves cooking. But now that I'm living on my own, I wake up and I go to Woolworths by myself, and I grab breakfast. Or I go to a really nice brunch place — I just love avocado on toast; that's my go-to. I do a vocal warm-up in the shower. Sometimes I meet up with some friends in the cast — but we're not actually needed until an hour before the show. So we get there an hour before, do a warm-up, and then when the show happens, we make magic. Hell yeah. So, what do you hope the audience takes away from their experience of watching Miss Saigon? I want girls who look like me, or anyone who looks like me, to be able to feel like they have more than an opportunity to be on that stage. Because when I was younger, if I didn't have Miss Saigon, I wouldn't have believed that I could do a lead role. But for audiences in general, I hope they take away that there's so much we need to do, to learn and talk about, to make this world a better place. I think our musical doesn't give the answers. But it wakes us up to realise that these things are still happening — and this musical was made 35 years ago. On opening night, we had some politicians coming through, and before the show started, we were all like, 'Let's do it so that they can hear our story'. That's what I want people to take away. Catch Miss Saigon at Her Majesty's Theatre until Saturday, December 16. Grab your tickets here.
If you're putting in a conscious effort to ditch single-use plastic and cut down on waste, here's an initiative that should make life a little easier. Yarra Valley Water has teamed up with a bunch of cafes and restaurants in Melbourne's north for its Choose Tap Refiller program, which offers free water bottle refills for those on the move in an effort to encourage greener habits. More than 30 businesses across the likes of Brunswick, Northcote, Coburg, Thornbury and Preston are currently signed up and displaying the Choose Tap logo in their front windows, including popular haunts like Welcome to Brunswick, Pachamama Wholefoods, Red Bean Cafe and Tinker. If you see that sticker, you'll know that you're welcome to head on in and get your reusable bottle refilled with tap water for free, even if you're not purchasing anything. The campaign aims to help people cut down on buying bottled water by making it easier to keep their reusable vessels full and stay hydrated on the go. No more being left high and dry simply because you feel a bit guilty asking a cafe for a refill when you're not a customer. [caption id="attachment_807349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Red Bean Cafe by Andrew Tauber[/caption] "We know Australians use around 130 kilograms of plastic per person each year and this is a small step in the right direction will help to reduce this number. We are grateful to these hospitality venues who are participating," said Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty. If you're out and about and hunting for a planet-friendly hydration station, head to the Choose Tap website to see the full list of participating venues. Yarra Valley's Choose Tap program is now available at more than 30 inner north venues. For more information, see the Choose Tap website.
Sometimes, your tastebuds crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. Here are three things that they'd likely demand in that situation: lobster, truffles and champagne. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co has you sorted until Sunday, January 15 at the Arts Centre Forecourt, all as part of its summer food offering. During another season of decadence, you'll only find those three aforementioned items on the menu; the Lobster & Co van is solely serving lobster rolls with truffle fries and flutes of Pommery champagne. Prices start at $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail sourced from Western Australia, served warm on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. A chilled glass of the champers will cost you $20 extra. Pull up a seat at one of the umbrellaed tables on the forecourt to enjoy your lobster, chips and bubbles while gazing out over the Yarra, and well and truly soak in summer — Melbourne's version of it, at least. Generally, Lobster & Co operates Wednesday–Sunday, but dates and times vary over the holidays — so keep an eye on the pop-up's website. Images: Karon Photography.
Entering an Australian supermarket at the moment, you can be forgiven for thinking that you're walking into the set of a post-apocalyptic film. People are everywhere but shelves are bare, with shoppers panic-buying everything from toilet paper and hand sanitiser to pasta and milk. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved over the past few weeks, local supermarket chains have been implementing item limits. They've also set aside dedicated shopping times for the elderly and people with disability as well. But the hoarding keeps happening and everyday staples keep selling out, leading Coles and Woolworths to roll out further caps. Announced today, Wednesday, March 18, both big chains have mandated restrictions on a number of items — in addition to previously revealed limits. At Coles, there's now a two-pack-per-person cap on eggs, sugar, frozen vegetables, frozen desserts, canned tomatoes, pasta, all dry rice regardless of size and liquid soap. And additional limits may be placed on other items on a store-by-store basis, too, so it's best to pay attention to the signage while you're shopping. Over at Woolies, it's limiting such a wide variety of items that it has actually listed what isn't restricted. There are no caps on fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh milk, yoghurts, deli items, seafood, bakery items, canned fish and meat other than mince — or on drinks, baby food, wet dog food, wet cat food, and Easter confectionery and merchandise. If you're after anything else, however, a two-pack-per-person limit applies in general, with some items down to one-pack-per limit. Already in the restricted category at both chains — as anyone who has tried to buy groceries recently well knows — are toilet paper, serviettes, baby wipes, antibacterial wipes and bulk rice over two kilograms, which are down to one pack per person. Tissues, hand sanitiser, dry pasta and flour have all been limited to two packs per person at both companies for days now. And paper towels vary, restricted to one per person at Woolies but two at Coles. Aldi and IGA haven't announced any new limits as yet, although Aldi already has caps on toilet paper (one pack), dry pasta, dry rice, flour, paper towels, tissues and sanitiser (two packs). At IGA, it's a store-by-store decision. "Each store has placed purchase limits on items that are critically low in stock. These limits are being managed on a store by store basis and are increasing day by day," the chain advised in a statement. All four brands have also released a collective plea for consideration, stressing the need to stick to product limits — and reminding shoppers something that should just be a given, aka that hardworking supermarket staff should be treated with courtesy and respect. For more details on Australian supermarket item limits, keep an eye on Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA's websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
It's the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history. It's the longest-running production now currently playing Broadway, too. It's been seen by over 34-million people worldwide in 38 countries, and played more than 33,500 performances in 525-plus cities. And, it's won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. The show: Chicago. It has also locked in a return date with Australia, splashing a healthy dose of 1920s razzle dazzle around the country from November 2023. First announced in June, the musical's big Aussie comeback has now locked in exact opening dates — and added Sydney to its tour, joining Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Come on Australians, why don't we paint the town? With all that jazz, the the record-breaking smash will shimmy back onto stages in Perth from November, then Brisbane from January 2024, then Melbourne next March and finally in Sydney from June. This take on the original Kander & Ebb musical has also confirmed its cast. Get ready to see Zoë Ventoura (Home and Away) as Velma Kelly and Lucy Maunder (Mary Poppins) as Roxie Hart, plus Aussie theatre star Anthony Warlow (The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Billy Flynn. Also featuring: Peter Rowsthorn (Kath & Kim) as Roxie's husband Amos, Asabi Goodman (Hairspray) as prison warden Mama Morton and S. Valeri as crime reporter Mary Sunshine. [caption id="attachment_714916" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeremy Daniel[/caption] Inspiring 2002's Renée Zellweger (Judy)- and Catherine Zeta Jones (Wednesday)-starring Academy Award-winning film of the same name, Chicago tells the tale of housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart. In the decadent 1920s, she twirls through a whirlwind of murdered lovers, jail time, fierce rivalries and tabloid sensationalism — all set to a toe-tapping soundtrack. "What an extraordinary cast we have assembled for Chicago," said producer John Frost. "I'm delighted to bring Anthony Warlow back to the stage after his huge success in New York, in what is surely a perfect role for his talents. How could Velma and Roxie resist this clever and conniving Billy Flynn?" "I'm very excited to welcome Zoë Ventoura to a Crossroads Live production, in what is sure to be a career highlight as Velma, and to welcome back Lucy Maunder as Roxie after working with her on Dr Zhivago, Grease and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Peter Rowsthorn will be a sensational Mr Cellophane, and Asabi Goodman astounded us in Hairspray so I know will blow the roof off as Matron Mama Morton." [caption id="attachment_714915" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Kolnik[/caption] "Chicago has everything that people love about a Broadway musical — a story of fame, fortune and all that jazz, one show-stopping number after another and the most amazing dancing you've ever seen. We are thrilled to bring the razzle dazzle of this New York institution back to Australia," Frost continued. Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the production showcases music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and choreography by Tony Award-winner Ann Reinking. CHICAGO 2023/24 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: From Tuesday, November 21, 2023 — Crown Theatre, Perth From Tuesday, January 2, 2024 — Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane From Saturday, March 23, 2024 — Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne From Sunday, June 9, 2024 — Capitol Theatre, Sydney Chicago returns to Australia from November 2023. For pre sales from Monday, August 14 and general sales from Friday, August 18 for Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne — or to join the waitlist, or for more information — head to the production's website. Top image: Jeff Busby, Chicago tour Australia 2019.
It has been six months since The Handmaid's Tale dropped its first teaser for its upcoming fourth season, which, like plenty of other things this year, was postponed until 2021. But, even though new episodes won't bless screens this year, fans of the dystopian series can rejoice at the latest news — because the show has just been renewed for a fifth season. Yes, even though The Handmaid's Tale's fourth season won't air until sometime next year, it already has an extra batch of episodes beyond that locked in. The news was announced as part of Disney's big 2020 Investor Day, because the Mouse House owns a majority stake in Hulu, the US streaming platform that produces the series. That means that audiences can look forward to more time with the show's protagonist, June (Elisabeth Moss), following season three's cliffhanger ending. And, it means more of the series' oh-so-relevant dialogue that's full of lines that feel like they could be said today, in reality, in everyday life. Using a deeply dystopian scenario to reflect the modern world has always been one of the acclaimed, award-winning series' strengths, of course. It was true of Margaret Atwood's 1985 book that started it all, too, and it doesn't look likely to change on-screen anytime soon. So, this tale of rebellion and revolution isn't anywhere near done yet. Toppling a totalitarian society that's taken over the former United States, tearing down its oppression of women under the guise of 'traditional values', and fighting for freedom and equality doesn't happen quickly, after all. If you're wondering what's in store next, June is set to strike back against Gilead and become a fierce rebel leader in season four — but, like everything in this series, that comes with risks and challenges. Obviously a sneak peek of The Handmaid's Tale's fifth season isn't available yet, and won't be until after its fourth season both airs and finishes – but you can watch (or rewatch) the season four trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WLqBUi4r6o The fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale will hit screens in 2021 — on SBS in Australia — and we'll update you with further details when they're announced. The show's fifth season will air sometime after that, likely in 2022.
Time doesn't quite fly when you're setting up Australia's newest airline, with low-cost carrier Bonza first announced in 2021 but only securing regulatory approval to hit the skies at the beginning of 2023. Still, just weeks after receiving its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aka the official go-ahead, Bonza has just put its first-ever fares on sale — and will take to the sky from Tuesday, January 31. Yes, your 2023 getaways just got cheaper — and you now have a new way to fly off on holidays, too. The soon-to-launch carrier's aim: opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process. In its first batch of flights, one-way fares start at $49, with tickets available to 12 destinations on 15 routes. In this initial batch of fares, most routes leave from the airline's Sunshine Coast base, with the $49 options getting passengers to Coff's Harbour, Port Macquarie and Rockhampton. Legs to the Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Newcastle come in at $59 from the Sunny Coast, while the $69 fares include trips to Albury and Townsville. The most expensive? $79 to get to Victoria's Avalon airport, Mildura and Cairns. Departures from Cairns to Mackay cost $49, and to Rockhampton costs $59. Bonza's just-dropped first fares also include Rockhampton to Townsville for $49 and Newcastle to the Whitsunday Coast for $79. The number of flights per route varies, ranging from two to five — with the Sunshine Coast to Cairns getting the most each week. When its full range of flights hits the air, the airline will also service locations such as Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba, in Queensland — plus Tamworth in New South Wales — as part of its big focus on regional destinations. Bonza's second batch of fares is expected to drop in a few weeks, covering flights from its second base in Melbourne To book, you'll need to download the airline's app. For travellers who have already done so, the carrier advises that you will need to delete it and then reinstall the latest version to get access to reserve flights. App-only reservations are one of Bonza's points of difference, unless you're booking via a registered local travel agent. Another: a previously announced all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. Passengers will get soaring in planes given names as Aussie as the carrier's itself: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila. The trio will take passengers to places they mightn't otherwise been able to fly to, too, with Bonza noting that 93 percent of its routes aren't currently served by any other airline — and 96 percent of them don't presently have a low-cost carrier. The airline is launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. Bonza's fares don't include baggage and seat selection, which you need to pay extra for — and it is cheapest to do so when you make your booking, rather than afterwards. Bonza is set to start flying from Tuesday, January 31 , with flights on sale now. For more information, and to buy fares, head to the airline's website, or download its app for Android and iOS.
There's never been a shortage of reasons to adore Better Call Saul. It's one of the best shows of the past decade, it's a rare spinoff that's as exceptional as the series it hails from — and, frequently it's even better — and its lets Breaking Bad fans spend even more time with Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk, Nobody) and Mike Ehrmantrout (Jonathan Banks, The Commuter), for starters. It also boasts the phenomenal Rhea Seehorn (Veep) as Saul/Jimmy McGill's girlfriend, never makes an obvious move even though we all know what's coming for its titular character, and continually proves television's greatest tragedy for the same reason. After a two-year break, Better Call Saul will finally return this month to start its sixth and final season — and, from the trailer, it's set to keep ticking all of the above boxes. That said, it is about to do something viewers knew would have to happen one day: bringing Walter White (Bryan Cranston, Your Honor) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul, Westworld) into the story. Better Call Saul showrunner and executive producer Peter Gould confirmed the news at a panel session held at PaleyFest LA, saying "I don't want to spoil things for the audience, but I will say the first question we had when we started the show was, 'are we gonna see Walt and Jesse on the show?' Instead of evading, I'll just say yeah." He continued: "how or the circumstances or anything, you'll just have to discover that for yourself, but I have to say that's one of many things that I think you'll discover this season." Of course, it's worth remembering Mike's words in the season six trailer right now: "whatever happens next, it's not gonna go down the way you think it is," he utters in his inimitable gravelly voice towards the end of this first sneak peek at the new season. So, while we all know now that the thing the show was always heading towards will occur, trust in this outstanding series — and in creator Vince Gilligan — to still deliver oh-so-many surprises. The same is bound to prove true of Jimmy-slash-Saul breaking bad and embracing his "s'all good, man" new persona as a criminal lawyer (and not just because he represents criminals) in Better Call Saul's final season. Again, that doesn't mean that we know exactly how the season will play out. The sixth season will arrive in two parts — with the first seven episodes airing from Tuesday, April 19 in Australia, and the final six arriving from Tuesday, July 12. We'll also see more of post-Breaking Bad Saul's story, where he's known as Gene. Best break out the cinnamon scrolls, obviously, amid all that Pinkman-inspired cheering about science and magnets. Check out the Better Call Saul season six trailer below: Better Call Saul's sixth season starts streaming in Australia via Stan and New Zealand via Neon from Tuesday, April 19. Images: Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television.
Yes, it was Agatha All Along — the title for Marvel and Disney+'s WandaVision spinoff about Agatha Harkness, that is. Since the show was announced back in 2021, it has been given plenty of names, but House of Harkness, Coven of Chaos and Darkhold Diaries aren't sticking around as the miniseries' moniker. Instead, it's going with the tune that everyone who saw the character's first on-screen appearance now has stuck in their heads. Also new: a release date for the show. Agatha All Along will hit streaming queues from Wednesday, September 18, 2024. If nothing else joins the Marvel slate between now and then, that'll make it just the second Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series of the year, after Echo (by design, with the Mouse House noting several times that it wants to better space out its releases). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) When the MCU made the leap to Disney+ back in 2021, WandaVision was the first program to arrive. It also finally made everyone take notice of the always-great Kathryn Hahn (Tiny Beautiful Things), who stole every scene she was in each and every time that she popped up — hence Agatha All Along getting the green light. Obviously, WandaVision was about Wanda and Vision, with Avengers: Endgame's Elizabeth Olsen (Love & Death) and Paul Bettany (A Very British Scandal) reprising their roles. But Hahn played a significant part as neighbour-slash-witch Agatha, even nabbing an Emmy nomination for her efforts. So, because she was such a fan favourite, Disney magicked her up her own show. Hahn returns, of course, to play a character that has a considerable history — only some of which WandaVision dived into. In comic books, she's been around since the 70s. Story-wise, her tale dates back to the Salem witch trials. Agatha All Along also stars Joe Locke (Heartstopper), Patti LuPone (Beau Is Afraid), Aubrey Plaza (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), Sasheer Zamata (Unfrosted), Emma Caulfield Ford (a Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum) and Debra Jo Rupp (That '90s Show). There's no trailer for Agatha All Along yet, but you can get the Emmy-winning tune of the same name stuck in your head below: Agatha All Along will be available to stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Read our review of WandaVision. Images: Marvel Studios, Disney.
Gone are the days of sad shopping centre food courts and the dubious contents of all-day bains-marie. This is Melbourne, and when it comes to food, we demand the best. In that light, Burwood Brickworks is more than the eastern suburbs' newest (and most environmentally sustainable) retail destination — it's also your brand new flavour hub. From now until March 28, the new Burwood East destination, located in the heart of the 'hood on Middleborough Road, is showcasing the best of dining hub Eat Street, with a range of unmissable meals at a steal. Need help narrowing it down? We've done the hard work for you — these are the nine signature dishes you should try first. [caption id="attachment_803861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] HONEY CAKE AT ACRE CAKE AND COUNTER The journey from farm to table doesn't get much shorter than this: Acre is a functioning, sustainable urban farm — complete with a garden, greenhouse and honeybees — located on the roof of Burwood Brickworks. From the team behind Sydney's two Acre sites, the elegant farmhouse restaurant and plant-filled greenhouse cafe has a seasonal menu, but don't miss the sweet stuff. Head to Cake and Counter for wholesome classics (think toasties and sausage rolls), Proud Mary coffee and indulgent treats like banoffee pie and baked cheesecake. If you're limiting yourself to just one, though, there's no going past the signature house-made honey cream cake, made with honey from the beehive farm. From now until March 28, enjoy a creamy honey cake and coffee for $10. [caption id="attachment_803881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] CHICKEN BURGER AND CHIPS AT GAMI CHICKEN AND BEER You probably know this group-friendly dining chain for its famous mounded platters of crispy fried chicken, tossed in spicy, garlicky or sweet soy sauces. But Gami's chicken burger deserves just as much airtime — after all, these guys are the fried chicken masters. Here, a juicy thigh fillet is deep-fried, sandwiched in a toasted bun and finished with Gami cheese sauce and a crunchy, refreshing apple coleslaw. Best eaten with a side of chips and one of those ice-cold beers, of course. From now until March 28, enjoy an indulgent chicken burger and chips for $10. [caption id="attachment_803864" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT HOT POT AT HOT HOT POT You had us at all you can eat. And no, that's not a typo in the name — Hot Hot Pot specialises in the eight-hour, 18-herbs-and-spices flavour bomb that is malatang. Book a slot for your all-you-can-eat hour and load up on all the ingredients you desire: premium meats, seafood, fishballs, tofu, mushrooms and a few greens for good measure. Choose your broth spice level (ranging from 'mild' to 'insane'), prepare your dipping sauces, and settle in for the long haul. From now until March 28, enjoy spicy, all-you-can-eat hot pot for $10. Bookings are essential. Call 0466 680 081 to make a reservation. [caption id="attachment_803866" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] ASSORTED SASHIMI AT ICHIRO IZAKAYA Can't get to Japan for a while? Let Japan come to you at Ichiro. This casual izakaya, fitted out with sustainable and recycled materials, features classic bar snacks like chicken karaage, okonomiyaki and yakitori, as well as sushi, hot pot and teishoku set meals. The star of the show, however, is the fresh sashimi platter of delicately sliced scallop, salmon and kingfish, perfectly paired with a Japanese beer or sake. From now until March 28, enjoy a platter of assorted sashimi for $10. [caption id="attachment_803869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] FAJITAS AT ROSA MEXICANO If you'd like your feast to be more of a fiesta, Rosa Mexicano is the perfect spot to bring your whole crew. In addition to an impressive selection of cocktails, sangria, tequila and beer — as well as house mocktails and Mexican sodas — the sprawling menu showcases some of Mexico's most beloved flavours. The menu includes hefty burritos, loaded nachos, chargrilled corn and smoked jalapeños — but the sizzling fajita platter is the showstopper. Choose steak, chicken, fish or the veggie option, grab some extra sides like pico de gallo or sour cream, and load your tortilla just the way you like it. From now until March 28, enjoy a plate of sizzling fajitas for $10. [caption id="attachment_803871" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] HUNAN-STYLE STIR-FRIED PORK AT TASTE HUNAN One of the eight culinary cuisines of China, Hunan, or Xiang, is probably lesser known here than its spicy counterpart, Sichuan. Eat Street's Taste Hunan is here to put it firmly on your radar. And there's no better place to start than the chilli-laden stir-fried pork, a classic of the region that sees sliced, tender pork wok-fried with soy, garlic, veggies, and, of course, a generous helping of aromatic chilli. In fact, most of the menu at Taste Hunan promise a spice, chilli or 'special sauce' sensation. The experience is probably best appreciated by sharing a range of dishes, so bring your cadre of spice-seekers and settle in for a feast. From now until March 28, tuck into a serve of Hunan-style stir-fried pork for $10. [caption id="attachment_803874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] SALAMI PIZZA OR THREE-CHEESE PIZZA AT NEW NORTHCOTE BREWHOUSE New Northcote Brewhouse pairs unpretentious beer with honest food. The core craft froths are from Diamond Hills' Golden Hills Brewery, with other local brews also available on tap. This ain't your average tavern, though — it's a stylish and airy space, with a very decent wine and cocktail selection to boot. On the menu you'll find refined pub classics, including a range of impressive pizzas. Our favourites are the salami with fior di latte and chilli, and the indulgent three-cheese, featuring mozzarella, ricotta and brie. From now until March 28, enjoy a salami or three-cheese pizza for $10. [caption id="attachment_803882" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] SMASHED AVO AT NORWOOD CAFE Good, honest food with heart is the Norwood Cafe way, from sustainable ingredients and farming practices to a minimal-waste approach to food prep. The menu here focuses on nourishing, mindful meals and freshly baked goods, cold-pressed juices and in-house roasted coffee from sustainably sourced beans. We're suckers for the classics, and this smashed avo definitely hits the spot. It's served on seeded artisanal sourdough and topped with a poached egg, feta, dukkah and some aesthetically pleasing flashes of colourful beetroot hummus and pickled tomatoes. From now until March 28, get your smashed avo on for $10. [caption id="attachment_803879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] CHOC-DIPPED CONE AT BEN AND JERRY'S Stop in at the parlour for a scoop of America's favourite ice cream. Load up your waffle cone with one (or more) of the 24 flavours on offer, or get a freshly filled pint to take home — you can even have it topped with chocolate, sweets or a fudge layer. But there's no going past the most utterly extra cone in town, the Ben and Jerry's choc-dipped variety: your ice cream flavour (or flavours) of choice in a crunchy, chocolate-dipped waffle cone. Simple. Elegant. Glorious. From now until March 28, crunch into a regular choc-dipped cone (two flavours) for $5. Find out more about Burwood Brickworks' exclusive March dining offers here. Offers are available daily from 12–2pm and 5–8pm, until March 28. Top image: New Northcote Brewhouse
World Chocolate Day (Wednesday, July 7) is on the horizon, so what better excuse for two of the country's top dessert masters to join forces? Aussie chocolate brand Koko Black and the ever-innovative, Sydney-born cake maestros Black Star Pastry have dreamed up some sweet-toothed magic, available for one day only this July. The Meteor Cake is the brainchild of Koko Black Head Chocolatier Remco Brigou and Black Star's Group Head Pastry Chef Arnaud Vodounou — some might say that this once-off dessert is 'out of this world'. It's here for a good time, but a very fleeting one, hitting stores for one day only on (you guessed it) Wednesday, July 7. The limited-edition cake is up there with some of the more extravagant treats you'll try this year. First up, there are the neat layers of dark chocolate financier, caramel-infused chocolate, muscovado sponge, dense hazelnut cremeux, choccy mousse and praline. Crowning that delicious tower is a flying 'meteor' — a hazelnut truffle coated in black cocoa nibs — trailing a blazing edible flame crafted from luxe Sao Thome chocolate. There's even a pile of meteor 'rubble', made of crumbled cocoa nibs. The Meteor Cake comes in at $15 a slice, available to purchase only from select Koko Black stores in Sydney (Strand Arcade) and Koko Black stores in Melbourne. You can also grab the takeaway treat from Black Star's Rosebery and Newtown outposts. Given the current lockdown and restrictions, Sydneysiders will also be able to pre-order here from July 2 to score a $55 four-pack that'll be delivered on World Chocolate Day. After the first half of this year, you bloody well deserve it. The Meteor Cake will be available from select Koko Black and Black Star stores, on Wednesday, July 7. Head to either website for further details.
Since Samson & Delilah arrived in 2009, earned the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Caméra d'Or for Best First Feature and proved an instant great of Australian cinema, every project from filmmaker Warwick Thornton has been a must-see. He got spooky with ghost-story anthology The Darkside, pondered the nation's relationship with the Southern Cross in documentary We Don't Need a Map and explored the country's race relations in blistering historical drama Sweet Country. Then, he co-directed the second season of the Mystery Road TV series, turned the camera on himself in meditative small-screen doco The Beach and was also behind vampires-in-the-outback show Firebite. Thornton is an Aussie icon. With his latest project, he has also joined forces with a fellow Aussie icon: Cate Blanchett. The Oscar-winning actor is following up her award-nominated role in Tár earlier in 2023 with Thornton's new film The New Boy — and playing a renegade nun in 1940s Australia, no less. As the just-dropped trailer shows, The New Boy heads to a remote monastery with a mission for Indigenous children, where Sister Eileen (Blanchett) is in charge. In a sneak peek filled with golden hues and bubbling with a thoughtful mood, her faith is tested when the titular child (newcomer Aswan Reid), a nine-year-old orphan, arrives and has his own experience with religion, which clashes with the mission's take on Christianity. Thornton writes and directs The New Boy, as he did with with Samson and Delilah and We Don't Need a Map. He also does triple duty as his own cinematographer, as he also has with the bulk of his filmography. And, on-screen, Deborah Mailman (Total Control) and Wayne Blair (Seriously Red) feature alongside Blanchett and Reid. Unsurprisingly given its helmer, star and the former's Cannes history, The New Boy premiered at the prestigious French film festival in May, and enjoys its first Aussie screening as the opening-night film at the Sydney Film Festival. After that, audiences Australia-wide will be able to check out the dream pairing of Thornton and Blanchett — and the movie debut of Reid — when The New Boy hits cinemas in general release on Thursday, July 6. Check out the trailer for The New Boy below: The New Boy opens in Australian cinemas on July 6.
Doppelgängers: they're more than just a science-fiction staple, a key part of Twin Peaks and the reason that plenty of actors keep winning awards. Whether you've been mistaken for someone else, been sent a photo of someone who could be your twin or walked past a painting or snap that could double as a mirror, we've all had one of those moments. If you'd like more — and you'd like to see how your likeness has been represented in the art world — Google's Arts and Culture app can now help. While the app itself isn't new, launching back in 2016, the ability to search by uploading your own selfies — or photos of someone else — is. Users are prompted to take a photo, which the app then compares against its database of art from over a thousand museums and galleries in 70 countries. If one of them looks like you, depending on your expression and hairstyle in the photo, it'll do its best to find it. At the moment, the new feature doesn't appear to be available in all parts of the world as yet, so if you're fond of taking pics of yourself and finding your likeness in the creative world, fingers crossed that it'll be rolled out soon. There's no point snapping away as practice, as the feature will only allow you to upload a newly taken photo. One side effect, once you can try it out: wanting to visit a whole heap of galleries and museums to see your artistic doppelgängers in person. UPDATE: JANUARY 20, 2018: Google Arts and Culture app users in Australia can now access the selfie submission feature. Users should scroll down until they see the "search with your selfie" tile, which will then take you through the steps. Via Mashable.
Zip lines, bungee jumping and treetop obstacles are just the start of Australia's newest destination for adventure seekers. Set along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Live Wire Park is Australia's first outdoor adventure park that is completely powered by nature. Located within The Great Otway National Park, it's family-owned and designed with the environmental in mind, which means the park is completely off-grid, fully solar powered and all water is collected on-site — both reducing waste and taking advantage of the natural resources available. Apart from its minimal environmental impact, the park packs in some serious fun, too. Set just 900 metres from the Lorne coastline, the elevated park is set among the treetops and boasts a 5250-metre-long zip line, a Tarzan swing, a 10-metre bungee, a suspended 120-metre walking circuit among the native blue gums and even a "super circuit" of 53 physical and mental activities that test park-goers while suspended in mid-air. You'll scale trees, swing on ropes and plunge down a bungee jump, all while solving a few puzzles and problems. Plus, you can expect plenty of wildlife sightings among the pristine rainforest and waterfalls. The park's newest attraction — launched just in time for summer holidays — is Spring Circuit, a five-zone circuit suspended five metres off the ground. Here, you can dive into an elevated ball pit, throw giant blow-up giant objects at each other and escape inside hanging black pods.
The rise of the smartphone has seen the demise of the public telephone booth. Good riddance, you might say — those things were an eyesore anyway (and they didn't even have Instagram). But it's a bit of a different story in the UK; their fire engine-red phone booth are iconic cultural landmarks, and the streets of London just wouldn't look the same without 'em. So to stop them from entering extinction, New York co-working company Bar Works are looking to repurpose the booths into tiny on-street offices. It's not the first time someone has decided to give telephone boxes a new life — Berlin have turned theirs into a series of mini nightclubs — but it certainly seems like the most productive way to use them. Pod Works, which will be launching in London, Edinburgh and Leeds, will transform the phone booths into mini workstations for people who are working in the city and need a place to tap out some emails, make a call or prep for a meeting on the go. The pod 'offices' will be fully equipped with Wi-Fi and internet connections, a printer and scanner, a wireless mouse, a 25-inch screen, a hot drinks machine and a power source. Membership will cost £19.99 (roughly AUD $39) and will allow you to access the pods whenever you like through an app on your phone. "Entrepreneurs and others constantly on the move need a convenient, affordable and private place to work," said CEO Jonathan Black in a press release. "Why should they sit in Starbucks or any other coffee bar when using one of our Pods will allow them to truly focus on their job before an important meeting or presentation at less than the price of two cups of coffee a week?" If you've ever had to make an important Skype call in a loud cafe with shitty Wi-Fi (or had to endure someone else doing the same), you'll know that an insulated internet pod is exactly what this world needs. Telstra, please take note. Image: Negative Space.
Half-priced airfares have been quite the topic of conversation over the past 24 hours, with the Australian Government announcing a scheme that'll see the country's airlines sell 800,000 flights at the discount rate. That starts in April — but if you're keen on getting away before then, Virgin is doing a flash sale that'll also slash fares by half. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, less than 12 months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration officially ended on Tuesday, November 17. With so many folks talking about the government's half-price fares, Virgin is capitalising upon the chatter; however, it's only putting this current set of cheap tickets on sale for two hours — from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12. These fares don't form part of 800,000, and you'll need to be keen to travel in the next fortnight, with the flights covering trips between Monday, March 15–Sunday, March 28. The discounted economy flights include seat selection and checked baggage. All Virgin-operated routes nationally form part of the sale, with some of the specials on offer including Sydney to Byron Bay for $55, Sydney to the Gold Coast for the same price, Melbourne to Launceston from $64, Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $78 and Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $88 (and vice versa in all cases, naturally). As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's half-price flash sale runs from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12 — or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
Hotel dining all over Australia is having a renaissance. Top chefs are being brought in to shake up less-than-inspirational menus. And architects are creating spaces with their own unique identities, separate from the accommodation. Hotel owners are finally seeing the power that comes with turning these restaurants into proper destinations — not just doing the bare minimum to get hotel guests to book a table. One of the latest hotels to really invest in its new restaurant is Hotel Vera out in Ballarat. At the end of January 2024, the team launched Babae with Culinary Director Tim Foster (The Gold Mines Hotel and ex-Source Dining) at the helm. This 26-seat fine-diner has no à la carte offerings, instead plating up a seven-course degustation for dinner and a shorter four-course spread for lunch. For a long time, Foster has worked with farmers, breeders, and providores in and around the Goldfields region, so plenty of hyper-local produce will find its way to the plate and into your wine glass. Produce grown in the hotel's own garden will also feature when possible. Cuisine-wise, it's best described as contemporary Australian, but it mostly has European influences. Dishes change frequently, depending on what's in season, but you can expect to find a selection of snacks to start, followed by a bunch of larger dishes and two desserts when heading in for dinner. Wines are, unsurprisingly, a mostly Victorian affair, with a few sweet Italians also up for grabs in the suggested wine pairings. You won't have a stack of choices when dining at Babae, but with Foster running the show, there's no need to worry. His previous restaurant, Source Dining, was hatted for nine years in a row, and Babae might follow suit. Find Babae at 710 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, open for lunch from 12–4pm Saturday–Sunday and dinner from 6–11pm Thursday–Saturday. For more details and to book a seat, head to the venue's website. Images: Emma Duzhnikov
There's no way around it — these pleasant sunny days are waning fast. All the bright autumn colours will soon fade to grey, the breeze will turn to a gale and we'll be swapping cardigans for parkas. If, like us, you're keen on soaking up every last bit of this season, you'd better get going. In partnership with award-winning bourbon brand American Honey, we're bringing you the top five ways to savour the last days of autumn before winter officially arrives in Melbourne. Think rooftop igloo gardens, brunches, backyard barbecues, houseboat stays and art galleries aplenty. ESCAPE TO A ROOFTOP IGLOO Making the adjustment back to indoor dining after a summer spent leisurely feasting outdoors can be a tough one. That's why The Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn East is bringing back its rooftop igloos for a second year. Kicking off in autumn despite its name, the Winter Igloo Garden lets Melburnians enjoy the rooftop while escaping the cold and embracing a chilly weather theme all at once. This year, the space will be home to five igloos for small groups and one jumbo igloo that'll fit up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. Inside, expect tonnes of lush greenery, as well as a specially curated menu of food and drinks. To kick things off, American Honey-themed cocktails like the hot toddy will keep you warm, made with bourbon, lemon, honey and hot water — or there's also the old fashioned with a honeycomb twist. All of the honey is sourced from the Melbourne Rooftop Honey sustainable beehives. Food-wise, there's a menu for small or large groups starting at $49 per person. Think salt and pepper calamari and charcuterie boards for starters, 18-hour braised lamb shoulder for the main, and chocolate fondue with strawberries, marshmallows and honey popcorn for dessert. Prices include an American Honey cocktail on arrival as well. The Winter Igloo Garden will be open for a limited time from May through August, with bookings available online. INDULGE IN BRUNCH Fitzroy's The Provincial is throwing its own rooftop breakfast feast. The Let's Do Brunch Honey will see the space transformed into a lush garden — and sustainably fitted with recycled timber, scrap metal, salvaged glass and beehives. Thanks to a farm-to-table menu featuring all locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, attendees can expect an American-style brunch with beer, wine and featured cocktails, plus a stacked share menu. Get ready to tuck into winter fruit platters, honey-smoked chicken wings, waffles topped with barrel-aged honey and honey-whisky cheesecake. Cocktails caught your eye? The list is curated by American Honey and features a garnish wall for pick-your-own trimmings. Cocktails on offer include the old fashioned (smoked bacon-washed American Honey, peach liquor and fresh apple juice) and the Honey John Collins (American Honey, Creme de Cassis, lime and ginger ale). Grab your friends and enjoy a cocktail pitcher or two — the drinks won't stop from 11am–1pm. The Let's Do Brunch Honey is available from May through August. To book, head online. GATHER YOUR MATES FOR A BACKYARD BARBECUE There's no better way to enjoy these last drops of sun than a classic backyard barbie with your best mates. Grab the snags, obviously, and farewell the last of the good weather by trying your hand at creating a few crowd-pleasing cocktail jugs to pair with your grilled feast. Reminiscent of those summer days is the honey and kombucha iced tea, a concoction of American Honey bourbon, Triple Sec, lemon and kombucha. And if you don't have a backyard, don't worry — this cocktail will taste just as good on a balcony or in the park. GO ON AN EPIC ART GALLERY HOP While the weather permits, try your hand at a DIY exhibition tour around the city. With so many display spaces in and around the Melbourne CBD, we recommend getting a group together and embarking on one epic art gallery hop — the Immigration Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art are all within walking distance and, for the really ambitious, could all be hit in one day. First up, explore the Immigration Museum's new exhibition of tattoos, Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks. Then, at the NGV this autumn, there's a massive exhibition by lauded American sculptor Alexander Calder. As for the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, it's offering a large-scale display of drawings and sculptures by internationally renowned Melbourne-born artist Tom Nicholson. [caption id="attachment_660939" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT ON A MURRAY RIVER HOUSEBOAT One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of autumn (while you still can) is to head toward the Murray River, which is just two-and-a-half hours north of Melbourne. The season turns the natural surroundings vibrant red, orange and golden hues — which'll catch your eye and make for quite the gorgeous happy snaps. Cruising the pristine river doesn't have to be a day activity, either, especially if you skip the Airbnb and book your accommodation on a houseboat. The region specialises in houseboat stays, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. For the latter, try the luxury two-deck Magic Murray Houseboats, featuring two fully-equipped kitchens, luxe linens, a sun deck and a heated spa to boot. For a more wallet-conscious option, check out Mildura Houseboats. Some houseboats also offer adventure packages, including kayaking and fishing, along with exploration of local wineries and villages along the river.
The allure of a Mediterranean beach holiday might seem tempting, but you'll find a bounty of worthy vacation spots located right here in your own backyard. And if sun, sand and surf are on the agenda, there are plenty of idyllic island escapes up and down the coast of Queensland, just waiting to be explored. Indulge in a tropical getaway to Hamilton Island, or embrace the beachside life with a few days spent lounging in The Whitsundays. We've done the hard work for you and pulled together a list of the most idyllic island accommodations you can book in Queensland. Pick a favourite, pack your sunscreen and get ready to feel the sand between your toes. Recommended reads: The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Glamping Sites in Queensland The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Queensland The Best Islands in Australia to Visit Any Time of the Year Central Airlie Holiday Home, Airlie Beach This Airlie Beach gem has room for the whole gang, but it's the divine deck and pool overlooking the Whitsunday Islands that'll steal your heart. From $545 a night, sleeps 10. Luxury Private Retreat Villa, Urangan Your own tropical haven, just minutes from the beaches of Hervey Bay. This breezy villa boasts contemporary styling, gorgeous outdoor living and a private pool. From $235 a night, sleeps six. Yacht Club 33, Hamilton Island This newly built island escape is a study in luxury living, complete with high-end features, pool access and sweeping ocean views throughout. From $1715 a night, sleeps nine. The Little Bush Hut, Nelly Bay On a secluded patch of island paradise, this stylishly restored hut is couples' holiday perfection. Fall in love with the private setting and the covered outdoor tub. From $310 a night, sleeps two. Headland House, Picnic Bay This architectural stunner boasts a covetable location on Magnetic Island, with luxurious spaces indoors and out, and epic ocean vistas to match. From $1752 a night, sleeps ten. Point Blue, Hamilton Island With its sleek interiors, picture-perfect views and abundance of outdoor living, this island home is the answer to all types of tropical holiday cravings. From $2164 a night, sleeps eight Point Lookout Townhouse, Point Lookout This stylish townhouse comes complete with panoramic water views, a gorgeous indoor-outdoor set-up and access to the complex's infinity pool. From $580 a night, sleeps seven. Complete Straddie Beach Retreat, Point Lookout Blissful island days await at this vibrant villa, perched just metres from the beach. Enjoy the romantic loft bedroom, sun-drenched deck and shared pool. From $219 a night, sleeps three Ascension, Point Lookout Luxe out in this sprawling holiday mansion, set overlooking the waters off Point Lookout. There's a huge deck, spa room and telescope for whale-watching. From $1000 a night, sleeps 12. Romantic Dog-Friendly Cottage, Macleay Island With leafy surrounds and pristine water views, this high-set cottage makes for a dreamy island hideaway. Split time between the cosy fireplace, luxurious spa and sunny deck. From $295 a night, sleeps four. Elementa House 1, Airlie Beach Unwind in style with a stay at this Whitsundays stunner, complete with private garden, shared infinity pool and master tub with breathtaking views. From $637 a night, sleeps six. 14 The Cove, Airlie Beach This next-level waterfront stay is what holiday dreams are made of. Indulge in show-stopping views from the open-plan living zones, sprawling deck and pool. From $960 a night, sleeps six. La Boheme Studio, Jubliee Pocket Experience your own little slice of Whitsundays magic at this contemporary coastal cottage, flitting between porch hammock and incredible magnesium pool. From $155 a night, sleeps two. Shorelines 23, Hamilton Island You'll feel on top of the world at this soaring Hamilton Island apartment, featuring panoramic ocean views and a stunning shared pool located just metres away. From $495 a night, sleeps six. Hamptons House on the Hill, Airlie Beach Boasting incredible vistas across the Whitsundays, a private pool and lots of luxury features, this award-winning Hamptons-style home is total bliss. From $375 a night, sleeps four. The Moreton Mansion, Tangalooma This generous three-level abode makes for a lavish group getaway, overlooking the waters of Moreton Bay. Plus, enjoy full access to the nearby resort facilities. From $1050 a night, sleeps 16+. Bedarra Island Villa, Bedarra Island A glam island paradise surrounded by leafy palms and lapping blue ocean. This designer villa boasts a stunning deck and delightfully secluded beachside setting. From $1258 a night, sleeps eight. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Courtesy of Airbnb
Tasmania has firmly established itself as a go-to destination on Australia's culinary map. The island's verdant farmlands and inventive chefs produce some of the finest cuisine in the country. Plus, a budding collection of paddock-to-plate restaurants are helping visitors to better appreciate the island state's incredibly rich variety of produce. Here, we've teamed up with Tourism Tasmania to highlight a selection of incredible restaurants where almost everything you feast upon is locally grown and produced. Got a penchant for restaurants that champion sustainability and seasonality? It's time to push Tassie to the top of your travel list. [caption id="attachment_866855" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Van Bone[/caption] VAN BONE Set against the backdrop of Marion Bay's picturesque coastal landscape, Van Bone's eco-conscious philosophy ensures it stands out as a quintessentially Tasmanian fine dining experience. Led by chef Tim Hardy and his partner Laura Stucken, the venue offers seasonal and hyperlocal dishes with incredible vistas and refined architecture to match. Seating just 20 guests, the intimate venue sees diners gazing upon rolling green hills as the chefs prepare the daily degustation menu in an open kitchen. Much of the produce on offer here is grown in the kitchen garden and orchard, while nearby suppliers provide everything else. [caption id="attachment_865477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarrad Seng[/caption] THE AGRARIAN KITCHEN EATERY Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet have long been fascinated by the relationship between everyday food and the earth that provides it. After opening in 2015, The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery has helped the couple explore this dynamic further, with their spacious venue in the rural community of New Norfolk serving local, seasonal cuisine that celebrates its origins. Many of the ingredients used across the restaurant's woodfired and hot-smoked dishes are grown on a nearby farm and showcase a relaxed expression of Tasmanian cuisine focused on local, small-batch makers and producers. Soon, the duo will share their skills via a new cooking school and kitchen garden which are set to open alongside the restaurant in October this year. [caption id="attachment_865491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nat Mendham[/caption] STILLWATER Set in a 19th-century flour mill overlooking a charming estuary in Launceston, Stillwater has been recognised as one of the country's top paddock-to-plate restaurants since its launch. Renowned for its casual fine dining, the venue boasts a highly seasonal menu with almost everything on it grown locally. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Stillwater delivers a distinctly Tasmanian dining experience that's only made better by its picturesque setting. Plus, the knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to walk you through where each ingredient is sourced, from the meat to the herbs. [caption id="attachment_868520" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill[/caption] WATERLOO INN Overlooking the east coast of Tasmania about a 30-minute drive from Freycinet National Park, the Waterloo Inn offers simple, seasonal cuisine that reflects its stunning location in Swansea. Housed inside an unassuming hotel, Waterloo Point, the restaurant is guided by chef Zac Green's (ex-Movida) ode to cosy pubs that dot the island's often chilly coastline. Taking cues from the weather and the available local produce, the three-course Sunday set lunch changes by the week so it's best to keep an eye on the restaurant's socials for updates. Head along soon to experience this local favourite before it becomes a bona fide interstate icon. Booking are essential. [caption id="attachment_865478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Neal[/caption] FAT PIG FARM Matthew Evans and Sadie Chrestman (of Gourmet Farmer fame) have established Fat Pig Farm – a thriving working property that hosts a multi-course Friday Feast (as well as the occasional Thursday session) — on a 70-acre block in the Huon Valley. These long lunches almost exclusively showcase ingredients grown on the surrounding paddocks. Its heritage apple orchard, market garden, chooks, cows and namesake Wessex Saddleback pigs offer a communal experience for diners to explore the flavours of the Huon Valley. Matthew and Sadie even take guests on a guided tour of the farm between courses, bringing diners closer to the source of their food. [caption id="attachment_865479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kelly Slater[/caption] TIMBRE Just a short drive from Launceston in the Tamar Valley, Timbre offers an ever-changing seasonal menu that highlights the region's very best producers and growers. Plus, you can soak up the pastoral views and serene landscapes of the grounds of adjacent Vélo Wines as you enjoy a variety of woodfired dishes. You can choose from standard or deluxe banquets or opt for a selection of tasty shared plates. Although the offering is constantly changing, some recent highlights include pork rib with fermented manzano chilli and miso caramel mousse topped with honeycomb. With exceptional wine coming from the vines outside, Timbre is a must-visit dining destination to add to your Tasmanian food itinerary. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more, visit the website. Top image: Tourism Tasmania and Peter Whyte
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, Cat Power and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 24 through Saturday, March 7. Last month, Zoo Twilights announced famed LA composer and singer Randy Newman — who has won two Academy awards and seven Grammys, and is behind songs in nine Disney and Pixar films — as one of its headline acts. And, now, it's just dropped the full 2020 lineup. Aussie pop royalty Missy Higgins, Twilight regulars The Cat Empire, seminal Jamaican reggae group Toots and The Maytals, Perth noir-pop band Methyl Ethel and dance floor starters Confidence Man will all taking the stage this season. A few big throwbacks are also on this year's program, including the pub-rock legends behind 'Great Southern Land' and 'Electric Blue' Icehouse, 70s English band 10cc — if you don't know the name, you'll definitely know their hit 'I'm Not in Love' — and US gospel queen and 99 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples. UK-French avant-pop band Stereolab has also reunited after a ten-year break and will be treating to the crowd to its first live performance in a decade. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Mountain Pygmy possum. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2020 PROGRAM Friday, January 24 — Confidence Man, supported by Wax'o Paradiso Saturday, January 25 — Icehouse, with special guests Friday, January 31 — Toots and The Maytals, supported by Systa BB Saturday, February 1 — An Evening with Randy Newman Friday, February 7 — Missy Higgins, supported by William Crighton Friday, February 14 — The Cat Empire, supported by Emily Wurramara Friday, February 21 — 10cc, supported by Russell Morris Saturday, February 22 — Methyl Ethel, supported by Hatchie Friday, February 28 — Julia Jacklin, supported by Weyes Blood Saturday, February 29 — Meg Mac, supported by Fergus James Friday, March 6 — Stereolab, supported by Mildlife Saturday, March 7 — Mavis Staples, supported by Emma Donovan and The Putbacks Melbourne Zoo Twilights will return to Melbourne Zoo from January 24 until March 7. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 22 at zootwilights.org.au. Image: Ian Laidlaw.
Back in 2018, Australia scored the kind of festival we were always bound to, and to love: The Drop, a music fest that sets up its song-filled stages beside the country's iconic surfing spots. And if that still sounds like your idea of quite the big — and sandy — day out, you'd best get ready to surf the festival wave again, with the event returning in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, The Drop will stage a two-date run in New South Wales, hitting up Bondi Beach and Coffs Harbour in October. This marks the first time that the fest has made its way to Bondi, so expect it to be huge. On the bill at both 2022 shows: Tones and I, Matt Corby and Dune Rats, as well as Cub Sport, Gretta Ray, Shag Rock, TOWNS and Hallie. They'll head to Sydney's most famous beach on Saturday, October 15, then back it up the following week, on Saturday, October 22, at Park Beach Reserve in Coffs Harbour. [caption id="attachment_753215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Walk Wild Studio[/caption] Fans in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, where The Drop has played before, will need to wait until next year to get their sun, surf, sand and song fix. The 2023 lineup hasn't been revealed, but dates have announced. Whether the event will do what it usually does and follow the Aussie leg of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour hasn't been confirmed yet either, but fingers crossed. Stops are locked in for Coolangatta, Torquay and Busselton, though, plus a return to NSW thanks to the Newcastle show. And pairing music not only with sandy settings, but with surfing contests, has always been a big part of The Drop. If you have tickets to previous The Drop fest that didn't go ahead due to the pandemic, you now have a few options — to either roll them over to the new festivals in each location (where they're returning), switch to Bondi or Coffs Harbour instead, or obtain a refund. [caption id="attachment_753214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] THE DROP FESTIVAL 2022 DATES Saturday, October 15 — Bondi Beach, Bondi, New South Wales Saturday, October 22 — Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales THE DROP FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP Tones And I Matt Corby Dune Rats Cub Sport Gretta Ray Shag Rock TOWNS Hallie THE DROP FESTIVAL 2023 DATES Saturday, January 21_Sunday, January 22 — Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta, Queensland Tuesday, March 28 — Empire Park, Newcastle, New South Wales Saturday, April 8 — Torquay Common, Torquay, Victoria Saturday, April 15 — TBC, Busselton, Western Australia Saturday, May 13 — Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta, Queensland The Drop will return for two 2022 festivals in New South Wales in October. Ticket pre-sales start at 9am on Tuesday, August 9, with general sales from 9am on Wednesday, August 10. For more information, visit the festival's website. The Drop's 2023 lineup will be announced closer to its 2023 dates — we'll update you when details come to hand. Images: Ian Laidlaw / Miranda Stokkel.
The joys of a well-rounded lunch shouldn't be relegated to just the weekends. Sometimes your working day calls for a midday bite to eat with your best workmates and bottle of wine to cheers to all the hard work you've been doing. It's not your fault if your boss doesn't realise that. When the company card isn't on the table, you're going to want a lunch spot that caters to groups while keeping the final number on the bill low. We've found a bunch of restaurants around Melbourne that deliver just that — made all the easier by the fact that they offer BYO. All you need to do is to find a date that's free of meetings and hectic deadlines.
Melbournians love to get a little fancy in January. Despite the monumental heat, we don our tennis whites, pack inside scorching stadiums and fan ourselves while sipping bubbly. But, if you're feeling a little worn out from the Australian Open, we have an alternative that has all the class without the apocalyptic heat. Trade in your rackets for some croquet clubs, get some fresh air down by the Yarra, and cool off with some icy, icy Pimms. The Royal Croquet Club is coming to town. Fresh from its debut run in Adelaide earlier this year, the Royal Croquet Club is a pop-up summer haven of food, drinks, music and croquet. Set up in the city during the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the club was an absolute hit for those after a summer tipple, now it's Melbourne's turn. The venue will be set up in the grasslands of Birrarung Marr for 17 days in January 2015. Though details are pretty scarce at the moment, we know that there will be a rather impressive group of foodie favourites on board. "The Adelaide Royal Croquet Club didn’t have a serious focus on food but with Melbourne being such a food town, we felt it was crucial to get this aspect right," event organiser Grant Smillie told Broadsheet. But it's not just the food, you'll be coming for. This urban oasis will have fully-stocked bars — specialising in jugs of Pimms, of course — functioning croquet courts and musical acts on stage. Those at the Adelaide event were even treated to a show from Remi. "Everything has got to be considered across the board so we can meet Melbourne's lofty expectations and exceed them," said Smillie. "There are so many festivals now, you want a full experience. We feel this one will be pretty organic and special." Special is certainly the right word to describe it. The Royal Croquet Club seems to have everything we want in a summer hangout spot: games, sun, shade, music, and cocktails that won't stop flowing. For those feeling a little lost outside the scorching heat of Rod Laver Arena, they'll even have the tennis on big outdoor screens. Sorted. Via Broadsheet. Photos via Royal Croquet Club.
In true country-WA style, the Southern Forests region is a horticultural hub known for diverse and delicious produce. And the community celebrates that fact each year with the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival, where you can taste the best and juiciest local cherries, and cherry-flavoured goodies (imagine enjoying fresh cherry ice cream on a warm summer day). The perfect excuse for a weekend getaway, the festival has a bunch of different free and ticketed events, from street parades, market stalls and live entertainment, to a long table lunch among the cherry trees of Newton Orchards. There's also a cherry tour — where you can learn about food innovation and ride a tractor through one of Manjimup's oldest orchards — and Koomal Dreaming, which will allow you to experience Wadandi and Bibbulman country through the eyes of the traditional owners. Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival takes place on Saturday, December 14. Find the full program, including ticketing information, on the festival website.
To ring in the year of the ox, dumpling master Din Tai Fung created cute masked ox buns, continuing its annual tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year with an adorable addition to its menu (see also: its monkey buns from 2016 and pig bao from 2019). But creative dishes aren't just a once-a-year thing here. Now that Easter is almost upon us, the chain is serving up something else to tempt your tastebuds: hot cross bao. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like — and the bao is only available for a limited time. On the outside, each one looks like a hot cross bun, but they're made with steamed bread. And, you won't find any raisins inside. Instead, they're filled with molten chocolate. The hot cross bao is available at all Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets in Sydney, so you'll want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza and MLC Centre venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the bao on offer at Emporium Melbourne. If you'd rather have them brought to your door, they're also available for delivery in frozen form. If you'd like to stock your freezer and enjoy them once Easter passes, that's an option as well. The only problem we can foresee with this latest hybrid dish? Wanting to devour as many as possible. They'll cost you $5.80 for two in-store, and $8 for three in frozen packs. Hot cross bun bao are available for $5.80 for two at all Din Tai Fung stores. They're also available for delivery, for $8 — plus a $10–20 delivery fee.
Another day, another must-try food hybrid. That's the lamington vodka, Iced Vovo cruffin and lasagne pie-filled world we now live in. The latest such combo comes courtesy of two homegrown brands that likely had a hefty part in your childhood sugar highs: lolly company Allen's and soft drink purveyors Kirks. You can do the math from there — yes, Allen's is releasing a range of confectionery inspired by Kirks' classic drink flavours. The brand's Pasito, creaming soda and lemonade varieties are getting the lolly treatment, all via little bottle-shaped gummies, and all in the same pack. Kids birthday parties will never be the same again. Mark mid-August in your diary if you know what you'll be snacking on from now on — for nostalgic reasons, because Pasito and Kirk's creaming soda are still particularly delicious no matter how old you are, or just because these Frankenstein's monster-style culinary mashups always tempt your tastebuds. The lollies will hit major supermarkets and convenience stores, and retail at $3.60 for a 170-gram pack. Clearly, you already know what you need to wash them down with. Also, if you're more of a Kirks' lemon squash or ginger beer fan — or ginger ale in Queensland, or Sno Drop in South Australia — there's no sign of those tipples getting a lolly equivalent just yet. Cross your fingers, though. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirks Originals (@kirksoriginals) Allen's new Kirks-inspired lollies will hit major supermarkets and convenience stores from mid-August, for RRP $3.60 for a 170-gram pack.
Bottomless brunch is great and all, but how do you feel about a cosy evening settled in with a cheese board and free-flowing wine? That's exactly the situation you can get involved in at The Smith every Thursday night this winter, courtesy of the Prahran pub's new Supper Club series. Book a table from 5pm each week and get ready to snack away those winter blues. For $45, you'll tuck into a three-cheese selection served straight from The Smith's covetable cheese trolley — perhaps some Tarago River Gippsland Blue, a wedge of Maffra cheddar or a French brie by La Monique. You can even upgrade, adding an extra cheese variety for $5, or an additional two cheeses for $10. Of course, the midweek fun doesn't end there — also included in the price is 90 minutes of bottomless Aussie wine, French bubbly and spritzes. The latter's lineup features options like the rosemary-spiked Mr Bianco and a blood orange-infused Sicilian number. You're in for some bloomin' great views, too, with the pub's atrium currently decked out in swathes of purple and white wisteria as part of its new dreamy winter look.
Some like it hot. Other milder folk prefer not to flirt with such danger. But whichever category you fall into, your tastebuds will find plenty to love when the Yarra Valley's Herb and Chilli Festival returns to spice up your weekend. Descending on founders Clive and Di Larkman's Wandin herb farm from Saturday, March 15–Sunday, March 16, the flavour fest is set to once again deliver a fiery mix of food, entertainment and more. A hefty lineup of stallholders will be slinging everything from chilli plants and fresh herbs to flavour-packed pantry goods. Visit the international food court for a ready-to-eat spice hit from the likes of The Smoke Pit, Tornado Spuds and Wun Hung Lo Dumpling Company, and sample feisty booze products like hot chilli wine and Logan's signature Thai Venom Vodka. Easier-drinking sips will be on offer from labels including Hop Hen Brewery, Burnley Brewing, and Morgan's Winery and Distillery. As you can imagine, you'll find a tastebud-tingling array of hot sauce varieties to try and buy on Hot Sauce Alley, while the live cooking stage will play host to both chef demos and a stack of fiery eating competitions. Are you game to try the Stinger Wing Challenge? Reckon you could reign supreme in the famed chilli-scoffing contest? Luckily, you can keep your cool between chillies with a program of live tunes — with the six-piece band Harmaniax taking centre place. There'll even be a Chilli Express bus service carting people to and from Lilydale Station — helping folks drink the day away without worrying about driving or having to get expensive cabs.
Listen up: Listen Out is back for its 11th year and it isn't slouching on the lineup front. The bill for the touring festival boasts 21 Savage, Skepta, Tyla and Flo Milli among its hip hop and R&B names. On the electronic side, John Summit and Sub Focus feature. Yes, the list goes on from there. Fans of 21 Savage, Tyla and Flo Milli — and of Teezo Touchdown, Jessie Reyez and Jazzy, too — should be especially excited. When they each take to Listen Out's stages at Caribbean Gardens in Melbourne on Friday, September 27, they'll be hitting the country for the first time. Among their company, Lil Tjay, Lithe, Folamour, The Blessed Madonna, Cassian and Disco Lines are just some of the fellow acts that'll have festivalgoers dancing. 2023's fest was Listen Out's most successful in terms of ticket sales ever, and the crew behind it are hoping to continue that trajectory. Something that might help: turning the fest into a 16-plus event, age-wise, which is a first for 2024. As the roster of names on the lineup demonstrates, the festival's focus is staying true to its niche, filling its stages on electronic and hip hop artists — both international and local talents, too. Listen Out 2024 Lineup: 21 Savage Skepta Lil Tjay Tyla Flo Milli Jessie Reyez Teezo Touchdown Lithe John Summit Sub Focus Folamour The Blessed Madonna Cassian Disco Lines Jazzy Koven Conducta A Little Sound Ben Gerrans AK Sports Foura B2B Tom Santa Miss Kaninna Djanaba Soju Gang Melbourne only: Yo! Mafia Sixten Kelly T J-OK Top images: Jordan Munns and Sam Venn.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 25, 2019 — Due to popular demand, Hamer Hall has added a fourth Love Actually in Concert show at 6pm on Sunday, December 22. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday, October 28 — don't sleep on it. When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its 2017 and 2018 tours of the UK (to the surprise of absolutely no one), 'Love Actually' in Concert is finally making its way to Australia — and, to the festive delight of Melburnians, to Hamer Hall at 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday, December 15, and at 1pm on Sunday, December 22. Revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. Tickets are on sale now — and, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you.
There's something uniquely satisfying about successfully growing your own produce. Keeping a living thing alive for a prolonged period of time? Achievement! Keeping a living thing alive that, in turn, helps keep you alive? Well, that's circularity at its peak. For a novice green thumb, kicking off a gardening endeavour can be intimidating. As with any living thing, the responsibility of nurturing and growing it can unleash your neuroses — particularly if you've ever been defeated by a pot of cursed basil. Luckily, Lee Sullivan is here to help. Sullivan is the green thumb behind Urban Veggie Patch — an ever-blooming Instagram blog where she documents her incredibly bountiful garden. And while the size of her carrot harvest suggests a lifetime of gardening nous (or the fictional effects of gamma radiation), it's been less than six years that she's been planting and eating homegrown organic produce. "I started gardening shortly after the birth of my first child," Sullivan told Concrete Playground. "I became very interested in health and sustainability and, after some research, decided that the best way to live a more sustainable life, to truly know what was on the food we were eating and where it was grown, was to grow it in our own backyard. So we set up a garden." "At the same time, I was experiencing mild postnatal depression and, unexpectedly, growing and gardening helped me to heal from that. Growing my own food has been a truly beautiful journey for me and has become one of my greatest passions... It's also incredibly beneficial to my mental health and I love that it has created a space for me to relax and recharge." Sullivan shared with us some of her top gardening tips for anyone looking to grow their own fruits, veggies and edible plants, as part of our partnership with VegKit. So ready your patch of earth and prepare to get your hands dirty — while you get your mind clear. [caption id="attachment_840173" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonathan Hanna (Unsplash)[/caption] PLACEMENT IS CRUCIAL "Placement is one of the crucial elements that you need to get right if you want to have a thriving garden. Your vegetables need SUN! When deciding on the location of your garden you want to pick somewhere that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Basically, find the sunniest spot in your yard and put your vegetable garden there. The more sun your vegetables can get the better." [caption id="attachment_840175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Spiske (Unsplash)[/caption] START SMALL "A big mistake people make when starting their own vegetable garden is biting off more than they can chew. At the beginning, your garden needs to be small and manageable. Statistics show that many people who attempt to grow their own food give up because of failure [editor's note: that cursed basil!], so you want to do everything you can to ensure your own success! But also remember that failure is just an opportunity to learn and do things differently next time! So, when planning your garden, don't go overboard with the size. By all means create it so that you can keep adding to it, but start small." "I started my garden with five 90-centimetre x 60-centimetre raised garden beds. When I realised how much I loved growing my own food I added eight more. In my opinion, a garden bed that is five-metres x three-metres is ideal and will easily allow you to grow enough vegetables for your family while keeping things at a manageable level." [caption id="attachment_840184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artem Podrez (Pexels)[/caption] APARTMENT LIVING? ADAPT ACCORDINGLY. "If you are limited with space there are still lots of things you can grow and lots of ways to increase your growing potential. When we started our first garden, we were living in a townhouse with a 40-square-metre cement courtyard, so I definitely know what it's like to not have a huge amount of space. I can confidently say that you can grow something no matter how much space you have." "Pots on a balcony or windowsill are an excellent option for people who don't have a yard. Herbs and micro herbs will do particularly well in a sunny indoor spot. If you have a small garden, vertical gardens, trellises or arches are also great as they can help to add more growing area by growing up rather than out." PLANT SEASONALLY AND GROW WHAT YOU LOVE TO EAT "Choosing productive plants that are easy to grow is a great option for first-time gardeners. It is also important to be aware of growing seasons and what grows well in your climate at any given point in time. It may seem obvious, but plant what you eat. Think about the things you buy most at the supermarket and plant those. Growing what your family loves to eat is an excellent place to start." [caption id="attachment_840186" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandie Clarke (Unsplash)[/caption] SOIL QUALITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE "The soil you use in your garden beds will have a direct effect on whether your vegetables thrive. It can be tempting to go and buy cheap bags of soil to save money but please don't. Buying good quality soil full of organic matter is an investment into the future of your garden." [caption id="attachment_840209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karolina Grabowska (Pexels)[/caption] ENJOY THE JOURNEY AND DON'T LET FAILURE DISCOURAGE YOU "One thing I can guarantee is that you will fail — we all do. Failure in gardening is a huge part of the learning process so don't be discouraged when something doesn't work. Look at it as one step closer to mastering that particular vegetable. I still have vegetables [that] I struggle to get results on years down the track. Gardening is a lifelong journey of discovery and should be enjoyed! Spend time just being in your garden, enjoying nature and appreciating the little things." If you're a major plant enthusiast, find out what some top Australian chefs love about plant-based eating or try our picks of the best date spots with plant-based menus in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. To discover even more plant-based dining and recipe inspiration, head to the VegKit website. Top image provided by Lee Sullivan.
A giant gumball machine that you can climb inside. An igloo made of doughnuts. An adult-sized ballpit in bubblegum-pink hues. A mini-cinema dedicated to sweet-themed movies. Throw in a free ice cream, sweets and snacks; a dedicated fairy floss room with its own swing; and the ability to jump out of a giant birthday cake — and Melbourne's new pop-up dessert museum sounds like the kind of place Willy Wonka might own. Called Sugar Republic, it's actually a short-term exhibition on Smith Street in Fitzroy, bringing eight weeks of sugary delights to folks with a sweet tooth. Running until August 17, the pop-up features 14 spaces designed to immerse the senses in all things chocolate, confectionery and dessert-oriented. When you're not making yourself a soft serve and showering it in sprinkles, you'll be spinning a wheel o' treats. Other highlights include a sherbet-filled rainbow bridge, a forest of giant bananas, an interactive sprinkles wall, a neon art wall and other dessert-centric art, including a giant Bubble O' Bill sculpture. And it wouldn't be a celebration of all things sweet without a huge lolly store, of course. As for the location, Sugar Republic's site was once the MacRobertson's confectionery factory — aka the brand originally behind the Freddo frog and Cherry Ripe. The last room in the space pays tribute to the company's founder, Sir Macpherson Robertson, adding a dose of history to the sugar rush. Basically, if you missed out on visiting New York's Museum of Ice Cream back in 2016, this is Australia's equivalent. Typically these kind of places are designed to be as photogenic as possible, so expect plenty of pics to clog your Instagram feed. If you're keen to take some of your own, tickets cost $35 for adults, which includes free lollies, treats and ice cream over your 90-minute stay. Find Sugar Republic at 377 Smith Street, Fitzroy until August 17. For more information, visit the museum's website.
Eight years since Netflix arrived Down Under, the streaming era has brought so many different platforms our way that switching between Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and the like is the new changing channels. But, however many different services you subscribe to, and why, only one platform hails from Australia's National Film and Sound Archive: the just-launched NFSA Player. As a bricks-and-mortar celebration of sound and vision, the Canberra-based NFSA fills its walls and halls with the country's screen history, a task that it has embraced since 1935. In fact, when it was first established, it became one of the first audiovisual archives in the world. Almost nine decades later, the institution features more than four million items, including scripts, props, costumes and promotional materials — a range that keeps growing in order to continue maintaining this pivotal record of Aussie creativity. In the online space, NFSA is now sharing its expertise digitally, which is where the on-demand NFSA Player comes in. As part of an aim to make the national audiovisual treasure trove more accessible — and all over Australia, too — viewers will now find everything from feature films and documentaries to TV shows and animation in the streaming platform's catalogue. Getting things started: its very first collection Buwindja. Spanning 17 titles, this debut selection of screen content is timed to celebrate NAIDOC Week, and showcases Indigenous trailblazers in the process. Both as part of the collection and in the future, NFSA Player features free and pay-per-view content — so you can rent Warwick Thornton's Samson & Delilah for $4.99, or opt for a half-hour biographical documentary about Bundjalung author and historian Ruby Langford Ginibi without paying a cent. Other highlights from Buwindja include Mabo, stunning Bangarra dance film Spear, drama series The Gods of Wheat Street and rock n' roll doco Wrong Side of the Road. Also included: more documentaries such as Black Divaz, The Song Keepers, Buried Country and My Survival as an Aboriginal. "Buwindja represents an opportunity for Australians to reflect on the part they play in ensuring that the voice that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders have fought for in the past and present continues to be heard," said Gillian Moody, a Wodi Wodi woman, filmmaker and the NFSA's Senior Manager, Indigenous Connections. "I curated it with the hope of inspiring audiences to reflect, imagine and act when they listen to and watch these stories." To check out NFSA Player, head to the streaming platform's website.
Six months after a group of ten adorable platypuses were introduced into the Royal National Park, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported that the duck-billed buddies are thriving in their new home. The iconic native animal had been extinct from the area for 50 years up until 2023, but now they're back and they're loving it, with nine of the ten platypuses reportedly adapting well to their new environment. As for the tenth, it has travelled beyond the established tracking area, but the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said: "we are confident the little adventurer is just exploring other creeks". Originally announced back in 2021, the project is the first-ever translocation program for platypuses in New South Wales, coming from collaborative work between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia. The ten ultra-cute pioneers were collected from southern NSW before being given health checks and fitted with transmitters at Taronga Zoo's platypus refugee. They were then brought to the national park and shown their new digs, where they've been hanging out ever since. The project was started after a 2020 UNSW study that found that the areas where platypuses live in Australia had shrunk by 22 percent in the last three decades. The group of furry trailblazers will be monitored through 2024, with hopes that they might breed and rear young — a milestone moment for the project if it does occur. If you want to head out and explore this expansive stretch of nature — and possibly catch a sighting of a platypus — there are plenty of walks and stays that you can plan in the Royal National Park. Find out more about the platypus reintroduction project via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Facebook page.
In 2024, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival consists of over 400 events. Stacks of these involve international and interstate collaborations, where chefs, bartenders and owners fly over to Melbourne to work with local hospitality venues to create short but unique drinking and dining experiences. One to particularly look forward to is happening at Afloat. Here, teams from two of Sydney's best Mexican restaurants, El Primo Sanchez and Ricos Tacos, are joining forces to throw a huge taco and tequila party on Thursday, March 21. Afloat and its pool deck have already been slinging tacos and agave-based drinks all summer long, right on the Yarra, so this takeover makes sense. [caption id="attachment_938711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] Paddington tequila bar El Primo Sanchez is running the bars for the night, where its Bar Manager Eduardo Conde and Maybe Sammy co-founder Stefano Catino will be pumping out a massive range of tequila- and mezcal-based tipples. Expect El Primo's signature drink, the Patrón Primo Margarita — which is made with mescal naranja, agave and lime — plus heaps of other easy-drinking cocktails. For food, Afloat's Executive Chef James Gibson will be joined by Ricos Tacos' Founder and Executive Chef Toby Wilson in the kitchen, serving up six different tacos. Some of Ricos' signature tacos will be up for grabs, as well as a few one-off creations made just for the Taco and Tequila Party at Afloat. What's even better is that the $85 ticket not only includes a welcome cocktail but also gives guests two hours of unlimited tacos. Then, once your time is over, spend the rest of the night dancing to DJ sets on the water, beneath disco balls and fairy lights. Top images: Jake Roden
Life became wildly unpredictable and messy for a moment there, but Collingwood's newly opened massage and mindfulness studio might be just what you need to give stress the flick and start the year off strong. In the top levels of a converted Easey Street warehouse, Mary Minas and Freya Berwick have opened the first stage of their wellness hub Sense of Self, with its much-anticipated bathhouse set to launch downstairs in the coming months. The duo is out to flip the script on the usual wellness concept, with an unpretentious offering that's focused on connection, inclusivity and restoration. As Minas says, they're here to "offer a more approachable, no-BS approach to self-care as a practice, rather than a performance". So, put the phone away, get off the 'Gram and give yourself some much-needed attention. Within the new massage and mindfulness studio, this ethos translates to a careful spread of body treatments for relaxation, remediation and pregnancy, backed by a soothing lounge area where naps are not just welcomed, but encouraged. [caption id="attachment_799061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oli Sansom[/caption] There's a pared back menu of elevated massage treatments, featuring customisable options for the feet, scalp, arms and body. You can treat your post-iso bod to a mix of Swedish massage, aromatherapy and meditation — this service fittingly dubbed The Hiatus — or maybe a deep remedial massage finished with a dry body brush or foot treatment. Outside of face mask restrictions, you can settle into a stimulating gua sha facial, too. The space itself has been transformed into a haven of calm and tranquility, thanks to abundance of creamy hues, lots of soft textiles and massage rooms decked out in natural timbers. Guests are encouraged to take time out and really relax for as long as they need before and after treatments, emerging back into reality at their own pace. And, while there's a tidy retail selection on offer featuring plenty of high-quality Sans Ceuticals products, the owners are adamant to avoid any pushy sales element that might interfere with that relaxation and self-care time. Once the bathhouse opens, Sense of Self's offering will expand to include a Finnish-style sauna, large mineral bath and cold plunge pool. Find Sense of Self at 30–32 Easey Street, Collingwood from 4.30–9pm Wednesday–Friday and 10am–6pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Oli Sansom
When King Kong swung into cinemas back in 1933, it reshaped movie history — and also had viewers everywhere thinking twice about great apes. Fast-forward almost nine decades, and now another giant gorilla is making an impact. You can see King Nyani IRL, however, and not just on the silver screen. Even better: you can now climb into the 30-foot-long creature's hands at Taronga Zoo. Created by public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, King Nyani was inspired by King Kong. Consider the bronze statue — the world's largest bronze gorilla statue, in fact — a response to that pop-culture behemoth. "In the movie, Kong is seen as a ferocious beast. That was so far from our experience meeting the actual animals. We wanted to show the world that this great creature was really a pacifist who put family above all else," says Marc. Spreading a message of conservation, King Nyani first popped up in New York City — where else? — in August 2020, and understandably received a huge reaction. Now, the the first edition of the sizeable statue sits in the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, with a second due to be installed at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut. Yes, that makes Sydney's version edition three. "We decided to create three editions after seeing the unbelievable response to the original Nyani in NYC. We knew that this was a cause that many people were willing to get behind," advises Gillie. "This was a chance to inspire three times as many people to protect gorillas to save them from extinction." King Nyani is definitely big — up to three people can sit inside the bronze silverback's hands, an act that serves multiple purposes. "We wanted to create a sculpture where the public could really get close to the silverback, both physically and emotionally. Being able to sit in his hand and look up into his gentle face, we hope they will fall in love and join the movement to save the gorillas," explains Gille. At Taronga, King Nyani now sits next to the Centenary Viewing Platform, underneath a giant fig tree — and mere metres away from the zoo's harbour view. You'll need an entry ticket to Taronga to check out its new addition, and to snap those pics you know are going to be all over social media, but those funds will go towards the zoo's efforts to support, care and protect wildlife, including gorillas. King Nyani is on display next to the Centenary Viewing Platform at Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman. For more information, head to the zoo's website.
