Nestled up an unassuming laneway staircase above the neon buzz of Chinatown, this Cantonese restaurant is a simple sort of spot with minimal frills; all fluoro lighting and paper-topped tables. But it's also a true institution — a longtime hit with off-the-clock chefs and discerning late-night diners alike, and known to draw a queue. And it won't leave you waiting too long at all to discover just why for yourself. From the Supper Inn kitchen comes a roll-call of classics done well and served without restraint. It's safe to say no one's leaving here hungry. Tried-and true winners include the likes of a packed seafood chow mein, hor fun noodles with sliced beef, crispy-skinned roast duck served by the half or whole, and sweet and sour pork ribs with an extra hit of chilli and sesame. You'll find claypots brimming with combinations like chicken, shiitake and Chinese sausage; or eggplant with pork mince and salted fish; along with numerous incarnations of that age-old Cantonese comfort food, congee. And a hot tip for seafood fans: stay tuned to the specials page for plates like XO oysters, sweet and sour coral trout, and plenty of lobster-based delights. Throw in a BYO offering, and you've got no excuse not to fire up that group chat and organise a feast ASAP.
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool? If Three Bags Full was like the nursery rhyme, we'd want to be the little boy who lived down the lane. Fortunately for us, however, there is plenty of Three Bags Full goodness to go around. You'll find this gem of a cafe nestled inside a huge warehouse building in the back streets of residential Abbotsford. And like any good Melbourne cafe, Three Bags Full takes its coffee seriously. Very seriously. Five Senses coffee is expertly brewed to give each origin its turn in the spotlight. Single origins and seasonal signature blends are pumped out using their Synesso machine, which is custom made, of course. Filter and pour over are also on offer. The food is worth writing home about, too — and has been for many years. Oatmeal, toasts, and more adventurous breakfast dishes like the Turkish breakfast ($22) made up of cilbir eggs (a kind of poached egg), sliced tomato and cucumber, green olives, pickled chillies, baba ganoush and dried fruit on toast are all generous in their servings. And as Melbourne's cafe scene increasingly embraces healthier dishes, Three Bags Full has kept up with a series of less greasy options. The bircher muesli ($17) is a classic win with seasonal fruit, honey labneh, chia seeds, roasted almonds and elderflower pearly. The everchanging super bowl ($18.50) is a must-try for health-conscious diners, too. Boozy brunches are also on the menu at Three Bags Full, thanks to its decent selection of wines, beers and cocktails. We still can't skip the spicy chipotle bloody mary when trying to nurse that Sunday hangover. Like Three Bags' food and drink offerings, there's no room for disappointment when it comes to the place's interior. A beautiful, light room is filled with pieces that give it an industrial but warm feeling. We hear the communal table in the centre used to be a ten-pin bowling lane. Hearty food, buzzing atmosphere, and satisfying coffee have been on the cards at Three Bags Full for almost a decade — and this Abbotsford go-to is showing no sign of slowing down. To ensure you get a table at this beloved Melbourne cafe, book ahead via the Three Bags Full website.
Two of the greatest artists in history, who happened to have one of the most volatile relationships in recent memory, will be the focus of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' brand new exhibition in 2016. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is coming to the gallery next year, running June 25 to October 9, 2016. BOOM. Nice one AGNSW. Kahlo and Rivera's artistic and personal rollercoaster ride will be the focus, with 40 artworks, self-portrait paintings, drawings and canvases from the pair, all from the renowned collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Alongside these works will be approximately 50 photographs by the likes of Frida’s father, Guillermo Kahlo. Edward Weston and Lola Alvarez Bravo, so you can take a peek into these two artist's intimate world. Australia doesn't actually have a Frida Kahlo on public display, so this is one heck of a slam dunk for the gallery. The exhibition marks the cornerstone of the 2016 exhibition program for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, announced today. There's plenty more where that came from, including the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, The Greats, featuring Botticelli, Vermeer, Rembrandt and more masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. German artist Julian Rosefeldt will bring the Cate Blanchett-starring video installation Manifesto to the Gallery from May 28 to November 13, after a huge exhibition of gold, silver, glass and ceramics from the Chinese Tang dynasty in April. Beloved Australian artist Tracey Moffatt will see a huge exhibition of her work dubbed Laudanum and other works, featuring the namesake photographic series and her famous montage videos Love and Other. It's an on-year, so the Biennale of Sydney will return to the gallery from March 18 to June 5, alongside the ever-popular ARTEXPRESS from March 16 to May 15. For the AGNSW's whole 2016 program and beyond, head to the website.
There are baths, and then there are baths. And, we're sorry to say, your questionably clean five-foot bath with a view into your neighbour's backyard just isn't going to cut it after you've been exposed to the beauty of Japan's many bathing houses — no matter how many 'winter forest'-scented candles you burn. The ritual of visiting an onsen is one that's intrinsic to Japanese culture. As well as the healing and meditative qualities of the baths, it's pretty special to be able to sink into a hot body of water (naked, of course) with nothing but a view of a snowy Mount Fuji to distract you. People have been bathing naked in the natural hot springs of Japan since way back, and while it's basically second nature for its inhabitants, tourists are welcome to jump on board (as long as you can respect and adhere to their customs). There are over 2000 onsen in Japan, and Steve Wilde and Michelle Mackintosh visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their new book, Onsen of Japan. While they've collected handy information about 140 onsen across the country, we've pulled out ten of the more secluded, snow-surrounded, totally idyllic spots that you should pencil in for your next trip to Japan. GOTENBASHI ONSEN KAIKAN, GOTEMBA Day or night and in any season, Gotemba offers you a knockout view of Mount Fuji that you don't have to shell out the big yen for. At around one‑and‑a‑half hours from Toyko, Gotemba makes for an excellent day trip. A shuttle bus from Gotemba Station will whisk you to an onsen where, for a rock‑bottom price, you can get the full Fuji‑san view that would cost a bomb at a ryokan or designer hotel. KAWAYU ONSEN, WAKAYAMA One of the three onsen to make up the Hongu onsen-kyo area, Kawayu stands alone due to its popular Oto-gawa River bathing. Deep in the forest, this remote, majestic river bath was discovered in the mid-1600s when a local was tipped off to its existence by an enigmatic stranger. Fast forward hundreds of years later to a township that now has actual roads and hotels, but somehow manages to maintain its reputation as an esoteric and remote haven. SHIMA TAMURA, SHIMA ONSEN Founded in 1563, Shima Tamura is a ryokan experience that shows you just how the Japanese have elevated hospitality into the realm of an art form. The building itself is beautiful, with a traditional and inviting wood–entrance and sliding doorway under a thatched peaked triangle roof that looks almost like it has grown organically from the mountain slopes around it. Shima Tamura features an outdoor bath by a waterfall and seven hot-spring baths nestled in the forest; if you've dreamed of an onsen girded by foliage, hidden from the world and touched with the scent of forested glades with woodland creatures flitting among the cypress, Shima Tamura exists to make your dreams a reality. ZAO ONSEN, YAMAGATA In winter, Zao Onsen (a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata station) is one of Japan's top ski resorts and the trees become pudgy with snow, so much so that they are known as 'ice monsters', snow-smothered conifers that take on the appearance of a crowd of glacial goblins that huddle together on the mountains as if plotting to take over civilisation (don't worry, they're way too cold to bother). In other seasons, the abundance of nature, greenery and the changing hues of the foliage make Zao popular with lovers of the great outdoors. TSURUNOYU, NYUTO ONSEN A fairytale onsen village hidden beneath low-lying clouds among mountains thick with beech trees, Nyuto Onsen is famous throughout Japan, and the seven hidden onsen all have something magical to offer. Catch the onsen bus (it has a model onsen bath on the roof) that ferries you around to each different hot spring. We've featured Tsurunoyu, Taenoyu and Kuroyu, but everything here is something special. Ogama Onsen is housed in a picturesque old wooden building that was once a school. Ganiba Onsen dates back to 1846 and has a beautiful outdoor unisex bath hidden in a beech forest. HOSHI ONSEN CHOJUKAN, MINAKAMI Hidden in the depths of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Hoshi's dreamily beautiful building with a stunning dark wooden exterior accented by flecks of green foliage, flowers, leaves or snow, will transport you to simpler, quieter times. Inside you'll find winding corridors with low ceilings showing faded photographs of times gone by, taxidermied local fauna and small mementos of the building's past – all in glass cases. The 140-year-old Hoshi is a Meiji-period onsen featuring six baths of equal size under an awe-inspiring vaulted wooden ceiling. The architecture echoes the waiting rooms and stations of the railway boom of the 19th century and its beauty has earned it status as a protected 'cultural property'. MANZA PRINCE HOTEL, MANZA ONSEN With more than a hint of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's horror flick The Shining, the Manza Prince, set along an alpine ridge, is a sprawling hotel that has acquired the well-deserved description of 'grand' over the years. The world surrounding the Manza Prince is a snow-dressed highland in winter (skiers flock here), an ocean of rusty gold in autumn, and intense greenery in spring and summer. Like the lord of the peaks, the Manza Prince perches serenely among the clouds surveying all before it. The hotel has a memorable bathhouse alongside its labyrinthine corridors and abundant rooms, and they happily throw their doors open to day visitors. TAKARAGAWA ONSEN, MINAKAMI Takaragawa means 'treasure river'. Legend has it that the Yamato-dynasty prince Takeru fell ill on his journey east and a hawk led him to this hidden spring where he was miraculously healed. Today you can heal your metaphysical wounds in this hidden forest retreat. Sheltered in deep, wooded groves, Takaragawa's outdoor mixed baths are perched on the banks of the Takara River and encompassed by hewn rock, weathered wood, stone monoliths and a vista of charming traditional Japanese buildings. SATONOYU-WARAKU, KUROKAWA ONSEN Kurokawa Onsen is Kyushu's heart, a 300-year-old onsen town, lost in the mountains, barely touched by modern life and channeling the true spirit of the Edo era. Twenty-four inns line the Chikugo River, housed on winding lanes with small bridges, narrow pathways, moss covered stones and lazily spinning waterwheels. It's here you'll find the onsen, as most of these ryokan open their doors to day bathers. Many of the inns have private baths for an extra cost, giving you choices usually reserved for ryokan guests. HAKONE YURYO, HAKONE The free shuttle bus from Hakone‑Yumoto Station takes you on a steep winding ride into the mountains, delivering you to this contemporary, ultra‑stylish onsen nestled among some of Hakone's most beautiful mountainside foliage. This is the perfect city day escape, a bath in a forest, surrounded by Japanese nature at its finest. The range and quality of the outdoor baths is excellent, the pinnacle being the cypress bath that extends out over the forested glade. The many spacious rock baths are perfect for lying back and gazing at trees towering into the sky while you listen to insects as they lazily drone by. Solo baths give you your own space, and well‑spaced‑out benches allow you to kick back and be nude in nature. This is an edited extract from Onsen Of Japan by Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh published by Hardie Grant Travel, RRP $29.99. The book is available in stores nationally and online.
Ever been gettin' loose out on the town and thought, “I could destroy a round of mini-golf right now.” Procure an Argyle-patterned vest and beige slacks immediately, because the good folk at Howler are bringing us a custom-made nighttime mini golf course to conquer. The Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama, which will feature nine holes each complete with a classic theme (think windmills, volcanos and jungles, classic mini-golf), is opening on Sunday, July 26 at Brunswick’s beloved bar and will run until August 3. To use the course, all you have to do is turn up to Howler after 5pm, buy yourself and/or your golfing buddies a drink and choose your putter. The course will be set up in what was once Howler’s bandroom, and to keep the good times flowing, guest DJs will pump up the jams (and hopefully play a non-stop dubstep remix of Lee Carvallo’s putting challenge. In fact, consider this an official request). The course will also be open from 1pm on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August for those who enjoy a spot of weekend afternoon putting. Now, let's all dig out our Happy Gilmore VHS's and prepare to just taaaap it in. Find Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama at 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick. Open from 5pm July 26 to August 3, and from 1pm August 1 and 2. Golfing is free if you buy a drink from the bar. Image via. Marcus Hansson.
As the minds behind (and owners of) much-loved Fitzroy North haunt Neighbourhood Wine, Simon Denman and Almay Jordaan have some pretty good experience for opening a sequel venue. With the their original venue so well-loved, it's no surprise to see that the winning formula works so well in Brunswick East's Old Palm Liquor as well. Once again, the duo's created a comfortable, laidback destination that's on the right side of comfortable and classy, but not stuffy. But where its sibling has a jazzy, old-school lounge thing going on, Old Palm Liquor evokes feelings of some retro rumpus room, through a comfy mix of terrazzo flooring, a splash of vintage beige tilework and a healthy dose of timber veneer in the front section of the bar. And while the front is quite dark and moody, the back has lots of leafy foliage, natural light, a fireplace and a scattering of old-school light fixtures that round out the living room aesthetics. [caption id="attachment_753710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] True to form, wine is a huge part of the offering here, as is an emphasis on good value, top-quality, largely minimal intervention drops from winemakers like Konpira Maru, Das Juice and Yetti & the Kokonut. Expect a carefully sourced lineup plucked from all over the world, alongside a 12-strong range of tap brews – perhaps a citrus and rhubarb sour from Collingwood's Molly Rose Brewing — and a crop of house-bottled cocktail creations, served fresh out of the freezer at minus-20 degrees. On hot days, you can cool down with sips like the signature venetian spritz — made with a biodynamic prosecco, orange and a green olive. As for the food, it's a generous menu of top-notch produce cooked over hot coals on the woodfired grill, alongside a slew of snackier dishes that feature a bit of Jordaan's South African heritage. After-work drinks sessions might include the likes of beef carpaccio enlivened with Jerusalem artichoke and green tomatoes or some Pacific oysters with fermented rhubarb dressing. On the heartier side, you'll spy the likes of a 300g pork chop matched with caramelised swede, mustard greens and peppercorn, and a veg-friendly assembly of potato gnocchi, roasted celeriac, marsala and hazelnut crumble. Done with decisions? Old Palm Liquor also has a four-course shared feast option, which'll take you through a diverse spread of the menu's best. Images: Julia Sansone Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Alphonse Gangitano must have left abruptly when he abandoned his underground casino in the early 90s. The Melburnian crime boss — now immortalised as a character in Underbelly — may have met a grisly demise, but he left behind some sweet real estate on an unassuming Fitzroy North side street. Untouched for 20-odd years, it was only in 2013 that a trio of hospitality entrepreneurs stumbled across the venue and went about returning it to its former glory. But this time without the gambling. The original venue was so well preserved that there wasn't a lot to do in terms of renovation, other than wipe off the dust and restock the wine racks. The interior — with its rich textural palate of blood-red surfaces, antique wood finishes and brocade wall features — is rather lush. Rather than coming across as intimidating, however, it manages to create an atmosphere of intimacy and homeliness. "What we didn't want was a very stiff and formal wine bar," says owner Almay Jordaan. "So we tried to create to a place that feels like your local watering hole. Something family-friendly, but with a focus on wonderful wine and seasonal food." French trained, Jordaan says she draws inspiration from European peasant food, and has created a daily changing menu that's responsive to the seasons and to Melbourne's notoriously bi-polar weather. In the cooler months, expect dishes such as pork shoulder, prune and hazelnut terrine, caper mayonnaise and toast, or slow roast jumbuck, broad beans, watercress and hazelnut dressing. Your only challenge will be choosing a wine to match from the expansive offering; with a collection of over 300 bottles, and new additions each week, the neighbourhood Wine owners might need to start investing in some IKEA storage solutions. But don't fear if you're no professional sommelier — the slick, approachable staff are more than happy to talk you through the wine list and suggest an ideal match. For those going by the glass, there are six whites and six reds on offer, as well as a small selection of sparkling, rose, sherry and fortified. As the crowds bloom on a Friday night, things become even cosier at Neighbourhood Wine. Couples playing footsie over a glass of sherry happily coexist with a group of boisterous blokes who hog the enormous snooker table in one room; a table of Mum and Dad diners sit amongst the debris of half-empty wine bottles and plates of cured meats in the next (all indicators of a meal thoroughly enjoyed). The noise level's high, but so are spirits — and if you listen closely, you might just hear the clinking of cash and casino chips ... remnants of the gangster ghouls who once ran the neighbourhood. Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Fusing classy food with a casual pub buzz was Jacques Reymond's vision for L'Hotel Gitan. Monsieur Blanc introduced a bohemian 'gypsy' twist to his long-running Michelin-style repertoire. Accessible and appealing, L'Hotel Gitan really is the epitome of the gastropub concept he was wanting, even ten years after first opening. It's refined dining in a smart casual setting. And the setting is certainly beautiful. The art deco bones of this stunning building have been primped and preened to produce a marble, brass, mirrored and tiled thing of beauty. The waitstaff are smartly dressed and know their way around the food and drink offerings. As for the menu at L'Hotel Gitan, it is one that encourages sharing. There are three sections: petite, moyen and plat principal. The petite section comprises single-serve tasters, from freshly shucked oysters to crisp cheddar and broccoli croquettes right through to jamon serrano offering. Moyen offers slightly more substantial dishes, such as the whole roasted king prawns and Gitan steak tartare: a freshly sliced beef fillet in a slightly spicy dressing, served in crisp lettuce leaves. As a plat principal, you have a choice of duck breast, a rockling colbert, a fragrant farmed Humpty Doo barramundi, a coq au vin pithivier or a grilled lamb backstrap. Desserts at L'Hotel Gitan include a creme brûlée, a fondant au chocolat and a selection of cheeses — best enjoyed by the fireplace on a cold winter's eve. The wine list features some local drops but has a far greater variety of European labels on offer. Beers have also been amped up lately, with a selection of Aussie and International brews on tap (and a few ciders) alongside some craft bottles and cans of beer.
Sometimes our creative souls need a little encouragement. As children being arty was as easy as drawing on the walls with crayon or making mud pies for the neighbours. But in adulthood we need a way get involved with crafts that won't get us evicted. That's when it pays to look to this list of ten great arts and crafts classes in Melbourne. Come with us and try your hand at splattering paint Pollock-style, creating crocheted blankets to give your gran a run for her money or perhaps even learning how to stuff a dead animal. CREATIVE COMMUNE Located in the busy hub of Hawthorn, this gem follows the mantra that "creativity is contagious". But it is also damn trendy, with short evening courses ranging from terrarium-making to memoir-writing, fascinator creation, indie photography and even marshmallow-making. Prices range from $15 – $30, so perfect for those who want to dip their toes in but not sure whether they're ready to commit and settle down with craft just yet. Community Arts Space, Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Artwork by Klara. NO VACANCY GALLERY Think life drawing is only for experts in photorealism? Think again. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night a large group of art enthusiasts gather at the hidden gallery in QV to sketch the human form in a laidback, untutored environment. All art materials and supplies are included in the class fee of $12 (cash only), with artists’ drinks of choice (cheap red wine and ALDI beer) available for purchase. Arrive early to avoid disappointment; these drop-in classes fill up quickly. Tuesday and Wednesday, doors open at 6.30pm, class runs from 7pm – 9pm. 34–40 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne. THREAD DEN Whether you’re a well-seasoned seamstress or an all-thumbs newbie, Thread Den offers small classes and courses to cater for all in a friendly, lounge-style studio teaching vintage glamour, sewing classes, dressmaking and how to sew up those pesky hems. Thread Den offers one-off workshops as well as longer courses, with prices ranging from $48–$200. There’s no need to BYO sewing machine, but some additional materials are required. Sewing machines are also available for general use for $10 per hour. 3d/26 Wellington Street, Collingwood, 03 9486 9821. LANEWAY LEARNING Holding classes in bars, cafes and pubs in the craftiest suburbs in Melbourne (Brunswick, City, Northcote and St Kilda), this creative organisation is leading the way with cheap and interesting classes, costing just $14 a pop. Laneway Learning has no fixed classes but regularly covers the classics — embroidery, jewellery-making and cross-stitch — as well as going off the beaten path with mindfulness, Spanish and card-tricks. Other classes of theirs aren’t even A Thing yet. Think balloon art and shower-singing. Various locations. PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT Being crafty is not always about the end product; it can be about slowing down and enjoying the moment as well as learning some new skills in sustainability and becoming more environmentally conscious. Put Your Heart Into It runs evening and weekend workshops focusing on organics and gardening, eco-focused photography, styling and wellbeing classes geared for beginners and creative businesses. Classes cost $55–$125 and are taught by an expert in the field. Big Bang Studios, 1/177 Beavers Road, Northcote. REST IN PIECES Science class dissection lovers unite in this intensive workshop focused on the rare art of taxidermy. Attendees are taught to stare death in the face and stuff it, by embracing the step-by-step process from skinning to preserving and standing a specimen over a 10-hour period. At the end of the day you get to take home your own self-stuffed mouse, perfect for your mum’s birthday gift. The course will set you back $500, but get in quick because these classes book out sooner than you might think. 1B Westfield Street, Northcote, 0487 933 828. Photo by Grande Dame Productions. CLASSIE Who said knitting is just for little old ladies? Classie offers pub crochet and knitting classes for beginners. It's the perfect combination of creating, socialising and drinking. These three-hour classes cost $39 and include all the materials to get you started — chief among them, your ball of yarn. Classes are small, making it easy to get help from the teacher, and run on weeknights and weekends. Various locations. HANDMAKER'S FACTORY Most of us know that the love of cheap textiles is detrimental to the planet and contributing to landfill. One way to help reduce our carbon footprint is to reunite with traditional crafts and learn how to make our own clothing. The Handmaker’s Factory offers eco workshops in screenprinting, mending and natural dyeing. Workshops range from $22–$165. Level 2, Suite 206, 10 Elizabeth Street, Kensington NORTHCOTE POTTERY SUPPLIES Demi Moore and Patrict Swayze and that pottery wheel. Need I say more? Re-enact the famous scene at Northcote Pottery Supplies’ ‘Try the Wheel’ class and impress your friends with lopsided tea mugs. There are also porcelain bead classes and workshops on creating the human form through sculpture. Classes range from one-day workshops to over six weeks and cost $50–$140. 142–144 Weston Street, Brunswick East, (03) 9387 3911. CRAFTERNOON CAFE Cake, coffee and craft. The perfect three combo of three c's and a perfect way to spend an afternoon in a hybrid cafe/art classroom. Relive your childhood curiosity by playing with playdough, painting or pasting things for only $10. Lose yourself in your own world without teachers and lessons telling you to colour within the lines. It’s a kid-friendly environment, so feel free to bring any sprogs along. Or not. 718 Sydney Road, Brunswick, 03 9995 2861; and 531 Nicholson St, Carlton North, 03 9077 6998. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
The National Gallery of Victoria has revealed what will be on its agenda at the tail-end of this year, this evening announcing its summer centrepiece in the world premiere of Between Two Worlds | Escher X Nendo. Much like the NGV's 2016's Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei show, the blockbuster exhibition will celebrate two very different creators: Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. It will be the first to unite the two, bringing them together in an assembly of immersive art and design. More than 160 different prints and drawings created by Escher during his career that ran from 1916 to 1969 will be shown, the first time the Dutch artist has had a major exhibition in Australia. Optical illusion being what he is known best for, and the images on display will be drawn from the world's largest collection of his work at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. In tandem, Nendo will create an environment to house the works, taking inspiration from Escher to manipulate geometry and space to warp perception. This'll create a fully immersive experience in which to be boggled by Escher's works. It doesn't stop there for the upcoming season, though — the NGV's spring/summer is bursting with art shaped fruit ready for you to pick.Australian artist Polly Borland will also be celebrated via a display of her works of recent times at the Ian Potter Centre. Borland is a locally born, LA-dwelling photographer notable for her photos of well-known figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Nick Cave. Gravitating lately more towards surrealism in her photography and producing disquieting and abstract images, both recent and new works of Borland's will be shown. This'll run from September 28 until February 3. Also on the lineup is an exclusive showing of British artist Julian Opie's mixed media works. To be set in the NGV's gallery and gardens, the exhibition was created specifically to fill these spaces and will incorporate sculpture, video, and art specifically for the children's gallery. Try Hito Steyeri's landmark video installation Factory of the Sun, about workers in a motion capture studio whose actions are used to create artificial sunshine, becoming a metaphor for the way digital screens use and emit light. Or take a bite out of Willian Wegman's work — a man whose Weimaraner dog became his artistic muse, William Wegman: Being Human highlights the artist's versatility across different artistic methods and mediums. And don't forget Designing Women, a 40 year highlight of the role of female designers in shaping the culture and fabric of the design world. Drawing from the NGV's permanent collection, over 50 significant works will be showcased, icons by name and affect, and united by gender. This summer's Triennial was the most visited exhibition in the NGV's 157 years, and this exhibition is sure to get similar numbers through the St Kilda Road doors. Start planning your art viewing now. Between Two Worlds | Escher X Nendo will run at NGV International, Melbourne from December 2, 2018 until April 7, 2019. For more info, visit ngv.vic.gov.au. Image: 'Day and Night', M.C. Escher, © The M.C. Escher Company, The Netherlands.
The team behind South Melbourne's Park Street Pasta & Wine have some serious street cred when it comes to crowd-pleasing Italian food. And they expanded that fan base even further when they opened the doors to their new restaurant Osteria Renata in 2022, just a quick hop east in the heart of Prahran. Co-owners Alex Ghaddab and Gus Cadden (Head Chef) have delivered High Street a warm, modern take on the classic osteria and named it in honour of Ghaddab's Polish-Ukrainian grandmother. There's a sense of generous hospitality throughout, with a comforting, yet imaginative food offering matched by inviting interiors sporting soft olive accents and natural timbers. An onsite pasta lab steers the menu's carb component, as Cadden embraces both the traditional and the innovative. A strong lineup of antipasti features the likes of crisp gnocco fritto paired with 36-month-aged Iberico jamon, freshly shucked oysters with amaro mignonette, and brussel's sprouts with gorgonzola, pecorino and lemon. Otway free-range pork belly with grilled witlof starts off the mains, and the market fish stars Cloudy Bay clams and prosciutto XO. And the limoncello syrup cake is as summery a dessert as it sounds. [caption id="attachment_859748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Euro-inspired signature sips rule the cocktail selection at Osteria Renata, and Italian vino is celebrated alongside drops from Australia, France and Spain. A handful of rotating wine taps also offer a taste of what's happening with Italian varietals in the local winemaking game. The aforementioned pasta lab isn't just be whipping up fresh pasta stocks for the Osteria Renata and Park Street kitchens, but will eventually play host to a program of pasta-making workshops. [caption id="attachment_859749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thom Mitchell[/caption] Top Image: Parker Blain Appears in: Where to Find the Best pasta in Melbourne for 2023
Cru has been a Kew favourite for over 11 years, but they shook up the menu in 2023, slowly morphing away from their brunch roots into a more refined, Euro-style wine bar. Cru still handles the breakfast rush, of course – and the porridge with Davidson plum jam is always a great way to start the day. But owner Tony Donnini is now shifting the emphasis to lunch and dinner. "It's a work in progress, but we're pretty much there," he says. "While breakfast will still be offered, the long-term focus is to make Cru the stand-alone wine bar and bistro we have always intended it to be." Cru's new-look menu is heavily influenced by Corsican cuisine, with a sprinkling of mainland French, Italian and Mediterranean flavours. Think fall-off-the-bone veal shank pie with tomato relish or leek and gorgonzola croquettes with truffle oil and dill. There's even a porchetta in the cooler months, with a braised lentils and roast chestnut. Thirsty? There are over 300 wines in the cellar, and Cru also runs BYO nights on Wednesdays. Nice touch, that one. Corkage is $20 a bottle. There will always be a place in Melbourne for cafes-slash-wine bars. It's a natural evolution and a great way for venues to hedge their bets. Cru is one of the betters ones. You don't often hear about it outside Kew, but that's because the locals know they're onto a good thing. Image: Eleonora Gavazzoli.
Local, seasonal and sustainable is the name of the game at Fitzrovia. As St Kilda's answer to the freshest Victorian produce you can find, ingredients at this all-day diner are especially sourced from fine estate suppliers from within 100 kilometres of Melbourne. You'll be hard pressed to find greater quality elsewhere. At the very least, be prepared to start harbouring dreams of harvesting all your own food forevermore once you visit. Where possible, all produce has free range and organic origins; Fitzrovia makes it easy to see why fresh is best. Non-homogenised milk from Jonsey's, salt, olives and oil from Mount Zero, butter from The Myrtleford Butter Factory, buffalo mozzarella from Shaw River, Romsey Range beef, free range chicken and duck from Milawa and St Ali single estate coffee are all used regularly and only just scrape the surface of a veritable pie of foodie goodness. It's no question then that the menu at Fitzrovia changes seasonally, with modern European influences tying it all together. Overlooking Albert Park at the idyllic end of Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia will draw you in with its expansive glass facade and homely touches. A light-filled atrium extends to a cosy dining room that feels like a slice of the country in the middle of the city. With wooden crates of fruit and vegetables and freshly cut flowers abounding, it's hard not to feel like you've just walked in from the paddock. Big, rough comfort food runs out of the open kitchen regardless of the time of day (take note: it truly is open). A selection of house made breads and mueslis kick things into gear, with breakfast served until 3pm for sleepy souls. Come lunchtime, baked pies, tarts, seafood and pasta enter the equation, and extend to the evening where mains feature quality local meat cuts, inventive salads and some truly stellar polenta chips ($11.50). And Wednesday through Saturday, the lunch menu rolls into the evening — so you can have dinner (and a cocktail) at Fitzrovia too. Thanks to its thoughtful approach to produce, Fitzrovia is the kind of place that pleases visit after visit. If you're hankering for some fresh, local delights and a little contemplation with your meal, this is the place to do it.
After three and a half years behind locked doors and barred windows, Hotel Esplanade – better known by Melburnians as just The Espy – made a triumphant return at the tail-end of 2018. A mighty revamp added two levels, brought in an innovative art program and restored the pub's live stages, continuing its life as the longest-running music venue in Australia. If you're a Paul Kelly fan, you might know that he recorded much of his 1996 album Live at the Continental and the Esplanade here. Stroll straight from St Kilda Beach, through the Espy's majestic Victorian foyer — the pub was built in 1878 — and into The Espy Kitchen to feast on pub grub and share plates. In league with local design studio Techne and stylist Eleisha Gray, publicans Sand Hill Road have revived Hotel Esplanade's Victorian and art deco splendour, but added necessary contemporary touches, including19th century furnishings and materials, including shelving, light fittings, bars and paintings sources from Europe. The ground floor is home to The Espy Kitchen, a bustling, 450-seater space dedicated to casual eats and drinks. Its centrepiece is a massive, contemporary, industrial open kitchen. Follow the grand staircase upwards to find Mya Tiger, a Cantonese Restaurant that overlooks Port Melbourne. Beyond lies The Ghost of Alfred Felton, a lush cocktail bar, and a series of rooms devoted to Felton, an entrepreneur and art collector who lived in The Espy from 1892–1904, and died in his bed, bequeathing more than a billion dollars to the National Gallery of Victoria. But the biggest question hanging over the relaunch of The Espy was whether the new publicans would pay the same respect to local live music as the old venue did in its heyday. Thankfully, the programming shows that live music not just an afterthought. There are three stages at The Espy. The first is The Basement, a free entry room. The second is The Gershwin Room, a ticketed venue. The third is a small stage in the round on the ground floor. With all this work done back in 2018, The Espy is set to keep its place as one of the very best pubs in Melbourne for many years to come. Top images: Alex Drewniak Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
If you've spent more than a few weeks in southeast Queensland, then you've heard someone wax lyrical about their last trip to Noosa. The Sunshine Coast may be filled with coastal towns and suburbs perfect for short and long stays, however, there's just something about the region around the Noosa River and Noosa National Park that continues to lure visitors in. Perhaps it's the siren's song that is Hastings Street, with its strip of shops and cafes located just a stone's throw from the beach (and no, we're not exaggerating). Perhaps it's the choose your own adventure factor of this vibrant, multifaceted area, which doesn't just offer up the more touristy experience seen in the main drag. Head to the North Shore, and you're in sand dune and bushland territory. Hop over to the other side of the river, and you may as well be in a sleepy little place with a much, much smaller population. Or, maybe it's the just fact that at 138 kilometres north of Brisbane, Noosa is far enough away to feel like you've been on a decent road trip, but still close enough to conquer in a couple of hours — exactly what you need to make a weekend of it. So, just what should you do after trekking up the Bruce Highway on a Friday evening? Here's how to spend a few days and nights there. EAT/DRINK Any place that boasts its own chocolate factory is all right in our books. Alas, the Noosa Chocolate Factory doesn't actually have a store in town — and while its factory can be found in Noosaville, that's not open to the public. Don't despair: there's plenty of other tasty things to eat, so you're never going to be hungry. Trust us, you'll forget all about your desire to relive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in no time. In fact, run — don't walk — to Wasabi. The Japanese eatery whips local ingredients, as plucked from the owner's farm, into the kind of taste explosion that'll have you spending too long trying to pick from the menu. Luckily, they also have just the option for eager but indecisive diners: omakase, or 'let the chef decide'. Over your choice of seven or nine courses with optional matching wines, you'll discover the absolute best dishes the restaurant has to offer. We also recommend keeping an eye on their calendar of bespoke events for one-off offerings like sake brewing and ceramic-plated degustation. Of course, if you're hanging out near Hastings, you'll have no shortage of food options. In fact, you could spend your whole weekend eating your way along the street, one restaurant and meal at a time. Make sure beachfront haunt Sails is on your agenda if you're after a fancy bite with a fantastic view (plus the best potato bread you're likely to munch on). If you're a seafood fan, keep treating yo'self at Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, while Locale has Italian-style feasts covered. Bistro C is an ideal brekkie spot, complete with the mouthwatering Yaddah's Breakfast of walnut and pomegranate hummus, olives, goats cheese, muhammara, boiled egg, heritage tomatoes and sesame crackers. And if you want something a bit greasier, you can't go past Betty's Burgers. It's not just the titular bundles of meat and bread that's the attraction here, but their Shake Shack-style frozen custard desserts known as 'concretes', which are available in everything from apple pie to strawberry doughnut to banana peanut butter cup flavours. So, that's your stomach taken care of, but what about your hankering for cheeky weekend beverage? If the salty sea air is making you thirsty, then Noosa Boathouse's Sunset Bar serves up $9 Noosa River Slings — and yes, it's a 'when in Noosa' kind of thing, obviously. Village Bicycle on Noosa Drive is your go-to low-key haunt, particularly if you want to pair a beer with some pub food, while just trying not to spend a whole boozy afternoon perusing the hefty beverage list at Noosville's Flux Lounge is pretty much impossible. But, if whiskey is your tipple of choice, there's only one place to drop into. That'd be Whisky Boy. Yep, this kitchen and bar delivers exactly what it promises. DO Seriously, where do we start? Or, perhaps the better question is: what kind of a weekend trip are you after? Let's kick off with the outdoors activities everyone heads to a beach spot for. Basically, in Noosa, you can select any stretch of sand and find something going on (or a form of water toy to hire), or just pick a nice patch to put out your towel, catch some rays and marvel at that deep blue sea. Or, given that Noosa is one of the country's national surfing reserves, take some surfing lessons and be on your way to pretending you're Keanu in Point Break in no time. Plus, if you time your stay just right, you might just get to see a pack of pooches do the same at the annual Surfing Dog Spectacular. Surefire golden memories come from making your own destiny, rather than following a prescribed plan, which is why just cruising around by foot, 4WD or boat really is the ideal way to spend a day or so here. Hikers should head to the coastal track in Noosa National Park, where you'll come across secluded swimming spots and perhaps even spy a few pods of dolphins or whales. Whether you've brought your own or you need to rent one, driving along North Shore's dunes in a 4WD is probably the closest you're ever going to get to feeling like you're in an action movie, with the added bonus of stunning scenery. And if you'd prefer to take to the water, we heartily recommend hiring a boat — the kind you don't need a license for, don't stress — and pottering around the Noosa River. It's the perfect way to go fishing and see scenic sights at the same time. Plus, most come with barbecues, so you can cook what you catch (maybe bring some lunch along with you, just in case). If you're an indoorsy type or just after something not so strenuous, you can still expect to have a heap of fun. Peruse galleries galore, both in Noosa itself and within the surrounding area. Making a Saturday morning trip to the famous Original Eumundi Markets may as well be compulsory if you're travelling by car — and it's a place where you can grab tasty food to take home with you, plus browse for all the arty trinkets your heart desires. And while we won't list all the other touristy activities on offer up and down the Sunshine Coast, we will nudge you in the direction of the Majestic Theatre in nearby Pomona. It's Queensland's longest-operating picture theatre, and it now dedicates its screens to showing silent movies. STAY Expect all types of accommodation in Noosa; it is one of the region's biggest tourist drawcards, after all. If you're happy living it up in the great outdoors, then embrace the experience that is camping at Noosa North Shore Campground. You really can't get much closer to nature than this — but make sure you book well in advance. Need more mod cons? That's okay, we understand. Keep in the thick of it by picking one of the many hotels on Hastings Street. Plenty of the options will test your bank balance, but hey, who doesn't want to stay in luxury on the beachfront every once in a while? On the Beach offers penthouses and suites with private balconies and spa baths, so that's as good a reason to check in there as any. Seahaven includes three heated pools in case it's too cold for a dip in the neighbouring ocean. And at the more affordable end of the scale, there's the cute, newly refurbished 10 Hastings Boutique Motel & Cafe. Yes, you can eat there as well. [caption id="attachment_580701" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Noosa is a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. Trains from Brisbane stop at Nambour and Cooroy, with connecting buses available. Anyone looking to hop on a plane up from New South Wales or Victoria should book a flight to Sunshine Coast Airport, which is located 30 minutes away. Top image: Daisy R.
The North Fitzroy Arms Hotel has been sitting on Rae Street near Edinburgh Gardens since 1874, with the classic neighbourhood boozer garnering generations of loyal fans. But when it changed hands in 2024, and construction started inside, locals were understandably worried. In the last few years, too many Aussie pubs have undergone extensive refurbs that totally gutted the interiors, replacing their classic pub charm and warmth with cold, contemporary finishes. It can feel like a kick to the gut when this happens to your local. But we're glad to report that such a fate hasn't befallen the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel, which recently unveiled a fresh look for its 150th anniversary. Cases in point: the front bar has mostly remained untouched. Carlton Draught remains on tap. You can still play pool. And the teles streaming footy have been reconnected. The 45-person beer garden has also scored a retractable awning and outdoor heaters, so punters can hang outside no matter the weather, while a handful of tables line the street for those wanting to do a spot of people-watching. But it's the dining room out back that's had the biggest update. Therefore Studio (Marquis of Lorne, The Corner Hotel and Union House) was brought in to reinvigorate the space without making it too high-brow. It did this by knocking down some walls, popping up some wood-framed mirrors and adding a pops of colour on the walls with vintage posters. The end result gives off classic bistro vibes. And when the sun goes down, waiters light tall candles on the white tablecloth-covered tables and dim the lights for some romantic moodiness. All up, it's a simple but effective redesign. The food offerings, however, have been totally overhauled. Sadly, you won't find your classic pub parma on the menu, but there are stacks of British and European faves. Head Chef Barney Cohen (ex-Bar Bellamy) is cooking up the likes of beef cheek and ale pie served with mashed potato and pea soup, whole crumbed garfish and chips with tartare sauce, house-made and woodfired pork and sage sausages with cabbage, mash and lashings of homemade gravy and more. If you're after a cheap dirty pub meal, this is no longer the place to get it. But it's far from being so posh that locals and regulars will feel alienated. Hayley McCarthy (ex-Ides) has also been brought in to run the bev program, which includes plenty of by-the-glass options that won't make you wince when looking at the price. Victorian and European drops are the focus here, with plenty of new-wave skin contact and natty options also making the cut. At the front bar, you'll find a dependable selection of tap, bottled and canned beers, as well as an impressive selection of signature cocktails — we're particularly curious about the espresso martini that can be spiked with Guinness for an extra dollar. All in all, it looks like the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel has managed to pull off a fairly light-handed makeover. The team has focused on modernising the dining options while leaving most of the other classic pub features as they were. Images: Jana Longhurst
Anyone who's ever worn a suit in summer or been forced to make interdepartmental small talk with awkward colleagues in the lunch room will understand that corporate jobs can blow hard. It's no wonder why so many of us are jumping ship to startups and freelance work, lapping up that delightful freedom comes picking a coworking space. Melbourne has some slammin' spaces where creative people gather to do big things and you owe it to yourself to pick the best one for you. What's most important? Power points, ping pong, free biscuits, networking events, slick decor, indoor plants, comfy lounges, speedy wi-fi or all of the above? You'll never blitz a to-do list quicker than at a desk in one of these surefire winning spaces. THE CLUSTER The Cluster is the bigwig of coworking spaces. The sprawling corporate office space is located across Queen and Market Street in the CBD and overlooks the Yarra (it's fancy AF). More importantly, they're geared up for serious business with six multimedia meeting rooms. Their laundry list of impressive tech and corporate clients means the Cluster is the kind of space that would best suit serious(ly financially stable) startups and small companies who need a corporate infrastructure to grow (hello endless colour printing). But it's not all corporate — there's a keg in the kitchen. 17/31 Queen Street, Melbourne ROY SPACE Here's one for all your plant lovers out there. Roy Space is nestled right in the heart of Fitzroy, just off the intersection of Brunswick Street and Johnston Street, and boasts a healthy jungle of indoor plants in a bright, beautiful space. The cute office has a small population but large desks (about two metres wide), which is the ideal combination. Speedy internet, 24-hour access, table tennis and a separate meeting room is all included in the (very reasonable) monthly price, making it perfect for creative freelancers. Roy Space, 3 Chapel Street, Fitzroy MACQUARIE STREET STUDIO Macquarie Street Studio is your new home away from home for the creative coworkers who are looking for a beautiful blank canvas on which to build your perfect office. The raw, white industrial space is flooded with light and the attached photography studio makes it ideal for photographers, artists, graphic designers and anyone with minimalist leanings. It's just off High Street in Prahan, close to train, tram and a swag of cafe choices. Macquarie Street Studio, 1/24 Macquarie Street, Prahran INSPIRE9 One of the biggest benefits for freelancers and startups to get involved with a coworking space is the networking and skill-share opportunities that arise from close working quarters. Inspire9 taps into that potential for young companies. The former Australian Knitting Mill space in Richmond has been renovated and transformed into a light, airy, contemporary open plan office decked out with plants, bean bags, pool tables and reading nooks. Where Inspire9 up their game is their killer parties, social and networking events — after all, nothing bonds colleagues like a dress-up party. Level 1/41 Stewart Street, Richmond FRAMEWORK Framework on Swanston Street is a small coworking space on the CBD fringe with a tonne of charm. Their amenities game is on point too, with both table tennis and pool table to choose from, a working fireplace, two meeting rooms and all the cookies you can feasibly gobble without losing your coworkers' respect. The space was renovated and expanded in 2015 and now features polished floor boards, exposed brick and lots of natural light. You'll find yourself a mix of artists, photographers, entrepreneurs and digital agency folk. Oh, and the wig maker responsible for Dumbledore's glorious beards. 458 Swanston Street, Carlton REVOLVER CREATIVE If you're looking for coworking digs on the south side, Revolver will be your first port of call. They're located on Chapel Street, specialise in tech startups and combine the best of new-school and old-school office spaces. The space is industrial, functional and inviting with a great pricing structure and all the resources you could need. Like seriously, they've thought of everything. On-site café and coffee machine, an office Flexicar, soundproof Skype rooms, showers, bike racks, meditation cave and more meeting spaces than you'll know what to do with (but probably have meetings in). Revolver Creative, 231 Chapel Street, Prahran YORK BUTTER FACTORY York Butter Factory, named after the original 1855 building, is located is behind a heavy red door on King Street in the CBD. It's a big space (577 square metres to be precise), spanning two floors but they managed to fill it with big players in the tech world so you can rub shoulders with valuable contacts. The old space has been beautifully renovated but retains that old-school charm. It also features five meeting rooms, a café/kitchen area and a huge event space. 62-66 King Street, Melbourne DEPO8 Depo8 is another creative coworking space just off Chapel Street with members across a broad list of industries. The mid-sized office is warm and minimalist with a crafty, homemade feel and is, of course, decked out with plants. They're ideal for non-committal co-workers as they offer incredibly flexible (and hourly) rates but no doubt once you're there you'll fall in love with the place. As well as generous spatial arrangements, they're got you covered on all the office essentials — kitchen space, gratuitous caffeine, bike storage, showers, meeting rooms and super speedy internet. What more could you want? Level 1/39 – 41 Mount Street, Prahran ROTSON Rotson Studio is another babein' shared work space in Fitzroy that's all flattering light, lush indoor plants and minimalism. Being just around the corner from Naked for Satan also helps Rotson's cool factor. The studio has polished wooden floorboards, high ceilings and a view of the city as well all the amenities you can shake a stick at (kitchen, showers, bike racks, high-speed internet). The team is made up of vibrant young entrepreneurs and creatives so if your work family is in need of an upgrade, this is the studio for you. Rotson Studio, Level 2,/105 Victoria Street, Fitzroy CCLABS Formerly known as Queens Collective, CClabs co-working space is favoured by tech startups. This Queen Street space is ideal for those of you who need your desk to be Tumblr-esque level immaculate before you can concentrate. But apart from the uncluttered and beautifully presented space, Queens Collective's strength lies in their networking events which are numerous and high-powered. 1/20 Queen St, Melbourne Top image: Roy Space.
When it comes to eating out, many of us have more expensive taste than our bank account will allow. But while Melbourne is full of restaurants offering cheap grub (we're looking at you, $3 tacos and all-you-can-eat wings), if you delve a little deeper you'll find that you can also eat like a king all over town for nothing more than a gold coin. It turns out Melbourne is home to many a venue where you can pick up an oyster for less than the cost of your Myki fare to get there. We've scoured the city for the best value-for-money oysters, so no matter what your income you can sit back and savour the finer things in life — every single day of the week. All you have to do is choose a venue and get shucking. MONDAY PHILIPPE, CBD What's the deal? $2 all day, Monday to Friday, and from 5pm Saturdays It's French, it's chic and, conveniently, it's also smack bang in the centre of town. Phillippe is shucking oysters to order and for almost all of the week, they're going cheap. At the bar here, you can score $2 oysters all day Monday to Friday, and from 5pm every Saturday. The perfect start to a fancy French feed? TUESDAY IMBUE, MARIBYRNONG What's the deal? $1 from 5–9.30pm. Tuesdays might usually be a bit on the quiet side, but at Maribyrnong wine bar Imbue, there's plenty to make a noise about. Every Tuesday, this cosy spot is shucking plump oysters, fresh from the waters of Hervey Bay, for only $1 each. They're available from opening time at 5pm until 9.30pm or sold out. Though this is one oyster feast you'll need to plan ahead — bookings are essential and those shellfish usually get snapped up pretty quickly. WEDNESDAY GALAH, WINDSOR What's the deal? $1 from 5pm until sold out. This Windsor bar's famed for its modern reworkings of classic Aussie flavours, but on Wednesdays, it's juicy, local molluscs that are the heroes. Come hump day, Galah is dishing up natural, freshly shucked oysters for just $1 a pop, from 5pm until close, or until they've all been snapped up. Best of all, there's no minimum order – you don't need limitations when it comes to seafood. THE LOBSTER CAVE, BEAUMARIS What's the deal? $2 from 5.30pm. If some budget-friendly oysters sounds like your recipe for hump day success, consider yourself in excellent hands at dedicated seafood restaurant The Lobster Cave. Nestled in the bayside suburb of Beaumaris, this eatery's giving its inner-city counterparts a run for their money as far as tantalising seafood specials go. Most notably for shellfish-onados, the kitchen's shucking up a midweek storm, offering $2 Blackman Bay oysters every Wednesday, from open until sold out. You've even got a choice as to how they're done – natural, mignonette, mornay or kilpatrick. Bookings are a must. THURSDAY HIGHLANDER BAR, CBD What's the deal? $1 from 5pm until sold out. This cosy Scottish bar might be a favourite for its generous whisky selection, free weekly comedy and budget-friendly burger specials. But come Thursday, there's another choice offering that'll have you saying 'shucks'. We're talking about the Tassie oysters, flying out of the kitchen for just $1 each, from 5pm until sold out. The $5 happy hour drink specials (5–7pm) make for a pretty sweet accompaniment, too, especially if you're playing it frugal. NAKED FOR SATAN, FITZROY What's the deal? 90c from 12–8pm, Thursdays and Fridays While other venues out there are rounding their oyster specials to the closest buck, this Brunswick Street bar's gone and done one better. At Naked For Satan, you can stretch those hard-earned dollars even further, slurping freshly shucked oysters for just 90 cents each. These sharply priced shellfish are up for grabs from noon till 8pm, on both Thursdays and Fridays. Knock back a few serves and wrap up that work week in style, without gnawing too deeply into your weekend budget. FRIDAY [caption id="attachment_740512" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] THE BLEAKHOUSE HOTEL, ALBERT PARK What's the deal? $1 all day. If devouring oysters just metres from the shoreline sounds like bliss, make a beeline for Albert Park's beachside boozer The Bleakhouse Hotel. Especially if the sun's a-shining and that weekend is about to begin. This modern pub's slinging Friday specials aplenty, not least of which is the $1 oysters, available all day and all night long. Bring a mate and team the shells with a jug of Aperol spritz for full effect. SATURDAY PANAMA DINING ROOM, FITZROY What's the deal? $1 between 6pm and 7pm. Smith Street's loft-style hideaway is a haven for the after-work crowd and foodies alike. Excitingly, Mother Shucker's Oyster Hour happens every night of the week from 6–7pm, so you can gorge on $1 freshly shucked oysters as you gaze out the arched windows at the street below. Once you've had your fill, the trick is to head back down the two flights of stairs as gracefully as possible. SUNDAY MORRIS JONES, PRAHRAN What's the deal? $2 from 4–7pm. If Sunday's got you in the mood for slurping molluscs, there's likely to be a few cheeky weekend drinks on the cards as well. Luckily, bar and restaurant Morris Jones has you covered on both fronts, with its daily happy hour deals, running from 4–7pm. Along with a slew of cocktail, wine and beer specials — including $12 espresso martinis and $6 wines — you'll find fresh oysters priced at just $2 a pop. Yes, that's every. Single. Day.
Three years after Society was first announced, the much-anticipated venture from Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Grill Americano, Kisume and Yakimono) finally made its home within the 80 Collins dining precinct in 2021. It's sporting a timeless (and dramatic) aesthetic fusing elements of art deco, mid-century, art nouveau and brutalist sensibilities across its two restaurants — Society Dining Room and Lillian, plus the upmarket Society Lounge bar. Here, a considered menu offers a choose-your-own-adventure scenario, with dishes boasting a level of precision inspired by ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. At Society Dining Room, you're in for refined creations like scallops matched with green peas, capers and marigold; toothfish with artichokes, grapefruit and roasted chicken sauce; and an angus tenderloin starring fermented Sugarloaf cabbage and black garlic puree. Keen for dessert? Simply ask for the luxe dessert trolley to be carted over so you can choose from a huge variety of freshly made cakes, puddings and pastries. Our favourite? It's got to be the Paris-brest or lemon meringue pie. Meanwhile, the Lillian menu is spiked with European influences, running to plates like the John Dory roasted on the bone and topped with sauce vierge and a banging spanner crab linguine served with a rich lobster oil. Society's sharp drinks offering features an impressive wine curation by Loic Avril (ex-Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston), complete with two pouring lists, Dom Perignon by the glass and cellar displays you can browse before you order. The wine offerings are so impressive that The World of Fine Wine named it the global winner of Best New Wine List in 2023. If you are a bit of a wine snob — and have plenty of cash to throw around — this is the place to really indulge. More top-notch drinking can also be found at Society Lounge, where a cocktail list by World Class Bartender of the Year Orlando Marzo stars a huge selection of martins plus a few house signature creations that regularly change.
The National Gallery of Victoria's 2019 program continues to pull in the big guns, with an ever-growing lineup of internationally acclaimed artists — including Keith Haring and Jean-Michael Basquiat — heading to the gallery. And from Friday, September 20, that list will include Brooklyn-based Kaws (aka Brian Donnelly), who's bringing his instantly recognisable pop-culture sculptures to Aus. Kaws is best known for his large-scale sculptures, vivid murals and distinctive, pop culture-inspired characters. You're probably familiar with his reinterpretations of iconic figures like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and The Smurfs, all reworked with those signature Xs over the eyes. While it's a stable of work that's laced with a healthy dose of humour, this NGV exhibition, entitled Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, focuses on the rest of those underlying emotions. You'll get a glimpse at how KAWS celebrates generosity and explores our need for companionship, offering up an antidote to the world's current 'Age of Loneliness'. Off the back of solo exhibitions at the Yuz Museum Shanghai and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis in 2017, as well as the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Foundation earlier this year, Kaws' NGV presentation has plenty of never-before-seen goodies. It features a sprawling collection of his pop culture reworkings, human-size figures and collaborative pieces, while a newly commissioned monumental work will be the artist's largest bronze sculpture to date: Gone (2019), a seven-metre-tall bronze sculpture standing imposingly in the NGV's Federation Court. The main event is be backed by Kaws: Playtime – an interactive, touch-focused installation centred around Kaws' bright blue BFF character, complete with soft sculptures and a hands-on multimedia game. While it's created for 'children', we'll sure you'll find a few kidults exploring it, too. Top images: Kaws, Gone (2019); Kaws, What Party (2019); Kaws, Kawsbob (2007); and installation views of Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness at the NGV International. All photos by Tom Ross.
When 2019's The Farewell won Awkwafina a Golden Globe for Best Actress — Musical or Comedy, it did so for a nuanced and affecting performance that dwelled in the space between putting on a happy face for the world and confronting what you're truly feeling inside. Following a China-born, New York-raised woman upon her return home to see her dying grandmother, the film used its semi-autobiographical scenario as fuel for an incisive and thoughtful character study. Writer/director Lulu Wang's feature spread further, however, as a broader portrait about the ties and lies that bind families, plus the societal and cultural surroundings that enforce expectations and dictate choices. Adapting Janice YK Lee's 2016 novel The Expatriates, Wang's first major stint behind the lens since The Farewell starts streaming via Prime Video from Friday, January 26. Dubbed Expats as a miniseries, the six-parter marks a shift in location to Hong Kong and a splinter in focus to three protagonists, but its guiding force — with Wang creating the show, executive producing, helming all six episodes and writing two — is still plunging deep into bonds of blood, deceptions amid close relationships, grappling with grief and tragedy, and being caught between how one is meant to carry on and inescapable inner emotions. It too sees not only people but also its chosen place. It's a haunting series and, albeit not literally in the horror sense, a series about women haunted. As Margaret Woo, an American landscape architect who has relocated to Hong Kong for her husband Clarke's (Brian Tee, Chicago Med) job, Nicole Kidman (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) is in familiar territory. In Big Little Lies, The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers, all fellow small-screen efforts that she also executive produced, she similarly played characters tormented: by a horrific husband, a murder case and loss, respectively. She's well-experienced at stepping into the shoes of women bearing anguish and heartbreak while living privileged existences as well, and at sporting the masks demanded when there's a status quo to uphold. But Kidman isn't one to turn in the same traumatised performance again and again, even if she's repeatedly drawn to such roles. Here, Margaret's seesawing between relentlessly soldiering on and being unable to flee her desperation says everything about someone who is rarely able to admit the truth of her feelings even to herself. The year is 2014, and the Woos aren't new Hong Kong arrivals — but their past 12 months have been under a shadow ever since their youngest son Gus (debutant Connor James) went missing. No one is coping, including elder children Daisy (Tiana Gowen, True Love Blooms) and Philip (Bodhi del Rosario, 9-1-1). But while Margaret refuses to give up hope of finding her three-year-old boy, there are still lives to lead and, to help start Expats, a 50th birthday party for Clarke to host. In the lift at The Peak, the towering symbol of wealth inhabited by plenty who give the show its title, she's also insistent that her friend, downstairs neighbour and fellow American Hilary Starr (Sarayu Blue, A Million Miles Away) attend the shindig. The frostiness that fills the elevator also stems from Gus' disappearance, and accusations made against Hilary's recovering-alcoholic husband David (Jack Huston, Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches). Unpacking Hilary's plight provides the second of Expat's interconnected character studies, as the successful businesswoman treads water in a marriage where going through the motions is among the few shared traits remaining. Despite their quest to start a family, she's started secretly taking birth control again. Hilary and David do still boast something else in common, though: an inability to shake their hurt at each other over secrets, reactions and never believing that they're on the same page. Frequently dressed in tan- and beige-hued jumpsuits, Blue plays her part with no less potency than Kidman, but with softer edges. At her extremes, Hilary is deliberate rather than steely and quietly fragile instead of achingly frenzied. Completing Expats' triangle is Mercy (Ji-young Yoo, The Sky Is Everywhere), a Korean American in her twenties working gig-economy jobs, residing in far-more-ordinary digs and happiest about Hong Kong's distance from her mother. With the friends that she's collected in her time in the city, she flits in and out. On her catering assignments, she weaves around well-to-do crowds. She feels like an outsider in multiple ways, and is also convinced that she's cursed. It's Mercy's narration that kicks off the series, talking about the people who unwittingly spark life-changing tragedies, plus the world's quick-to-forget attitudes towards their guilt and agony — voiceover that not only assists in connecting the narrative's web-like strands, but expresses vulnerability and pain that Yoo's shattering performance is always endeavouring to plaster over with anything that the character can even fleetingly grasp onto. Every city is home to a mourning mother with other kids to try to put on a brave face for, women stuck in fraying marriages and restless young souls keen to discover who they want to be. Every place has an expat community of folks who've relocated for love, employment and fresh chances, some or none of which might've worked out nicely. Every town includes those who can't move away even after they've weathered the worst that their life has thrown at them in their adopted spot. Every locale is inhabited by some who don't feel like they quite belong, but are also certain that they'd feel the same even if they retraced their steps. As probingly and naturalistically lensed by Wang's returning The Farewell cinematographer Anna Franquesa-Solano, and as purposefully set in a year where protests took to the streets against China's role in the special administrative region's elections, Hong Kong isn't just any city to Expats, however. Wang also spends time with two Filipino women who work as live-in helpers away from their own families, the Woos' nanny Essie (Ruby Ruiz, In His Mother's Eyes) and the Starrs' housekeeper Puri (first-timer Amelyn Pardenilla). They're regular presences in Expats' first four episodes, then get pushed to the fore in its movie-length fifth episode, alongside local students (including Sparks' Bonde Sham as Charly) among the Umbrella Movement who are fighting for better futures. The series sees their hopes, wants, dreams and disappointments, too. It stares unflinchingly at the chasm between their Hong Kong and the one navigated by wealthy transplants. Crucially, this drama puts comfortable existences, woes and all, into stark context. A different series could've been made with Essie, Puri, Charly and company firmly at the centre — but in this tale of three Americans adrift with their sorrows, where and the reality that surrounds them is equally as important as how and why. Check out the trailer for Expats below: Expats streams via Prime Video from Friday, January 26.
Fitzroy has welcomed a new haven of 70s disco dazzle, as The Lame Duck arrives to heat things up this summer. Behind a glittering gold door and up a flight of stairs on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets, this newbie's rocking a retro pool room aesthetic with a definite disco edge. Cementing those old-school party vibes, expect a healthy dose of wood panelling, a shrine to the one and only Cher, a working photo booth for late-night happy snaps, and a Billy Bass presiding happily over the room. A vintage purple pool table snookers all the others in town, and enormous booths — decked out in hot pink palm trees, no less — are primed for group festivities. With a nifty 4am licence, and a couple of hospitality veterans at the helm, it's a place where letting your hair down is most certainly encouraged. The cocktail offering is embracing the very best of eras past, slinging new-school takes on some of the 70s' best-known daggy drinks. There's the daring Mezcal Sunrise ($18) with pink grapefruit juice, a piña colada-margarita mash-up ($18) and the signature Lame Fluffy Duck ($18) — a gin and Aperol sour. More retro classics pepper the snacks menu; you'll find yourself stepping back in time with bites like pickled onions, hot dogs and an oozy baked camembert fondue. Meanwhile, the DJ tunes will be spinning nightly, with residents like JNETT and Capt'n Shergz throwing down a hearty mix of disco, funk and soul jams. Be sure to bring your party shoes — dancing on the tables is a-ok at The Lame Duck. At least for the time being. Find The Lame Duck at 1/247 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. It's open 4pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, 3pm-late Friday, and 2pm–late Saturday and Sunday. Images: Jess Middleton.
Melbourne's already home to a couple of floating bars, including the seasonal Arbory Afloat and year-round drinks spot Yarra Botanica — but we've never had a floating openair nightclub. Well, that's all set to change, and very soon, with the news that ambitious over-water club and events space ATET will be mooring in Docklands this spring. The brainchild of local architect and DJ Jake Hughes, ATET is geared to become a primo destination for electronic tunes, playing host to a bumper lineup of local and international artists. Inspired by the great day clubs of Europe, it takes its moniker from ancient Egyptian mythology, named after the solar barge of the sun god Ra. Built atop a repurposed barge and initially making its home at North Wharf, the 570-square-metre club will boast space for 550 partygoers across its two levels. The openair venue is decked out with high-tech sound and visual elements, including fully programmable pixel strip LED lighting, and will even feature clear PVC roof and wall panels that can be rolled out when Melbourne's sketchy weather sets in. And of course, the views will be something else. ATET's a versatile beast, too, with two bars, a commercial kitchen, and modular furniture that's easily rearranged to suit whatever party or event is gracing the decks on any given day. Handy, because according to Hughes, there's already been loads of interest from festival promoters and event planners keen to make use of the unprecedented floating venue. ATET will call Docklands home from spring and through this coming summer, though since it's relocatable, you'll likely see it travel to other locations down the track. ATET is set to moor at Shed 2, North Wharf Road, Docklands, from spring.
With vegan options galore, locally made gluten free bases available and solid lineup of Victorian beers and wines, Brunswick's latest pizzeria is sure to please the whole family (and friendship group). Located on Victoria Street, across the road from Small Axe Kitchen, Green Acre was scheduled to open right when COVID-19 lockdown hit. Instead of hitting pause, though, co-owners Rob McKenzie (Hard Pressed Coffee) and Phil Gijsbers (Burnley Brewing, East End Wine Bar, Small Print Pizza in Windsor) ran a Small Print Pizza pop-up in the space until restrictions eased on June 1. Now, the duo has unveiled the OG idea for the space: Green Acre. Designed by Sash Design and built using mostly salvaged and upcycled materials, the space has cosy leather booths, a fairy light-lit courtyard area, polished timber tables and rustic gold light fittings. Wherever you choose to sit, you'll be digging into one of 14 stone-fired sourdough pizzas. Vegans will find joy in The Grass is Greener (roast zucchini, spinach, chilli and smashed peas) and Shroom (field and enoki mushrooms, truffle oil and rocket), as well as the various pizzas topped with dairy-free cheeses and vegan salami. Meat-eaters also have plenty to choose from, including the controversial ham and pineapple, a chilli chicken number and one topped with prosciutto and pear. If you prefer your pizza topped with neither vegetables nor meat but, in fact, sweets, we suggest you go straight for the dessert pizza, which comes with Nutella, smashed Oreos and strawberries. Plus, pizzas are just $15 on Tuesdays. As well as being built relatively sustainably, the pizzeria has a commitment to low waste and locally sourced produce. Wines are almost exclusively soured from Victoria — with a few numbers from across SA and WA — and there's nothing above $64 a bottle, while beers feature Burnley (understandably) and other Brunswick locals, such as CoConsiprators and Foreigner. While the duo encourages dining in where possible, to help minimise packaging waste, if you do takeaway, you can do so knowing your pizza box is made from recycled cardboard and can itself by recycled thanks to a piece of 'sacrificial' paper that catches the grease. Find Green Acre at 328 Victoria Street, Brunswick from 4–9pm Sunday–Thursday and 4pm–late Friday–Saturday.
For six days each April, the music-loving world's eyes turn to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, where Coachella takes place each year. Maybe you're there on the ground. Perhaps you spend two weekends watching along via the festival's livestream. Either way, it's a helluva time — and 2025's festival will feature Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone on headlining duties. The Coachella lineup normally drops in January as a start-of-year highlight, but the details have arrived early for the next festival. Post Malone had jumped the gun, revealing a stadium tour with Indio dates on Coachella's two weekends — and so now organisers have unveiled the full details. [caption id="attachment_972776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr.[/caption] Mark Friday, April 11–Sunday, April 13 and Friday, April April 18–Sunday, April 20 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is impressive, as usual, with Lady Gaga headlining the Friday nights, Green Day doing the Saturday nights and Post Malone on Sunday nights. Also, Travis Scott is on the lineup as well, but without a set day so far. From there, get ready for jam-packed roster of acts that also spans everyone from Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Travis Scott, The Prodigy and Kraftwerk through to Benson Boone, FKA twigs, Basement Jaxx and The Go-Go's — and plenty more. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella keeps teaming up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, November 22 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, November 23). [caption id="attachment_907691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chrisallmeid via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Coachella 2025 runs from Friday, April 11–Sunday, April 13 and Friday, April April 18–Sunday, April 20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, November 22 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, November 23). Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Bridge Road stalwart Laikon Deli has rolled into its next phase of life, with owners snapping up the space next door, knocking down a wall and expanding their offering to include a cheery new sit-down cafe. A longtime favourite — it's been around for 42 years — for its handmade grab-and-go bites, take-home meals and a tempting array of European pantry staples, the beefed-up space is now also a destination for customers keen to really settle in over some breakfast, lunch or an Allpress coffee. It's living up to its name even more so, too, with Laikon meaning 'for everyone'. Photos and knick-knacks give the room a homey feel and throwback to Laikon's European roots, while an expanded cafe menu now includes dishes such as the chilli scrambled eggs with Calabrese salami and warm ricotta, home-style lasagne, baked gnocchi and 'Mum's Bougatsa' — a traditional Greek filo pie loaded with custard, apple and rhubarb. A selection of mix 'n' match antipasto boards makes the most of the deli offerings, with options like a 24-month Langhiranese Parma ham, Wagyu bresaola, French blue cheese and Italian-style grilled eggplant, and holds its own against the rest of the lunch menu. What's more, a booze licence has just come in for balmy summer afternoons spent camped out with a feast of salumi, cheese, negronis and Euro wine. Images: Simon Shiff. Updated: October 21, 2018.
When Twin Peaks wrapped up its original two-season run back in 1991, it left audiences with a damn huge cliffhanger. David Lynch revisited the series' distinctive world on the big screen the following year; however Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me was a prequel rather than a sequel, so the show's mysteries remained just that for more than a quarter-century. Then, in 2017, came Twin Peaks: The Return. The long-awaited 18-episode third season of the show continued the tale of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and murdered Twin Peaks homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) — but, with Lynch directing every episode and co-writing the whole thing with fellow series creator Mark Frost, it did so in a very Lynchian way. In the words of Coop himself, it took you to a place both wonderful and strange, exceeding what even the most feverish Peaks fans expected. Eighteen hours of Lynch and Frost's unfiltered weirdness will do that. Indeed, Twin Peaks: The Return felt like stepping straight into Lynch's brain. That said, the next Twin Peaks project just might have that beat. While it's unlikely to deliver anything as mind-blowing as the third season's acclaimed eighth episode, Twin Peaks VR will let you wander around the show's famous settings — and solve puzzles while you're there. Created by Collider Games and Showtime, and available now — via Steam and Oculus for Oculus Rift, Oculus Rift-S, HTC Vive and HTC Vive Cosmos, with versions for Oculus Quest and PlayStationVR coming at a yet-to-be-revealed date — Twin Peaks VR takes players on a first-person journey through everywhere from the Red Room and Glastonbury Grove to the Sheriff's Department and the Glass Box Observation. Yes, that means that you can virtually walk past the iconic crimson curtains and along the zigzagging floors, rifle through Sheriff Truman's desk and watch out for Bob. Based on the trailer, you can also see the kettle-like machine that David Bowie's Fire Walk With Me character became in The Return as well. While escape room-type puzzles keep the game moving forward, it's really an excuse to hang out in the Twin Peaks realm in the most immersive way yet. And, if you've watched and rewatched the show's 48 episodes (and the movie) more times than you can count — and read the various books related to it, too — it's your next chance to scratch your Twin Peaks itch. Best grab yourself some coffee, cherry pie and doughnuts to enjoy while you're playing, obviously. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHRXHvPRrJY Twin Peaks VR is now available via Steam and Oculus. For further information, visit the game's website.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, former President's daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this afternoon's Coachella festival lineup announcement. Running over two weekends from April 12–21, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup — including Australia's own Tame Impala headlining both Saturdays. Kevin Parker and his touring bandmates have big-name company, of course. Childish Gambino hasn't rescheduled his cancelled 2018 Australian dates yet, but he will be leading the charge on Coachella's two Fridays sessions. As for the Sunday shows, Ariana Grande doing the honours. Elsewhere, a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy acts fill out the rest of the bill — Janelle Monae, Solange, Weezer, Aphex Twin, Khalid, Diplo, CHVRCHES, Jaden Smith, Idris Elba and Aussies Rüfüs Du Sol, to name a few. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: Coachella runs over two weekends, from April 12-14 and 19-21 in Indio, California. Tickets go on sale at 11am PST on Friday, January 4. For more info, visit coachella.com.
Ostēr comes from the Italian word for host, and for Ostēr Eatery owners, chef Nicola Romano (Chapter 53, Stockroom567, Artusi) and front-of-house gun Osvaldo Tognella, the role of host is at the heart of what they do. Both hail from the north of Italy — Romano from Brescia and Tognella from Milan — and both have extensive experience in hospitality, working across Italy, Ireland, Japan, Brunswick East and the Yarra Valley. The duo's Italian heritage and experience are evident throughout Ostēr, which aims to be a traditionally casual, regional osteria — but in urban Melbourne. The Bridge Road space (designed by Romano's mother Monica, who flew over from Italy to do it) used to be a burger joint. Now, it features exposed brick and plaster walls, and a recycled timber bar with a concrete bench top. Sicilian maiolica tiles (colourful tin-glazed pottery made in Sicily since the Renaissance period) run along the front of the pass to the open kitchen and are a feature on the wall behind the bar. The food, as described by Romano, is "northern Italian in spirit, but open-minded". Like the space, it combines elements from both Italy and Melbourne. The menu changes according to what suppliers have available each season. But, regardless of the season, expect pasta — such as the house-made casoncelli ($20), which has quickly become the restaurant's signature dish. A traditional Lombardy recipe, casoncelli features silky sheets of pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, then pressed together and folded to look like a sweet wrapper. The stuffed pasta is served with a sauce of fried sage, 48-month aged grana padano cheese and a hint of nutmeg. You'll definitely want some of the house-made sourdough to mop up the leftovers. Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find a risotto with roasted red and sweet capsicum ($23) and gluten-free buckwheat gnocchi ($22). And despite spring making its sunny entrance, there's still room for comfort fare like the beef cheek ($35), which is braised with tomatoes and red wine, and served on soft rice polenta with sautéed nameko (a small brown mushroom). To end the meal, we highly suggest Romano's tiramisu ($10) — he makes his own coffee sponge, and the dessert is light and not overly rich. On the drinks front, Tognella has pulled together an all-Australian wine list, which he keeps fairly tight so that he can regularly change it when he discovers new wine. The aim was to keep the drinks list sustainable and local, but with a European attitude. "The wines on the list have to tick at least one box of four categories," Tognella explains. "They are either biodynamic, sustainable, single vineyard or European." For those wanting to imbibe without the alcohol, the restaurant offers two zero-alcohol wines from ex-Noma Chef William Wade's Non label. Choose from salted raspberry and camomile or caramelised pear and kombu — it's like a pét-nat minus the hangover. Coffee comes from husband and wife team, Wayne and Cleo Silva whose roastery, Silva, is in the Yarra Valley — and on weekdays between 7–9am you can get your cup of joe for just $3.
Ask four people what their favourite takeaway meal is and you'll probably get four different answers — and none of them will match yours. If you live with those four people, deciding what's for dinner can be as challenging as finding a supermarket that has toilet paper in stock. And, even if you get your way, the battle is only half won. To really earn those nods of approval at the end of the meal, you have to choose the perfect bottle of wine that'll make the food taste even better (and make your victory even sweeter). Though a takeaway meal at home has many upsides — like being able to eat in your PJs — you're unlikely to have a sommelier on hand (if you do, we're jealous). Sure, we all know the basics: white wine goes well with seafood and red meat should be paired with a glass of red. But there's a little more to it than that — you also need to consider things like the acidity, tannins and weight of the wine. So, we've teamed up with online wine retailer Cellarmasters to put in some of the hard yards for you. We've selected five excellent takeaway options in your city and found a top-notch drop that'll perfectly complement each one. And thanks to Cellarmasters, which has wiped its home delivery fees on all orders, you can get your hands on all of them without having to leave your house. [caption id="attachment_694683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RaRa by Luisa Brimble[/caption] SLURP SPICY RAMEN AND SIP FRUITY ROSÉ Cooking a decent meal isn't that hard so, most of the time, ordering a takeaway is just a sign you can't be bothered. But if it's ramen you're craving, you're 100 percent excused. This is not a dish you can whip up in 20 minutes. No matter what base style you go for — shio (salt), shoyu (soy), miso or tonkotsu (pork) — you can be certain that the chef has had that broth bubbling away for hours to perfect the complex flavour. Considering all the flavour combinations that are available with ramen, choosing a vino can be pretty tricky, but a well-rounded rosé should do the trick. Aim for one with good acidity and a slightly dry finish, which should work with a creamy, salty broth. And, if you like to load up on the spice, look for a drop that has bold, fruity flavours to balance that hit of chilli. What to order: In Melbourne, you can get Neko Neko's spicy tofu ramen takeaway or via Deliveroo. In Sydney, order the tonkotsu with housemade chilli and black garlic for pickup or delivery from RaRa. Pair with: Zonte's Footstep Organic Rosé — this bright tempranillo rosé from the Fleurieu Peninsula showcases blackcurrent and red grapefruit aromas, and retains a good acidity that helps it pair well with most spicy dishes. [caption id="attachment_683821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Capitano by Kate Shanasy[/caption] ENJOY A SLICE OF PIZZA WITH AN EARTHY SANGIOVESE Unless you have somehow scored a woodfire oven in your crib, pizza is another dish that you could never create as well at home — try as you may. Especially not when you can get a perfectly crispy, chewy slice from some of the best in the biz with one quick phone call. The endless topping options can again make wine pairing a challenge. But if you're sticking to a classic tomato base, sangiovese will serve you well, thanks to its high acidity. Choose a wine that has rich stonefruit notes — think cherry or plum — which will balance out savoury toppings like parmesan, anchovies and olives. What to order: In Sydney, Bella Brutta produces some of our favourite slices, including an extra-saucy marinara topped with anchovies, which are all available for pickup and delivery. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Carlton joint Capitano is also offering takeaway and delivery on its goods, including the classic tomato pie and double pepperoni. Pair with: Altero Sangiovese — you'll find sour red cherries and spice on the nose and oaky, earthy notes on the palate with this Fleurieu Peninsula drop. [caption id="attachment_674536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tipico by Julian Sansone[/caption] PAIR A BOWL OF MEAT-BASED PASTA WITH NERO D'AVOLA A big bowl of pasta may not be the most traditional takeaway option. But given the state of the supermarket shelves at the moment, we're so fortunate that many local restaurants are remaining open so we can get our favourite carb fix. Our tastebuds deserve better than Dolmio right now anyway. A lot of time, love and (metaphorical) elbow grease goes into making a traditional meat-based pasta, and this is a dish you want to take your time eating to savour all of the complex flavours. A full-bodied Italian red will not only stay on theme, but the long finish will also linger on the palate and complement the rich sauce. What to order: Melbourne's Tipico has launched a to-go menu with pasta and sauce packs, including beef ragu, duck ragu and beef lasagne, to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Meanwhile, Sydneysiders can get a hearty serving of lasagne from Darlo bar Love, Tilly Devine for $25, available for pickup or delivery. Pair with: Colpasso Nero D'avola Appassimento — this award-winning Italian wine is made by partially drying the grapes prior to fermentation and has spent 6–8 months in oak resulting in an intense flavour and long finish. [caption id="attachment_753792" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Horn Please by Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] TRY CREAMY FISH CURRY WITH A GLASS OF CHARDONNAY There's just something about an Indian curry that makes the prospect of spending yet another night at home not seem so bad. While the weather is still decent, opt for something like a mild coconut fish curry — it'll still give you that cosy, belly-warming feeling, but it's easy on the chilli so you won't need to worry about overheating. Pairing this dish with a crisp chardonnay will also help keep things light and bright. The fresh tropical fruit flavours work well with seafood, while the citrus acidity will balance out the rich creaminess of the sauce. What to order: Sydneysiders can order the coconut fish curry with turmeric and mustard seed from Surry Hills spot Don't Tell Aunty, while Melburnians can snag the same dish from sister joint Horn Please in Fitzroy North. Both spots are offering takeaway and delivery. Pair with: David Lowe Wines Chardonnay — expect subtle oak notes and tropical fruit flavours from this fresh, easy-drinking drop from New South Wales. [caption id="attachment_763009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teta Mona by Tracey Ah-kee[/caption] TUCK INTO A LEBANESE FEAST WITH A BOTTLE OF PINOT NOIR A giant Lebanese feast can snap you out of even the lowest of stuck-at-home slumps — something many of us will likely face over the next few weeks and months. It's hard to feel bored or blue when faced with vibrant dishes like hummus and pita, fattoush, crunchy falafel, marinated chicken and spicy lamb kofta. With such diversity, a Lebanese feast will sing with almost any type of wine, but we recommend something that has a little character like pinot noir. The fruitiness will lift the peppery and spicy aspects of the dishes, while the silky tannins team well with the heartier meat dishes. What to order: For a spread of traditional Lebanese plates, hit up Teta Mona if you're in Melbourne or Emma's Snack Bar in Sydney. Pair with: Dovetail Yarra Valley Pinot Noir — with partial maturation in hogshead barrels, this Yarra Valley drop emits red berry fruits on the nose and subtle oak on the palate. Be prepared for your next takeaway occasion and place an order via the Cellarmasters website. Each order includes free delivery and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Plus, use code CPLAYGROUND for $20 off sitewide until April 26 (minimum spend of $99). Top image: Bella Brutta by Kitti Gould
The Flying Duck Hotel's famed beer garden and atrium have been given a new lease on life with an extensive makeover, now complemented by a modern public bar, an open-plan main dining space and a private dining room seating up to 40. The latest incarnation of the much-loved backstreet Prahran pub comes courtesy of the same crew behind Rustica and Hobsons Bay Hotel, with a fresh fit-out from local architect firm Fiona Drago. The 150-plus-year-old building's internal space has been completely opened up and re-energised with earthy hues, brass accents and a generous splash of olive green. Head Chef Ben Pigott (Hobsons Bay Hotel, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc) is behind the revamped gastropub's menu offering, heroing brasserie-style fare brought to life via the kitchen's wood grill. Wood-fired flatbread is matched with black garlic toum and smoked salmon caviar ($14), wood-grilled Shark Bay scallops are elevated with herb butter ($8), and smoky hose-made aioli graces a prawn po boy slider ($12). You'll find many nods to the classic counter meal in plates like the local fish and chips ($27), a cheeseburger ($24) and the dukkah-roasted cauliflower steak with smoked hummus ($22). Deeper in, wood-fired barramundi is paired with warrigal greens and a seaweed butter sauce ($38); a slow-cooked whole lamb shoulder feeds three or four people for $110; and there's a couple of hefty grass-fed options for the steak-lovers. A stack of weekly specials runs from a weekday happy hour slinging $7 schooners and $8 wines (4–6pm), to Monday's $25 steak night, to half-priced oysters and prosecco bumping up the mood each Thursday. Find The Flying Duck Hotel at 67 Bendigo Street, Prahran. It's open daily from 12pm–late. Images: Parker Blain
Back from a visit to 'Brucefest' in Kyogle, upper NSW — named, fittingly, after my Uncle Bruce — I have seen the glory of the backyard music festival and have returned to spread the word. Brucefest emerged one year ago, simply enough, from my uncle's need to burn off some extra lumber cluttering the paddock. Why not have a bonfire, he thought? On that note, why not have some mates round to watch the bonfire? In fact, why not have some tunes? For that matter, why not build my own stage? Thus, with a little ingenuity, Brucefest was born. While the constructed stage was certainly a testament to the carpentry skills of the Newton clan, the main thing I take away from Brucefest — as I watched my uncle and a ragtag collection of local Kyogle musos spend the night hopping on and off stage, switching easily between drum solos, stoking the bonfire and mingling with the crowd — is that anyone with a few talented mates can do this. Combine a jam session with a few microphones, a crowd of your mates and some open space, and the possibilities are endless. Whether it be a garage-punk do crammed in an inner west back lane or a blues and roots jam in Bruce's back paddock, the home-grown vibe just can't be beat. Without further ado, here's a few dos and don'ts for getting your own 'insert-name-here-Fest' off the ground. DO CONSIDER GOING RURAL If you know someone with a rural property I would infinitely recommend this over your typical suburban lane fest. Yes, it’s oh-so-Melbourne to be crammed into tiny lanes, chilling in the gutter with your longneck in a paper bag, but come on, look at this place. The chance to watch the sun go down behind your very own stage and have room to dance despite the crowds just can’t be beat. DON'T MAKE IT BIGGER THAN YOU CAN HANDLE The whole idea of a backyard music festival is that it's small enough that you and your mates can run it. Make sure you've got a setting that can actually fit the amount of people you're wanting and won't have the cops shutting you down in a half hour. You'll probably find that you and your mates and the bands and their mates are pretty much all you need. Remember, when the music stops, the clean-up begins. Note: Public Facebook pages are your enemy. DON'T FORGET TO PLAN THE STAGE We can’t all be carpenters like my moustachioed Uncle Bruce, (although sometimes we really want to be). So if you’re wanting to construct a stage that isn’t going to collapse underneath your best act and electrocute the bassist, then you had best put a little thought into the technical side of things. Have a think about how you're planning on hooking up your bands to power, whether you’re going to be needing some lighting and (if you’re playing on a grassy knoll) how you’re going to keep your bands out of the mud. DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT MAKING A LINEUP THAT FLOWS The beauty of a backyard fest is that there are no rules. Recruit anyone you know who you want to hear and enjoy the freedom to put together bands that would otherwise never be on the same stage. I guarantee you that you know more good musicians than you think you do and that you'll have more fun watching your mates merge reggae with punk than you would listening to a tight lineup intended to please the crowd. From experience, the best part of your night is going to be when every single guitarist present jumps the stage to play the 'Johnny Be Good' solo simultaneously. DO/DON'T HAVE A BONFIRE This one’s a little less than clean cut. On the one hand: it's cold at night and bonfires are magical things. Burning off your extra lumber pile will provide a surprising amount of heat for your frost-bitten crowd and keep you going through the night. On the other hand: Do not have a bonfire. If you are not on a rural property and you have never managed a bonfire before, then bonfires are not your jam. It’s all fun and games until a stray spark lands on an inner west terrace and you’ve gone and burnt the whole neighbourhood down. DON'T ORGANISE THE FOOD YOURSELF What, are you crazy? You’ll spend the whole day in the kitchen and checking supplies and you will miss the whole thing, regardless of whether or not you think you have catering skills of my Aunt Judy. You don't. Either get people to bring their own or sort out a food truck that wants in on the day. DO REMEMBER TO TELL THE NEIGHBOURS Might seem like a hassle, but if you don’t get the neighbours on board with what you’re planning in advance, then you’re just going to get shut down by the cops before you get to the good stuff. If you’re living rural and your neighbours are a 10 minute drive down the road, then the only thing you have to remember is not to freak out the livestock. Which brings us, finally, to... DO REMEMBER TO TURN THE ELECTRIC FENCES OFF Though remember that if you turn the electric fences off, the livestock may come for a listen. Holding a rural fest might mean making a choice between zapping your mates and sharing a dance with a few friendly cows. Livestock and crowds are never the best mix, but I can promise you that when you see two little girls dancing around that bright white wire, you'll be more than happy to know that the fence is turned off. If your four-legged friends pay you a visit, just treat them with respect and let them bask in the tunes. I know from experience they are big fans of a good Tracy Chapman cover, the big softies. Top image: Dollar Photo Club. Other images and videos by Elise Newton.
Maybe you're always on the hunt for new experiences. Perhaps you can't go past a meal with a view. You could be keen to indulge your adrenaline-junkie side any way that you can. Or, you just might want to see Brisbane from a different perspective. All of the above is on the menu at Vertigo, as is dinner. Sure, a great bite to eat should satisfy your tastebuds and your stomach; however, this one will also get your blood pumping and pulse racing. Initially announced in August and now serving sky-high diners Thursday–Sunday weekly, Vertigo is a brand-new addition to the River City's iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. The twist: it isn't just located on top of the riverside New Farm venue, but hangs off of the site's industrial facade. Forget just living on the edge — this is dining on the edge, and literally. Obviously, the views are spectacular. Given that patrons climb out to their seats while donning a safety harness, then eat four stories (and 17 metres) up, so are the thrills. An Australian-first vertical dining experience, Vertigo's levelled-up dinners welcome in tables of two to peer out over Brisbane. It comes with a big caveat, however, with the restaurant at the mercy of the weather. That'll certainly play a factor over Brissie's stormy summers, but the night's sitting will still go ahead if it's only lightly raining. Once you're seated, Brisbane Powerhouse's Bar Alto downstairs provides Vertigo's food across its eight tables — and each reservation's two-hour sitting — with the two-course menu featuring local ingredients to go with what's certain to become a local attraction. Unsurprisingly, a visit here doesn't come cheap, costing $250 per person. Another caveat: you can't head up if you've been drinking, with everyone breathalysed first and required to return a 0.00-percent blood alcohol reading. That said, while you need to be sober to climb over the edge, a matched glass of wine will be served with dinner. You'll also get a post-descent champagne, beer or soft drink. If you're not fond of heights, this won't be for you. But if you're fine with towering not just atop but over the side of an old power station-turned-arts precinct that dates back to the 1920s — whether you're a Brisbane local or a tourist — you'll be in for quite the unique experience. To make the evening even more dramatic, diners can also choose to come back to earth post-meal via dropline down the facade. Or, if that's too much adventure for you — especially after eating — you can just head back to the ground through the venue. If star chef Luke Mangan achieves his dream of setting up a restaurant on the Story Bridge, too, Brisbane might need to rename itself the Sky-High City. "Vertigo is unlike anything else in the world, it is an unexpected combination of adventure tourism and fine-dining on a heritage site," said Brisbane Powerhouse CEO/Artistic Director Kate Gould when the restaurant was first announced. "Stepping off the roof of Brisbane Powerhouse to take a seat suspended at your table, four stories above the ground, will be the ultimate thrill. Experience silver service dining — albeit one with unbreakable crockery and cutlery attached to the table!" "We are creating a uniquely Brisbane dining experience, at height. You will be on the edge of your seat in the open air before descending via an unforgettable exit," added Riverlife creator and co-founder John Sharpe, with the outdoor tour operator partnering with Powerhouse on the venture. "Vertigo will inspire fear but with the knowledge that safety is the priority of our experienced team of adventure tourism guides." Find Vertigo at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, Brisbane, operating from 5pm Thursday–Sunday — head to the venue's website for further details and bookings. Images: Markus Ravik.
Adoring Pixar films is generally easy for a whole heap of reasons, and here's one them: the Disney-owned animation studio knows what it likes and what it does well, and it finds multiple ways to keep giving both a whirl in new and different fashions. Even when you can see the formula behind toys, fish, monsters and feelings having feelings — to name a few of Pixar's similar ideas — the end result usually carves its own niche, and also makes its own heartfelt and delightful impact. 2023 release Elemental looks set to be one of those flicks. Even from just its title, it's easy to see the path that the studio is taking. The question this time: what if the elements, aka fire, water, land and air, had feelings? The film dubs its characters fire-, water-, land- and air-residents, but getting big Inside Out and Soul vibes comes with the territory while watching the movie's just-dropped first trailer. That initial sneak peek is also as adorable as you'd expect if you've ever just seen one frame of a Pixar feature. The teaser heads to Element City, where its various Captain Planet-like characters reside together — and where the fiery Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis, Nancy Drew) and go-with-the-flow Wade (Mamoudou Athie, Archive 81) cross paths. As is generally the case with debut trailers, Elemental's first look is all about style and mood rather than diving too far into the story, but it does show Ember and Wade meeting, and also surveys the passengers on an Element City water train. Flaming legs, grassy creatures, critters that look like clouds, earthy parents with children in pot plants: they're all sighted. Then Ember's headphones fall off — and Wade picks them up. Directed by The Good Dinosaur's Peter Sohn, and with the rest of the voice cast yet to be announced, it's literally a story of water and fire trying to get along. Maybe Pixar is staffed by George RR Martin fans? There's a Studio Ghibli feel to it all, too, thanks to the big focus on nature (and that water train, which isn't quite a cat bus, but might get you thinking of one). Following 2022's Turning Red and Lightyear, Pixar's most recent releases, the film hits cinemas on June 15. Check out the first trailer for Elemental below: Elemental releases in cinemas on June 15, 2023.
Australia has been welcoming a steady stream of stunning new hotel properties from local brands, from dog-friendly boutique stays to history-filled inner-city escapes. But that's not the case for our latest grand arrival, which officially opened today, Thursday, March 23, towering above Melbourne CBD's Lonsdale Street. After much hype, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has finally been unveiled in all its luxurious 80-storey glory. It marks the second Aussie property for the international Marriott-owned brand after an existing site in Perth, with the next slated to open on the Gold Coast by 2026. The new 257-room hotel is a high-end affair, with renowned Aussie architects Cottee Parker behind the build and BAR Studio to thank for the elegant interiors. Here, they've flipped the script on the usual hotel formula, placing the impressive Sky Lobby Reception way up on Level 80, where lofty ceilings and huge windows offer panoramic views to greet its guests. Rooms are kitted out with hand-made glass panels, dark timber and gold finishes, while artworks pay tribute to both the city location and the area's indigenous heritage. Splash out to stay in the enormous Ritz-Carlton Suite and you'll enjoy your own in-room sauna, walk-in wardrobe and private pantry. Last year, the hotel named Michael Greenlaw (London's Bibendum, Vue de Monde) as Executive Chef and Mark Best (Peninsula Bistro, Marque) in the role of Culinary Advisor, hinting at some buzz-worthy food and drink offerings to come. That looks set to be the case, with three onsite venues now unveiled — Atria is the innovative fine-diner celebrating hyper-seasonality, Cameo is the glam cocktail bar promising top-shelf sipping and the Lobby Lounge is the more casual counterpart that'll also play host to high-tea sessions. All of these sit at the top of the hotel, showcasing eye-popping views across the city. Of course, with all that luxury there had to be a standout wellness offering involved — and the Ritz-Carlton Spa promises not to disappoint. Here, you'll find six treatment rooms and a hefty menu of therapies, as well as a soaring infinity pool, yoga studio and fitness hub. The hotel is also home to no less than 2500 square metres of event space, including the expansive Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, which boasts space to sit 550 guests. Find the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne at 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
When we say that Vivid is dishing up a taste of London in 2025, we mean it literally: chefs from two of the English capital city's top restaurants are on this year's Vivid Food lineup. From Lyle's, James Lowe is heading Down Under. From Josephine, so is Claude Bosi. One is spending three nights joining Mat Lindsay at Ester, the other has a two-evening date with Brent Savage at Eleven Barrack — and both are serving up must-try menus. Lowe and Bosi are part of the festival's 2025 Vivid Chef Series, which brings famed culinary names to the Harbour City for bucket list-style dining experiences. If you're keen on the Lowe and Lindsay combination, they're reteaming after the latter went to London for the former's game series, this time joining forces in Sydney to showcase Australian produce — fish and shellfish included — over eight courses. From Bosi and Savage, expect a mix of French gastronomy and Aussie creativity across six courses, complete with Bosi's camembert soufflé with winter black truffle, plus duck liver choux au craquelin from Savage. "I'm really excited to bring the food from my hometown in France to a new country. This is the first time Bistro Josephine has been outside the UK, and it means a lot to share something so personal with a new audience," said Bosi about his component of the Vivid Food lineup. "The dishes we serve are inspired by the flavours I grew up with, and I'm looking forward to seeing them reach beyond where it all started. I hope people here connect with the heart and simplicity of what we do." Neither Vivid Chef Series experience comes cheap. Taking place across Tuesday, May 27–Thursday, May 29, the Ester x James Lowe menu starts at $250 per person, with wine pairings $150 on top. You'll pay $185 for lunch and $285 for dinner — plus either $90 or $180 for vino — for the Eleven Barrack x Claude Bosi collaboration on Tuesday, June 10–Wednesday, June 11. Vivid Food has also locked in the return of Vivid Fire Kitchen, which will be easier on bank balances given that it's free to attend (but, of course, you will pay for what you eat). Running across 23 nights from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 — so for the full festival dates — this celebration of fire-based cooking will again take over The Goods Line in Ultimo. Expect pop-ups from a range of eateries and food trucks, including Ogni, Brazilian Flame, Plate It Forward, Flyover Fritterie, Hoy Pinoy, Burn City Smokers, Pocket Rocketz, Mapo Gelato, Mr Spanish Churro and Miss Sina Korean Donuts, alongside live fire cooking demonstrations. Jess Pryles and Nyesha Arrington are among the chefs on Vivid Fire Kitchen's program, as are The Apollo Group's Oscar Solomon, Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, Viand's Annita Potter, Aalia's Paul Farag, Sunday Kitchen's Karima Hazim and more. Barbecued seafood will score its own stand, a dedicated wine bar will hero New South Wales vino — and host Mike Bennie-led masterclasses — and First Nations nights will see Indigenous chefs take centre stage. Elsewhere, Vivid's edible spread for 2025 also spans Neon Dreams, with Shannon Martinez paying tribute to American diners of the 1950s with a plant-based menu and a roller rink; Hollywood Dreaming, a 23-night roster of events in the Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills; and Nigella Lawson curating dinners in the Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel. Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information.
Ask writer/director Sally Aitken about more than a year spent celebrating her documentary about Los Angeles' hummingbirds — a movie that premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, also screened at SXSW in Austin and Hot Docs in Toronto, then made its way Sydney and Adelaide's film fests as well, and was nominated for an AACTA Award across that journey — and she answers with a sense of humour. "I was about to make a little joke about 'it's like a little hummingbird migrating everywhere'," she tells Concrete Playground. That's a parallel drawn with the utmost of affection, however, as anyone that has seen Every Little Thing and witnessed the immense care that it has for the gorgeous tiny birds in front of its cameras will instantly recognise. "It's amazing," the Australian documentarian also notes about the film's global tour, flitting to Greece, Poland, New Zealand, the UK, the Netherlands, Estonia and Sweden, too, before it opened in Australian cinemas to kick off March 2025. When Aitken turned her lens towards beloved Australian film critic David Stratton in 2017 doco David Stratton: A Cinematic Life, the end result played at Cannes. 2023's Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, the movie immediately prior to Every Little Thing on her resume, screened at the first-ever SXSW Sydney. The last time that the filmmaker peered at nature on the big screen, in 2021's Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, she also scored a Sundance premiere. Together, those four titles paint a picture not just of an Aussie director's success and recognition around the world, or of her versatility, but of her desire to dig into an array of different stories of our humanity. "I like to make films that look at this incredible world through a new lens or through the other end of the telescope," she advises about a recent resume that's spanned appreciating cinema, reappraising ocean predators, the origins of iconic childhood entertainers and now a hotline for hummingbirds. Every Little Thing is indeed about hummingbirds in LA, but it's also about a person who has dedicated decades to tending to the birds' injuries. It was Terry Masear's book Fastest Things on Wings: Rescuing Hummingbirds in Hollywood — a review of it, to begin with — about her Los Angeles Hummingbird Rescue that sparked Aitken's second film of the 2020s about women and their connection with animals. That text was a memoir of its author's endeavours since 2004, but Every Little Thing's personal aspects, stepping through Masear's experiences beyond rehabilitating the smallest mature birds there are as well, is exclusive to the documentary. In interweaving the two, Aitken has crafted a pivotal chronicle of resilience among winged critters and humans alike. Wildlife rescue is a field of highs, hopes, healing and heartbreaks, as the film captures in detail. Existence is for all creatures anyway, great and small, as the documentary also examines. A phone call for Masear, a retired UCLA professor, usually means that a hummingbird in the City of Angels is in trouble. The reality of human life in the Californian city isn't always kind to the American-native species, but Masear unceasingly is. Every Little Thing flutters through her efforts as birds after birds are brought to her door — and as she attends to them in their various stages of need, aiming to get each one back flying over LA in the wild. Cactus, Jimmy, Wasabi, Alexa, Mikhail: they're just some of the hummingbirds that flap in and out, and that Masear treats with the sincerest of compassion. [caption id="attachment_995806" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Every Little Thing surveys the ins and outs of the rehab process, including syringe-feeding fruit flies to babies as dawn breaks, taking birds through workouts to test their flying capacity, and transitioning them from incubators to aviaries and ideally back into the sunny skies. It explores the characters, feathered and human — and among the former, it is also well-aware that some under Masear's supervision won't make it. This deeply empathetic film sees the hummingbirds in all of their glory, using cameras capable of capturing their super-fast speed, and also peers at Hollywood as they do thanks to bird's-eye view imagery. Crucially, it's as much about what it means to devote your time to another creature, to commit to riding the rollercoaster of their wins and setbacks, and to truly care. After watching Every Little Thing, no one should look at feathered friends above, or at any animal life, in the same way again — and while viewing it, everyone should enjoy witnessing its critters in detail that they've likely never seen before. This is a touching movie, for audiences, those in it and the folks behind it. We also chatted with Aitken about the kindness at the picture's core, the inspiration to bring Masear's work to the screen, the film's personal turns, the extensive editing process thanks to hundreds of hours of footage, its often-breathtaking visual approach, and weathering the act that bird rehab involves both soaring joy and aching sorrow. On Every Little Thing's Year-Plus-Long Journey From Premiering at Sundance to Releasing in Australian Cinemas, Via Playing at Other Film Festivals Around the World — and the Reaction to It "It's so incredible as a filmmaker when you can see, very visibly in these kinds of scenarios like film festivals and in front of cinema audiences, how people are affected by the film. And I don't mean you perversely sitting there waiting for people to clap, or to cry or whatever, but the fact that the film is an emotional film for people. I think that's the affirming part of it, because we set out to make something that would be an invitation and something that would be a work that wasn't necessarily literal — that invited people to these ideas of compassion and kindness in a very beautiful way, with the sunny cinematography and the delicate hummingbirds — and that was supposed to also be about us as much as the birds. To have a film that premieres at Sundance is a thrill. To then be consecutively invited to all of these incredibly prestigious marquee film festivals, and then now to be in a cinema run, that's extraordinary — especially, especially right now, in the marketplace right now, where most of the offer is murdered bodies and people in office doing pretty crazy things. So, yeah, it's lovely." On What It Means as an Australian Filmmaker to Have Your Work Repeatedly Embraced by Festivals Across the Globe, as Aitken's David Stratton, Valerie Taylor, The Wiggles and Now Terry Masear Docos Have Enjoyed "It's funny because all those films are really quite different, but maybe they're also helmed by something that you're not even conscious that you're necessarily reaching for when you're making the film. I am very interested in our humanity. I like to make films that look at this incredible world through a new lens or through the other end of the telescope. So it's a thrill when that work gets invited to any of those festivals that you're mentioning. These are extraordinary environments to see work from all around the world. And I think it just speaks to the fact that we have an industry in Australia that is pretty challenged right now, and we are making work that that is as good, on par, right up there with everybody else — and that feels really good to be part of this global independent filmmaking sector." On Why Aitken Was Inspired to Bring Masear's Work with Hummingbirds to the Screen "Initially, I was sent the review of Terry's memoir and I genuinely thought 'what the heck? A hotline for hummingbirds?'. 'That is really very particular' was my initial thought. The curiosity of that was amazing to me. Not that I'm unaware that wildlife rescue happens, but I just never conceived that somebody would have such a singular focus — that hummingbirds would have this 24/7 helpline. And what on earth did that look like? So it was very much initially a curiosity, and when I read Terry's book, I realised it was so much more than that. The way she writes about the birds, it's very metaphorical. I realised in that moment there was an incredible opportunity to see these birds not just in their cinematic beauty — obviously the visual appeal of this film was always there — but that they could be this carrier of these much bigger philosophical ideas, these universal truths about our humanity. They were like a mirror to us. So I thought 'that is a really interesting film', that possibility, that invitation. It felt to me like this was much more than the story of someone just rehabilitating the hummingbirds that may be in that rehabilitation. It was actually a rehabilitation for ourselves. That was the starting point." On Making Two Films in the Past Four Years About Women and Their Work with Animals, and Their Place Among Aitken's Diverse Filmography Otherwise "It's certainly no secret that I am a huge champion of women's stories — women who are brilliant, women who are badass, women who are dastardly, women who are heroic. I think we can't scream those stories enough. But actually, what was quite funny, especially at Sundance — because Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks played at Sundance, and then this just played three years later — so many of the moderators, exactly like you, observed, they say 'oh, Sally was here three years ago with this film about this woman and the natural world, and what draws you to these stories of women?'. And the truth is that I make films about all kinds of things. I do true crime. I do music. I do all sorts of stories. So what I would say was 'well, fun fact, between Playing with Sharks and Every Little Thing, I made a small film about a small group called The Wiggles'. And actually the crowd, who are American by and large, they all cracked up laughing because it's so incongruous, right? This story about this childhood band in the midst of these films about ourselves and the interconnectedness with the natural, amazing, wonderful, miraculous world that we live in. But I think it's the same thing as what we were talking about before: it's finding a story that you think you know and telling this totally different story about that thing. So whether that's about sharks and the demonisation of sharks, and actually seeing them through the eyes of a woman who's quite literally been playing with them since the 1950s; or whether that's seeing the most well-known yellow-, purple-, red-, blue-clad characters that we see every day or every week on our breakfast television, and suddenly seeing them not in those colours, but seeing them as an incredible, incredible story of chasing your dreams, and this audacious idea of school teachers making it to Madison Square Garden; or whether it's hummingbirds, which in America are ubiquitous, they're just in everybody's backyard, and actually seeing them as these kind of magical fairy creatures — it's that same idea. It's just taking these things and putting a whole new lens on them, and telling a really hopefully cinematic, emotional story in the process." On How Every Little Thing Also Became About Masear's Personal Story "So it is really an act of faith, making a documentary. She says in the film she doesn't trust easily. That is true. What is also true is that when I read her book, her book doesn't talk about her personal story at all. Her book very much deals with the hummingbirds that she has looked after in the last 20-odd years, and it takes a few of those very memorable hummingbirds and explores the stories of how she came to care for those birds and what happened to those birds through rehab. That's essentially what the book is talking about. So the book is very much about her and the work with the rehabilitation. But it's this funny thing when you're making a film, especially a film that is observational — and documentaries on that kind of film, you're a very small crew. You're very, very tight. You're very intimate. And you're all signed up to this unknown adventure, because it's not like a drama. I always joke, I always think this is so much harder because we don't have a script, you don't have paid actors, you're not able to write your way out of the scene. You're actually filming real life. But she became increasingly comfortable. I'm very transparent in the way that I work. I like to tell people what my intention is, and also share my own vulnerabilities. I don't know how it's going to work out. Certainly that's not a statement that's not confident, but it's saying 'we're all in this together' — and I think that's very disarming for people, and certainly for Terry. She felt like she was among people who really valued her work, and so of course she started to trust us. And then so what actually happened is that she started opening up about her personal life — and of course, as soon as she did that, that was amazing, because so much fell into place in relation to some of the motivations for why she does the work that she does, or what might inspire her to do this work in the first place. So while that all happened, I also then, when I got into the edit with my brilliant, brilliant editor Tania Nehme [Monolith], I didn't want to make a film that was completely didactic. And so, like I said before, it was really an invitation. I wanted to draw this idea of Terry's biography, but to do it still in this lyrical, poetic way that just revealed the layers of her biography as we moved through the rehab process." On the Challenges of Editing, Including the Difficulties of Whittling Down the Footage and Deciding Which Hummingbird Stories to Tell "You are not wrong: the edit is absolutely the challenge, the moment that you go 'oh my god, I think I need to go and open a florist shop. Can I do it? It's really hard. How can these tiny birds be so goddamn heavy?'. You definitely have these moments where you think 'what?', and the volume of the footage was a big part of that. Terry takes so many calls through the season, and of course we captured as much as we could, but it's really a process, an iterative process. And so we got into the edit suite, and the one clear thing that I remember discussing with Tania was that our task in the edit was really to make the smallest things feel giant, to feel epic, to feel the stuff of grand cinema. So with that aspiration in mind, it was really just a process of working and working our way through the volume of footage. And then some of the characters, they reveal themselves to you. Jimmy is hilarious. Cactus is vulnerable. Alexa and Mikhail are thwarted love. In the mix of things, we wanted these characters to — in a way — be this mirror to the human experience as much as they were their own individual heroes, or are their own individual heroes, in the film." On Capturing Stunning Footage of Birds Known for Their Super-Fast Speed, and Pairing It with a Bird's-Eye View of Los Angeles "Right from the beginning, it felt like a film that had all of this visual potential. So if you've seen a hummingbird in real life, you know that they are incredibly fast — and magical. They look like fairies. They just whip in, they kind of come up and look at you, and then they whip off again. But the way that Terry wrote about them was very metaphoric, like I was saying. So I wanted to reach for a visual style and a visual treatment that was really replicating the way that Terry sees the birds — and the way that she sees them is otherworldly. So in the same way that a hotline for hummingbirds is quite specific, there is also a cinematographer whose specialty is hummingbirds. That's also pretty specific. So her name is Ann Johnson Prum [Terra Mater] and she lives in America. She is American. And she's an expert cinematographer with a camera called the Phantom Flex. The Phantom Flex is a camera that shoots at an incredibly high frame rate — it goes up to 1000 frames a second. And what that means is that when you film footage at a high frame rate, you can then really slow it down. So from the beginning, we wanted to lean into this idea of being able to enter into the hummingbirds' realm and not just be in our human limited sensory experience of them. And the other thing is that we have also two other cinematographers in the camera team, two Australian DPs, Dan Freene [Skategoat] and Nathan Barlow [a Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks alum]. And so we leant into cinematic time lenses, and that gave us macro lenses. So that gave us an ability to be really close to the birds — so close, in fact, that at times you can see their eyelashes. I mean, who knew that hummingbirds have eyelashes? So it was a huge challenge, but we really wanted to meet that challenge in order to make the birds feel worthy of this big-screen treatment, because they are worthy of a big-screen treatment. And it's really quite trippy, actually, when you know that a hummingbird is quite literally the size of your little finger, and then you're looking at it on a giant cinema screen — it's quite trippy, the experience for the viewers. So I was quite interested in playing with all of those ideas." On Every Little Thing's Crew Coping with the Casualties in Masear's Line of Work — as Newcomers to Facing It — But Ensuring That This Is a Film of Hope "That's a really perceptive question. And we were talking before about that intimate relationship — absolutely, of course, every time you make a film about whatever subject, it changes you or it affects you, not only because you're learning new things, but because you're working with, encountering, engaging with, being trusted with other people's experiences and their stories. So I found the whole experience incredibly moving. I think that, at the same time that I was in the edit — and Tania and I worked incredibly closely together. The shoot is very intense, you have the whole team, but when you're in the edit, it's really just the two of you. And the algorithms didn't make this film. It's a film that really, really does come from the heart, and it's exploring things that aren't always talked about or aren't always obvious. So to circle back to your first question, which is about the reaction, it's hugely affirming when people respond to that because it tells you that that need is there in all of us to have these stories about what is good in our humanity, what is kind, what is empathetic in a world that's actually constantly cynical — and constantly telling you that people are bad and politics is awful, and the world is existentially threatened with climate change. When you are in this news cycle, which is a horror show, when there's a story that comes along that reminds you that humans are resilient, imaginative, kind and empathetic, that's a good news story. And it's not like a Pollyanna good news — as you say, birds die. Life is tragic. Life is unfair. Life is awful. But the message, I suppose, in the film is that what matters is how you respond to that and the compassion that you put in when you're engaged in life. And I just thought that was such an extraordinary idea, along with the idea that if you take the time to get on bended knee for something that is so small, that's a giant act of your own humanity. I just thought that was such a strong, compelling call to arms for all of us, for how we can be — we can just be better." Every Little Thing opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Laneway Festival has revealed its full 2026 lineup, marking a milestone 21st anniversary edition of the beloved summer series. Returning next February, the festival will expand its route across Australia and New Zealand, adding three new venues to the circuit. Fans can expect another year of sold-out crowds after the 2025 festival drew over 200,000 attendees across main dates and a further 40,000 at sideshows. "It's incredible to be celebrating 21 years of Laneway. What began as a little street party in a Melbourne laneway has grown into a summer ritual across Australia and New Zealand," festival co-founders Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio said. "Every year we're blown away by the response from the artists, fans, and community that make Laneway so special — 2026 is about honouring that history while looking to the future." See the full lineup below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) Laneway 2026 will run from February 5–15, with shows confirmed for Auckland, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets and more information are available now from the Laneway Festival website.
Many hard-working employees (or workaholics) would argue that the EOFY is better than Christmas. With the amount of hours put in over the financial year, the celebrations may even trump the events of the previous work Christmas party. So, if you want to make it a night to remember, but you can't decide where to take your team for EOFY drinks, we've found the top places to enjoy yourself this EOFY, with no minimum spend. Yes, you read that correctly, no minimum spend, just endless fun. With a little help from The Pass, an app that allows you to order food and drinks, earn points and redeem rewards at over 190 pubs, bars and restaurants, we've narrowed down some of the best venues in Melbourne for a well-deserved afternoon pint. Each venue we've chosen has no minimum spend for EOFY functions, so you can celebrate your way. West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda We can't think of a much better way to celebrate EOFY than a beer and views of the sunset over the ocean. You'll enjoy just that at West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda's airy beachfront venue. With sweeping panoramic views, there's plenty of space for every kind of function. The Grand Beach Hall combines modern style with ocean vistas, while The Gallery offers a more intimate setting. Or for a relaxed outdoor vibe, head to The Pier Green or enjoy a laidback atmosphere at The Beach Club. Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park Just across the pond from St Kilda, Middle Park Hotel is another excellent spot for an afternoon EOFY function, made even better by the fact that there's no minimum spend. With intimate private dining spots as well as sprawling beer gardens, you can't go wrong. There's heaps of room here, which means it's a great option for companies with bigger teams. Prahran Hotel, Prahran If you're trying to decide where to take your team for EOFY drinks and are looking for a modern pub with a charming Art Deco vibe, look no further than the Prahran Hotel. The pub houses three unique bars–a public bar, an outdoor courtyard, and The Upton Bar, a large space dedicated to special events and functions. It's also conveniently located between St Kilda and South Yarra, perfect for a post-work celebratory beverage. Terminus Hotel, Abbotsford Cheers to hitting those KPIs at Terminus Hotel Abbotsford with cold beers, hearty feeds and good vibes at everyone's favourite Abbotsford local. The entire Level One is used as a function and events space, with a complimentary three-hour DJ package also on offer. This is definitely the pick for teams looking to go hard, all night long. Fairfield Boathouse, Fairfield Park End the financial year on the pristine Yarra River, with stunning views, yummy food and a relaxed atmosphere at Fairfield Boathouse. As well as an elegant function room and luxurious riverside dining, you and the team can even get out on the water for some fun, with rowing or canoeing before your event. The perfect, balanced way to round out the end of the financial year. Lakeside Pavilion, Albert Park If you don't know where to take your team for EOFY drinks, but you know you want a vibrant party, head to Lakeside Pavilion. Nestled in Melbourne's Albert Park, each guest will enjoy a complimentary arrival drink or dessert canapé to set the mood. Drinks, banter and celebrations against the backdrop of panoramic lake views, you can't get much better than this. The venue also has a capacity for up to 900 people. This means no one in the team will have to miss out. Auburn Hotel, Auburn Make your way to Hawthorn East's The Auburn Hotel to celebrate the EOFY at an iconic, laidback pub with no minimum spend. How good. Many will recognise the beautiful heritage-style building, which boasts plenty of different rooms and vibes. Choose from a beautiful wine room, a spacious openair beer garden or an atrium-style pavilion. There is also a selection of intimate private spaces, making it the ultimate spot for an EOFY soiree. Enquire now at https://thepassapp.com.au/. Images: Supplied.
Perched at the top of Bourke Street hill since the 1960s, The Paperback Bookshop in Melbourne seems untouched by time. Small, dark and cosy, this store makes any book buying experience intimate and memorable. Though, we wouldn't suggest sticking around to cheekily read the first chapter of your purchase — there simply isn't the room. Fitted out with old wooden shelves, The Paperback is stacked full of classic and contemporary titles in fiction and non-fiction. With space being such an issue, each title is lovingly selected. There's no room for Dan Brown on these much-loved shelves. Pop by on your lunch break (Pellegrini's is next door), and grab one of the shop's suggested favourites, i.e. not what you've seen go gangbusters on Goodreads. It is one of the best bookstores in Melbourne for good reason. Image: Visit Victoria.
Four decades back, concert film history was made. In December 1983, David Byrne walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. Then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras towards the legendary Talking Heads' frontman, recording the results for Stop Making Sense. The best way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event behind the greatest concert film ever made arrived in 2024, and in cinemas. That'd be watching it on the big screen, of course, with cult-favourite independent film and TV company A24 — and Madman Down Under — releasing a complete restoration of Stop Making Sense. What's the second-best way to celebrate the occasion and the movie? Catching that new 4K version at home now that it's on Madman's documentary streaming service DocPlay from Thursday, June 13. Wearing big suits is optional. Now able to burn down your house — not literally, naturally — the 4K restoration premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival, and also had a date with SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival in 2023. So, no it isn't the same as it ever was: Stop Making Sense is now even better. The film isn't just iconic for how it starts, which definitely isn't how concerts usually kick off. From there, as captured at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December 1983, David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison put on one helluva show in support of their previous year's album Speaking in Tongues. Expect a lineup of hits, a playful approach, Byrne's famous oversized attire and even heftier stage presence, and the feeling that you're virtually in the room. Indeed, everything about this energetic and precisely executed documentary, which records the set from start to finish, couldn't be further from the standard concert flick. As 'Once in a Lifetime', 'Heaven', 'Burning Down the House', Life During Wartime', 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)', 'Genius of Love' and more get a whirl, each element of the movie is that fine-tuned, and every aspect of the band's performance, too. And if it feels like Byrne was on-screen not that long ago, that's because his Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods)-directed solo concert flick American Utopia did the rounds of Aussie cinemas back in 2020 — and proved one of that year's absolute best films. Check out the trailer for Stop Making Sense's 4K restoration below: Stop Making Sense is available to stream via DocPlay from Thursday, June 13, 2024. Images: Jordan Cronenweth, Courtesy of A24.
Looking for somewhere to take a splash Down Under but feeling spoiled for choice thanks to Australia's thousands of beaches? Here's one way to pick where to head: Manly Beach in Sydney has just been anointed the seventh best beach in the world for 2024, and also the best beach in the South Pacific for this year as well. Tripadvisor bestowed the honours, as part of its annual lineup of top coastal spots. The New South Wales choice is the only Aussie destination to make the global top ten and top 25. Australia has form with the travel website's picks. Back in 2017, Whitehaven Beach ranked 17th. Jump to 2021 and the same Queensland spot came in first, with Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia in sixth. Then, in 2022, the WA beach ranked third in the world. The state was also home to Australia's best-placed piece of shoreline in 2023, when Cable Beach came in third. [caption id="attachment_891589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach[/caption] Manly Beach was recognised as the world's seventh-best beach for 2024 and Australia's top beach for 2024 partly for being a good spot for walking and shopping in the vicinity. Tripadvisor also recommends that heading along between March–May and September–November is better for temperatures and sparser crowds. In 2024, Manly Beach sits behind Portugal's Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, which was named the number-one beach for the year — plus Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, Italy in second; La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain in third; Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii, US in fourth; and Grace Bay Beach in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos in fifth. In sixth: Anse Lazio on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. From the full top 25, beaches in Aruba, Cuba, Mexico, Iceland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece and Tanzania are among the other places to earn a spot on the list. [caption id="attachment_891588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cable Beach[/caption] Among South Pacific beaches, Manly Beach emerged victorious over Cable Beach, as well as five other Aussie locations and one from New Zealand. Queensland was home to four of the Australian picks, thanks to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, Surfers Paradise Beach, Mooloolaba Beach and Whitehaven Beach. The other: Emily Bay on Norfolk Island. Aotearoa's recognition came via Mt Maunganui Main Beach. The two beaches deemed the best in the South Pacific that aren't from Down Under? Matira Beach on Society Island in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which placed third and Piscine Naturelle, Ile Des Pins, New Caledonia, which came in eighth. Across both the worldwide and South Pacific rankings, winners were chosen as part of Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice awards, which is based on millions of reviews and ratings left on the online platform from October 2022–September 2023. [caption id="attachment_891592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach[/caption] Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2024: Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua, Portugal Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii, US Grace Bay Beach, Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Eagle Beach, Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, US Varadero Beach, Varadero, Cuba Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey Archipelago Balandra Beach, La Paz, Mexico Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland Poipu Beach Park, Poipu, Koloa, Kauai, Hawai Seven Mile Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria, Spain Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Playa Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Muro Alto Beach, Porto de Galinhas, Brazil Top Ten Beaches in the South Pacific for 2024: Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia, Australia Matira Beach, Society Island, Bora Bora, French Polynesia Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia Piscine Naturelle, Ile Des Pins, New Caledonia Emily Bay, Norfolk Island, Australia Mt Maunganui Main Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand [caption id="attachment_891590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matira Beach[/caption] [caption id="attachment_891591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mooloolaba Beach[/caption] To check out the full list of top beaches for 2024, head to Tripadvisor. Images: Getty Images / Tripadvisor. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
There's little doubt that we love the city, but after a long week chained to the desk, we don't blame you if you get a little lost daydreaming about something a little lusher than the office. So, when the weekend finally comes around, take some time out and go in search of something wilder. Fortunately, you don't have to travel far from Melbourne to find plenty of natural wonders that will help you unwind (and refresh) as you soak up some crisp country air. Victoria is home to a wealth of waterfalls, dotted throughout the state's many national parks and backcountry. Flowing from pristine alpine regions, they are impressive, crystal-like falls all within a few hours' drive of the city. Something to note: this year's bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check the CFA and Parks Victoria websites and heed any alerts and warnings. [caption id="attachment_692502" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Lorne[/caption] ERSKINE FALLS Take a drive down the Great Ocean Road and you'll come across another 'great' location: the Great Otway National Park. Running from Torquay to Princetown, this sprawling national park is renowned for its temperate rainforest, flush with stunning scenery and a variety of waterfalls that flow all year round. One of its landmarks is Erskine Falls, which rises a towering 30-metres above the fernery below. Featuring two awesome vantage points, the spot is a far cry from the city, with the cascading water coating you in an invigorating mist. [caption id="attachment_719735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] MACKENZIE FALLS If you want your weekend escape to reach soaring heights, then MacKenzie Falls is where you need to head. One of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, MacKenzie is located deep within the grand Grampians National Park and flows even throughout the coldest part of the year. Undoubtedly some of the most spectacular falls within touching distance of Melbourne, it pours millions of litres of fresh water from the jagged black cliffs into a deep pool below. While you're here, make the most of your visit to the Grampians and take a short walk upstream to the charming Broken Falls. [caption id="attachment_719731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] STEAVENSON FALLS Opened to tourists in 1866, Steavenson Falls has long been a highlight for travellers touring Maryville and the surrounding foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The 84-metre drop from the top into the Steavenson River below makes for a stunning sight as several viewing platforms provide the ideal spot to get a good glimpse. The falls are one of the easiest to visit on this list at just a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Feel like a late-night nature stroll? The best part about Steavenson is that the falls are lit up by floodlights until midnight, meaning you can go along the gentle walking tracks and admire the falls in a different light (yes, literally). [caption id="attachment_719742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Melbourne[/caption] FERNTREE FALLS Situated within Mount Buangor State Park, Ferntree Falls offers some of the wildest surrounds you can find in regional Victoria. The landscape is overrun by thick eucalypt forests and rough hillsides that offer a variety of scenic walks. As you make your way along the relatively easy 45-minute return walk to get to Ferntree Falls, you'll pass by Cascade Falls, which features spectacular views across Middle Creek. Scramble over a few rocks and twist through the fernery as you get an up-close look at this beautiful natural landmark. Meanwhile, you can carry on your out-of-town adventure by exploring the surrounding area and nearby walking tracks. [caption id="attachment_703437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian M Ross via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] TURPINS FALLS Just a casual 70-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, Turpins Falls is the waterfall to visit if you're looking to find a tranquil place to spend the day. The pool below, once home to the Turpins Falls swimming club back in the 1930s, invites you to relive history by taking a dip in its icy fresh waters. Surrounded on three sides by sheer rock faces, these 20-metre falls make for a wonderful view as they go crashing into the lagoon below. Located just 15 minutes away are the cafes and restaurants of Kyneton – the perfect way to round out your countryside destressin' session. Top image: Steavenson Falls, Visit Victoria.
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. 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. 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
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you haven't really had the time to feed yourself properly? We see you and your 11pm mi goreng and raise you an 8am stale muesli bar from our car stash. Sometimes it's hard to be a fully functioning, cooking, pre-planning adult when you've got a lot on. You'll get to the weekend and find there's nothing in your cupboards and you've got a raging hunger that won't quit — so why not quell the fire with yum cha in Melbourne? Yum cha hits the sweet spot cuisine-wise. You can eat a bunch of different small Chinese dishes — which usually cruise straight up to your table on a trolley – and you can eat a hell of a lot. For those days when you're feeling like your hunger can never be truly sated, it might be a good call for you and your loosest pair of pants to check out the list of where to find the best yum cha in Melbourne. Each haunt puts its own twist on the beloved dining experience — but all serve up top-notch dumplings, pork buns and tea. Recommended reads: Where to Find the Best Dumplings in Melbourne The Best Hot Pot Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Set Menus Under $100 The Best Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Images: Julia Sansone
