Just because you're not currently sitting on a beach in the Caribbean sipping pina coladas, doesn't mean you can't capture some of that big holiday energy right here at home. Rum-lovers will find themselves in cocktail heaven this month, when Whitehart hosts the next edition of its I Hart Rum festival. On Sunday, February 20, the CBD container bar will be turning on the tropical vibes for a big day of rum and entertainment, held across two sessions. More than 25 distilleries will be showing off their creations for you to sample, totalling over 80 different varieties of rum. There'll be plenty of cocktails being shaken and stirred, including treats from a sustainable pop-up bar hosted by Fitzroy's Ends and Means. You'll also be able to wet your whistle at Fever Tree's dedicated highball station, load up on knowledge at an Australian rum distillers panel and stock up on cocktailware at the tiki mug shop, all while listening to the afternoon's guest DJs. And if you sip something you love, a pop-up bottle shop will be stocked with an array of rare and unique rums to take home.
Known for its minimalist design, Japanese home goods giant MUJI made a sizeable leap back in 2015, adding houses to its range. As well as selling items to fill your home with, it started selling prefabricated homes as well. Compact but functional — and, perhaps most importantly, affordable — the new additions understandably garnered plenty of attention. But, while the company also released a tiny hut in 2017, it hasn't expanded its house lineup since. Until now, that is. And while MUJI's first three flat-pack houses were all multi-storey abodes made for city living, it has just designed its first one-storey version. Called Yano-no-ie, it's a response to customer demand — and its designed to adapt to different living requirements. Thanks to sliding doors that open out onto a deck, it's also the result of a concerted effort to combine indoor and outdoor living. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2atw0eHEUu/ Taking over 73 square metres of floor space, with a total construction area of 91.50 square metres, Yano-no-ie's standard configuration features a bedroom, living area, combined kitchen and dining room, bathroom and outdoor area — so, as you'd expect, it keeps things simple. That said, its spaces are meant to be multifunctional. The bedroom features furniture that can be used throughout the day as well, for example, with the company suggesting that you can deploy it as a place for reading or using a computer throughout the day, and to have a drink in of an evening. Designed in a box shape, Yano-no-ie is fashioned out of wooden siding made from Japanese cedar. Linking in with MUJI's existing products, it's made to accommodate the brand's storage range in its kitchen — and, in the bathroom, it features the same type of wash basin used in MUJI's hotels. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wNEt9HMkc/ Like MUJI's existing prefab homes, it's also far more economical than your average house, starting at 15.98 million yen or around AU$211,000. Alas, although the company has stores in Sydney and Melbourne — including its first Australian MUJI concept store — the houses aren't available to buy outside of Japan as yet. Via: MUJI.
Road trippers have returned to the freeways, exploring rural Victoria's best towns and natural landscapes. And one of these towns has got to be Cobram which straddles the twists and turns of the Murray River. When visiting this area, you've got the option to really relax or go full hog and have a proper adventure. Hike up around the local forest, take to the water with some wakeboarding or jet skiing (whether you're a pro or total rookie), or slow right down and immerse yourself in the local wildlife and culture. We've teamed up with our Victorian road trip partner RACV to bring you a selection of incredible ways to experience Cobram and the surrounding region. And don't forget: if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels. [caption id="attachment_845463" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria[/caption] SWIM AT ONE OF THE LARGEST INLAND BEACHES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Cobram is home to what locals claim is one of the longest inland beaches in Australia, Thompson's Beach. Sit on the sandy shore with a book for the day, dipping in and out of the water periodically, or jump in a canoe and let the current slowly take you downstream. You can easily spend an entire day here, being as lazy or active as you like. It's a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, making it a truly special spot for experiencing the area's culture. The local animals don't mind it either, and if you look up into the river red gums lining the shore you can catch a goanna or koala sunning themselves. [caption id="attachment_845466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] TEE OFF AT ONE OF THE REGION'S MANY GOLD COURSES You don't need to swim in the river or go hiking in forests to experience some active fun in Cobram. If you'd rather work on your swing, the region is known for having some damn good golf clubs. You've got the Cobram Barooga Golf Club, the nearby Tocumwal Golf Club, Black Bull Golf Club at Yarrawonga and Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club. Each of these is a winner for golfers with a range of experience. Either plan your visit around one of the region's golf tournaments or pop by during quieter periods for more relaxed play. SEE THE BIG STRAWBERRY AND GO STRAWBERRY PICKING It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but Aussies really do love big public sculptures of random fruits and animals. It's a thing – especially for seasoned road trippers. So, when driving near Cobram, you have to stop by The Big Strawberry. Yeah, it's great for the requisite happy snap for your 'Big Things' photo album, but you can also do some good old fashioned strawberry picking. Grab a bucket and take to the fields during a sunny day in Cobram. Grab as many as you like, either for jam making back home or just enough to keep you going for the next leg of your road trip around northern Victoria. And if you can't be bothered doing the work, you can grab a strawberry ice cream or jars of preserves from the cafe and store. [caption id="attachment_845468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE A HIDDEN DESERT OASIS FULL OF CACTI Rural Victoria offers up a whole lot of unexpected things to do – including a visit to Australia's largest cactus garden. Spend an arvo in Cactus Country's Mexican inspired garden and see a different, less Australiana landscape. Walk down some of the eight different paths spread across 12 acres, snapping pictures within this desert oasis, before diving into margaritas, nachos, and homemade cactus ice cream. You can also take in the views of the cactus fields and surrounding area from the elevated lookout dome. See how many of the 1000+ plant varieties you can spot, from the smallest of succulents to the largest of the cacti. You'll feel completely transported when exploring Cactus Country. [caption id="attachment_845493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darren Donlen[/caption] EXPLORE THE DIVERSE TERRAIN OF COBRAM REGIONAL PARK When heading up this way, you must stop by the well-preserved Cobram Regional Park. If you're short on time, you can drive up to a few lookouts and walk along the shorter trails but we recommend you take your time here. Within Cobram Regional Park, you can hike along the Murray River, stopping to swim in and camp by several inland beaches. This is true escapism. You can also visit the Quinn Island Wetlands Sanctuary. This forty-hectare island was formed by a bend in the Murray River and is a waterbird haven. A trail winds its way through river red gum and silver wattle forest, and from a bird hide you can spot a huge range of native birds and animals — especially after some heavy rain. You'll feel like you're in an epic David Attenborough documentary when you walk around the area. [caption id="attachment_845475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPERIENCE THE MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER UP CLOSE Cobram's unique cultural identity is directly linked to the Murray River. Locals have always lived off the surrounding lands which have been fed by the river, but these waters do more than just help the farmers. They also make Cobram a massive water sports destination. Go fishing along the banks, spend the day paddle boarding or get behind a power boat for some water skiing. You don't have to be a water sport pro to enjoy all this, either. There are several companies that offer water skiing lessons for total newbies, and you can easily join a guided canoe tour of the local waterway. There are also some romantic sunset cruises for those wanting to slow down. Everyone and anyone can enjoy a long day on the Murray. [caption id="attachment_845477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] LEARN THE LOCAL HISTORY AND ENJOY A TRADITIONAL FARMERS' LUNCH The Byramine Homestead is ideal for road trippers wanting to take in some regional history. Learn about the early pioneering days which helped make Cobram what it is today before having a morning tea in the picturesque gardens. There's also a brewery and cider house on site and a restaurant with paddock-to-plate meals (try the Ploughman's) so you can spend a few more hours drinking and snacking within this historic setting. Take a long rest here before heading back to your hotel, caravan park or tent for the night. ADMIRE THE MURRAY IN COMFORT AT THE RACV COBRAM RESORT When on a long road trip, you really want to stay somewhere that immerses you in the local area. And the RACV Cobram Resort does just that. Positioned along the Murray River, the property features a range of self-contained cabins where you and your crew can relax amongst the wildlife — or, sit out on your private balcony, pour yourself a glass of wine, and escape it all. Either spend the whole day making the most of the resort's facilities (there's a pool, tennis courts and a spa to enjoy in the colder months) or use it as a base to explore more of the region. At RACV Cobram Resort, you can take in the sights, scents, and sounds of the Australian countryside in pure comfort. Planning a road trip? Get RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you head off. Top images: Visit Victoria
IMAX theatres are the cutting edge of the film industry, and no IMAX screen in the southern hemisphere can really hold a candle to IMAX Melbourne. It's kitted out with IMAX Laser 4K resolution, the only IMAX 1570 film projector in the country and the largest 1.43:1 cinema screen in the southern hemisphere. All that makes it the perfect home for Big Best IMAX Festival, which has set a Saturday, January 31 opening date for its 2026 return. The festival puts the biggest and best of Hollywood, both new and old, front and centre on the IMAX screen, with reruns of recent releases and remastered classics alike for eager theatre attendees — presented in Australia's only IMAX 70mm film prints and IMAX 4k Laser. This year, the program is led by Christopher Nolan classics like The Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar and Oppenheimer. They're joined by award season frontrunners from 2025, including Ryan Coogler's Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another — and blockbusters like F1: The Movie and Denis Villeneuve's award-winning Dune and Dune: Part Two ahead of the release of Dune: Messiah later this year. Other entries to the program include a Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 double feature, George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road in 3D and Francis Ford Coppola's divisive Megalopolis. Several classic films will get the remastered IMAX treatment, including The Matrix, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Apocalypse Now, Se7en, Back to the Future, The Shining, Princess Mononoke and more. [caption id="attachment_1061503" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Director/Producer/Co-Writer Christopher Nolan on the set of INTERSTELLAR, from Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures.[/caption] The Christopher Nolan entries are a special standout, as Nolan is known to create films with IMAX theatres in mind. His last release, Oppenheimer, has a film reel that's 18km long and weighs over 270kg, seeing it in IMAX 1570 is an extremely rare treat. His upcoming release, The Odyssey, will be the first film in history to be entirely filmed on IMAX cameras, the film reel is supposedly even longer than Oppenheimer, and IMAX Melbourne will be the only theatre in the southern hemisphere to screen the film on IMAX 70mm when it releases in July. Tickets to BBIFF 2026 go on sale from Wednesday, January 14 at 1pm for IMAX Big League members and 3pm for the general public. Visit the IMAX Melbourne website for more information. Images courtesy of Warner Brothers via Museums Victoria
The World's Best 50 Hotels has named The Calile in Brisbane the top place to stay in the whole of Australia and Oceania not once but twice. Nigella Lawson has sung its praises recently. It's been one of the River City's finest homes away from home ever since first opening in 2018. Holidaymakers flock to the Fortitude Valley spot, including Brisbanites for staycations and out-of-towners for resort-style getaways. Soon, you'll have a second The Calile to stay at further north. As initially announced back in 2022, the group behind The Calile has plans for a new site on the Sunshine Coast. Now, that proposal has just been given final approval. The destination for The Calile's expansion beyond James Street: Noosa, where the brand's sub-tropical look and feel will fit in perfectly. Calile Malouf Investments CMI), the group behind The Calile, has announced that Noosa Shire Council approved the final plans for The Calile Noosa on Thursday, October 17, 2024 after a two-year process. Work can now begin in early 2025, with construction expected to take three years. The next must-stay Noosa hotel will sit on a 2.4-hectare site at 3–7 Serenity Close in Noosa Heads, and feature 153 rooms, 29 suites and four villas. Yes, it's going to be a sprawling venue, which'll apply within the broader location and in the rooms themselves. That's one of the key points of focus for CMI's plans, alongside soaking in that sub-tropical vibe — complete with gardens, which have helped make The Calile in Fortitude Valley what it is. [caption id="attachment_909119" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St[/caption] "We worked collaboratively with the Noosa Council and fine-tuned the scheme to ensure we addressed the planning scheme and community expectations," said The Calile co-owner and CMI Director Michael Malouf. "Resort sites are often at risk of being ceded to multinational hotel companies who impose incongruous designs and standards upon the local community. By contrast, The Calile is a homegrown Southeast Queensland brand with an implicit understanding of the local culture, climate, community, demographic and attributes," he continued. [caption id="attachment_694714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] Accordingly, your future trips to Noosa should see you roaming around a coastal resort surrounded by lush bushland, taking a dip in several pools — one stretching 50 metres, the other in a garden — and chasing your bliss in the site's wellness facilities. When you recline to your rooms, you'll be relaxing in sizeable surroundings, with 45 square metres the standard hotel-room space. Guests will also be making the most of The Calile's second hotel to be designed by architects Richard and Spence, as Brisbane's is. Mark a 2028 visit in your diary now. Plus, sustainability will be a focus, with carbon-neutral operations the target. [caption id="attachment_973398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_856487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_694716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Sean Fennessy.[/caption] The Calile Noosa is set to open by 2028 at 3–7 Serenity Close, Noosa Heads. In the interim, find Brisbane's The Calile Hotel at 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Australia's best interiors for 2025 have been revealed — and a theatrical Brisbane restaurant has nabbed top honours. Central, the subterranean restaurant by J.AR Office, claimed the prestigious Premier Award for Australian Interior Design at this year's Australian Interior Design Awards. Celebrated for its moody, immersive atmosphere and inventive use of constraints, the venue also won the Hospitality Design Award and Best of State Commercial for Queensland. The annual awards, now in their 22nd year, recognise excellence across residential, hospitality, retail, installation, public and workplace design, as well as achievements in sustainability and emerging practice. The program is a collaboration between the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media's InteriorsAu, with this year's entries honouring aesthetic impact and user-centred thinking. [caption id="attachment_1010109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Central by J.AR Office[/caption] The jury praised Central as a "highly inventive project" that's "executed with a level of cleverness that uses constraints to its advantage". In a year defined by refined aesthetics and clear design narratives, the 80-seat, Hong Kong-inspired Central stood out for its emotive interiors, with low lighting and cleverly juxtaposed accents of granite, timber and exposed rock, which all set the stage for a singular experience. Elsewhere, southern states swept the residential awards — Montage Apartments by Studio Prineas in Sydney's Double Bay received both the Residential Design and Best of State Residential for New South Wales accolades, commended for its "strong and nuanced colour palette and detailing", while the "joyful, sophisticated and colourful" Panorama House by Sally Caroline won the Residential Decoration Award and Best of State Residential for Victoria. Design Office claimed Retail Design honours for Vic's Meats in Chatswood Chase, Sydney — the project was also awarded Best of State Commercial in NSW for its "bold and highly distinctive design" that "honour[s] the tradition of the butcher's craft through a contemporary expression". [caption id="attachment_1010110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coopers Brand Home by studio gram[/caption] In the Public Design category, Studio SC was recognised for its moving and detailed interior at the new Australian War Memorial entrance in Canberra, which also took home Best of State Commercial in the ACT. The jury was split down the middle for the Workplace Design award, with top honours shared by both Cox Architecture's Adelaide Studio (which also won Best of State Commercial for South Australia) and the Arup Workplace Perth/Boorloo by Hames Sharley with Arup and Peter Farmer Designs — the latter also received the Sustainability Advancement Award for its conscious use of resources and sensitivity to human interaction. The jury noted that this year's awards represented "an opportunity for our industry to stand back, take it all in and genuinely celebrate the quality of interior design being produced in Australia today". And they're confident that the future is in good hands, too: "We can give ourselves a collective pat on the back as we continue to produce work that is inventive and sophisticated." [caption id="attachment_1010111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Good Luck Restaurant Bar by Akin Atelier[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Good Luck Restaurant Bar by Akin Atelier[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010114" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palace Coffee by Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice[/caption] For more information on the Australian Interior Design Awards 2025 and the full list of winners, head to the awards' website.
Sometimes you just want to leave the city behind and get back to nature. Recharge and reconnect. Go off-road or underwater or deep into the outback. Where can you do it all? Western Australia's Coral Coast. On this stretch of coast, you'll find everything from wildflowers and wonderfully weird geological sights to beautifully preserved coral habitats. See vibrant underwater ecosystems to rival those on the tropical east coast and swim with gentle giants of the sea. Take road trips through storied landscapes of deep cultural significance, stand up high for sweeping vistas across ancient formations and hike, hike, hike to your heart's content. Stay on family-owned cattle stations with luxe amenities or simply set up your tent by the river for a truly rustic getaway. Whether you want a day trip from Perth (Boorloo) or a dedicated adventure north, underwater encounters or desert exploration, country home comforts or nights sleeping out under the stars, here's a few ways you can get in touch with nature during your Coral Coast trip. Get ready for a breath of fresh air — and a heavy dose of wonder and awe. [caption id="attachment_895302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] UNDERWATER WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS The western beaches are world-class — and, if you head offshore (and underwater), you can get up close and personal with a really special place. Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) is a healthy, vibrant reef that plays host to some incredible marine life. To meet them, head out by boat from Coral Bay or Exmouth (Warnangoora). The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and swims by between March and August. You'd be silly to miss taking a snorkel tour to join these gentle and beautiful giants in their home. In this part of the world, you're also well-placed to catch one of the huge manta rays soaring gracefully through the water. Around 30,000 humpbacks pass through the marine park between June and October, and you can set off on a boat tour for a closer look at the pods of these gargantuan guests. For a glimpse of a rare species, take a cruise to see the sea lions in Jurien Bay playing in the ocean and resting on their 'haul out' islands. [caption id="attachment_896070" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lavender Patch at Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay[/caption] CORAL VIEWING TOUR It may not be as well known as the Great Barrier Reef, but Ningaloo Marine Park is a thriving World Heritage-listed area — and the world's largest fringing coral reef. The Coral Coast has more than 200 coral varieties and more than 500 species of fish; joining them is an abundance of charismatic mammals and seabirds. For what lies beneath the sparkling blue waves, you can't beat a glass-bottom boat tour — some even include fish-feeding. The clear, shallow waters make it a cinch to view these underwater worlds teeming with marine life; you never know what you're going to spy gliding under the glass. You don't have to be a coral expert when you've got one on board talking you through it, and with passionate guides operating out of a roll call of local businesses — like this one-hour coral-filled trip with Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat — you'll be schooled on all the ins and outs of the reef. Plus, many are eco-certified, so you know your guides love the reef and are dedicated to preserving it for future generations. [caption id="attachment_895352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] YAMAJI DRIVE TRAIL The Yamaji Drive Trail near Geraldton (Jambinu) is an epic 195-kilometre stretch of road where history, art and natural wonders are entwined. Featuring 14 significant Aboriginal sites, this experience takes its name from the word meaning 'human' or 'man' in the language of the Wajarri people. You'll traverse a diversity of landscapes in this patch of the world, from idyllic beaches, tree-lined rivers and red, red dirt to midden sites, meeting places and stellar wildflower-spotting places to wander. There's no need to keep yourself cooped up in the car: there are numerous walking trails through parks and reserves along the drive. See native quandong trees on the Warlgu trail, go bird-spotting along the Greenough River nature trail, and visit Ellendale Pool, watched over by Bimarra the serpent. Depending on how often you'd like to stop and explore, the whole trip can take between one and two days. Looking to break it up with a stay? We recommend Geraldton, Greenough or Mullewa as overnight pitstops. [caption id="attachment_895316" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK Only a few hours' drive from Perth, Nambung National Park feels a world away from the shining city. Explore this mesmerising area via dedicated walks or drives through the desert. Visit the Pinnacles, the famous ancient limestone rock formations, standing stark in the sandy flats like some alien landscape. Take the boardwalk at Lake Thetis and learn all about the curious geology of the place — and the unique rock forms known as thrombolites. From August to October, the oceanside dune vegetation flowers beautifully, covering the sandy scenery in life and colour. The park also has beaches perfect for swimming, snorkelling and surfing from the white sands and blue waters of Kangaroo Point to Hangover Bay in Jurien Bay Marine Park and the rocky shoreline of Grey beach area (if you brought a fishing rod, this is the spot). Head to the Desert Discovery Centre to find out more about the history, significance and ecology of this fascinating park. [caption id="attachment_895310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] KALBARRI SKYWALK The Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka) offers an unbeatable view of the 80-kilometre expanse of the Murchison River Gorge. Formed millions of years ago, the gorge is part of an ancient landscape replete with fossils and fascinating geology. The cantilevered platforms sit 100 metres above the gorge, making it feel like you're really floating in the sky. Look down or gaze out and take in the vast view of scrub, sand and stone below, with the river snaking through. There are a few more spectacular places to catch a sunset around here, too. If you want to get a bit closer, take a hiking track down to the gorge to catch the seasonal wildflowers blooming in the rugged terrain. Learn about the flora and fauna, the history of the place and of the Nanda Aboriginal people from sculptures and helpful signs. Stay a while and refresh yourself at the kiosk or set up a picnic at the table. You won't find a better lunchtime vista than this. CORAL COAST WILDFLOWER TRAIL Love wildflowers? Really love them? Then set off on this 11-day trail along a stretch of the Coral Coast in bloom. From late July to early October, this driving trail and its many points of interest burst into florals — with a few rare plant species to spot as well. Native wildflowers surround historical sites, tourist activities and places of cultural significance. Pick up a map and set out on an adventure. Each day on this road trip offers a new landscape, a different mix of wildflowers and wildlife, and a compact diversity of geological wonders, national parks and sweeping beaches. You can stop off in Carnarvon — the 'food bowl' — to sample delicious local produce while spotting the fuchsia dream parakeelya, delicate bluebells and seasonal everlastings. While you're on this adventure, you could opt to stay at Peron Homestead, relax in an artesian spa, explore 8 kilometres of walking trails in Mullewa, get amongst the gum trees, carpets of wildflowers and native scrub (and a few rare orchids) in Kalbarri National Park and visit historic buildings to discover the stories of the vibrant communities along the way. [caption id="attachment_895309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] OUTBACK STATION STAYS: BULLARA, QUOBBA, WOORAMEL Want the real outback experience? Stay at a working station and see it all firsthand. Bullara Station (Punurrba; pictured above) lies between Coral Bay and Exmouth, offering an authentic cattle station experience complete with friendly country hospitality. Stay in a self-contained cottage or shearers' lodge, or on a bush-camping site. Take coffee and scones in the wool shed garden, join your host and guests for special meal nights, stay for the yearly muster, or just wander, stargaze, fish and recharge. For an eco-certified option, head to Quobba Station instead. The Meecham family operates this 187,000-hectare station, which was established in 1898. You can stay in the original cottage outbuildings, including the blacksmith's workshop, stables or jackaroo quarters. You're close to the sea here, so make the most of fishing, whale watching and even snorkelling with turtles. The station campground at Wooramel River Retreat sits on the banks of the Wooramel River. It's a delightful balance between the rugged outdoors and home comforts, with a private campfire, naturally heated artesian bore baths, walking trails and a cafe and nightly dinners. The family-owned outback station backs onto a World Heritage area and splendid surrounds that are hard to beat if you're looking to partake in wildlife spotting. Whichever part of Western Australia beckons you over, Concrete Playground Trips is the ideal place to start planning. Ready to go? Head to the website. Top images: Tourism Western Australia (Exmouth Adventure Co; Quobba Station; Bullara Station Stay; Bullara Station Stay; Ningaloo Reef; Coral Bay; Kalbarri Skywalk; Exmouth Dive).
It's not even the end of 2025, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a significant and exciting year for the Melbourne hospo industry. The team behind Melbourne perennial hotspot, the Gilson, have announced plans for an intriguing new venue to open next year. James McBride and Marc Gurman are well-versed in the art of Melbourne drinking and dining. Their Domain Road cafe by day, restaurant by night, the Gilson, draws crowds from all hours, serving not only energetic vibes, but consistently high-quality food. Now, they are taking their many years of experience and channelling it into The Frog Club. Slated to open in August 2026, the new venue is set to be a hot new grill and late-night spot, taking up the former Morris Jones Site on Chapel Street in Windsor. "At The Frog Club, we are creating a venue we have really missed in Melbourne," says co-owner Jamie McBride, "where it is not just the food that is culturally exciting, but it is also the atmosphere, a place you don't really want to leave." The venue will take influence from New York City grills, while also focusing strongly on music with a high-flying vinyl collection. There will be burgers and dry-aged steaks, classic cocktails, and if the Gilson is anything to go by, it's likely the guest list will be as notable as the wine list. Images: Supplied. The Frog Club is slated to open in August 2026. In the meantime, work your way through the best restaurants in Melbourne using our handy guide.
While many of us wish we were jumping on a plane for a week of relaxing at a beachside resort in Saint-Tropez or hopping over to the Cinque Terre for many bowls of pasta and spritzes, the reality is international travel can be a time-consuming and expensive hassle. But, that doesn't mean a glamorous waterfront getaway is completely unattainable. About an hour's drive north of Sydney, you'll find Pittwater, which is surrounded by hundreds of secluded beach houses, charming cabins set right on the water and serene retreats that'll transport you miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To save you hours of scrolling, we've rounded up a list of the most stunning — and most secluded — Airbnbs located by the water around Sydney's northern beaches. So, book a spot, pack your togs and get ready to escape the city for a weekend of relaxing. Recommended Reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in NSW The Best Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Boathouse, Scotland Island This cosy coastal cabin is the ideal destination for couples wanting to unwind, beachside. It's got character aplenty, with sparkling water views to match. From $440 a night, sleeps two. Boathouse on the Waterfront, Avalon Beach A cheery couples' hideout perched right on the shores of Careel Bay, where just a few steps connect open-plan living with a waterfront jetty. From $995 a night, sleeps two. Secluded Waterfront Cottage, Lovett Bay It doesn't get much more secluded than this bayside retreat for two, which backs onto a lush national park and has water-only access. From $399 a night, sleeps two. Retreat at Coasters, Coasters Retreat Treat your flock to some downtime at this family-style retreat, enveloped by pristine bushland and set just metres from the shore. From $444 a night, sleeps four. The Secret Palm Beach Getaway, Palm Beach At this breezy Palm Beach cottage, the open-plan living space, sprawling deck and infinity pool all boast the same covetable water views. From $700 a night, sleeps two. Sandstone Cottage, Great Mackerel Beach One of Mackerel Beach's original sandstone cottages is now a secluded six-person hideaway with spectacular sunrises to match. From $1100 a night, sleeps six. Cape Mackerel Cabin, Great Mackerel Beach Secure your own patch of Great Mackerel beachfront, boasting an entertainer's dream deck and views that stretch from Palm Beach to the Central Coast. From $635 a night, sleeps six. Tides Reach Boathouse, McCarrs Creek Accessible only by water, this modern nautical cottage feels worlds away from reality. Fresh white interiors and a sun-drenched waterfront deck round out the holiday vibes. From $700 a night, sleeps eight. The Boathouse Retreat, Elvina Bay This peaceful hideaway nestled on the edge of Ku-ring-gai National Park offers stunning views of Pittwater and that cosy tiny home feel without compromising comfort. From $360 a night, sleeps two. The Oyster Shed, Lovett Bay Accessed only by water, this rustic studio on the bay is perfect romantic getaway. This nautical boathouse comes complete with a fire pit, private dock and cosy vibes to spare. From $369 a night. Sleeps two. Top image: Waterfront Boathouse 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.
Chinese tradition meets the old-school Aussie pub at The National Hotel in Richmond. And now, every Sunday from midday until the stroke of 3pm, the iconic local is hosting an elaborate Yum Cha lunch. Because there's no better way to end your week (or cure your hangover) than with the mother of all feeds. Yum Cha Sundays will feature a range of classic and modern yum cha options, which, if you're lucky, might include their steamed duck dumplings and pork belly bao. They'll also be serving a special iced tea cocktail, which should go down a treat. Alternatively, stick with beer. Beer's good too. Image: Gareth Sobey/The National.
It's about time Torquay got a luxe day spa. The Great Ocean Road town does have a few wellness spaces that you can drop by for massages and skin treatments, but there's nothing quite like the bathhouses and natural hot springs found across the bay at Mornington Peninsula. But finally, on Thursday, December 26, About Time will open and Torquay will get the day spa it deserves. It comes from the people who created Little Company (champions of slow, pared-back facials and LED lightroom therapy) and STILL Beauty (massage experts), so you're sure to get some damn good wellness treatments here. The Torquay spa is also fully equipped for all your luxury bathing needs within its brutalist building. Inside, it will have a magnesium pool, cold plunge pool, traditional sauna, steam room, and private infrared saunas and ice baths that can be booked for groups of up to eight people. Step outside, and you'll find hot and cold magnesium pools that are tailor-made for social bathing with mates. You're free to chat out here, but it seems like the indoor bathhouse is more about quiet self-care. With so little competition out this way, About Time is set to be incredibly popular with locals and day-trippers alike. About Time is slated to open on Boxing Day, and will be found at 27 Baines Crescent, Torquay. For more information and to book a spot at the spa, check out the venue's website.
With a name like Holy Grail, a nautical aesthetic might not be what you expect at this venue, but there's no Camelots, killer rabbits or incompetent knights here. With ropes, wheels and an antique interior that feels like the bowels of a ship itself, Holy Grail is Chapel Street's own vessel for a night out. When visiting a ship, you can't be blamed for wanting to drink like a sailor, and Holy Grail emphasises the beverages. For starters, there are two separate happy hour offerings. Between the hours of 3–7pm, house beer and wines by the pot, pint, jug and glass get the discount, while from 7–9pm, you'll be able to sip on $14 Tommy's margaritas, spiced rum espresso martinis and hard slushies. Outside of the happy hours, there are cocktails aplenty. Signatures range from the punchy Breakfast Slipper (Patron Silver tequila, Midori, orgeat, lime, orange marmalade and jalapeño tabasco) to the more delicate Shy Girl (Grainshaker vodka, Fraise des Bois, Licor 43 Horchata, strawberry puree and egg white). Dessert-focused drinks are on offer if you're docked here to end the night, and if you prefer your beverages a bit more single-minded, you've got more than enough to browse through in the beer, wine and spirits lists. Hungry? Food comes in the form of pizza, thanks to Freddy's across the street. Images: Arianna Leggiero
To mark the start of the city's most electric sports season, adidas Racquet Club is hosting a free rooftop Block Party. It'll kick off the tennis season, as sport, style and social scenes collide in one seriously elevated setting. On Thursday, January 15, the adidas Racquet Club will take over one of Melbourne's best rooftops with views of the Yarra River and Olympic Park. As the sun dips, you and your mates will find DJs soundtracking the night, flowing drinks, food on hand and a buzzing crowd of sport and style obsessives. There'll also be tennis player appearances, as well as exclusive prizes and giveaways on the night. While this VIP party is free to attend, you need to register for a spot by Tuesday, January 13, and arrive on time (or early), as entry is first-come, first-served. Expect epic views, sounds of the summer, drinks of the season, and a chance to celebrate the beginning of Melbourne's favourite summer sporting event. It's an exclusive Block Party you won't want to miss. Rally your crew and secure your place by registering here. Due to high demand and limited space, you must register by Tuesday, 13 January. Entry on the evening will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an 18+ event. Image credit: Supplied
Few pairs have earned themselves quite the same icon status as the humble duo of bacon and eggs. And it's this classic partnership that's the star of the show at Prahran pop-up-turned-permanent brunch destination Beggs & Acon. This playfully named venue from the Mr Miyagi crew is celebrating breakfast foods both classic and creative, across a simple and sustainably focused menu you'll be happy to hit at any time of day. A fast cult favourite, the signature brekkie roll features scrambled eggs, bacon, hollandaise and chilli jam, loaded into a fluffy white roll ($12.50) or even loaded into warm flatbread ($12.50). Feeling fancy? Get your egg and bacon fix in the form of two cheesy empanadas ($14), or infused into a Bistro Morgan doughnut ($12.50). Later, lunchtime calls for the likes of a sourdough BLT finished with bacon jam and a fried egg ($14.50), and panko-crumbed eggplant sangas dressed with pickled chilli mayo ($14.50). And, while it's tempting to go nuts on the house-made add-ons — think, caramelised onions, crisp hash browns and some of that spicy bacon jam — just be sure to save room for a sweet finale. Revamping another breakfast classic is the peanut butter and jelly french toast, which is coated in cornflakes, oozing from the middle and teamed with a vanilla yoghurt sauce ($7). Images: James Butler
Japan has a knack for turning something simple into an elite experience and its snack game is no exception. Whether you've experienced the joys of a Tokyo konbini (convenience store) for yourself or you've only seen the hauls all over social media, the sheer volume of unique and delicious treats can be mind-boggling. So, in partnership with Suntory -196, we've hand-picked our ultimate favourites — from a satisfying savoury bite to the sweet candies to stash in your desk drawer — and found the top spots around Australia to get your hands on them. Happy snacking. [caption id="attachment_820994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandoitchi, Leigh Griffiths[/caption] Sandos Grab-and-go food chains have never really taken off in Australia like they have in other parts of the world so actively seeking out a convenience store sandwich when in Tokyo can be a hard concept to grasp. But one bite of a tamago sando (Japanese egg sandwich) will smash through any preconceptions. Made with fluffy crustless milk bread (shokupan) and a rich, buttery egg filling, these decadent bites are beautiful in their simplicity and can be found in pretty much every one of the 50,000 konbini across Japan. Back in Australia, we'd recommend sticking to the dedicated cafes like Saint Dreux in Melbourne CBD which coats an egg slab with a nori (seaweed) sheet and panko breadcrumbs; Supernova, in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, truffle-laced version served with a curry dipping sauce; or new-kid-on-the-Darlo-block Punpun in Sydney where the chefs steam the eggs into a custard-like consistency before slathering them with chive mayo. Once you've tried the cult classic, venture out to the other iterations, like the pork katsu sando or the fruit sando, stuffed with seasonal fruit and whipped cream — both are done to perfection by the legends at Sydney favourite Sandoitchi. Suntory -196 Japan may be nicknamed the Land of the Rising Sun but the major cities really come alive at night. From walking down neon-lit streets to chatting with locals at intimate vinyl bars and belting out your best rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On' at a karaoke joint, many of the iconic experiences travellers seek out in Japan happen after dark. And many of them happen with a Strong Zero in hand — the cult Japanese premixed drink, made with a blend of shochu, vodka and soda, available in 7-Elevens, Lawsons and Family Marts across the nation. When you're looking to capture a little of that Japanese spirit (both literally and figuratively) ahead of your next night out, pop to your local bottle-o to grab some Suntory -196s, brought to Australia by Suntory in honour of their number one premix in Japan. There are now three exceptional flavours to try — the zesty yet crisp OG Double Lemon; the sweet 'n' sour Double Grape and the oh-so-juicy Double Peach (Double Peach was released just last year and we can't wait to see what new stuff they've got in store for 2025). All three are made using Suntory's patented Freeze Crush Infusion Technology, which involves the flash freezing of real fruit at -196 degrees Celsius before crushing and infusing the fruits into spirits to intensify the flavour profile for double the fruity hit. Can't decide which one to go for? Opt for a variety ten-pack from all major bottle shops, including Dan Murphy's, and slowly sip your way through to find your favourite. Melonpan What happens when two classic comfort foods — bread and cookies — join forces? It creates the ultimate little snack to satisfy those 3pm sugar cravings. Featuring fluffy sweetbread covered by a crunchy cookie crust, melonpan is a slightly sturdier version of the famous Hong Kong pineapple bun and is named for its resemblance to rockmelon. Sydney's Azuki Bakery (Newtown and Wolli Creek) has gained a following for its melonpan — while you're there, grab the best-selling curry pan, a savoury doughnut filled with beef curry. In Melbourne, head to Japanese-inspired bakery and cafe Fuumi Fuumi in South Yarra for its flavoured versions (think matcha, strawberry or chocolate) straight from the oven. Brisbane's well-loved French patisserie Le Boulangerie Amour Fou, with locations in Sunnybank, Indooroopilly, Woollongabba and more, offers its own take on the treat in mocha and mango flavours. Kororo Gummy Candy File this one under 'there's nothing quite like it'. These colourful little gummies are popular across Japan as much for the affordability and novelty as they are for the actual taste — a pack will usually only set you back the equivalent of about AUD$1 and they somewhat resemble a grape, right down to the wrinkly skin that you can (but don't need to) peel off. Inside, the gummy is soft, chewy and bursting with flavour. The most popular flavours are grape, muscat (green) grape and white peach. Owing to these little gems going viral on TikTok a while ago, most Japanese grocery stores in Australia now stock these so check out Maruyu and Amami Mart in Sydney and Fuji Mart in Brisbane and Melbourne. Mochi This traditional rice cake snack comes in so many forms it could have its own article — you can get them stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean paste, fresh cream and fruit or tiny scoops of ice cream; in soup; toasted into a waffle; or transformed into a chewy doughnut. They're so popular that they're not very hard to find in Australia anymore — even the major supermarkets sell them — but quality can vary wildly. Seek out authentic, freshly made mochi at Torori Warabi Mochi in Haymarket, Sydney, in classic flavours like matcha, hojicha and Hokkaido milk. A Melbourne store is due to open later this year. In Brisbane, Sonder Dessert in Sunnybank has been the go-to for years, serving its version coated in roasted soy bean powder with a brown sugar dipping sauce. [caption id="attachment_988373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 15cenchi[/caption] Japanese Cheesecake Many nations lay claim to having the best cheesecake. There's the New York-style version (uncooked cream cheese with a crumbled cookie base) and the bittersweet yet creamy burnt Basque-style option. But the Japanese version, a soufflé-esque concoction that is wobbly and oh-so-light, must not be overlooked. Uncle Tetsu takes the (literal) cake for bringing this masterpiece to the Aussie masses with stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and both cities now boast cult-favourite LeTAO, too. Meanwhile, Mountain River Patisserie in Runcorn has a good take on the treat for Brisbanites. If you're a ride-or-die basque cheesecake fan, make tracks to Sydney's lockdown darling, 15 cenchi, for the ultimate hybrid. Named for the '15 centimetres of happiness' it promises customers, 15cenchi offers Japanese-style basque desserts in innovative flavours like salted grapefruit and lychee or yuzu. Kit Kats Japanese Kit Kats have been the hot-ticket Japan souvenir for years. Every colleague that has ever been to Tokyo has returned to work with a stash of them. It's a small win for mandatory office days but the bad news? They almost always opt for the same flavours: matcha and strawberry. They're both delicious but it's a true shame when you learn there are over 300 flavours in the range in Japan — you could be treating your palette to a seasonal chocolate smorgasbord with flavours like wasabi, sakura, salt lychee and sweet potato. The next time you're at your local Japanese grocery store, keep an eye out and see what's available. Onigiri Considering how popular premade sushi rolls are here, it's a little surprising that onigiri hasn't had the same impact on Aussie lunchtime culture — until now. Otherwise known as Japanese rice balls, onigiri features steamed rice formed into a triangle and wrapped in a nori sheet. Just like its Japanese counterpart, 7-Eleven Australia has started stocking these portable snacks in three classic flavours: cooked spicy tuna, sweet chilli salmon and chicken teriyaki. If you want to try more unique takes, opt for one of the many hole-in-the-wall joints that have popped up recently. In Sydney, we're big fans of the one stuffed with an onsen egg at Mogu Mogu, the chashu (braised pork belly) and chilli from Parami (a collab with the iconic Chaco Ramen) and the plum kombu from Domo39. In Melbourne, West Melbourne's 279 offers traditional fillings like takana (mustard greens) or cured cod roe while Tokyo Lamington in Carlton gets a bit more experimental with the likes of miso eggplant, bacon and egg or chicken curry. Finally, Brisbane joined the trend a few months ago with the arrival of Shiro where onigiri comes packed with miso pork or salted seaweed. Babystar Crispy Ramen If Mamee Monster Noodle Snacks were a lunchbox staple for you growing up, it's time to graduate to Baby Star Ramen. This raw noodle snack has been around since the 1950s and is so well-loved it even has its own theme park, Oyatsu Town, in Tsu City, Japan. Available in flavours like tonkotsu, garlic, chicken or yakisoba, these noodle strands are salty, crunchy and incredibly moreish — don't be surprised if you finish the entire bag in just a few minutes. You can find them at most Japanese grocery stores around Australia and via JFC Online. Level up your next summer snack sesh by pairing Suntory -196 with any of these top-tier Japanese snacks. Head to Dan Murphy's to pick up a limited-edition 'Suntory -196 Variety Pack' featuring all three epic flavours: Double Lemon, Double Grape and Double Peach.
As they say, when one door closes, another opens. In this case, as Melburnians bid farewell to Mid Air, they welcome news that the rooftop at HYDE Melbourne Place is set to open this December as Cleo. HYDE Melbourne Place, home to Mr Mills and Marmelo, is a boutique hotel on Russell Street in the CBD, which has grown in popularity since opening in November 2024. "As HYDE Melbourne Place evolves as a precinct, we're excited to transform Mid Air into Cleo: a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant and bar bringing bold flavours, more generous spaces for all-day dining, and a new lively energy. When it opens in December, Cleo will celebrate the warmth and conviviality of Mediterranean-style hospitality with the creative and cultural spirit of Melbourne in mind," says General Manager Jodi Brown. The rooftop drinking and dining destination will welcome Eastern Mediterranean flavours and old-world cooking techniques with Cleo. The venue will undergo a transformation to bring in warm tones and introduce long tables and relaxed spaces suitable for leisurely communal dining. Carmen Tomasic, Ennismore's Director of Brand Operations, Pacific, says, "Melbourne's dining scene is thriving and constantly evolving — and we are so excited to be part of that with the launch of our first signature concept by Carte Blanched, right in the heart of it all." Images: Kate Shanasy. Cleo is slated to open this December. Follow @hydemelbourneplace on Instagram for further updates. In the meantime, check out other standout restaurants in the CBD.
The 'Share a Coke' campaign has succeeded tremendously in Australia by allowing consumers to search for a can of Coca-Cola with their name on it. However, American company UFlavor has not only allowed customers to design their own soft drink labels with whatever name they choose, but also determine the taste of the beverage by choosing from 42 different ingredients, including everything from blueberry to pure sugar cane. Online users change the percentages of whatever ingredients they choose to go into the drink, and can further determine the drink's colour, name and label. It is then shipped to them directly. Other users can then purchase and rate the flavour combination, with a slice of the profits going to the drink's creator. Therefore UFlavor have not only given you the opportunity to make your dream soft drink, but you also might make some spare coin if you hit the right recipe. With this much discretion left in your hands, the possibilities are literally endless. UFlavor users have already begun adding their own unique touches to their creations, as the website shows that drinks have already been named 'Juicy Love Soda' and 'Cerebral Asylum'. Sounds refreshing. There are plans to expand their ingredients in the near future, as well as install UFlavor vending machines where drinks can be made and delivered on the spot. Get creative and make your own ideal soft drink. If you don't fancy yourself as a mixing connoisseur, you might just want to stick with a solid can of Mountain Dew. https://youtube.com/watch?v=d9U9VUfgkPc [via PSFK]
Barry, the latest cafe to hit Northcote, is as relaxed as the name itself. Tucked into the corner space on High and Barry Streets, it offers floor-to-ceiling windows, bright white walls, hanging light fittings and an array wood and green touches. Designed by Techne Architects and owned by the family behind Pillar of Salt in Richmond, this cafe is dishing up more than just good looks. A beautiful, long communal bench spans out both ways from the coffee machine — a perfect spot for a lone bruncher. Smaller tables, both inside and out, offer privacy if you desire. Breakfast might come in the form of crunchy peanut butter, heirloom tomatoes, salt and pepper peanuts on toast ($10), or char-grilled bruschetta with crushed avocado, mint, chilli, lime, manchego and seeds ($16) or even the Benedict poached eggs with potato rosti, slow-braised free range ham hock, apple cider hollandaise and granny's apples ($19.50). The lunch menu covers all bases, with anything from the Californian superfood salad — tri-coloured quinoa, shredded kale, wild organic rice, charred corn, salted ricotta, black turtle beans, heirloom tomatoes and lime and jalapeno vinaigrette ($15) — to the raw zucchini lasagna with cashew, kale and sun-dried tomato pesto ($16). The Barry wagyu beef burger with zucchini pickles, cheddar, tomato, spicy relish and rough-cut potatoes ($17.50) is also set to be a menu favourite. 5 Senses coffee is made on a Synesso machine and served up in endearing pastel green cups — a lovely colour addition to the white space. Pour over, cold drip and Aeropress round out the coffee offering ($3.80-5), while blended juices ($8.50), coconut water ($4.50), a bloody mary with jerky ($9) and a small handful of beers and wines make choosing your poison rather difficult. A newcomer on the High Street block, Barry already feels at home. Northcote just got a little bit better.
Beloved Thornbury cake shop Mali Bakes is entering a new era, with owner and pastry chef Patti Chimkire having now released her debut cookbook, Mali Bakes, in October 2025. The book captures everything that has made the brand so loved: vibrant colours, nostalgic details and a sense of fun that runs through every design. Inspired by vintage decorating manuals and Melbourne's creative spirit, it offers a journey through baking and decorating, beginning with simple, flavour-led cakes and progressing to more intricate designs. For Chimkire, the book portrays a milestone that has been several years in the making. Although baking is now her full-time job, it wasn't part of her childhood. She grew up in Bangkok, where street food culture dominated everyday life. "I didn't actually grow up baking," she says. "Most days we were eating out or picking up takeaway. Cooking at home wasn't really part of our routine." The real spark came from long summers spent on her grandparents' farm, where her grandfather loved cooking everything from scratch. "Those summers became this special time where we'd slow down and just cook together," she says. "That's where I fell in love with being in the kitchen." After moving to Melbourne, she studied cookery and patisserie, eventually working across several kitchens before landing at Proud Mary. When COVID paused dine-in service, Chimkire moved to wholesale baking, where she worked independently for the first time. "It gave me the freedom to work at my own pace and explore what I enjoyed most," she says. When lockdowns paused everything again, she found herself baking at home and posting her creations online. "I started with those big chunky cookies, just baking for fun and delivering them around the city," she says. "Then I started making cakes too, and people really connected with them." Five years later, Mali Bakes has become one of Melbourne's most recognisable cake studios. Chimkire's designs are immediately identifiable, built on bold colours, nostalgic shapes and playful piping. Her style began simply, without formal training. "When I started, I didn't have any background in cake decorating, so I just did things my own way," she says. She drew inspiration from old Wilton cake books from the 1950s through the 1970s, along with a childhood love of Wes Anderson films and Japanese anime. "I think that's where my love of colour and slightly quirky details comes from," she says. But the appeal of Mali Bakes extends beyond appearance. Chimkire cares deeply about flavour. "I always bake like the cake is for me," she says. "It has to be something I'd be proud to eat and proud to share." Her Thai background influences her perspective on balance and contrast, often guiding her toward unexpected pairings. One example is her olive oil ricotta cake with blackberry and fennel jam. "Fennel in a cake might sound crazy at first," she says, "but once people try it, they understand. It's unexpected, but it works if you give it a chance." Building Mali Bakes has brought challenges and turning points. Signing her first commercial lease felt particularly challenging. "We didn't have a big budget, but Luke and I poured everything we had into making it happen," she says. They handled most of the renovation work themselves, learning as they went. Slow but steady growth followed, from custom cakes to Saturday slice days and a short-lived Fitzroy pop-up. "Seeing people come in, enjoy what we'd made and share that excitement felt like such a turning point," she says. Now Chimkire runs the kitchen on her own, with Luke working behind the scenes. "Success doesn't always mean getting bigger. Sometimes it's about finding balance and staying true to what works for us." The cookbook extends that philosophy. Chimkire wanted the book to feel approachable even to readers who might be intimidated by vintage-style cakes. "When you see a beautifully decorated retro cake, it can feel a little overwhelming," she says. "That's why the book starts with simpler cakes so that people can build confidence." She describes baking as something similar to painting, a process of building structure and detail. "Once you understand how the parts work together, you can create something truly special." She hopes the book will resonate with everyone, whether they bake frequently or are just starting. "You can make the cakes as they are, or you can try the decorating projects," she says. "My hope is that people can come back to it throughout their baking journey and always find something new." For Chimkire, the release also marks a new beginning. "It feels like a way to give back to the lovely cake community and the retro decorating scene that supported me from the very beginning," she says. Looking ahead, she's excited to continue exploring one-off custom pieces, especially wedding cakes. "Those projects push me creatively and keep me learning all the time," she says. "Right now, that's what I'm most excited about." As Mali Bakes enters this next chapter, the cookbook offers a way for baking (and decorating) enthusiasts to bring its colour, charm and creativity into their own kitchens, one slice at a time. Images: Supplied
Named after an award-winning collection of short stories by Eleanor Farjeon, The Little Bookroom is a dedicated children's bookstore that first opened in the CBD in 1960. Since then, the famed shop has enjoyed many iterations and addresses, but remains a much-loved fixture of Melbourne's literary scene — easily ranking as one of the best bookshops in Melbourne. These days, it sits happily in Fitzroy North Village, helmed by Leesa Lambert and her parents. A cosy oasis for budding young bookworms, the store boasts an expansive curation of kids books, graphic novels and young adult fiction, guaranteed to delight small readers with big imaginations. There's also a handy selection of informative titles aimed at their adult counterparts, covering everything from parenting to hot-ticket new fiction. Plus, you'll find a jam-packed event calendar featuring things like book chats, author talks and interactive storytime sessions. [caption id="attachment_815355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Meghan Lawson, Piccolo Angelo Photography[/caption] Top image: By Meghan Lawson, Piccolo Angelo Photography
Founder Teresa Troy started Hoss in St Kilda in the 1990s on the principles of femininity, individuality and confidence. She later expanded into the upmarket suburbs of Brighton and South Yarra. Specialising in easy-to-wear, elegant dresses, silk blouses, knitwear and accessories, Hoss creates classic and timeless pieces that support the wearer. Largely made in Melbourne, Hoss's pieces champion the notion of quality over quantity, rejecting fast fashion. To this end, the boutique also stocks international and Australian labels including Brie Leon, Ginger & Smart, Milano and Humanoid.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 — If you're looking for a way to spend the Grand Final weekend that doesn't involved MCG traffic, Brick Lane is opening up its taproom for two days. On Saturday, September 29 it'll screen the AFL Grand Final between Collingwood and West Coast, and then, the following day, it'll show the NRL showdown between Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. The bar will open from 11am on Saturday and midday on Sunday. Melbourne's Brick Lane has just opened a new multi-million dollar brewery in Dandenong. But, it's not an ordinary brewery. It's big — with the capacity to churn out more than 100,000 pints a day — and it's opening its doors to the public and other brewers alike. Brick Lane Brewing Co was founded by Paul Bowker and Andrew Scrimgeour, an all-star lineup of sporting legend shareholders — including Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater and Bart Campbell, All Black's Dan Carter, Collingwood's Eddie McGuire — as well as radio presenter Mick Molloy and restaurateur Shane Delia. From a group of mates who unanimously agreed on their love of craft beer, Brick Lane Brewing Co was created, with Jon Seltin hired as head brewer. Now, the eclectic team has set up a brewery, which has the capacity to churn out more 10,000 bottles and 15,000 cans each hour. In addition to the magnitude of the bevvies being produced, there are also opportunities for other brewers to use the state-of-the-art facilities within Brick Lane for their own brewing purposes. The tap room will also open to the public, with events and festivals hosting on the horizon. To start, the brewery will fling open its doors one weekend each month serving up tasting flights of its beers and hosting a rotating lineup of food trucks. Brick Lane's new brewery is also hoping to to have a limited environmental impact — by reducing waste, energy and water use and sending spent grain to local farmers then, ultimately, buying back beef to feed their diners. Brick Lane Brewing Co is located at 41 Imagine Way, Dandenong South. For future public opening dates, check the brewery's Facebook page.
First, Melbourne Museum became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego. Thanks to the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, it's the only place to see life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact. Next, the same venue in the Victorian capital is welcoming another Australian debut: the nation's first-ever Star Wars cafe. Blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. That's the only menu item that's been revealed so far. The full range will feature other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise, however — but it hasn't yet been confirmed if green milk, fruit platters, fish eggs or purple juice will be among them. While Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition opened on the appropriate date — May the fourth, of course — the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is launching on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The pop-up also promises an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming, taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting, as part of an Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. "The Star Wars Galactic Cafe showcases Museums Victoria's expertise in creating rich, sensory experiences — taking visitors on a deliciously immersive, intergalactic journey. Combining world-class hospitality with the timeless appeal of the Star Wars galaxy, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe offers Melbourne Museum's visitors yet another way to engage with this premier exhibition, in a cosmically cool atmosphere," said Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Director Lynley Crosswell. As for the Aussie-exclusive exhibition, aka the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled and the biggest touring Lego showcase ever, the force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is. The Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon: they're all featured. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has indeed been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of the smash-hit franchise that's been soaring across screens big and small — and beyond — for almost five decades now. To build, the showcase took more than 25,000 hours at McNaught's headquarters in Tullamarine. The Star Wars Galactic Cafe opens on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the museum's website for bookings and more details. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs from Sunday, May 4, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Exhibition images: Eugene Hyland, Museums Victoria / The Brickman.
Hitting the town is one thing, but the people behind MCOBeauty, Nude by Nature and esmi Skin Minerals know that the real party often starts long before you arrive at the event. The three Aussie beauty brands have joined forces to launch Beauty_Bar – a bright, bubblegum-pink concept store on High Street in Armadale. Sitting among the suburb's luxe boutiques, the space is basically a Barbie dressing room come to life, swathed in pink from floor to ceiling and complete with sleek vanity stations and shelves stocked with a full range of products from each brand. Beyond retail therapy, Beauty_Bar also offers a suite of professional makeup and skincare services at refreshingly affordable prices. A quick skin pick-me-up costs $30, with a choice between a collagen-boosting LED treatment or a facial tailored to your specific skin needs. Add 20 bucks to indulge in an anti-aging facial designed to refine tone and texture, or a vitamin-C-infused treatment for a boost of brightness. Once skin prep is out of the way, there are two types of makeovers: a $40 natural look or a $50 full glam glow-up. Quick studies can definitely pick up a thing or two from getting their makeup done by an expert, but $45 lessons are also offered for beginners or anyone wanting a step-by-step guide on recreating the look at home. Getting ready is way more fun with a killer playlist and some company — the private GRWM Glow room is a stylish way to squeeze in some quality time with the girls before hen's nights, birthday bashes or any occasion where you want to turn heads. Images supplied Bookings for Beauty_Bar can be made through the website.
Thought there was room in this town for just one retro-inspired line of Melbourne beer merch? Well, think again. Just a week after VB's new collection of branded threads, hats and other slick gear hit its online store, fellow legendary local brew Melbourne Bitter has announced it's dropping some sweet new merchandise all of its own. A collaboration with fuss-free menswear label Mr Simple, this one has apparently been in the works for a while, and it's inspired by artwork and logos from across all eighty years of the beer's history. Melbourne Bitter's reputation as a hipster sip of choice should give you some idea of the vibe of this latest collection — think, vintage-style tees showcasing old-school logos, and shirts and shorts covered with a coaster collage print. Unlike the largely unisex offerings of VB's range, this one's marketed more towards men, but we think it can rocked by all beer lovers. The Melbourne Bitter collab collection is launching with a fittingly 'Fitzroy' party, at The Standard Hotel on Thursday, November 15. RSVP here and head along from 6-9pm for product giveaways, icy brews and live tunes from local alt-rockers Eaten By Dogs. The Melbourne Bitter x Mr Simple clothing line will be available exclusively at Mr Simple's Brunswick Street, Smith Street and Chapel Street stores.
For most of us, films are synonymous with food and drink. Okay, so we're talking about popcorn and paper cups of watery Diet Coke — but sometimes we do like to also dine out at some of Melbourne's fine establishments for a much needed pre-film feed or a post-movie nightcap and plot deconstruction. With the Melbourne International Film Festival kicking off on July 28, it's time to start planning your eating schedule as well as your screening times. And to make things easier in the mad rush from cinema to cinema, we've put together a list of the best eats and drinks conveniently close to the festival's main venues: The Forum, ACMI, Kino and Melbourne Central Hoyts. So whether you need sustenance in the 45 minute gap between your third and fourth screenings for the day or you want to sit down for dinner and cocktails before a 9pm screening, here's where you can drink and dine and still get there before the opening credits start rolling. DRINK LOOP ROOF MIFF time isn't traditionally rooftop season, but, luckily, Loop Roof has been fitted with gas heaters and a large awning shielding the seats from possible downpours, making it the perfect rooftop bar in-between films. Succulents line the edges of the rooftop oasis, perfectly framing the magnificent view over busy Meyers Place. Elbow your way into one of the tight booth seats with a group of friends or pounce on one of the many garden tables for a few drinks before making your way to Kino. MARY FORTUNE If you're dragging yourself out of the house to see a film in the cold, you may as well indulge in a cocktail or two too. Flinders Lane bar Mary Fortune has teamed up with Grey Goose to create a film-themed cocktail list especially for MIFF. Bibulous film lovers can swing by the upstairs bar any time after 5pm throughout the festival, where they'll find a number of cinema-themed cocktails, including the beef bacon and thyme-infused Dick Tracy, the Bloody Pulp Fiction (with spiced tomato juice, no less), a hazelnut and butter martini named The Man with the Golden Goose, and classy A Streetcar Named Desire, which stars the Amarena cherry. If you want the full fancy film-goers' experience though, order the classic Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz, which is a simple concoction of vodka and St Germain. UNION ELECTRIC Before (or after) you enter a dark room for two to three hours, tuck yourself away in one of Melbourne's cuddly little alcoholic concaves at Union Electric. Behind the mossy green door, Huw Griffiths runs a bar rich in charm and quirky ambiance. What makes Union Electric so great is that you can actually buy a few drinks without draining your wallet. Select from the creative cocktail menu or choose one of the local and imported wines, ciders and beers. Sip them all in the outdoor smoke-free courtyard, which, shielded by a mammoth four-storey brick wall on one side and the undercover bar on the other, is cosy day and night. EAU DE VIE If you can find it, Eau de Vie is one of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne. Down Malthouse Lane, next to a hotel car park, slip through the large wooden door and enter a new world. An intimate cosy space, it's the kind of world where you feel as though you could find yourself sitting next to Jay Gatsby or Mr Fitzgerald himself. Choose a spot at the bar, or perhaps retire to one of the more private booths towards the back. Just don't forget about your film — both The Forum and Kino Cinemas are nearby. MADAME BRUSSELS Everything at Madame Brussels, from the pink walls to the fabric flowers which line the white wooden arches of the bar, will have you turning your lips up in joy — even if you've been here a million times. And that's without even tasting one of their cocktails. Nab a seat in one of the curled iron chairs in the hedged bar, or brave the elements out on the AstroTurfed terrace. It's really the best place to do it. But while you're downing a teapot of cocktails, just remember you'll have to descend the stairs to make it to your movie in one piece. EAT SAKE FLINDERS LANE Because the walk from Hamer Hall to The Forum was just a few steps too far, we're real happy Sake have opened up shop on Flinders Lane. This latest incarnation takes over the former digs of the short-lived Woody P, and offers a good alternative to Chin Chin when their waitlist almost certainly means missing the movie (which is most of the time). The space boasts that trademark Saké wow-factor, incorporating a chic designer fit-out and sleek open kitchen, but it also a basement cocktail lounge perfect for a drink and some quick dins. Plus, you can grab a great bowl of ramen up until 2am, so you can drop in for a feed even after a super late screening. FONDA FLINDERS LANE If you're looking for something fun, fast, bright and loud, then Fonda fits the bill. While their 200-seat Flinders Lane restaurant is a little overwhelming, you'll be fed delicious tacos, guacamole and cheesy corn cobs and served up frozen margaritas at lightning speed. It's the perfect precursor to popcorn. LONGRAIN This one's for when you want to make a night of it. You've got a 9.30pm session? Book at a table for 6pm and take your time eating your way through the dynamite Thai menu. Despite the big windows, this place is cosy (especially on a rainy night) and only a short laneway walk from your table to the cinema. SHANDONG MAMA MINI Dumplings and a movie is a guaranteed ride to good time town. Especially when its ShanDong Mama dumplings and a MIFF film. These guys do some of the best vegan dumplings in the city. Unfortunately everyone knows this and the place is tiny, so getting a seat is highly contested. But worth it. So, so worth it. Only open until 8pm though — so you'll have to go before the movie. SUPERNORMAL If you're planning on coming for a full three-course meal, making a booking in advance. But if you find yourself on Flinders Lane looking for a snack (like, say, a lobster roll), a drink (some sake?) or dessert (peanut butter parfait, no doubt about it), try your luck for a seat at the bar pre- or post- film. To celebrate the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival, the generous guys at Grey Goose are giving away two double passes to the MIFF Opening Night Gala on Thursday, July 28. The event will kick off with a premiere screening of Melbourne director Cris Jones' The Death and Life of Otto Bloom, followed by a party at Hamer Hall. To enter, head over here. By the Concrete Playground team.
The crew behind Pilgrim Bar and The Boatbuilder's Yard have kicked open their latest venue with a bang. Located in the old Caulfield Rifle Club building, the fittingly named Bang Bang at the Rifle Club is a cafe, bar and Asian-style eatery all rolled up in one. Open 6am till late, seven days a week, and situated within shooting distance of Elsternwick Station, Bang Bang is the brainchild of the Riverland Group's Richie Ludbrook and Dave Sharry. In turn, they've tapped ex-Longrain chef Matthew Dunbar to craft a menu inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia. "Travelling through most of Southeast Asia has really simplified my approach to food," said Dunbar in a statement. The stripped-back approach is on display in Bang Bang's selection of bar snacks, which include chargrilled king prawn with lime and roasted shallot, pork scratching with green chilli, lime and spring onion, and crispy chicken ribs with house spice and sriracha. Those after something a little more substantial can opt for one of the large share plates, such as the whole steamed snapper with Chinese cabbage, or the roasted pumpkin curry with cinnamon and kipfler potato. Bang Bang also offers a range of tasty desserts, including sago, coconut and pineapple with chocolate chilli crumble, and black sticky rice with pandan sweet cream, mango and coconut sorbet. The day menu, meanwhile, features a number of delectable breakfast and lunch options, including French toast with grilled banana, passionfruit ice cream, palm sugar caramel and freeze dried berries, a turmeric omelette with bean shoots, prawns and pork; and jasmine rice bowls with satay vegetables, tofu and egg. Finally, we get to the beverages. Bang Bang's coffee comes courtesy of Seven Seeds, and their tea courtesy of Larsen & Thompson. They also offer an array of milkshakes, in chocolate, strawberry, salted caramel and fresh young coconut. As for booze, they've got a variety of wines, beers and ciders and a small but impressive mix of summery cocktails. The basil cucumber smash includes Thai basil and cucumber (duh) along with Plymouth gin, pineapple juice and lime. We're also quite taken with a watermelon-based cocktail kicked with chilli salt and pepper-infused vodka. Appears in: The Best Bottomless Brunches in Melbourne for 2023
As a kid, your checklist for treehouse essentials would have likely included a tin can telephone and a retractable ladder to keep out those awful adults. And while you may have thought that as you matured your treehouse ambitions would diminish, the opposite is true. While once you would have been content with a setup that rivalled that of Bart Simpson or the Stand by Me crew, as an adult you expect to be perched among the treetops with all the creature comforts of a high-end hotel. Lucky for us, there are adults in Australia who have let their imaginations run wild, and they've put their own dream treehouses up for rent. SECRET TREEHOUSE When your treehouse rivals that dreamt up by Walt Disney, arguably the forefather of imagination, you know you've got a winner. More specifically, winner of Airbnb's best place to stay on the planet in 2016. Perched above the treetops overlooking 600 acres of world heritage Blue Mountains bushland, Love Cabins' Secret Treehouse is one of the only places where nature is better enjoyed from indoors. Floor to ceiling windows allow for uninterrupted views of the rainforest from the comfort of your bed, when curled up in front of the fire or while enjoying a wine on the balcony. Not just there for show, the branches intersecting the room have a real structural role to play, making this the truest incarnation of a treehouse since the handy work of the Swiss Family Robinson themselves. It's seasonally sound too, as one of our go-to cabins for winter. SILKY OAKS LODGE Giving the actual rainforest a run for its money, Silky Oaks Lodge is about as lush as it gets — with a price tag to match. Built on the banks of the Mossman River in the Daintree National Park, the rooms at Silky Oaks are the epitome of jungle luxury. All rooms are surrounded by rainforest, but the cream of the crop are the Billabong Suites which look out across the river. Spoilt for choice, if you stay in the Billabong Suite you can enjoy river views from either a hammock or a day bed. And if peace and tranquility does grow tiresome, you can always move to the marble ensuite to soak in a spa bath or rinse off in the rain shower. With rosewood and silky oak timber featuring predominantly throughout the rooms, the beauty of the Daintree extends from the outside in. CANOPY TREEHOUSES On the banks of the Ithaca River in tropical North Queensland you'll find five treehouses that come close to blending into the rainforest canopy. Surrounded by lush rainforest you'll feel completely secluded. That is, until the therapist arrives to give you a private in-house bamboo massage, foot therapy or facial. And if there's such a thing as your average treehouse, this is larger than most, boasting two bedrooms, a full kitchen, spa bath, balcony, barbecue and hammock. This is the kind of place you would visit with friends only to sit in silence staring out over the treetops. GIRAFFE TREEHOUSES While not the true definition of a treehouse, the fact that you're high up enough for a giraffe to tuck their head over your balcony for a feed makes this worthy of a mention. And when Humbekhali, the resident giraffe at Jamala Wildlife Lodge has had his fill, you can kick back on the balcony and watch him galavant around his enclosure, wine in hand. If hand-feeding a giraffe wasn't special enough, the generally African-inspired accommodation will have you feeling like you're on a high-end safari. The kind where you have a bathtub, TV and a king-size four-poster bed. And here's a sentence you've likely never heard before, "Please join us in the cave for some pre-dinner drinks with our exotic residents". DAINTREE JUNGLE HOUSE Deep inside the world's oldest rainforest you'll find the Daintree Jungle House. Built three metres up in the rainforest canopy, you stay here because you have a sense of adventure and want to feel like you're cut off from the rest of the world — even though in reality there's a boat that leaves twice daily for a snorkel tour of the Great Barrier Reef at the end of the street. Facilities are basic so you'll be using a compost toilet and a hot outdoor shower, but it's not the creature comforts you came for. The two-storey open design houses a bed, hammocks, a breakfast bar and basic kitchen facilities, but on the other side of those walls is an acre of rainforest to explore. There's a freshwater creek right next to the Jungle House that you can swim in and an abundance of wildlife to keep you company. This is a taste of true(ish) jungle life. NOTABLE AIRBNB OPTIONS This one in Main Arm, NSW. This one in Musk, Victoria.
Jed Kurzel boasts one of the most-enviable recent resumes in Australia's film industry. It was back in 2011 that the founding member of The Mess Hall added a haunting layer to Snowtown, the first feature directed by his elder brother Justin, via its score. The pair have worked together on every one of Justin's films since. But Jed doesn't just have the sounds of stunning Shakespeare adaptation Macbeth, game-to-screen flick Assassin's Creed, the dark-but-playful True History of the Kelly Gang, the complicated Nitram and the upcoming The Order to his name. Jennifer Kent's The Babadook and The Nightingale, Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, Dev Patel's feature directorial debut Monkey Man: he has scored them all as well. With a filmography that also hops from The Turning, All This Mayhem and Slow West to Overlord, Seberg and Encounter — plus Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities on the small screen — it might seem an impossible task to pick favourites. Even whittling down what to talk about at Kurzel's Screen Commentary session at SXSW Sydney 2024, where he's chatting through his work, might sound difficult. But ask him which of his projects stand out, as Concrete Playground did, and he has answers, even if he notes that his responses differ over time. "There's a few. But then they start to change as I go on, because I guess you learn more things, and some films follow a particular style that you might have gotten onto, or a particular thing that I've discovered and I will push that through a few films," he explains. "Snowtown for me is the one that that really stands out, I think because it's the first one and I still get offered films today that have put Snowtown in their temp music, which is the music they put in while they're editing — it's kind of crazy that's it's still being used. So that one particularly, it still pops up. Macbeth as well, I think just because it was the first real string score I've done, orchestral score, and I did it all over in the UK, so I met a lot of people that I'm still collaborating with then and I felt like we were all jumping into this thing together," Kurzel advises. "I think those two stand out for me, and The Babadook." His fruitful career composing for the screen might've come about as one could expect when your brother is a filmmaker — Justin asked him to have a go at scoring Snowtown — but working together and taking this path wasn't a long-held childhood plan. "Never. No, I don't think that we have ever spoken about it. It was just how it worked out," Kurzel notes. "We'd been working together before that, in that he'd been doing the video clips for us and all that kind of stuff. We were always doing things together. So it wasn't like it felt like an 'oh, here we go' kind of thing. It was really just one of those things where we're always a part of what the other was doing." Viewers can be thankful for sibling bonds and the route it has taken Jed down. As brilliant as everything they each splash across the screen is, Snowtown, Macbeth, Nitram, The Babadook, The Nightingale and more wouldn't be the films they are without Kurzel's scores. Ahead of his session at SXSW Sydney, we also chatted to the composer about what sparked his contributions to some of the above films, how collaborating with Justin is different to working with other filmmakers, ensuring that his music isn't commenting on the content of the movies, the influence of genre, challenges he'd like to take on and plenty more. On How Kurzel Began Composing for the Screen "I was touring around with The Mess Hall and I had some time at home. Then Justin, my brother, was doing his first film Snowtown, and he asked me if I'd like to have a go at scoring it because, outside of the things I was doing with the band, I was always messing around with stuff at home. I guess it was more in the film soundtrack kind of land, but I was just doing it for my own enjoyment. And he said 'oh, you know, some of that stuff could work well, all that kind of thing could work well'. And I said 'I've never done that before, so'. And he said 'look, it's fine if it doesn't work, I'll get someone else. But you have a go with it'. So I did and then that was kind of it, it just it snowballed from there. It wasn't something that I had set out to do really. At that point, I was really happy playing music — and playing, actually. But I was missing just being in the room and making music. We were out playing a lot, and it's very hard to make music when you're doing that. So I was missing that at that time — so it came at a perfect time, I think." On Collaborating with Justin on All of His Features So Far — and How It's Different to Working with Other Filmmakers "It is different now, because I think we've developed — I mean, we always had a shorthand, but it feels like it's become even shorter now. We almost hardly ever discuss it while we're doing it. It just happens, in a way, now. We used to take a long time. I'd start really early on his films and it would be this drawn-out process, and sometimes the process could get quite difficult as the edit changed and things like that. I think just through experience, we've started to work out an efficient way to work that is still as creatively rewarding. And the last couple of things I've done with him, like The Order, it was all very free-flowing and it came quite quickly, and it wasn't something that we laboured over. I think we've discovered that the more we labour over things, it doesn't help anything." On What Sparked the Score for a Film as Complicated as Snowtown "With that one, we always talked about that hitting the bullseye was a very slim chance in some ways, because we found that with most music that we put on it, it felt like it was commenting on it. So immediately it was like 'well, we don't want to do that' because that just wasn't what the film was doing — and it didn't want it anyway. So it became a really instinctive thing about what it wanted, and there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing of changing the edits to suit where we were taking it. So a lot of back and forth between us. And then, I always feel like if you just listen to the film, it'll eventually tell you what it wants. You throw things on it and just sort of shrug it off, and then there'll be something that starts to stick. And as soon as it starts sticking, you're on your way." On Whether Working on Films Like Snowtown, Nitram and The Nightingale Brings a Sense of Responsibility Given the Historical Details They're Diving Into — and How to Avoid a Score That Comments "I think so. But, I mean, I think with those projects, you're well-aware of that before you've even started them. There is a certain responsibility, I think, not to — I guess what it is musically, I'm always aware of not commenting, and that you're adding. I feel like you're just adding another layer and energy to the film, rather than going 'this character comes on and they've got a theme' or anything like that. It's just different, it's adding a feeling. It's what the film wants — and if you start commenting with some of these films, it just doesn't work. It just feels wrong. But on other films, you can go into those areas and the film absolutely wants to have that. I think it just depends on what you're working on. I always love to look at the film itself, and how it feels and what it looks like, and where it's set and those kind of things, because I think with music, you can actually add to that even more so. Even cinematography, I think, is really a big one for music, too, that maybe gets overlooked a little bit, because we are responding to images, so that's the first thing you're looking at." On Adding Playfulness to a Score That's Also Quite Dark, Such as True History of the Kelly Gang "That one, I'm glad you said that, because actually that's what I wanted to achieve with that score — that there was a playful quality to it. I always really loved the Sidney Nolan paintings, and I was sort of taking a cue from that. And also I love the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons and things like that. So for me, they were the influences that I was grabbing. I guess if you've got a concept or an idea that you want to launch things off of, that's always helpful." On How to Find the Score for a Shakespearean Adaptation Like Macbeth When There's So Many Past Big-Screen Versions —Including Initially Skewing Electronic "I remember doing that and both of us [Jed and Justin] feeling a lot of pressure because it's been done. There's not many times when you do a film that's like 'well, this has been actually been done before word for word'. When films are made, I think there's some directors who've got it all in their head and then they go out and make it, and what happens in the edit is the film just wants to be something else — and if you fight against that, usually you'll end up with something that's probably nowhere near your vision, and that frustrates you. Whereas if you follow what the film wants and then listen to it, and just go with where it wants rather than trying to hold onto your initial idea, then I think you can end up in really interesting places. In that case, yeah, it started out as an electronic score, that's what we wanted to do, but the film just, again, didn't want it. So we had to change tact a little bit, and we got something completely different, but I think it's the same sort of idea that we started out with. We had an initial idea, and then we just followed our gut while we were doing the edit." On How Working on Something Smaller, or More Character- or Mood-Driven, Differs From a Big-Budget Sci-Fi Sequel Like Alien: Covenant "I think there's similar pressures with both. On a smaller film, even though it's a smaller budget, there's almost more at stake because a lot of the times that might be someone's first film that they've directed. So they're kind of like someone's baby. Whereas the big-budget films, there's so many people involved, and they keep changing and they tend to have a lot more time to sit with things. The smaller budgets, the smaller films, they don't, they have to finish by a particular time because they don't have the money to keep editing or keep doing things. So I think there's different pressures with both. But in terms of scoring them, I just I think they just different hills to climb." On the Way That Genre Has an Impact on How Kurzel Approaches Scoring a Movie "We all grow up watching films, so we've all got that language. So whether you like it or not, you're aware of genres, and what those genres are and what's come before you, which I think is great because it can set benchmarks for you. If you're looking at something and going 'I want to do a horror film' and 'what are the films that I really like in this sort of genre?', you can go back and have a look, and just see the way they've been approached — which may make you go 'well, I don't want to approach it like that, I want to approach it like this'." On What Drives an Unnerving Score Such as The Babadook "That's a good question because that score, the inspiration for that — I think I wrote this in the sleeve of the vinyl — when I was scoring that, I was living in Erskineville and there was a possum on my roof or in the tree above me. And it was knocking things down through the night, and it would jump off the tree onto the roof. So I was always listening to what sounded like people throwing bodies on my roof. On top of that, it would make these strange noises, or there'd be strange noises outside. So a lot of the time, I was keeping the door open and making music, and just letting those sounds come in as well — and going 'okay, that's interesting. I could kind of do something'. So I think what I'm listening for is what's unnerving me — and particularly late at night, if I'm doing something, you can hear things. The world really is making music all the time. So the environment's always really great, if you've got your ear out, you can always hear really interesting stuff. But in terms of horror, I like to be unnerved. I'm not that much into the jump scares and things like that. I like an eerie, unnerving kind of feeling." On the Response to The Babadook — Then and Now "Even internationally, you mention it and everyone knows it, and the characters. It's pretty amazing. I'm really proud of the work we all did on that and how much Jen stuck to her guns with the film. I think it's just been re-released on screens in the US, it's doing a tour of America at the moment, which is amazing. And that was a film that if you told us that's what was happening, and most of the things that happened with that film, we would have laughed at the time because it just was not on anyone's radar. Even when it was released here, it had such a tiny release, I don't think anyone even knew it'd come out." On Being in Action Mode with Monkey Man, But Using the Score to Build an Emotional World "That was really different, because Dev already had, for a lot of the action scenes, there was already a lot of source music placed in there as music that already existed. And he had a definite thing for me, which was 'I want the film to be the emotional underground of the character'. So a lot of it, we talked a lot about memory, and the music was representing his memory of his mother. And so it was really strange, I was doing an action film but I wasn't really doing the action side. There's a few chase scenes and things like that. But in terms of that being the focus, it really wasn't, it was this whole other world that Dev was after which I found really appealing and exciting when we first spoke about the film." On the Most-Important Task for a Film Score to Achieve "I always feel like I'm there to add a layer that's almost not even music — it's another layer to the film that wasn't previously there, that if you took out, you would really notice it. A lot of people talk about watching films and not noticing the music. But I feel the other way. I want to notice it. And I want it to give me another layer on there that I know wouldn't exist otherwise — the performances wouldn't get it, the editing, it's adding something that's unique and almost impossible to describe, which is what to me that music is. It feels like some sort of magical language." On the Ultimate Challenge in Composing for the Screen That Kurzel Hasn't Taken on Yet — But Would Like To "I really don't know, because I find everything that I do, there's a new challenge and it usually rears its head pretty quickly. You get into something and you think 'oh yeah, I know how to do this' — and suddenly the film, like I said, the film starts to move into a direction and that tilts everything. Being aware of those things, I think that's the exciting part about it. If you're living in the moment and scoring things for the moment, listening out for really happy mistakes — which I call those things that you kind of go 'ohh, I'm going to try this' but something else happens that was a mistake, and you think 'that's actually better than what I was going to do. I'm going to go down that path for a while'. They're the things that I love about composing. In terms of feeling like there's something I haven't done yet, I haven't really done any romantic comedies. But I just, for some reason, I don't think I'm the go-to guy for those." [caption id="attachment_875685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2022[/caption] Concrete Playground: "I chatted with Justin about Snowtown and he told me at the time that the next film he had in mind was a tennis rom-com." Jed: "Yeah, yeah, yeah." Concrete Playground: "So maybe if he does end up doing one, you'll get one." Jed: "I keep saying to him, because he's very funny, so I keep saying 'you need to do a comedy. That has to be your next one'." Screen Commentary: Jed Kurzel takes place at SXSW Sydney from 11am–12pm AEDT on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Fortress Sydney. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for more details.
Melbourne is in the grips of a rotisserie renaissance and it's really no wonder — that stuff is delicious. Sure, Belleville and Henrietta's have been flyers of the chook flag in recent times, but the man who started it all original rotisserie chicken pioneer Philippe Mouchel. And now he's opened a brand new restaurant on Collins Street with — you guessed it — rotisserie chicken on the menu. There's been a void in the city since Mouchel's much-loved French restaurant PM24 (and his revered rotisserie chicken) ceased to disappeared in 2014. Now he's back and throwing the doors on his new venture Philippe (you gotta be your brand, right?). Philippe is designed to be a little traditional and a little modern, with a menu chock-full of decadent French staples such as foie gras, escargot and brioche — but the real star of the menu is still the chicken. The spit method used to cook rotisserie chickens locks in juice and wraps it in a crunchy, charcoal coat. Mouchel's rotisserie consists of breast and thigh cooked two ways and served with natural jus, potatoes and mushrooms. The venue has been tszujed by Crosier Scott Architects and the reno includes a chic zinc bar with black steel shelving, leather bench seating and a lush green wall overlooking the venue. Tres chic and the perfect environment to sip some champers and slam down a hefty serve of juicy rotisserie chook.
Situated opposite Parliament and alongside the theatre strip, City Wine Shop is not the place to venture for a beer and happy hour special. On the contrary, this is the place you go for a glass of Chablis, cheese board and a serve of fried artichokes — or even some fine caviar and champagne. Choose from the by-the-glass wine list — which changes regularly — or simply buy a bottle from the on-premise bottle shop and settle in at an outdoor table, overlooking the Spring Street suits. It's a classic setting for year-round romance, whether you're seeking sanctuary from winter inside City Wine Shop's rich wooden warmth, or a splash of sun with your latte on an street-side seat. Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Fine dining can drift into performance — more chef's narrative, less dinner. At Singapore's Marguerite, Chef Patron Michael Wilson has made a series of choices to dismantle that rigour: an open kitchen that reads like a row of domestic island benches, total accessibility to the pass, and a standing invitation to wander over, ask questions, or simply watch. The atmosphere is notably calm — no barked orders, no theatre for theatre's sake — which makes a long tasting menu feel less like a marathon and more like an unhurried, convivial evening. The setting is singular. Marguerite lives inside the city's famed Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay — the world's largest glass greenhouse — and the restaurant leans into that sense of immersion. Plants thread through the room and curl around tabletops set with course-specific cutlery and crockery collected on Wilson's travels. In contrast, a ten-seat private room — inspired by mountain peaks and cumulus clouds — is wrapped in deep blue, burgundy, grey and dark forest green. Singapore's climate complicates strict seasonality. When your pantry can include Australian finger limes, New Zealand lamb and French cream for house-churned butter, "place" becomes a choice. Marguerite chooses freely — loosely French in spirit, but adapted for the tropics with lighter sauces, smaller bites and lucid riffs on classics. Steak frites becomes a bite-sized potato tart filled with tartare and crowned with a fried quail egg; ajo blanco appears as an ethereal foam; and New Caledonian prawn paste is transformed into delicate "tagliolini", glossed with clear spiced consommé and bright aromatics. Course after course arrives like edible sleight of hand — entire plates of flavour distilled into a mouthful. Pairings echo the kitchen's precision. Alongside a generous, far-reaching wine match, Marguerite's Temperance program offers non-alcoholic pairings — clarified juices and fermented jun tea — designed to deliver complexity without cloying sweetness. A mixed "demi" option straddles both. Service keeps the tone grounded and genuine throughout. Wilson's path explains the poise. Melbourne-born, he worked with Andrew McConnell and Guy Grossi before earning a Michelin star at Phénix in Shanghai just five months after opening. Marguerite followed in November 2021 and earned its own star within eight months, showcasing what he calls "creative cuisine" — craft, provenance and produce brought into clear focus. All bookings at Marguerite include a complimentary limousine buggy to and from the Gardens entrance and Flower Dome access for a pre- or post-meal stroll. Images: Supplied
For three days of dusty boots, unashamedly bad dancing and wildly inappropriate Native American headdresses (FFS, stop that), Splendour in the Grass made a temporary wonderland of the North Byron Parklands for another year. With more Govindas feasts, random pop-up barns and fist-pumping sets than you could poke a satay stick at, Splendour cranked out one its most successful festivals yet — with a combination of applauseworthy production and a killer lineup. From unexpected midday Easter Eggs to huge headliner hurrahs, this year's Splendour paid the big names their dues while the limelight was more than adequately shared by up-and-comers. If you were there, you might have shared in our picks of the bunch. If not, think of this as a living-vicariously list of who to listen to this week. Here's our picks for the hits of Splendour in the Grass 2014: Tkay Maidza Filling out the Mix Up tent with the very first Friday slot is no mean feat, but Adelaide's 17-year-old Tkay Maidza managed to get a colossal roundup of early-rising brontosaurus feet stomping. Australia's shiny, PG-rated answer to Azealia Banks, Tkay Maidza is about to become a significantly Big Deal with her self-described 'dinojams'. Signed to Dew Process, Tkay is one of the newest bunch of Australian hip hop ones-to-watch alongside Remi, Coin Banks and Citizen Kay. Fronting giant projections of Nyan and Grumpy Cats casually hangin' with the Adventure Time crew, Maidza cranked out Flume remix after Skrillex sample all the way to her banger single 'Brontosaurus'. Image: Stephen Booth DMA's Sporting their signature Chav-like outfits, Sydney's rambunctious answer to Oasis melted faces in a packed out set in the GW McClellan Tent. Living well up to the significant hype, DMA's played their Britpop-loving butts off with a high energy ride through their debut self-titled EP, released on I OH YOU earlier this year. Frontman Johnny Took steered the crew with his Gallagher-like pipes and tambourine stick, with a particularly high-fiveworthy performance for that huge ballady single 'Delete'. Image: Stephen Booth The Preatures With their debut album on the way and a national tour done and dusted, The Preatures undeniably nailed their Friday afternoon set. Lead singer Isabella Manfredi is a Chrissy Amphlett-like force to be reckoned with, bouncing through the fivesome's highly energetic, super tight set. Running through snippets from the new album, nostalgia from early releases and paying tribute to The Angels' Doc Neeson and Amphlett herself with a cover of legendary 1976 single 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?' (complete with That call and response), The Preatures are solidifying their spot as one of Australia's best live bands out. Image: Stephen Booth Buraka Som Sistema Standing idly wasn't a remote possibility with this furiously party-inducing set. Making a genuine carnival of the Mix Up tent, Portugal's Buraka Som Sistema brought their zouk to the floor and had every last boot pounding the grassy floor. The first of two sets at Splendour this year, the beats-loving crew cranked out banger after banger from their three celebrated LPs alongside generous bouts of onstage dancing — leading to the inevitable crowd stage invasion. The hardest we danced all festival. Image: Justin Ma Interpol Rose-mayor-eeee. Interpol's crisp headliner set took the cake for many a Splendourgoer, even after minor sound issues to start. Paul Banks's vocals were on form and booming, with Daniel Kessler's iconic guitar licks bringing back all the first love feels. Running through yesteryear favourites 'Evil', ' C'mere' and 'NYC', testing out some newbies and wrapping things up with 'Slow Hands', Interpol made a triumphant return to the Australian stage — sans Carlos D, Greg Drudy and Stella. Image: Ian Laidlaw OutKast By a mile, the Event of the festival. Exploding onstage with 'B.O.B.', Andre 3000 (in a top notch onesie) and Big Boi (in an equally "awwww shiiieeeet" get-up) took just under two hours to delve into the 20-year-strong OutKast catalogue — from radio longtimers like 'Hey Ya' and 'Roses' to throwbacks to solid fan favourites like 'Int'l Player's Anthem (I Choose You)'. Splitting time between collaborative 'Ms Jackson' efforts and their own solo moments, OutKast loudly took the Splendour crown with their only Australian appearance. Image: Justin Ma Mas Ysa Drinking a combination of whisky and champagne (apparently dubbed 'The Gentleman's Surprise'), Mas Ysa brought a level of intensity to the midday slot that most electronic artists would require a post-6pm cloak of darkness to come close to. Montreal multi-instrumentalist Thomas Arsenault took early rising punters to a pretty emotional place with booming loops, screaming vocals and piano samples that explain his Deerhunter support slot last year. A truly unexpected gem for most. Image: Justin Ma Fishing One of the biggest Easter Eggs of the festival. Having just released their debut album, the Sydney duo decided a lunchtime rave was in order, cranking out some of the hardest dance tunes of the whole festival at 1pm. Fine holiday fun and purely responsible for the sheer back pain we're still experiencing. Sky Ferreira Swamped by internet hype and tabloid snarks, Sky Ferreira is actually worth talking about. Following a rip roaring Australian autumn tour, NYC's super-hyped powerhouse Sky Ferreira brought her celebrated set to Splendour for the first time; quashing any lurking haters with some seriously killer vocals. Careening through her debut album Night Time, My Time, Ferreira's Kristen Stewart-like attitude always tends to find an adorable shyness in the midst of it all, balancing explosive opener '24 Hours' with the teenage diary earnestness of 'Boys' to the out-of-the-ballpark vocal set-winner 'You're Not the One'. Image: M. Lowe Little May Harmonies ruled the roost at this year's Splendour, with Sydney folk trio Little May crooning out solid three-parts without blinking an eyelid. Weaving through their First Aid Kit-meets-Tiny Ruins EP Boardwalks, Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton drew quite the rowdy crowd, with dudes on shoulders singing every word and possible ooo in rolling single 'Hide'. Image: Little May Violent Soho Bringing the festival rock back to the table, the Brisbane foursome proved they're more than a hyped up, yeah-friendly single. Violent Soho fronted their Vines-meets-Jebediah-meets-Pixies vibe to a rock hungry amphitheatre crowd for a lengthy set of older favourites like 'Jesus Stole My Girlfriend' and crowdpleasing "hell fuck yeah!" single 'Covered in Chrome'. Bassist Luke Henery even brought his three-year-old son Oscar to hang out onstage in giant headphones. The kid literally just stood there and took it all in. Legend. Image: Stephen Booth Future Islands Aside from Outkast, arguably the most talked-about set of the festival (and worth every last utterance). Future Islands' vocalist Samuel T. Herring is Something Else. The high-kicking, wildly expressive, emotionally-charged frontman has one of the most versatile and genuinely powerful voices in the game — with some of the best onstage moves this side of Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins. Fronting brainiac programmer Gerrit Welmers, crisp-as-blazes touring drummer Michael Lowry and the surly multi-guitarist William Cashion, Herring takes audience connection next level — with punters spontaneously growling "seasons chaaa-aaa-aaange..." and thumping their chests for the remainder of the festival. Image: SITG Chrome Sparks First cab off the Sunday rank, Pittsburgh's Chrome Sparks conjured up a midday set in the Mix Up tent worthy of a main stage applause. The brainchild of classical percussionist Jeremy Malvin, Chrome Sparks uses the power of three to play live — and how. The trio's double xylophone breakdowns, swelling collaboration and high energy dance moves had a pumped up crowd leaving their dustiness behind and getting straight into the day. Image: Justin Ma D.D. Dumbo Jaws dropped all over the joint at the Sunday afternoon set from Castlemaine's staggeringly talented D.D. Dumbo. Fronting a looping ability to rival Tune-Yards, his self-made three-part harmonies, layered drum beats and jaunty guitar picking made for one hand-claspingly wonderful set. Celebrated for his ridiculous ability with a 12-string guitar, D.D Dumbo has pricked the ears of the likes of Warpaint, St Vincent and Iron & Wine — most notably with standout single 'Tropical Oceans'. Recently-signed to 4AD, D.D, Dumbo offered up one of the festival's most compelling live sets, one sorely missed once the last loop ran its course. Image: Justin Ma Parquet Courts Punk as fuck, this Brooklyn foursome make an athletic marathon of endurance out of rock music. Charging through latest album Sunbathing Animal and beloved debut Light Up Gold, Parquet Courts stared straight into that pesky sunshine to play through their particular Modern Lovers-meets-Pavement breed of garage punch — with particular mention to singalong single 'Borrowed Time' (although 'Stoned and Starving' fans were left wanting). Image: SITG Courtney Barnett One of Splendour's most anticipated sets, Melbourne's Courtney Barnett proved she's worth every minute of hype. Fresh from significant overseas touring, Glastonbury and Lollapalooza sets and a stint on Jimmy Fallon, Barnett shredded up a solid set with her buds on bass and drums. Fusing her fantastically Australian drawl with fuzzy, scrambly guitar and brilliant ockerisms, Barnett bounced between her two EPs, How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose and I’ve Got A Friend Called Emily Ferris, melting faces with elongated solos and solid banter with her bassist. First Aid Kit Conjuring harmonies worthy of Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Simon and Garfunkel, the Swedish sisters had the Splendour crowd hugging strangers with perfectly placed vocal arrangements. Warmly caressing a chilly Splendour crowd with sweet country sounds, Johanna and Klara Söderberg plunged into their Paul Simon-approved cover of 'America' and finished up with picture-perfect renditions of singles 'The Lion's Roar' and 'Emmylou'. Image: First Aid Kit Darkside A solid final choice for the Splendour programming team. While some punters thought Danny Brown's thunderously kickass, death circle-inducing set could have closed out the day while Lily Allen was dominating the amphitheatre, the artful intensity of Darkside wrapped everything up on a casually mindblowing note. With Nicholas Jaar heading on over to the consistently-better-than-every-other-lineup Red Bull Music Academy stage for a final DJ set, Splendour finished things off with solid beats, big drops and a whole lot of hugs. Image: Tim Jones (Syd Fest) Special Mention: Skywhale Peacefully looming over the North Byron Parklands like the colossal multi-teated guardian we know and love (?), Canberra's Skywhale floated mystically over the dumpling stalls with the breast seat in the house for Childish Gambino. Pulsing its giant saggy nipples over adoring (?) Splendourgoers, Skywhale arrived daily to All The Hurrahs and WTFs. Canberra's weirdest investment became Splendour's most awaited arrival — but remained undeniably weird. Image: Lachlan Johnston Top image: Ian Laidlaw. Friday image: M. Lowe. Saturday and Sunday images: Aimee Catt.
Ever wanted to tap into Melbourne's rich indigenous history as you walk around the city? Well, now there's an app for that. The brainchild of AIATSIS — the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies — the Melbourne Dreaming app launched late last year as a new platform for sharing stories and information about the area's vibrant cultural heritage. With it, users can customise self-guided tours exploring significant sites around the city, from the former hunting grounds of Chapel Street, to the Burnley Ngargee (or 'corroboree') tree in Richmond. The app is loaded with travel information to help streamline your historical explorations, and even comes with handy audio commentary. "Aboriginal culture is a living breathing part of Australian life that is easily accessible if you know where to look," explained AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie. He said the app is designed to help users "see past the concrete jungle and be exposed to real and local Aboriginal culture right in the middle of one of the world's top cities." Download the Melbourne Dreaming app now from iTunes and Google Play.
Step aside negronis and espresso martinis, the whisky highball is fast becoming the go-to drink for anyone who wants their cocktail crisp, refreshing and full of character. And we've got Japan (and Suntory) to thank for it. With over 125 years of drinks innovation, Suntory has shaped Japan's drinking culture in a way few others have. From founding the country's first whisky distillery to refining the art of balance and precision in every pour, the brand has always been about setting the benchmark. One of its greatest hits? Toki Whisky. A modern 100% authentic Japanese blend that's easily mixed (especially in a whisky highball). The Origins of the Highball While the whisky highball first bubbled up in the UK as a way to lighten strong spirits, Japan made it a staple. Back in 1923, Shinjiro Torii founded the Yamazaki Distillery with a dream to create a truly Japanese whisky. It was a bold move that kicked off a whisky revolution and eventually led to the rise of the Japanese-style highball. Suntory's Kakubin whisky (meaning 'square bottle') debuted in 1937 and quickly became a staple in izakayas across the country, thanks in large part to its starring role in the highball. In the 1950s, Suntory opened a chain of bars in major cities called 'Torys Bars', which specialised in highballs. Workers would clock off, crowd in and knock back highballs with grilled skewers and salty snacks. Light, dry and approachable, the highball offered a clean canvas that brought out the subtle complexity of Japanese whisky. Toki Whisky, Suntory's smooth, well-balanced and incredibly drinkable take on a traditional blend, is tailor-made for highballs. Meaning 'time' in Japanese, Toki is a mix of malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries by Fifth Generation Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo. With notes of green apple, basil and honey, it's light enough for daytime sipping and complex enough to hold its own with food. So, What Exactly is a Highball? A classic highball keeps things clean and simple. Japanese whisky, cold soda water, ice and a peel of citrus to garnish. But don't be fooled by the short ingredient list, the highball is all about precision. With one part whisky to three parts soda, it's meant to highlight the whisky, not drown it. The bubbles should be fine, the citrus subtle, and the ice big enough not to melt too fast. It's basically the minimalist's dream drink. The Signature Toki Highball 45ml Suntory Toki Blended Japanese Whisky 3 parts premium soda water Grapefruit slice or lemon peel Method: To make a classic Toki Highball, start by chilling a glass with ice. Pour in one part chilled whisky, give it a quick stir, then top with chilled soda water. Stir once (gently, from the bottom up) to keep the bubbles intact and garnish with a twist of grapefruit or lemon peel. Or, you can skip the ice altogether and let the whisky's flavour come through. A Drink That Plays Well With Others The real beauty of the highball? It's customisable. You can swap lemon for yuzu or grapefruit, add a touch of ginger, or even infuse your soda with herbs. Take it a step further by pairing it with food. The highball's crisp profile makes it a natural match for salty, fried or umami-rich dishes, like karaage chicken, grilled yakitori or even a cheeky bowl of hot chips. Where To Try a Suntory Toki Whisky Highball In April and May, venues across Sydney and Melbourne are rolling out limited-edition menus where you can sip a perfectly poured Suntory Toki Whisky Highball with an expertly paired snack. Sydney locations: Bancho, Ito, Tokyo Bird, Ora, Moku, Ennui, Genzo, Tanuki, Prefecture 48: Ibushi and Whisky Thief. Melbourne locations: Waxflower, Lucy Liu, Yakimono, Bar Bellamy, Izakaya by Tamura, Kura, Tokyo Tina, Gogyo or Bincho Boss. Every venue is giving the highball their own spin, so you can taste a few versions and pick your favourite. Visit your local venue this April and May to experience a Suntory Toki Whisky Highball and snack pairing. More details at the Suntory Time hub, Sydney here and Melbourne here.
If you've been following the rise of Tesla in the hope that one day they might make electric cars mainstream and affordable, you'll be glad to hear that the car and energy company has taken a big step in that direction. Today Elon Musk's California-based company will start production on its first mass-market electric car, the highly anticipated Model 3. Model 3 passed all regulatory requirements for production two weeks ahead of schedule. Expecting to complete SN1 on Friday — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 3, 2017 Why is this such a big deal? Because up until now, Tesla's vehicles — the Model X and the Model S — have clocked in at well over $100,000. This new Model 3, however, will be on the market for 35,000 USD (around 46,000 AUD or $48,000 NZD). That's a lot more affordable, and around the same price that other electric cars, like the Chevy Bolt or the Nissan Leaf. A major drawcard of a Tesla vehicle is its driving range — on a single charge, you can expect to travel about 350 kilometres. That's a lot further than pretty much any other electric car at the same price point, except perhaps the Chevy Bolt. The Model 3 comes with room for five people (the driver included), the ability to go from zero to 100 kilometres in 5.6 seconds, autopilot hardware and a five-star safety rating. Tesla will start production of these cars today, and has some ambitious goals. The aim is to be cranking out 5000 cars per week by the end of this year, and double that throughout 2018. And, to cater to the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, Tesla has plans to double the number of charging stations currently available and to operate a bunch of trucks that can service cars in remote areas. Those who've got $1500 to spare can reserve a Model 3 now and expect delivery by mid-2018. Although, perhaps we won't need cars when Musk's high-speed vacuum tube Hyperloop comes into play. Via The New York Times.
Nestled down the quiet end of Brunswick Street since mid-2017, Fitzroy bar Amarillo sports a sunny disposition. Its name is Spanish for yellow, so the upbeat mood fits. Before evening arrives, it also boasts a light-filled space that's perfect for leisurely drinks — which is perfect for making the most of golden hour in a cosy, welcoming neighbourhood bar with a classic and timeless feel. Owner Adam Sime (Long Play) and his partner Adele del Signore have drawn upon Brunswick Street's European influence, decking the venue out with mid-century furniture and cultivating a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere to match. Here, in the venue's two rooms, you'll pair salted cod, cuttlefish with chickpeas, manchego croquetas and crispy quail with spritzes, brews, and a curated selection of wines. Signature cocktails like the Momoko Spritz and the mezcal-infused Smokey Negroni — one made with Japanese whisky, peach liqueur, and lemon juice, then topped with soda and spiked with housemade Earl Grey syrup and orange blossom; the other pairing Vida Mezcal, Dolin Rouge and Campari — are well worth a look-in, too. Top image: Nicholas Wilkins.
One of Melbourne's favourite ride-by cafes, bars and restaurants, Green Park, may have called it a day, but a new eatery has arisen in its place. Owner and restaurateur Jesse Gerner has relaunched the Carlton North space as Park Street, forming somewhat of culinary supergroup in the process. Gerner has brought in team members from his other Melbourne venues as co-owners of the new venue. Kelly O'Loghlen, chef Andrew Fisk and Shane Barrett are involved with Bomba and bottle shop Samuel Pepys (with Barrett also in on the newest opening, Nómada). Russell Hall — who's currently head chef at Añada — comes in to head up Park Street's food offering, and Harry Fishman of neighbouring Velo Cycles is in on the action too. The eatery is situated on the section of the Capital City Trail that runs parallel to Park Street in Carlton North. Gerner, Hall and Fisk continue to use locally-grown produce, including veggies grown in Park Street's own garden, but have switched focus to Italian bites. Specifically on offer is a changing array of cicchetti and handmade pastas from Wednesday to Sunday. Highlights include wood-grilled sardines wrapped in pancetta and poached veal crostini, plus the likes of braised duck rotolo with wood-grilled radicchio and prawn agnolotti with shellfish bisque. From the main selection, expect roasted barramundi fillet with braised clams, and wood-grilled O'Connor flank steak with salsa verde. With a focus on small producers, the idea is to offer a place for family dinners, a quick bite on the way home, or somewhere to share snacks with friends. Capital Coffee Roasters blends are still on offer for caffeine fiends, while baking in-house pastries and breads continues daily. Anyone after breakfast or lunch will find meals such as waffles filled with braised beef cheek and cavolo nero, and suckling pig rolls with kale slaw. Drinks-wise, Park Street also boasts a range of wines from Italy, Southern France, Greece and Croatia, as well as a by-the-glass lineup that shines a spotlight on innovative, small-scale wineries alongside classic producers and varietals. The interiors have also experienced a refresh, lightening and brightening the room with white walls, mirrors, tan leather couches, indoor plants and an open kitchen to expand the space visually.
When you buy a bunch of fresh flowers, you're giving someone a gift, whether you've purchased them as a present for someone else or you've picked them up to brighten up your own home. New Melbourne floral delivery service Positive Parcels is not only embracing that idea and running with, but encouraging Melburnians to pass along the cheery feeling that comes with treating someone (or yourself) to a gorgeous bouquet — all while also supporting the local flower industry. Launched by Tori Allen after her events company underwent a sizeable slowdown during Australia's first wave of COVID-19 restrictions, Positive Parcels delivers posies of various sizes and types. Yes, that obviously sounds fairly standard for a flower delivery outfit. The aim here, however, is to help fill a void caused by the closure of florists during pandemic lockdowns, make it easier for folks to send flowers under current stay-at-home conditions and also to share the love in a variety of ways. Firstly, when you buy a bouquet from Positive Parcels — from a range that includes small and large arrangements of seasonal flowers, rose-only and tulip-only displays, plus potted orchids and preserved flowers that are designed to last forever — $5 from every purchase will be donated to charity. Specifically, it'll be given to national youth mental health foundation Headspace Australia, which means that your next posy will help a struggling young Aussie. Also, Positive Parcels is positioning itself as a pass the parcel-type service, too — asking folks who receive their flowers to pass the gift along by purchasing a new bouquet for someone else. As well as a clear tactic to attempt to increase sales, the concept means that Melburnians who can't visit their nearest and dearest at the moment can send their affection in another physical way. Positive Parcels' flowers start at $75, maxing out at $185, with all prices including delivery within 20 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD. Order by 4pm on a Monday or Wednesday, and the bouquet will arrive the next day — with deliveries made on Tuesdays and Thursdays regardless of when you order. If you live beyond metropolitan Melbourne, delivery will cost you $15 extra. And, if sending flowers isn't quite your thing, Positive Parcels will soon add other types of parcels to its range. Think bundles of cocktail staples, wine and cheese packs, and food and flower hampers. For further information about Positive Parcels, or to order a bouquet, visit the service's website.
Añada, the first Melbourne venue we saw from Jesse Gerner (The Aylesbury, St Ali North), is one of those consistently solid venues. Since its opening in 2008, it remains one of those eateries that keeps drawing you back. Tucked into Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, it's known for its intimate atmosphere, beautiful Andalusian (southern Spanish) food and considered wine list. The menu is all about tasting and sharing. It is divided into tapas, charcuteria, raciones and desserts, so there is a lot to take in. Start off with some seared tuna with pickled green tomato and padron pepper sauce, move on to pan-seared market fish with jamon and seaweed butter sauce or hanger steak with pine nut picada and mustard greens. For smaller share plates, go for the guindilla and manchego croquetta, lamb pinchos and house chorizo with roasted grapes and cider. Finish off your meal with a classic Basque cheesecake, a refreshing lemon myrtle and eucalyptus sorbet or a sweet leche merengada parfit with honeycomb and bee pollen. If you can't decide, there's always the option to go for the chef's choice tasting menu. On the drinks list, you'll find an extensive sherry and wine collection with plenty of classic Spanish drops with Rioja tempranillo making frequent appearances. Or opt for signature cocktails like the Auroa Oloroso, made with fig liqueur and sherry Añada is welcoming and warm and makes you feel like you're tucked into a tapas bar off the beaten track in Spain. You might find yourself falling in love with it all over again.
While cliche to say that the heart of Sydney can be found in its patchwork of neighbourhoods, it's true. You see it every morning when you duck out for coffee and in the venues we choose to celebrate birthdays, farewells and everything in between. But its more than just postcodes, it's the people who truly make Sydney. Chef, surfer, and Sydneysider Joel Bennetts (ex-Three Blue Ducks, Fish Shop, Pier) has teamed up with Square to produce a three-part docuseries, Good Neighbours, on the independent hospitality operators who form the backbone of Sydney's 'hoods. In what feels equal measures of Parts Unknown, How I Built This and The Bear, Good Neighbours traverses Sydney from the Mediterranean deli-lined streets of Haberfield to the polished alleyways of Potts Point through the lens of the venues, people and food that make them so unique. Bennetts sets out with a simple question: what does it mean to be a good neighbour? In between bites, he discovers that the answer is pretty simple. Keep It Local For a start, it's about keeping it local. "All of our pastas we get from Peppe's across the road," Chris Theodosi, co-owner of Haberfield's Happyfield, shares with host Joel Bennetts in Good Neighbours. Peppe's has been providing fresh pasta for the neighbourhood since 1993, while the groceries for Happyfield come from Zanetti 5 Star Gourmet Deli, which has been around since 1967. "Businesses that have been here 50 years, they were like, we've never seen a business like this here—ever", Theodosi and co-owner Jesse Orleans shares in the series. Now, the viral pancake spot has become a reason people from all across Sydney make their breakfast pilgrimage to Haberfield. For the team at Pillar—a specialty coffee spot in Burwood—they're all about giving their community "a consistent third space where you always know you're welcome." Co-owner Edwin Lou says his business is about being a pillar (mind the pun) for the community. Whether you're a local photographer who needs an exhibition space or a pastry chef trying to sell your creations, at Pillar, you'll always be welcome. "We really give a damn about the suburb," shared Bennetts' longtime friends, Mike and Lucy Haskas of Bondi's The Shop & Wine Bar. The husband and wife duo even built a community garden so local residents could have access to fresh produce. Honour Your Neighbour Rather than keeping it insular, in Good Neighbours, Bennetts found that it's also about what hospitality brings into the community, too. Take MLK Deli, a cobalt blue deli doing 100% halal sandwiches, for example. Owner Myra's mother is Uzbek, her father is Afghan and her husband is Turkish. That means you'll find innovative, halal-friendly takes on cured meat—like beef mortadella and lamb prosciutto—in their frequently sold-out sandwiches. For Candy and Gaia at Bondi's Lox In A Box, they're not just serving bagels. "Bagels are kind of the centre point of my life, being Jewish," Candy told Bennetts when they catch up in the series. "In our culture, a bagel represents the circle of life, good luck and prosperity." Each bagel is made with Candy's grandmother's recipe, alongside more of her family recipes. [caption id="attachment_763492" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Kimberley Low[/caption] Care About What You Do To get started in the industry, you don't need to be a chef with years spent cutting your teeth in professional kitchens. Bennetts found a love of hospitality and a desire to do something good for the area you love will take you far. "You hear on the street, out surfing with people, what they want and how they're feeling," The Shop & Wine Bar's Mike shared on how they've created a beloved local spot that the community was asking for. For Pillar's Edwin, it was a life-changing cup of coffee. "I didn't know coffee could taste like that!" he told Bennetts. Then, he hired the barista and started his own place in his local Burwood. Pasan Wijesena was drawn to Newtown as Sydney's lockout laws wreaked havoc on nightlife. "I knew I wanted it, so I thought other people might too," he said of his idea for a cocktail meets music bar. He decided to open up Earl's Juke Joint in the Inner West thanks to its reputation as "a safe spot for people of diverse backgrounds." [caption id="attachment_954425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Postnikova[/caption] For Donato Salomone, one day, he was running the Italian delicatessen he opened to fill a gap he'd been missing since leaving Italy. The next, he was the owner of Sydney's latest viral sandwich spot. Thanks to an 8am Instagram post, he was met with a crowd of hundreds at his teensy laneway joint, Salumerie. In shock, Donato handwrote dockets for a free sandwich for the next day when he sold out of gratitude for his neighbours for showing up. You'd be forgiven for thinking that Sydney's hospitality scene is in direct competition. For Pasan Wijesena, owner of Earl's Juke Joint, it's more like a case of "a rising tide lifts all ships." Likewise, for Mike and Lucy, "We should be in direct competition, but we're not." Rather, "we all look out for each other, it's a beautiful family." It makes you wonder what cafe concept is marinating in someone's head right now, waiting for them to start. Find out how your local favourites use Square at their website. Watch Good Neighbours in full on YouTube.
The arrival of spring means you'll have more motivation to leave the house more — even if it's just to get into a gallery. Luckily, the array of exhibitions currently — or ones that will soon be— on display in Melbourne are anything but static. You'll be able to get your steps up as you wander through an inflatable labyrinth of tunnels and colours or testing your body at Lucy McRae's interactive NGV retrospective. Just remember to take a breather between each one as you gallery hop around the city.
Travelling for work isn't always the perk you imagine. When it comes to hitting the road for your day job, you're most likely cooped up inside the four walls of a budget hotel rather than exploring the sights. However, Big4 Holiday Parks has a new competition, The Big Aussie Review, where the winner scores a travel gig that many of us have spent years dreaming about. With applications now open, you've got the chance to become BIG4's official Travel Reviewer, tasked with spending 365 days travelling across Australia. The assignment? Uncover and review the small-town favourites, roadside stops and unexpected moments that turn a good trip into a great one. With one lucky duo — partner or best mate — or family awarded the job, you'll crisscross the country in a Ford Ranger and Crusader caravan, stopping at Big4 Holiday Parks along the way. Travelling from the Top End to Tassie, the brief is simple: capture and produce top-notch video, social and editorial content that inspires Australians to rediscover their own backyard. "Australians don't need a passport to have an incredible holiday," says Big4 Holiday Parks CEO Sean Jenner. "We're a nation that loves a review, and The Big Aussie Review is about shining the spotlight onto the magical stuff and celebrating what makes travel in Australia so special." Oh, that car and caravan we mentioned? Once this year-long adventure is over, they're yours to keep. Plus, your 12-month trip includes petrol costs, weekly food allowances, thousands of dollars' worth of travel equipment, and a car load of content creation gear, including a new iPhone 17 Pro and Starlink satellite internet, so you can keep the world informed about your adventures. Fancy yourself as the next Michael Palin or Jan Morris? The selection criteria are straightforward. All Big4 asks is that you love to travel, can't stop creating content and have a keen eye for spotting the magic in the everyday. To apply, visit the website and upload a 60-second video of yourself reviewing anything that you love, no matter how silly. Applications for Big4 Holiday Parks' The Big Aussie Review are now open. Head to the website for more information.
With exciting outdoor explorations, remarkable eateries, eye-opening cultural experiences and an effortless transit system, Singapore is a no-brainer for your next family getaway. Thanks to Singapore Tourism, we've rounded up some insider tips on activities around the Lion City to delight any kids (and kids at heart) and make your family trip to Singapore unforgettable. Skip the tourist haunts for these lesser known adventures when you're here. Race at Hyperspeed at The Palawan at Sentosa Sentosa is a haven for family fun, with everything from tranquil beaches, shops and eateries to theme parks, indoor skydiving, zip-lining and treetop obstacle courses, a dolphin island, and a role-play city for kids. Can't decide where to start? Kick off your Sentosa adventures at The Palawan, where you can get a bite at the food trucks before letting your tiny tots run wild at Singapore's only floating water park, HydroDash, or at the beachside mini-golf course, UltraGolf. The Palawan is also home to a massive go-karting circuit, which spans 308 metres across three levels. What makes HyperDrive stand out is not only its sheer size, state-of-the-art electric go-karts and immersive lighting and sound features, but its innovative Game of Karts experience. Instead of just zooming around the track, drivers can participate in an interactive virtual game while racing, collecting weapons or boosts along the track to beat out the competition. Stimulate Your Senses at Sentosa's Sensoryscape While you're at Sentosa, be sure to explore the newly opened Sensoryscape. As the name suggests, this 350-metre passageway is a treat for the senses, making use of pioneering architecture, soundscapes, augmented reality and light projections. Linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches in the south, Sensoryscape features six stops — the Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Glow Garden. From verdant views and streams of water to textured plants, scented flora and edible greenery, each garden is designed to be interactive and immersive. As the sun sets, Sensoryscape comes alive with digital projections, sounds and lights to complement the installations. Be a Zookeeper for a Day at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Get up close and personal with Singapore's wildlife at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which consists of the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders. Do more than just marvel at the animals when you visit the Singapore Zoo — children above the age of six can become a zookeeper for a day and learn about Mandai Wildlife's conservation efforts, meet some of the animals, try their hand at basic caring duties and enjoy lunch at Ah Meng terrace. There are two programs: the Kid Edition runs from 9am–1.45pm on Saturdays for little ones between the ages of 6–12, while the Junior Edition runs from 9am–4pm on Saturdays for teens above the age of 13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream With 14 themed rooms, interactive experiences, delightful photo opportunities and of course, unlimited ice cream, the Museum of Ice Cream is a pastel-hued paradise. Embrace your love of all things sweet as you play giant games, do arts and crafts, leap around in an inflatable room and dive into a pool of sprinkles. A general admission ticket will also get you unlimited amounts of five different ice cream desserts, but for only 10 SGD more, you can unlock additional flavours with a premium ticket. Marvel at Nature at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this enchanting park is specifically designed for children under the age of 14 and is the first of its kind in Asia. Intended to educate little ones and foster their appreciation for nature, the gardens include a maze, playground, treehouse, pond, flying fox, potting garden, fruit orchard and classrooms, with interactive activities and educational signs dotted throughout. To preserve the magic of the grounds (and for safety reasons), adults are only permitted if accompanying a child. [caption id="attachment_983728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oo La Lab Facebook[/caption] Create Your Own Scent at Oo La Lab For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, book in for a workshop at Chinatown perfumerie Oo La Lab. Adults and teens can have a go at mixing their own scents to create a bespoke perfume, incense or candle. If any little ones want to have a go, there's also a 60-minute workshop for kids aged five and older, where they'll get to learn about smells, play around with fragrances and make their own scented body wash to bring home. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre.
One of the most famous artworks in the world is coming to your home, ready for you to peer at whenever you want. Even better: you don't need a hefty bank balance or to be a Glass Onion-style tech mogul to afford it. You will have to build the iconic piece yourself, however, and it will be fashioned out of plastic bricks — all thanks to the latest addition to Lego's art range. That masterwork: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, aka the woodblock print that dates back to 1831, is part of the artist's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series and is instantly recognisable. Depicting a stormy sea with Mount Fuji in the background, the piece might just be the best-known Japanese artwork ever, with original versions on display everywhere from the Tokyo National Museum to the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Great Wave is certainly one of the most reproduced in history, but making the leap to Lego is a first. How many bricks does it take to turn such a beloved nearly 200-year-old print into a Lego creation? That'd be 1810, including tiny circle blocks for intricate detail. Indeed, this layered 3D set doesn't just recreate just the design of Hokusai's original, or the overall image, but its lines and depth as well. The Lego Art Hokusai: The Great Wave kit has started hitting stores worldwide, and will be available Down Under from Wednesday, February 1. Genuinely big enough to hang on your wall, The Great Wave set is unsurprisingly aimed at adults — a group that Lego has been courting for years, including with succulents, orchids, bouquets and bonsai fashioned out of bricks, because the toy brand knows that you don't ever really grow out of its interconnecting blocks. Lego's latest artistic reimagining follows in the footsteps of the company's The Starry Night set in 2021, which gave Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece the same treatment. Also included in The Great Wave kit, which'll cost AU$169.99 / NZ $179.99 when it goes on sale: a decorative tile with Hokusai's signature. Plus, Lego has created a soundtrack to go with it, so you can listen along as you build, as part of its ongoing focus on adults using its bricks to relax. For more information about Lego's new 'The Great Wave' kit, which goes on sale on Down Under on Wednesday, February 1, head to the company's website.
It comes as no surprise that Australia's nightlife scenes have shifted dramatically in the past five years. From COVID-19 to the spiking cost of living, Australians' leisure habits are constantly adapting. It may have taken us nearly half a decade to get back off our couches and into our local pubs and restaurants post-lockdown, but the data shows that it's finally happening. Australians are getting more comfortable with heading back out into the nightlife. The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, provides a comprehensive snapshot of Australian life after dark. From chasing the newest must-try restaurant to heading out to night markets, Australians are finding fresh ways to make our nights count. For one in three Australians, going out at night is "extremely or very important" to their lifestyle. Dining out is the most popular choice for leaving the comfort and safety of their houses, followed by heading to the cinema, visiting night markets and going to bars and pubs. [caption id="attachment_1018636" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Etheus[/caption] The stats also show that, despite the rhetoric around Gen Z being isolated phone addicts, the younger generations are driving Australia's night-time activity, with Gen Z choosing to go out an average of just over nine nights per month, followed by Gen Y (or millennials) with an average of 7.2 nights out a month. With Visa's new data providing a snapshot of Australia's after-dark habits in the second half of the 2020s, we spoke with two hospitality leaders to get a sense check on what the future of our nightlife may look like and how it has changed. Intentionality over consumption Across the country, operators are seeing a clear move towards more intentional nights out. Kingsley Smith, owner of The London Hotel in Paddington, notes that the midweek pub catch-up has dropped significantly. Kingsley says that Australians are drinking "considerably" less midweek. Saturday nights are still booming, however, as Kingsley observes that Australians are saving themselves for a bigger blowout on the weekend. "Saturday is still the big night out, possibly bigger than ever," he tells Concrete Playground. Jason Williams, the Director of House Made Hospitality, echoes this trend, adding that while Australians continue to socialise, caution around spending due to inflation is shaping how people engage with hospitality. "People are spending a little less, but they're still going out. Guests are chasing experiences — not just good food and drinks — but they're more value-conscious than before." [caption id="attachment_836017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Apollonia[/caption] Kingsley believes that the future of the Australian nightlife is "food-focused" with punters looking for "alternative entertainment" outside of bars and clubs, noting that a night out "doesn't need to involve alcohol". This observation is backed up by Visa's data, which found that great food and entertainment take centre stage on Australians' nights out. At the same time, the availability of alcohol ranked low on our list of after-dark priorities. "Australians are drinking less alcohol these days, driven by health and wellness trends, shifting social habits and cost-of-living pressures," says Jason. Despite these trends, Jason remains optimistic about the future of Australian nightlife, particularly in his hometown of Sydney. "Sydney's nightlife is slowly rebuilding after years of lockout laws and red tape, and we're finally seeing real energy from all levels of government to support it," says Jason. "Spending habits are changing, but there's no shortage of passionate operators and creatives ready to deliver great experiences and that enthusiasm will help grow the audience again." [caption id="attachment_1003546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Baptist Street Rec. Club[/caption] Even as our habits change, the magic of our cities after dark remains. "We just need to normalise going out more often and make the city feel alive after dark. More retailers staying open later would help, too," Jason shares. According to Kingsley, al fresco dining is booming among customers, and councils are (thankfully) supporting this shift. "Outdoor dining is growing in popularity, and our councils are listening and approving more sidewalk seating and parklets." A message for the home bodies With the price of a pint, the comfort of streaming services and all of our friends living on the small computer in our pockets, it's often easier (and more tempting) to choose a night in over heading out into the dark. But as the weather warms up, Kingsley offers words of encouragement to the homebodies. "Embrace our city at night," says Kingsley. "The more people out, the safer it is and the more vibrant the city becomes." Jason, on the other hand, shares a timeless and pertinent reminder to help us create the future of Australian nightlife. "Netflix will still be there when you get home. Get out and create your own stories to tell — the world's full of energy, flavour and good company if you go looking for it." Discover the vibe near you.
Few things can compare to a classic Italian aperitivo. You order a drink from the bar and with it comes a delectable free snack. This delightful afternoon drinking experience is unavoidable if you're travelling through Italy. But for those of us stuck here in Melbourne, Neighbourhood Wine (one of the best wine bars in Melbourne for our money) is throwing its own version of an aperitivo throughout the rest of summer. For its Patio Aperitivo sessions, guests sitting out on the terrace from 4–6pm (any day of the week) will receive a free snack when they order a boozy beverage. And these aren't dry breadsticks we're talking. The Neighbourhood Wine crew will be slinging natural oysters, wagyu beef with bone marrow on sourdough crackers, and honeydew melon topped with capocollo ham to all the aperitivo stans out there. To nab a complimentary snack, you just need to order a glass of wine, a pint of beer or a cocktail within the two hour window. Cocktail-wise, the team has created a few summer specials for the occasion, including a signature spritz and dirty martini. But you could happily head here for a two-hour sesh on the beers and wine, filling up on plenty of fine Italian-inspired eats.
