So long, Bedford St. The Collingwood bar and cafe owned by Wide Open Road Coffee Roasters underwent a facelift some years ago — and a fairly drastic one at that. Gone are the mac and cheese pancakes, fried chicken and toasted Wagon Wheel pies, now replaced with healthy food options less likely to clog up your arteries along with a seriously souped-up coffee menu. Known as Terror Twilight, the venue is now run by the crew behind Convoy, Hi-Fi and Tinker. These folks are big players in Melbourne's breakfast game, so you can expect big things here. Standout brekkie dishes include the chai spiced Greek yoghurt with ruby grapefruit, walnut praline, coconut chia pudding and a chai honey glaze as well as the capsicum and roast tomato peperonata served on a cheesy polenta slice with green olives, basil, poached eggs and paprika salt. Later in the day, diners can customise their own bowls, choosing from bases like steamed brown rice or sautéed broccoli and cauliflower, sides like spring greens with salsa verde or grilled haloumi, and proteins like lemon and garlic prawns or Sichuan marinated tofu. Alternatively, you can opt for one of its warming broths. Get one of these bad boys delivered to your home when you feel a little under the weather — it'll fix you right up. There are also options to upgrade your coffee with nootropic supplements and natural health-boosters, such as chaga mushrooms and MCT oil. If that's not your thing, you can grab a refreshing smoothie, a cold press juice or a Bloody Maria cocktail made with tequila, Martini Rosso, TT pickle juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, TT hot sauce, celery salt, black chilli salt, and tomato juice. Terror Twilight is showing Melbourne how healthy food can also be wildly delicious. Images: My Friend Tom Appears in: The Best Cafes in Melbourne The Best Breakfast in Melbourne
Carving out some much-deserved 'me time' can be tricky but when you do it, the benefits are undeniable. Move your body and pamper yourself just a little and you'll feel strong, confident and ready to go after what you want — nay, deserve. To help you get those great weekend vibes going, Concrete Playground is hosting an intimate (and free) early-morning event on International Women's Day — Saturday, March 8 — in partnership with Revlon. Starting at 7.30am at Bossley Bar and Restaurant at the Rydges Melbourne, Get Up and Glow will kick off with a 45-minute guided yoga flow led by Nike Ambassador Zoe Klein. Following your final Shavasana, the Breakfast Bar will serve smoothies, coffee and treats for you to refuel and a professional makeup artist will assist you in shade matching products from Revlon's Illuminance range. These products are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, to hydrate and nourish the skin giving you that glam lit-from-within finish. You'll also get a gift bag filled with goodies from Revlon including the Illuminance Glow Filter, Illuminance Serum Concealer, Illuminance Glow Wands, Illuminance Glow Primer, Illuminance Balm Primer, a makeup brush and red nail varnish. This exclusive event is only open to 20 people (and their plus-ones). Click here to enter the draw and be in with a chance to get your name on the guest list.
The Arcadia Hotel on the corner of Punt and Toorak Road in South Yarra has been serving up cold ones since before the American Civil War. And it's no surprise it's a survivor. Being able to adapt to the times is the struggle of every hospitality venue, be it a pub or a five-star restaurant, and the crew behind Arcadia has been able to do it with style. With a fresh refurb, the place is modern yet vintage, with heritage features maintained throughout and a special focus on interior design. It's a laidback joint to enjoy a game of pool and some wicked live music, but it has a healthy dose of self-respect when it comes to its food and wine service. Starters include classics such as chicken wings and nachos, while dishes such as the pan-fried vegetable gyoza and the Korean glazed popcorn chicken give an East Asian edge. Mains include all the hits such as fish and chips, lamb shanks with creamy mash, steak sandwiches and veggie burgers, while lesser-seen dishes such as veal scaloppini with pepper sauce and roast potatoes also make the cut. From the grill, enjoy cuts such as a Southern Range scotch filler or a grass-fed Black Angus sirloin. There are pasta dishes aplenty too as well as a selection of baos, tacos and pizzas — with the Calabrese being the highlight. Basically, there's a bit of everything on Arcadia Hotel's menu. And it somehow manages to do it all really well. If you're just after a drink, then it's got you covered too — with over 12 beers on tap and a wine list including Fifth Leg chardonnay, Pepperjack shiraz and Squealing Pig pinot noir. There's live music and DJs every Saturday until late and the footy, cricket or NRL will also get a play most weekends. Images: Tran Nguyen
If you look hard enough, you'll find INI Studio hidden within what looks like a small garage that's been painted white and decked out with white cube furniture. Minimalism is the name of the game here — that is until you purchase some of its pastries and coffees. The sweets are fairly next-level, with the croffless (part croissant, part waffle) topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup being a crowd favourite. We're also big fans of the tiramisu, made with INI Studio's own coffee. And as these folks roast their own coffee, it's no surprise that they do it damn well. You can go for your usual flat whites, filters and ice lattes, but INI Studio's more experimental coffee drinks are what we love the most about this cafe. The iced citrus long black made with a shot of coffee, a few slices of lemon and a dusting of lemon rind is one of the most refreshing and vibrant caffeinated drinks we have ever tried. The cream iced latte and the honeycomb affogato are also absolutely perfect for summer days — especially if you want something a little richer. Food- and drink-wise, INI Studio doesn't do much more than coffee and pastries, but it doesn't need to when they are this creative. And if you are super keen on getting the perfect shot of these aesthetically pleasing items for Instagram, you can even hire out the upstairs photography studio. Although, we would say that is a bit overkill. The interiors of the cafe are basically a blank cavas anyway. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
Melburnians love a good plate of sashimi as much as the next guy. We also seem to have a serious obsession with anything within the realm of Asian cuisine. And if it throws the word fusion in there? We're sold. (Don't even talk to us about street food. It's all too much at one time.) So, in a nod to all the fine Japanese establishments around town — some putting a modern spin on things, some not — here are our top picks when you've got a hankering for sashimi, sake, korokke or katsu. In no particular order, of course. MINAMISHIMA, RICHMOND When Minamishima opened last year, it didn't take long for people to notice. After 15 years at the CBD's Kenzan, sushi master Koichi Minamishima decided to go out on his own and almost immediately he started making waves in the world of sushi. Let's be clear — this is not a cheap night out. The two dining options (they differ if you sit at the bar or in the dining room) cost $150 each with matching sake or wine another $70. But it is sushi as you rarely experience it outside Japan. At Minamishima, standards are high and perfection is desired — and it is one of Melbourne's best showcases of Japanese cuisine. HIHOU, CBD A combination of top-notch cocktails and Japanese-inspired bites is okay in our books any day. To top that off, Hihou have a secret doorbell — ring it, and someone will covertly let you in. James Bond, eat your heart out. Speaking of eating, Hihou serves up bites like the brik pastry cigars filled with a spicy tuna tartare, and its signature Japanese hot dog served in a sweet bun with pickled onion and wasabi mayo. Helps the sake go down just that little bit quicker. KISUME, CBD The simplest way to describe Kisumé, the luxe Japanese restaurant from lauded restaurateur Chris Lucas, may be this: three storeys of considered grandeur. Its design is impressive — a Chablis bar, a Kisumé Winewall, avant-garde art — and considered attention to detail travels throughout the three levels, from the menu down to the nifty coin-sized refreshment towels that entertainingly expand when you open them. In the kitchen, there's acclaimed Korean-born chef K. S. Moon. His raw fish dishes are all elegant and mostly restrained, allowing the quality of the (well-sourced) produce to speak for itself. But some border on over-the-top, with gold leaves and teaspoons of caviar. The raw dishes' vivid flavours would imaginably hit a fair few diners with the realisation of "wow, this is what tuna really tastes like". In the cooked section, knockout items include the pork kimchi gyoza, satisfyingly packed with flavour and crunch, and the hapuka with spicy miso, which is substantial in size and spice. The cucumber tataki with cucumber vinaigrette is a lovely palette cleanser, perfect before delving into dishes such as the Berkshire baby back pork ribs with maple soy glaze. HINOKI JAPANESE PANTRY, FITZROY Okay, we admit this one is more like a sushi bar crossed with a Japanese supermarket than it is a restaurant, but trust us, you'll want to know about Hinoki. If you're looking to make something yourself, the shelves are your friend. Find anything from korokke to katsu, gyoza to green tea Kit Kats, and a mammoth amount of bottled sauces and everything you need to make ramen. Oh, and sake and shochu. But the sushi counter is probably what you're most interested in. A range of 89 options will be available. There are more traditional varieties like your sashimi and nigiri platters, and then more unique creations like the salmon aioli with squid and egg salad. KUMO IZAKAYA, BRUNSWICK Good eating, good drinking, and good vibes. This is what happens at Kumo. The space is stunning — once an old bank, it now has lots of stone, wood, concrete, steel and glass, with influence drawn from Japanese art. The menu here is a big one. Start with vegetable crisps with nori salt, move to seared scallop with spring onion and sesame and pork gyoza. Larger dishes see pork belly skewers with chilli mayo, tokoyaki (a savoury pancake wrapped around octopus) and beer-battered yakitori chicken. When it comes to the drinks list, go for a sake flight and learn a thing or two from the masters. TOKYO TINA, WINDSOR Japanese nosh isn't meant to be too serious, and sometimes it's good to stray a little from the traditional and have a little fun. The food at Tokyo Tina (sister to Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally) is not what you'll find on your garden-variety Japanese restaurant. The team tasted their way around the streets of Japan to make sure they were bringing Windsor something unique, but relevant to what's happening over there at the moment. Port Lincoln kingfish is served with wasabi and apple, and placed in a bite sized charcoal cone offering beautiful crunch ($6), while the open Californian roll with WA spanner crab ($8) highlights the natural sweetness of crab meat without going overboard. For larger dishes you can opt for the grill with a whole chicken served with gocujang and coleslaw, or go for some of their tasty ramen. This place is popular, so if you're planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait. SAKE RESTAURANT & BAR, SOUTH BANK This is one of Melbourne's more flashy Japanese restaurants. We weren't first to get this one — Sydney and Brisbane came first, but we're okay with that. There is a lot going on here, but it is a beautiful space. Sitting on the Yarra, you'll most likely get a killer view, and the space itself, while huge, has been made to have all the right nooks and private areas, as well as a large dining space and outside tables for the warmer months. A few of the must-orders include the sustainable Patagonian toothfish marinated in miso and served on lettuce cups, the popcorn shrimp served with a creamy and spicy sauce, and the wagyu teriyaki. The sushi should also be on your order list as well. Go with many, order all the things. They've also just opened up a second venue on Flinders Lane, so you'll have to give that one a go too. OCHA, HAWTHORN If you're looking for some sushi atop a white tablecloth, then Ocha is your best bet. Located in the heart of Hawthorn, Ocha is refined, elegant and unforgettable. It's a long-time hatted restaurant — and for good reason. Traditional techniques are combined with sublime imaginative touches to make for a truly memorable meal. Don't be surprised if your sushi arrives at your table like it's been turned inside out or upside down. This playfulness extends to crowd favourites including the beef tataki and vegetable tempura, with the gyoza finishing off a list of delectably light dishes. It's a little pricey, but they do a great set lunch for just $25. IZAKAYA DEN, CBD A basement on Russell Street seems like the perfect place to nibble on Japanese tapas-style dishes, right? Well, why the hell not? The long bar and small tables lining the walls make it feel like a cocktail bar-cum-Japanese restaurant — but hey, we're not complaining about that. Some of the Den favourites include the den chicken, sweet corn kakiage, tuna tataki and the grilled pork belly. Or, for the cooler months, go for the udon and a glass of sake. Cheers, friends. CIBI, COLLINGWOOD We just want to pick this place up and squeeze it. Or move in. One or the other. A cafe and homewares store in one, Cibi is a lesson in good living. With a philosophy of "head, heart, hands", the space sets out to spark creativity and thought, offer beautiful things you'll want to reach out and touch and feed you soul-warming food that is straight from the heart of owners Meg and Zenta Tanaka. In a vast but welcoming warehouse space on Keele Street, an experience that is rich in culture and calm vibes awaits. This is never truer than on a weekend morning, when a traditional Japanese breakfast delights the brunch crowds. Grilled salmon, tamago egg (traditional Japanese folded omelette), rice and potato salad with a bowl of miso will set you up for whatever the day may throw at you. And, afterwards, you can peruse Cibi's beautifully curated collection of Japanese homewares. Top image: Toko by Julian Kingma.
When it gets to July, it seems like everyone you know is planning a European holiday — and the Greek islands are on many a traveller's summer itinerary. Most flock to islands like Santorini, Mykonos or Ios — but, really, that's just skimming the surface. While most people can count, say, six islands confidently, there are actually 6000 all up — 227 have people living on them, and the rest you can kayak or sail to for the day. So while we don't want to downplay the beauty of the well-travelled tourist islands, we're putting in a good word for the more underrated parts of Greece, which are extremely — if not more — worthy of your holiday time. Plus, these eight islands are nowhere near as crowded in European summer. So, as you make Europe summer plans, consider these alternative Greek jewels as a setting for snacking, finding serenity or smashing plates — what you decide to do there is up to you. [caption id="attachment_627543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Karakatsanis via Flickr.[/caption] SKOPELOS Waltzing around Skopelos may induce flashbacks of Pierce Brosnan's lack of singing ability, as a large portion of 2008's Mamma Mia was shot on the island. More fondly, you may recognise Agios Ioannis, the tiny little church perched on an 100-metre-high rock that hosted Meryl Streep's impassioned The Winner Takes it All solo. Skopelos' idyllic beaches are aplenty, but stray away from Kastani beach — also featured in the film — as its shores are one of the few spots on the island that gets crowded. Try Limnonari or Glysteri instead. If you hire a car to drive around, you'll notice how much this island differs from others in terms of terrain and vegetation, which is due to its northern situation. When springtime comes around, Skopelos is carpeted in wild flowers such as poppies and irises, camomile starts to pop up in June, and plums and almonds emerge as September nears. [caption id="attachment_627546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Livadaki beach, esther via Flickr.[/caption] FOLEGANDROS Clinging to the southern edge of the Cyclades group of islands is Folegandros, an island which travellers don't usually reach as they choose to halt their journey on Ios or Mykonos. But to venture a little further is a very wise choice; travellers are still greeted with the same, mesmeric turquoise waters and can enjoy them in more tranquil surrounds. Angali, Agios Nikolaos and Livadaki are notable beaches to unwind at. Folegandros is tiny — a 12-kilometre run will get you from one end of the island to the other — and there is no airport, so to get there you need to take a ferry from Athens, which only adds to the odyssey. After you dock and drop off your luggage, hire a quad bike and zoom your way through some seriously fresh air. [caption id="attachment_627461" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rachel Docherty via Flickr.[/caption] KOS The sunset at Kos' Agios Theologos beach gives Santorini's a run for its money. Feast on fresh octopus at the beach's only restaurant and watch the sun turn the sky into a hypnotic fuchsia as it disappears into the Aegean. In the morning, take a swim to church. At the western head of the island you'll find the village Kefalos, which literally translates as 'head'. Kefalos' relentlessly cold beach Agios Stefanos hosts a little church, sitting on microscopic island about 200 metres from shore. Adventurers can take a swim through the waters, above the sea life to reach it. Kos also has a rich historical past, filled with ruins and sites that honour Hippocrates. You'll find most of them the capital Kos Town (the island proves to be quite literal in its naming approach). From Kos Town's port, it's a measly 20-minute ferry ride to Bodrum on Turkey's southwest coast. So, if you're continuing on into Turkey, Kos is a wise place to wrap up your Greece trip. [caption id="attachment_627452" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Blue Cave, Tatsushi Okamoto via Flickr.[/caption] KASTELORIZO Instead of white villages and blue motifs, Kastelorizo's houses are boldly colourful and expressive. Its aesthetic significantly differs from other islands which may have to do with the island's far-flung geographical positioning — it just clutches onto the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea. You'll find neoclassical mansions, rocky fortresses, miniature seaside churches and one of the most insanely well-kept secrets in Greece: the Blue Cave. A truly majestic spot to swim, the cave has stalactites that overlook deep blue waters that are slightly lit up by the reflection of sun rays that manage to creep in. If you seek total seclusion and serenity, head to Kastelorizo — we doubt the population of 490 will disturb you. [caption id="attachment_627549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mandraki, Karelj via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] NISYROS Nisyros is very much a calm island, undisturbed by tourists. What we're hoping stays calm is the volcano, which is one of the only active ones in the country. Nonetheless, you can get up close with fumaroles that hiss as you get close. And when you're not exploring Nisyros' terrain, try and delve into some local produce. Those looking for a drink must track down some koukouzina, a distillation of grapes and figs with a taste similar to raki. And it's no revelation that cheese and wine are a glorious combination but trigas takes it to the next level — it's a hard goats' cheese cooked in wine. Enjoy these delicacies in the capital village Mandraki, which rests right on the water. Its roads are made up of intricate pebble patterns, streets are peppered with flowers and cats can be seen on the locals' doorsteps. [caption id="attachment_627462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] View from St John Monastery, Tomisti via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] PATMOS Rich in historical and religious past, Patmos is where Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelation, and the Cave of the Apocalypse has been spectacularly transformed into a church. The island continues to draw religious tourists and pilgrims from all corners of the world. Near the cave you'll find the old hilltop town of Chora, which is crowned by what at first glance looks like a castle, but, is actually the UNESCO-listed Monastery of St John, built in the 11th century. It solidifies Patmos' position of being a place of religious knowledge and learning in Greece. Plus, the view — which overlooks the entire island — is insane. Worth a visit whether you're religious or not. [caption id="attachment_627548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] t_y_l via Flickr.[/caption] IKARIA Ikaria is heralded as the island of longevity. Dementia is relatively absent, thanks to good diet, incredible produce and a pretty stress-free quality of life. Feast on fresh goats' cheese, fish straight from the sea and tomatoes so flavoursome you won't know what hit you. The local panigiri (that is, festivals) are something you'll want to get in on. Pull up a chair with the locals (after asking if it's okay that you do so), grab some food and then dance it off, Greek style. Ikaria is an inspiring speck of land in the North Aegean Sea, lush and green, separating it from other islands that suffer from dryness. [caption id="attachment_627550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] heipei via Flickr.[/caption] KALAMATA While Kalamata is not an island — it's located on the Peloponnese peninsula in the south — if you do wish to visit an actual city in Greece, this is the one to go for. A lot of Greek Australians emigrated from the Peloponnese city, and many will tell you how much they miss it. We can understand why. The city has endured its fair share of Spartan domination and battles, but, nowadays, you can party it up in Kalamata's abundance of clubs and bars. The next day, rejuvenate in the contemplation of the warm Mediterranean sun — just like the Greeks.
If there's one place in New South Wales — well, besides Sydney — that's embraced the state's newly liberated small bar culture, it's Wollongong. Like that of the harbour city, The Gong's night life used to be all about rowdy pubs and dance clubs. Now, we're not saying there's anything wrong with that — sometimes, there's no better way to end a working week than sinking a few and tutting like you're Taylor Swift in utter anonymity — but, like the great Latin writer Publilius Syrus quipped: "The most delightful pleasures cloy without variety". And during the past decade Wollongong, which you'll find just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney, has diversified. In the city's easily walkable centre, you'll stumble across a bluesy whiskey den, a laneway warehouse plastered with street art, a pocket-sized wine bar with a giant-sized wine list, a hatted hideaway serving French degustations and a waterfront pub championing microbrews. And that's just the start of it. Beyond the streetscape, there are beaches, mountains and woodlands galore. In one weekend, you can ride a horse through rainforest, picnic by a waterfall, cruise clifftops on the back of a Harley, loop de loop in a WW2 biplane and, needless to say, take your pick of beaches to swim at. Speaking of which, Wollongong's sandy coastline gives you two options, north and south of Flagstaff Point. On one side, there's the calm, swimmer-friendly North Beach, while on the other is the wild, 3.1-kilometre long City Beach. For more, skip town to visit the string of seaside villages that make up the outer northern suburbs, watched over by the spectacular, 400-metre high, sandstone Illawarra Escarpment. Here's your guide to eating, drinking and adventuring your way through a Wollongong sleepover. [caption id="attachment_569010" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sage Hotel via Wotif[/caption] STAY To wake up just a stumble away from a swim, check into the Sage. Once known as the Chifley and taken over by Silver Needle Hotels in 2015, this four star, 11-storey, 168 room hotel is across the road from City Beach. For fantasy novel-inspiring panoramas of a morning mist-enshrouded Mount Keira, ask for a north facing balcony room or suite. Wherever you are, you'll get invigorating ocean breezes, a super comfy bed, a 40-inch tele and cosy armchairs. When the surf's too rough for a dip, plunge into the spacious lap pool. Buffet brekkie — served on the hotel's Five Islands Terrace — comes with dazzling ocean views, while downstairs at Cold Water Creek Restaurant and Bar, you can slip into a red-cushioned booth anytime and build your own burger. [caption id="attachment_569278" align="alignnone" width="1280"] South Coast Bike Hire[/caption] DO To make zipping around town a cinch, rent a bicycle from South Coast Bike Hire, who'll deliver the bike to your doorstep. Stick to scooting from one bar to another or, if you're keen to counter your excesses with a workout, conquer the waterfront cycleway, which runs between Port Kembla and Thirroul, where you can cool off in a 1930s ocean pool, grab a coffee at Gidget's, browse local art or take a surfing lesson with Illawarra Surf Academy. All in all, Wollongong has 42 kilometres of shared paths. For more scenery (at a much faster speed) take a High Adrenaline Ride and Fly Tour. Just Cruisin' Tours' Steve Melchior will roll up at your hotel, pop you on the back of his Harley and lead you on a twisting, turning, coast-hugging journey along Grand Pacific Drive, which runs as far north as the Royal National Park. Hold on when you hit Sea Cliff Bridge, a dizzying series of curves suspended 665 metres above the ocean, backdropped by sheer cliffs. If you're travelling with a mate, book the Boom Trike. [caption id="attachment_569088" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Biplanes[/caption] Afterwards — or perhaps before — Steve will transport you to Southern Biplane Adventures, where you'll jump aboard a fire truck-red biplane known as Lilly Warra. She's a bonafide World War Two veteran, built in 1943 to perform military aerobatics. Your pilot will strap you into the open-air cockpit and take you soaring hundreds of metres above the Illawarra coastline. Just how gnarly things get is up to you; settle in for a straightforward right-way-up joy flight or order as many tricks as you can handle, from a wingover (a steep climb followed by a sideways fall) to a loop de loop (a 360-degree, upside down turn). To see the Lilly Warra — and hundreds of other stunt planes — in action, head to Wollongong on the weekend of April 30 for the annual Wings Over Illawarra Air Show. And, for a journey through Australia's aviation history, swing by the nearby Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum, where you can sit in the cockpit of a Vietnam War fighter jet. [caption id="attachment_569102" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Otford Farm[/caption] Done with the adrenaline pumping? Make tracks to Otford Farm to explore at a gentler pace. This Lords of the Rings-esque property is home to 40 or so horses, who spend most of their time roaming freely across its 300 acres, but will cheerfully take you for a ride if you ask nicely. The three-hour Bald Hill Adventure trail ride is a magical journey through dense rainforest, alongside babbling creeks and across open woodlands. You'll stop at the hang gliding mecca of Bald Hill Lookout and the pretty Kellys Falls Picnic Area on the way. Short on time or not ready to commit to 180 minutes on horseback? Book a one- or two-hour stroll instead. [caption id="attachment_569091" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Caveau[/caption] EAT UK-born Peter Sheppard was just a kid when he decided to become a chef. Some years later, after training at Sydney's Banc, he moved to Wollongong, where he opened Caveau in 2004. In 2005, his French-inspired creations earned a Good Food and Travel Guide Chef Hat — and they've won one every single year since then. Any day of the week, plonk down on a turquoise polka dot chair in one of the hushed, dark dining rooms and work your way through a seven-course degustation. Like the furniture, the plates are splashed with bright colours, from brilliant purple baby beets to bright red heirloom tomatoes to vibrant warrigal greens. Sheppard sources local, organic produce and pursues a nose-to-tail philosophy, ensuring nothing is wasted. Vegetarians can expect to be treated with equal respect as carnivores; the meat-free degustation is not just an afterthought, but a masterpiece in itself. For a more casual chow down in an epic setting, there's Three Chimneys. Hidden down an alleyway and covered in street art, it's a former warehouse turned hospitality kingdom, incorporating not only a restaurant and bar, but also a coffee roastery, bakery and live music venue. Flop onto a corner couch and keep to yourself, get loud at a communal table or hit the dancefloor. The share plate menu is made up of tasty, tasty morsels in generous portions, from 12-hour braised lamb sliders to crumbed camembert with cranberry sauce. [caption id="attachment_569139" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Diggies[/caption] Several cafes serve up high quality breakfasts and lunches. To start your morning right — that is, overlooking North Beach — reserve a spot at Diggies. Local brothers Stan and Aaron Crinis have been feeding ravenous surfers in this airy, heritage-listed, former cottage for more than a decade. Dig into brioche toast with strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese or sweet corn fritters with a poached egg, sour cream, smoked salmon and a rocket and zucchini salad, and you'll be ready for anything the day throws at you. [caption id="attachment_569133" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Humber[/caption] At Humber, a three-level, triangular cafe-bar in an 80-year-old building, slide onto a jade banquette and tuck into a plate of slow-baked ocean trout with eggs, or a dish called Mushroom Thyme, which features five types of local mushies. At least 50 percent of all produce comes from within a 100-kilometre radius. On the third floor, there's a lovely, laidback rooftop bar serving cocktails and tapas by evening. Throughout April, the eatery will hold Humberfest, which will see a slew of special events, from yoga lessons to mixology classes to movie nights, come to life. [caption id="attachment_569143" align="alignnone" width="1280"] lee and me[/caption] Just down the road in an 1890s terrace house, you'll find lee and me, recognisable from the bicycle in the window. There's a cafe downstairs and a retail space called THE STORE upstairs. So, you can contemplate buying fresh flowers and cool furniture, in between nibbling away on a shredded chicken sub with pickled carrot, or a roast lamb toastie with baba ghanoush, onion jam and Gruyère. Owners Benny and Naomi Hudson have a second outpost in the form of laneway burger joint His Boy Elroy, which turns classics into fun new inventions. The Heisenburg-er, for example, is packed with southern fried chicken, iceberg lettuce, hot sauce and a secret blue sauce. Take the Grand Pacific Drive back to Sydney to stop in at Thirroul (we recommend Postmans Quarter in an old 19th century building that used to house a bank) and/or one of the most spectacularly-located pubs in Australia, The Scarborough Hotel. Passing by on a clear day? Bags a table on the top floor terrace, order a seafood plate and a bottle of sparkling, and don't make any plans to go anywhere else until sundown. Should you miss out on the terrace, a table in the vast, grassy beer garden is a happy second prize — and there are Pacific Island-style thatched huts for groups. [caption id="attachment_569136" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Throsby[/caption] DRINK For a pre-dinner wine or a quiet chat, slip into The Throsby, a 50-seater bar that's been keeping locals hydrated since December 2014. Owners Erick Zevallos and Maddie Sullivan have taken care of every detail, from the Scandi-style high stools to the hanging plants to the 53 variety-strong wine list showcasing small winemakers from all over the world. Later on, venture to dimly-lit Howlin' Wolf to sample the ever-changing 100+ whisky collection — and if you visit on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you'll be able to kick back to live music. [caption id="attachment_569137" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Illawarra Brewing Co.[/caption] Meanwhile, you'll get a view with your brew with a view at The Illawarra Brewery, just opposite City Beach (and not far from the Sage Hotel). Claim an outdoor seat and work your way through a tasting paddle, which covers a handful of offerings from the Illawarra Brewing Company brewhouse. In-house bistro Smoking Barrels dishes up a stack of exceptionally moreish American-style creations, including a salt and chilli-fried soft shell crab burger and sticky barbecue hot wings with smoked mayo. If you're wondering why the meat's so full of flavour, it's all slow-cooked in their custom made, Texan-style smoker. To find out more about the brewhouse, drop by its headquarters in North Wollongong, where you'll meet brewer Dave McGrath, watch the brewing process in motion and taste to your heart's content. Walking in, you'll notice a basketball hoop — manage three slam dunks and you'll be taking home a free growler, filled with your beer of choice. The Chuck Norris is very, very hard to go past. [caption id="attachment_569280" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jonathan Mueller via Flickr[/caption] LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Wollongong is about 90 minutes south of Sydney. You can drive or take the South Coast Line train from Sydney's Central Station to Wollongong Station. Jasmine travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Maksym Kozlenko via Wikimedia Commons.
If you're looking for some hard-to-find wines, Malvern's Milton Wine Shop is a clear go-to in Melbourne's southeast. The cosy bottle shop isn't just for takeaway, either — the venue doubles as a wine bar that slings rare drops by the glass. The venue is split across three spaces, including the bottle-o, a living room with fireplace, and a sun-filled courtyard. The latter is a rare outdoor gem that can also be used in cooler months, as it's heated and enclosed. Expect both old- and new-world wines on offer at Milton Wine Shop, with a focus on quality winemaking. By the glass, there are orange and chilled reds alongside the usual red, white and rosé — with 'interesting and rare' drops from France, Italy and Austria. Apart from wine, there's a strong selection of craft beers from Australia and New Zealand, too. The bar's simple food offering ranges from nibbles to share plates. There are also cheese toasties and an extensive cheese and charcuterie offering. Once you've tasted the range, you'll be more than tempted to hit the well-stocked bottle shop on your way out. Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Walking into Howler feels like stumbling into the urban backwoods or a giant industrial bird coop. Huge sculpted steel trees loom over lush ferns spilling out of floating planters. The open-roofed beer garden is fitted out with custom-hewn furniture, and padded booths glow with softly lit candles. The food here punches above its weight, with great snack options as well as mains, and plenty of thought given to vegans. If you're feeling a little peckish then try the fried calamari, the karaage chicken, the southern fried cauliflower or the vegan arancini with chimichurri sauce. If you fancy something larger, then spoil yourself with a chicken parma with Napoli sauce, mozzarella, a baby cos salad and plenty of fries. Elsewhere there's an eye-fillet steak, a range of burgers and a vegan parma. Beer takes centre stage here, as you might expect, with plenty of local and international drops on tap. There's a happy hour from Tuesday to Thursday, as well as cheap jugs for Friday knock-offs. There are weekly events like house music Saturday nights and classic hits on Fridays, as well as loads of gigs booked throughout the year. Howler is alive with plenty of character and flare, and makes for an awesome spot to rock out on the dance floor.
Sometimes our creative souls need a little encouragement. As children being arty was as easy as drawing on the walls with crayon or making mud pies for the neighbours. But in adulthood we need a way get involved with crafts that won't get us evicted. That's when it pays to look to this list of ten great arts and crafts classes in Melbourne. Come with us and try your hand at splattering paint Pollock-style, creating crocheted blankets to give your gran a run for her money or perhaps even learning how to stuff a dead animal. CREATIVE COMMUNE Located in the busy hub of Hawthorn, this gem follows the mantra that "creativity is contagious". But it is also damn trendy, with short evening courses ranging from terrarium-making to memoir-writing, fascinator creation, indie photography and even marshmallow-making. Prices range from $15 – $30, so perfect for those who want to dip their toes in but not sure whether they're ready to commit and settle down with craft just yet. Community Arts Space, Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Artwork by Klara. NO VACANCY GALLERY Think life drawing is only for experts in photorealism? Think again. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night a large group of art enthusiasts gather at the hidden gallery in QV to sketch the human form in a laidback, untutored environment. All art materials and supplies are included in the class fee of $12 (cash only), with artists’ drinks of choice (cheap red wine and ALDI beer) available for purchase. Arrive early to avoid disappointment; these drop-in classes fill up quickly. Tuesday and Wednesday, doors open at 6.30pm, class runs from 7pm – 9pm. 34–40 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne. THREAD DEN Whether you’re a well-seasoned seamstress or an all-thumbs newbie, Thread Den offers small classes and courses to cater for all in a friendly, lounge-style studio teaching vintage glamour, sewing classes, dressmaking and how to sew up those pesky hems. Thread Den offers one-off workshops as well as longer courses, with prices ranging from $48–$200. There’s no need to BYO sewing machine, but some additional materials are required. Sewing machines are also available for general use for $10 per hour. 3d/26 Wellington Street, Collingwood, 03 9486 9821. LANEWAY LEARNING Holding classes in bars, cafes and pubs in the craftiest suburbs in Melbourne (Brunswick, City, Northcote and St Kilda), this creative organisation is leading the way with cheap and interesting classes, costing just $14 a pop. Laneway Learning has no fixed classes but regularly covers the classics — embroidery, jewellery-making and cross-stitch — as well as going off the beaten path with mindfulness, Spanish and card-tricks. Other classes of theirs aren’t even A Thing yet. Think balloon art and shower-singing. Various locations. PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT Being crafty is not always about the end product; it can be about slowing down and enjoying the moment as well as learning some new skills in sustainability and becoming more environmentally conscious. Put Your Heart Into It runs evening and weekend workshops focusing on organics and gardening, eco-focused photography, styling and wellbeing classes geared for beginners and creative businesses. Classes cost $55–$125 and are taught by an expert in the field. Big Bang Studios, 1/177 Beavers Road, Northcote. REST IN PIECES Science class dissection lovers unite in this intensive workshop focused on the rare art of taxidermy. Attendees are taught to stare death in the face and stuff it, by embracing the step-by-step process from skinning to preserving and standing a specimen over a 10-hour period. At the end of the day you get to take home your own self-stuffed mouse, perfect for your mum’s birthday gift. The course will set you back $500, but get in quick because these classes book out sooner than you might think. 1B Westfield Street, Northcote, 0487 933 828. Photo by Grande Dame Productions. CLASSIE Who said knitting is just for little old ladies? Classie offers pub crochet and knitting classes for beginners. It's the perfect combination of creating, socialising and drinking. These three-hour classes cost $39 and include all the materials to get you started — chief among them, your ball of yarn. Classes are small, making it easy to get help from the teacher, and run on weeknights and weekends. Various locations. HANDMAKER'S FACTORY Most of us know that the love of cheap textiles is detrimental to the planet and contributing to landfill. One way to help reduce our carbon footprint is to reunite with traditional crafts and learn how to make our own clothing. The Handmaker’s Factory offers eco workshops in screenprinting, mending and natural dyeing. Workshops range from $22–$165. Level 2, Suite 206, 10 Elizabeth Street, Kensington NORTHCOTE POTTERY SUPPLIES Demi Moore and Patrict Swayze and that pottery wheel. Need I say more? Re-enact the famous scene at Northcote Pottery Supplies’ ‘Try the Wheel’ class and impress your friends with lopsided tea mugs. There are also porcelain bead classes and workshops on creating the human form through sculpture. Classes range from one-day workshops to over six weeks and cost $50–$140. 142–144 Weston Street, Brunswick East, (03) 9387 3911. CRAFTERNOON CAFE Cake, coffee and craft. The perfect three combo of three c's and a perfect way to spend an afternoon in a hybrid cafe/art classroom. Relive your childhood curiosity by playing with playdough, painting or pasting things for only $10. Lose yourself in your own world without teachers and lessons telling you to colour within the lines. It’s a kid-friendly environment, so feel free to bring any sprogs along. Or not. 718 Sydney Road, Brunswick, 03 9995 2861; and 531 Nicholson St, Carlton North, 03 9077 6998. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Ronnie's prides itself as a vibrant Italian diner suited to any occasion and a place that exudes warmth and congeniality. Located inside a heritage brick facade in the heart of Melbourne, the interior is warm and airy with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The staff here will serve you with a smile on their face while guiding you through the long list of pasta and unforgettable desserts. The starter menu includes dishes such as marinated olives, whipped cod and pickled mussels, while a serving of Adelaide Hills pork and fennel salami is not to be missed. For vegetarians, there's a roasted pumpkin salad with stracciatella and pumpkin seed dressing or their famous fermented potato focaccia. Pasta dishes include classics such as the spaghetti carbonara served with pancetta and the spicy fusilli alla vodka with whipped ricotta — this one is extra special. If you're after something more substantial then look towards the Southern Ranges eye fillet served with duck fat potato bake and green peppercorn jus. The dessert menu is especially impressive with choices including a baked cheesecake, chocolate torte, an affogato with Frangelico or Amaretto and limoncello float served with vanilla ice cream and lemonade. The wine list is another standout and easy to navigate, with a healthy list of wines by the glass including a Tuscan sangiovese, a Sicilian nero d'avola and some local favourites such as a Yarra Valley chardonnay. Images: Pete Dillon
Sydney might be world-renowned for its harbour, bridge and Opera House, and Melbourne's food and live music scenes might've won it plenty of fame and acclaim, but neither Australian city is one of the world's greatest places of 2023. Each year, TIME magazine singles out 50 locations around the globe that it considers extraordinary — and that travellers should make it a priority to visit — with just two Aussie destinations making the latest cut. Kangaroo Island keeps earning praise in 2023; already, The New York Times has named it one of the best places to head to this year in its version of the same type of list, and the South Australian spot's Stokes Bay topped Tourism Australia's best ten beaches for 2023, too. So, its place among TIME's picks is hardly surprising. But the publication also chose one Australian state capital: Brisbane. Move over Sydney and Melbourne — the rivalry that the New South Wales and Victorian capitals have is pointless, with the Sunshine State just sweeping in and nabbing the glory. In three words, TIME shouted out Brissie's "sports and sun", but it had more to say. And, while the hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games obviously got a mention, that's also just the beginning. "The capital of Queensland is already gearing up with ambitious infrastructural advancements, which visitors can enjoy before the crowds pour in," TIME notes. It then shouts out United Airlines' new direct flights between San Francisco and Brisbane; the soon-to-open Queen's Wharf with its bars, restaurants, four luxury hotels and sky-high observation deck; and co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. "Beyond the central business district, the James Street Precinct is a welcome testament to how urban development can champion local businesses and artisans rather than supplanting them. The semi-industrial area leverages Brisbane's perennial sunshine to showcase an outdoor promenade anchored by artsy boutiques and cafes, all under the canopy of Moreton Bay fig trees," TIME also advises. "The surrounding neighbourhood, Fortitude Valley, has recently evolved into a culinary epicentre with new places like sAme sAme showcasing inventive international fare within a laid-back, uniquely Australian atmosphere; a growing assortment of global flavours befitting a now-worldwide audience." sAme sAme has been around for a few years now, but otherwise TIME's praise tells Brisbanites what they already know: that the River City is ace. Fresh from noting that the city's Myer Centre shopping centre would lose Myer, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said "while this is a fantastic accolade for our city, it's also about time!". "It's no accident that Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in the country with people from southern states recognising that our city's incredible climate, lifestyle and liveability is second to none. We're investing in fantastic projects like Victoria Park, Brisbane Metro and our green bridges to help make Brisbane even better," the Lord Mayor continued. "Precincts like South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves are world-class destinations while our suburbs are great places to live, work and relax." Chosen by soliciting "nominations of places from our international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences," TIME explains, Brisbane sits on the world's greatest places of 2023 list alongside the likes of Barcelona, Kyota and Nagoya (home of the new Studio Ghibli Park) in Japan, St Moritz in Switzerland and Dijon in France. Also getting some love: Mexico City, South Korea's Jeju Island, Vienna, the pyramids of Giza, and the prime northern lights spot of Churchill, Manitoba in Canada. For TIME's full World's Greatest Places of 2023 list, head to the publication's website.
You won't struggle to find an idyllic wellness escape on picturesque islands like Lombok and Koh Samui. Yet for those keen to switch up their travel plans, looking further afield to Mallorca's Ca'n Beneït is where you can combine calmness, mindfulness and activeness into a single transformative vacation, perched off the eastern coast of the Spanish mainland. Like other popular retreat spots, there's no shortage of picture-perfect hotels, resorts and villas opening onto the sand or nestled into clifftop trees. However, amid the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the Binibona valley, Ca'n Beneït offers a wellness escape jam-packed with enchanting experiences primed for holidays filled with activities and relaxation. Naturally, this stay's undulating surroundings make it a haven for hikers and cyclists. Scenic centuries-old paths sweep through ancient olive groves and Mediterranean woodland before reaching mountain peaks adorned with breathtaking views. Once you've worked up a sweat, diving into crystal-clear waters is never far away. While some early morning exercise is stellar for clearing your head, Ca'n Beneït has the amenities to counterbalance all that effort. Think a soothing spa and a rejuvenating sauna alongside massages and treatments designed for muscle recovery and energy renewal. Of course, there's also the finer things in life: yoga sessions, wine tastings and infinity pool hangs. Mallorca is best known for its summer vacations by the Med, but Ca'n Beneït sets itself apart by describing autumn as the region's most authentic season. With the mild September and October weather — the average max temperature is about 24 degrees — you won't have to worry about sweltering daylight hours keeping you laid out beneath the air-con. Set on 70 acres of pristine hinterland, Balearic culture and tradition shine through every aspect of the property. That includes a fortified medieval Alquería, home to a historic olive mill, and the first and only church built in Binibona, standing in the main courtyard. Showcasing a deep connection with the land, make Ca'n Beneït your next destination for a wellness retreat with a difference. Ca'n Beneït is open for bookings now at Camí de Binibona, 07314 Binibona, Mallorca. Head to the website for more information.
Netflix, HBO and Disney+ have already done it — tease their upcoming slates for 2025, that is. If you're wondering what else is heading to the small screen this year, now it's Stan's turn to reveal what's on its lineup. The service's program drop for 2025 doubles as a celebration, marking ten years since the Australian platform's debut. Get excited about everything from a new Aussie series starring Will Forte (Bodkin) and D'Arcy Carden (A Man on the Inside) to the second seasons of both Poker Face and Scrublands, plus Keanu Reeves' (Sonic the Hedgehog 3) latest movie, a homegrown flick about a time-travelling bottle of tequila, a horror-comedy series about murderous garden gnomes and more. Crime dramedy Sunny Nights, featuring Forte and Carden, should be high on everyone's must-watch list. Directed by Trent O'Donnell (No Activity, Colin From Accounts), co-starring Rachel House (Moana 2) and Jessica De Gouw (Ladies in Black), and even featuring an appearance by Patrick Brammall (also Colin From Accounts), it follows odd-couple American siblings trying to start their own spray-tan business in Sydney, then getting immersed in the city's criminal underworld. The second season of the delightful Natasha Lyonne (His Three Daughters)-led and Rian Johnson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery)-created Poker Face, one of the best new shows of 2023, is another firm standout — especially if you love whoddunnits, plus Lyonne playing detective. Also returning: Scrublands, which is called Scrublands: Silver for its second go-around and picks up its narrative a year after the events of the first season. This time, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold, Last King of the Cross) is back in Port Silver in Western Australia, his hometown, when he's tasked with digging into another murder. Keanu will be gracing Stan courtesy of The Entertainment System Is Down, the latest film from two-time Palme d'Or-winning director Ruben Östlund — and the latter's first since Triangle of Sadness. The setup: chronicling the results when the movie's title proves true on a long-haul flight between England and Australia. Kirsten Dunst (Civil War) and Daniel Brühl (The Franchise) also star, and the filmmaker described it as "once again a behaviouristic study, comical and tragic, about being a human being — and about contemporary times when we have become so addicted to these screens, and taking that away from us" while chatting with Concrete Playground about his previous feature. Set on New Year's Eve 1999, One More Shot is where tequila gets a new spin, with Emily Browning (Class of '07), Apple Cider Vinegar co-stars Aisha Dee and Ashley Zukerman, Sean Keenan (Exposure) and Pallavi Sharda (The Office) along for the ride. And those killer garden ornaments are the focus of Gnomes, which unleashes their rampage on a country town just as a Gnome-a-Palooza festival is about to kick off. Other upcoming Stan highlights include murder-mystery dramedy He Had It Coming, featuring Lydia West (Big Mood), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Ahsoka) and Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets); Saccharine, the new Midori Francis (The Sex Lives of College Girls)-, Danielle Macdonald (The Tourist)- and Madeleine Madden (The Wheel of Time)-starring psychological horror from Aussie filmmaker Natalie Erika James (Apartment 7A); Brooke Satchwell (Triple Oh!) in Love Divided by Eleven, about a woman who goes looking for the people who received her fiancé's organs when he passed away; and Dee again in thriller Watching You, which adapts JP Pomare's novel The Last Guests and charts the quest to uncover the voyeur who filmed a one-night stand. There's also the return of Bump — this time as a movie, aka Bump: A Christmas Film, which takes the characters on a South American cruise. Or, you can look forward to Beast in Me, with Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad) portraying a former mixed martial artist, and joined on-screen by Russell Crowe (Kraven the Hunter), Luke Hemsworth (Gunner) and Amy Shark making her feature film debut. If you liked The Tourist, The Assassin with Keeley Hawes (Miss Austen) and Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor) hails from the same team. Season four of Hacks, Nicolas Cage (Longlegs) playing an expat Aussie returning home in The Surfer, Richard Gadd's first post-Baby Reindeer series Half Man, Amanda Seyfried (The Crowded Room) in crime drama Long Bright River, a series adaptation of Lord of the Flies, The Rainmaker making the same leap, Stephen King's The Institute following suit as well: they're all on the way, too. And, so is The Hack, which dramatises the UK phone-hacking scandal, with David Tennant (Rivals), Robert Carlyle (Cobra) and Toby Jones (The Instigators) leading the cast. New TV shows and movies will hit Stan throughout 2025 — head to the streaming platform for its current catalogue.
Combining the best of modern Melbourne with a mix of enduring highlights from the past, Prahran remains one of the city's most happening suburbs. And at the centre of it all is the much-loved shopping strip Chapel Street, which provides an eclectic and cosmopolitan alternative to Melbourne's other major shopping and dining hotspots. We've teamed up with American Express to put together this list of choice local traders that make a trip to the shops an enjoyable experience. From gastronomic landmarks and shopping hubs to longstanding cultural institutions, these Prahran-based independent businesses all accept your American Express Card, making it even easier to shop small and support those that are keeping Melbourne's local communities great.
All across New South Wales, stages are being swept, setlists are being finalised, speakers are being stress tested, and crowds are gearing up — what for? It's time for the long-awaited 2025 return of Great Southern Nights. This massive festival series will see over 300 gigs take place in cities and regional hubs across NSW — from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and beyond. To the south of Sydney, one hell of a lineup is setting up shop in Wollongong. Already worth visiting year-round with its beautiful beaches and buzzing communities, the capital of the Illawarra will play host to gigs great and small from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, April 6. We've teamed up with Great Southern Nights to tell you when and where the hottest gigs are taking place and the spots to catch your breath between them. [caption id="attachment_939244" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Georgia Griffiths[/caption] The Great Southern Nights Lineup Over 17 nights all across NSW, Great Southern Nights will be putting on a good time and bringing the noise. In Wollongong, you'll have your pick of 15 gigs across the festival, from Thirroul down to the middle of town. Some of the heaviest hitters (including Missy Higgins and The Cat Empire) have already sold out, so if any of the artists interest you, you'd best get tickets sorted. On the lineup, there's the famously raucous Northeast Party House, rising stars Waax and ARIA-nominated Emily Wurramara. Additionally, acclaimed jazz vocalist Emma Pask, six-piece alt ensemble Gut Health, 80's Aussie rock legends Noiseworks, dance duo The Presets, local grunge rock group Satin Cali and indie pop group Sesame Girl stand out as must-see shows. [caption id="attachment_809031" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jasmine Low[/caption] Local Eats and Treats As one of NSW's great seaside cities, it's no surprise that Wollongong has a busy hospitality scene. Let's start at sunrise, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. One of the top spots is Diggies, a cafe by the beach in North Wollongong that serves up breakfast and brunch delights like salmon croquettes with poached eggs and buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit and honeycomb butter. If you're seeking a nightcap or an ideal pre-game spot ahead of the GSN gigs, Wollongong's got quite the small bar scene. If a cold schooner is what you need, make tracks to Five Barrel Brewing. With seven core brews and a colourful roster of limited releases, you'll find a brew for you. If you prefer a drink with a bit more bite, then head to Howlin Wolf Whiskey Bar for a nip of the 350+ options on the strong whisky (and whiskey) list. Can't decide? Don't stress. Head to Humber for a drink and meal of your choice in the laneway, cocktail lounge or rooftop. Things to Do and Places to See Wollongong is a regional melting pot of experiences, where the history, culture and entertainment offerings from across the Illawarra come to a head all in one place. If you prefer to keep your itinerary simple and focus on the scenery, the legendary Sea Cliff Bridge is arguably one of the most scenic roads in the country and is just half an hour out of Wollongong. Otherwise, hit the Illawarra Escarpment on foot to get out of the hustle and bustle and into a 30-million-year-old rainforest. If you're in need of some zen (no shame in taking a breather between gigs), Wollongong just so happens to be home to one of the largest Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere and a beautiful botanical garden park in the northwest corner of the city. If you'd rather raise your heart rate — try skydiving from an almighty 15,000 feet (4572 metres), the highest altitude skydive you can do in the country and half the cruising altitude of a 747 airliner. Otherwise, keep things simple and hit the beach. You're spoilt for choice down here, with 17 patrolled beaches within the borders of the City of Wollongong. North Wollongong Beach or Wollongong City Beach are your closest picks, or the expansive Windang Beach just south of the city lies in wait for those keen to go further afield. Where to Spend the Night Of course, a packed itinerary like this will leave you in dire need of a hot shower and a comfy mattress on which to rest your weary bones. There are plenty of budget options scattered throughout the city if all you need is a bed for the night post-gig before the drive home, but some standout options are available as well. If you're planning on spending your free time by the beach, you'd benefit from a booking at the small but beloved Surfside 22 Motel. This Palm Springs-style property has been open since the 60s, with 16 rooms fitted out with all the modern fixings in a retro style. You'll be mere steps from Wollongong City Beach, and amenities like a plunge pool, sauna, outdoor shower and garden wrapped in a contactless self-check-in-and-out system for a smooth stay. [caption id="attachment_882177" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Courtesy of Novotel Wollongong Northbeach[/caption] If you prefer a large-scale stay, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is the place for you. This four-and-a-half star stay sets you up a stone's throw from North Beach — with city or seaside views to boot. Get all the modern amenities your heart desires (including four on-site venues serving food and drinks), all within walking distance of the gigs you'll be hitting up for Great Southern Nights. And if you're after something really different… why not book a stay in that aforementioned Buddhist temple? The Nan Tien temple offers rooms in the Pilgrim Lodge for any would-be traveller and gig-goer. With views of the temple's scenic gardens and an option to partake in any of the on-site ceremonies and wellness activities, it's perfect for anyone seeking some peace and quiet without leaving the city. Just be aware that since it's a functioning Buddhist temple, all guests are expected to respect the dress code and etiquette requirements. Great Southern Nights is set to take over venues across NSW between Friday, March 21 and Sunday, April 6. Check out our gig guides for Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle or visit the website for more information.
When Sydney's Odd Culture Group arrived in Melbourne, they chose Fitzroy's old post office as their venue: a sprawling heritage spot on the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Street. It was a smart move. Brunswick Street is just the spot for a Melbourne adaptation of Odd Culture's award-winning Newtown concept bar: part-ale saloon, part-bottle shop, part-fermentation factory, with space for 300 thirsty patrons. Odd Culture Group is the hospitality crew behind Sydney's inner-city spots including The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitzroy Hotel and namesake King Street venue Odd Culture Newtown. General manager Gerry Nass runs the venue down in Fitzroy, having previously operated the Robbie Burns Hotel in Collingwood. And he's assembled a very knowledgeable crew. If you want to learn more about wild fermented ales, or lambic beer from Belgium's Pajottenland region, just ask a staff member. They're like walking beer encyclopedias. Speaking of beer, Odd Culture has 12 rotating taps, most of them fearless and funky. Further into the drinks menu, you'll find an easy-to-explore specialty array of wine, beer and spirits, with an emphasis on wild brews and natural vino. You'll be able to browse and buy to take away, or select a drop to enjoy onsite, either settled in on the indoor banquet seating or out in the laneway beer garden. There's a small but excellent cocktail menu (the sour negroni is probably the pick of the bunch) and next-level bar snacks like charcuterie from Meatsmith, or the likes of Cantabrian anchovies served with butter and shallots. "We want Odd Culture to be the place to go if you need good booze, full stop. I don't think there's anywhere in the country you can get as pointy-end and specialised in both beer, wine and cocktails, and you can still just sink an ice-cold lager at the bar or in the beer garden if that's all you're after," Group Beverage Manager, Jordan Blackman says. "We just want there to be no question around if Odd Culture has something for you. We love Cantillon, but we also love Melbourne Bitter." Image: supplied.
Fitzroy's ever-popular Colombian joint Sonido now has a sister cafe in Preston. Arepa Days focuses on its namesake dish: a South American maize flatbread that's typically stuffed with a variety of savoury brekkie options. It's a staple in the home country of owners Santiago and Carolina Villamizar, who moved to Australia 12 years ago and have since become the go-to couple for authentic arepas in Melbourne. Arepa Days even doubles as Arepa Lab, a food production kitchen that also bakes for Sonido and other local cafes and restaurants. In Preston, the duo has taken over an abandoned printing shop and turned it into a space reminiscent of Sonido, but with its own charm. Pastel blue and bright yellow hues are accompanied by a light timber ceiling and furnishings. The homey feel makes sense, considering the Villamizar's did all of the construction themselves. On the menu, arepa bases come with a variety of traditional Colombian toppings, including chorizo, chicken and blood pudding sausage. Plus, more toppings cater to the Aussie palate — think bacon, egg and cheese, or Vegemite, guacamole and tomato. Sides can be mixed and matched and a create-your-own arepa option is also on offer. For drinks, there's coffee by Wood and Co, with a Colombian single origin used for espressos and a rotating South American single origin for batch brews. There are also fresh juices, tea by Assembly and Love Chai, and Colombian hot chocolate (with cheese, mind you) to round out the drink offering. Images: Kate Shanasy
Well-loved and ever-cheerful family-run gift spot Think Thornbury is about to clock up six years of life — and you're invited to help celebrate with a weekend of discounts, cake and community. The colourful High Street store, founded by visual artist Maggie May and musician Joshua Moshe, has managed to weather a global pandemic and multiple lockdowns, not to mention some of the other tough bits life can throw one's way. And if that doesn't call for a party, we don't know what does. Head along to join the festivities from Saturday, April 29, when Think Thornbury kicks off its first-ever sale. Everything in store and online will be discounted by 10-percent for the weekend; plus if you head along in person, you'll find more goodies slashed by up to 40-percent off. There are even more excuses to head along on Sunday, April 30, when the store busts out the streamers and lets down its hair for a proper knees-up from 2pm, complete with bubbly, birthday cake and a bunch of lucky door prizes. Images: Marie-Luise Photographer
New Quarter is part of Commune Group's stable of bustling and busy restaurants, including Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina, Moonhouse, Studio Amaro and Firebird. With a sleek fit-out and a fresh, vibrant menu, New Quarter is a spot that suits just as well for a midweek casual lunch as it is for kicking off festivities on a Saturday evening. Self-described as a neo-Vietnamese restaurant, the menu presents refined takes on classic dishes, which maintain the fragrant and spicy flavours of Southeast Asia. While you sip on an NQ Spritz, a combination of Okar Orange Tropic, mandarin shrub, prosecco and soda, snack on the likes of moreish bahn mi fingers with whipped chicken liver pâté, rockling sliders with Vietnamese mint tartare, and fried chicken sandos with cabbage slaw and hot sauce. Up next, sample kaffir lime-cured snapper with sesame crackers or beef tartare with pho jelly, and a crunchy and fresh crisp tofu salad with kohlrabi and tamarind. For the main event, the duck floss egg noodles are a must, as is the roast chicken with pickled chilli sambal, and the delightfully delicate barramundi fillet accompanied by an umami-rich burnt butter nuoc mam. If you're dining with a group, and easy option is the $78 or $89 per person set menus, which allow you to sample many menu favourites. The Swan Street hotspot has now introduced their Tuesday night special, which includes a glass of wine or beer and a shared-style set menu for just $50 per person. Available from 5pm, the three-course menu features rotating proteins, starting with a 250g MB2 porterhouse steak served alongside bun bo heu jus, Thai basil and jasmine rice, and two sides such as wok-tossed greens or egg noodles. Finish off with a Vietnamese coffee crème caramel, and make your Tuesdays a little more exciting. Images: Ashley Ludkin.
The brightest offering of the bunch, Windsor Castle, comes from the same school of thought as the Carlton Club — everything looks better with taxidermy. Sporting a kooky exterior coat of pink and lime-green paint, and a kookier interior of antlers, tusks and peacocks, this southern gem is really trying to make you take notice. That's not a bad thing though — you should. Come summertime, you'll want nothing more than to abscond to its suburban wilderness and bask in the light of its neon pink elephants.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort off the coast of Queensland, the spot we're putting up guests who book our Four-Day Turtle Hatching and Photography Adventure. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This award-winning retreat is the only accommodation on Lady Elliot Island, a small coral cay located at the south end of the Great Barrier Reef. And the beach — where you'll find wild turtles, manta rays and tropical fish swimming around colourful coral fields — is only ten metres away from many of the rooms. THE ROOMS Sustainability is at the core of everything at Lady Elliot Island Eco Retreat. The units, glamping tents and cabins are all designed to seamlessly sit within the natural environment, minimising the impact on local flora and fauna. In line with such an ethos, you won't find wifi, televisions nor radios in any of the rooms — only a limited wifi connection can be found in the restaurant. You go to this island to disconnect — put the phone away and go exploring IRL. But, it must be noted that this lack of signals and screens doesn't mean you'll be roughing it. All room types come with plush beds, charging points, an ensuite bathroom and ceiling fans for hot island nights. [caption id="attachment_889431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fabrice Jaine[/caption] FOOD AND DRINK You're on a remote island, so you're not going to find a series of flash restaurants and bars. However, you do have a few casual places to eat and drink to choose from. First off, you have the laidback Beachfront Cafe — a lunch spot where you can get burgers, salads and some booze in the arvo. Next door you'll find The Lagoon Bar, where you can down a few cocktails, crush some beers or sip a vino after spending a big day out on the reef. The uninterrupted beach views don't hurt either. Lastly, there's the Beachfront Dining Room, where you'll find your included buffet breakfasts and dinners. You'll enjoy a variety of modern Australian cuisines here, set to fuel you up for more outdoor adventuring. THE LOCAL AREA Lady Elliot Island is about 80 kilometres northeast of Bundaberg — located roughly halfway between Fraser Island and Lady Musgrave Island. And even though it's the closest Great Barrier Reef island to Brisbane, it is never overcrowded — you won't find swarms of people or big boats full of tourists in these parts. What you will find is a flourishing marine sanctuary. Go snorkelling or diving around tropical sea life or take the easier route by hopping aboard a glass-bottom boat tour. You can also go on walks around the island (it's super flat, so it won't be difficult) or simply read your book on the beach or by the saltwater pool. You can be as active or relaxed as you want. THE EXTRAS While you can explore the land and water at your own leisure at Lady Elliot Island Eco Retreat, we recommend joining one (or a few) of the available tours. You'll have stacks to choose from, but we've teamed up with these guys to create an exclusive Four-Day Turtle Hatching and Photography Adventure that combines all the best experiences into one epic trip. This package includes return flights from Hervey Bay, snorkel tours, turtle-hatching experiences, a private boat trip around the island and photography classes led by Mark Fitz (an expert wildlife photographer). As well: all your breakfast and dinners will be sorted. It's the ultimate trip for nature and photography lovers. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
For most of us, Pizza Hut visits have been happily locked away — or banished, if you ever ate one of those Four'n Twenty meat pie-stuffed crust pizzas — in the childhood memory bank for good. Since then, we've swapped our ten-year-old desires for more grown-up gourmet pies, preferring real pizzas with high-quality ingredients that are made lovingly by an Italian family, served with nice wine and maybe even come with the option of vegan cheese. But if you want to renege on all that pizza progress and go back to where it all began with a chewy, cheesy large Hawaiian, Pizza Hut will welcome you back with open arms. The restaurant chain this week opens its doors to a new dine-in 'concept store' in Sydney. If you haven't already, forget what a 90s-style Pizza Hut looks like. In the vein of McDonald's — which opened a concept cafe called The Corner in Sydney in 2014 — Pizza Hut's latest venture is giving a red-hot crack at being cool by distancing itself from its usual branding. The fit-out sits awkwardly between clean white-tiled minimal cafe (with neon signage!) and a small suburban pizza place circa 1992. As well as its pizzas, the restaurant menu has adapted modern food trends for a selection of 'tapas-style' entrees and a dedicated dessert bar, featuring free-flowing 'real' ice cream and frozen custard. The chain is also bringing back the vice of greedy 90s kids that is the all-you-can-eat model, in the form of unlimited pizza by the slice on Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons. You'll be able to get a medium pizza and a soft drink for the bargain basement price of $8 and the kitchen will be open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The Waterloo restaurant will also become the brand's new 'innovation lab', where it will create and trial new (no doubt, questionable) creations. It launches today — and while there are so many other places we'd recommend you eat pizza in Sydney, if you're looking for an excuse to check it out, the store is giving out free pizza all day today from 11am. Find Pizza Hut's new Waterloo store at 7 Archibald Avenue, Waterloo. For more info, visit pizzahut.com.au.
As a true suburban icon, the Northcote Plaza rocks a sort of daggy charm, holding a soft spot in the hearts of locals despite its weary looks and that random feature: two separate Coles stores. Heck, there's even a 7700-member Facebook group dedicated to the joint, dubbed The Northcote Plaza Appreciation Society. But this ageing shopping centre could potentially be in for a massive makeover, under a $500 million mixed-use redevelopment proposed by property developers LAS Group. Plans for its Northcote Green revitalisation project would see part of the site overhauled, scoring new residential and retail offerings, multiple outdoor community spaces, a cinema, a recreation centre, a bunch of new dining venues and 6500 square metres of extra green space. Design work from award-winning studio Woods Bagot would feature throughout, while a series of green corridors and a bike-friendly plaza would aim to complement the surrounding landscape, including that of the adjoining All Nations Park. LAS is also keen to pay homage to the area's urban heritage, using locally made bricks in a nod to the site's former life as the Northcote Brickworks. The company confirms it submitted an application for a planning permit for 25 Separation Street, Northcote, in early August. That's now undergoing preliminary assessment by Darebin City Council, with the details publicly available online. The application proposes a mixed-use development for the site, including the construction of six buildings ranging between four and 28 storeys high, housing a mix of retail stores, offices, residential dwellings and a library. Many locals have been quick to express concerns over the proposal on the Planning Alerts comments page, deeming the height "inappropriate", questioning the reduced car parking space and labelling the whole thing as "out of character for the area". Some commenters shared worries about the new towers blocking views and sun, though one resident pushed for more constructive criticism, reminding others that the site is currently "woefully underused". [caption id="attachment_782688" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Commander Keane via WikiCommons.[/caption] The Council has since set up a community page outlining more details and answering some of the main queries. Here, it says the proposal would see the southern half of the plaza completely redeveloped, with existing buildings demolished to make way for the six new ones. Despite the community page mentioning demolition, a spokesperson for LAS Group told Concrete Playground that "Northcote Plaza will remain operational throughout the proposed redevelopment timeline, meaning disruptions will be minimal" and that it is "committed to a seamless construction process that doesn't require the closure, permanent or temporary, of any existing stores within the centre". LAS also addresses some of the key concerns in its original press release. "Much care and consideration has gone into the design to ensure the proposed redevelopment is in keeping with the local area, including setting back any building massing from the street and ensuring no overshadowing of All Nations Park and Separation Street," it states. "Crucially, view-lines of the CBD from All Nations Park will be maintained, as well the park's access to sunlight." Whatever the outcome, locals will still have plenty of time left to shop their beloved Plaza. The council is currently assessing any issues with the application and can request further information, before a public notification period kicks off in December. A final decision is not expected to be made until early 2021. The Northcote Green plans have been submitted to Darebin City Council for 25 Separation Street, Northcote. You can find out more details over at the website.
The kids are all right: in Future Council, the third feature-length documentary directed by Australian actor-turned-filmmaker Damon Gameau after That Sugar Film and 2040, children are brimming with enthusiasm to act to solve the inescapable problem facing every single person on earth right now. There's no avoiding the fact that the earth is in the midst of an eco-crisis, and that challenges to fix it linger at every turn. The young environmentalists in front of Gameau's lens know this deeply. They're distressed and angry about it. They're also driven to act, to bring about change and to do whatever they can to stop the planet's plight from continuing to worsen. When That Sugar Film became a sensation in 2014 — it's in the top five Australian documentaries of all time at the local box office, and sparked many among its audience to rethink the role of the movie's titular substance in their lives — it did so through a particular approach. Gameau, then best-known as an actor in the likes of The Tracker, Thunderstruck, Love My Way, Razzle Dazzle, Underbelly, Balibo, Patrick, Charlie's Country and Puberty Blues (he also played an Australian backpacker on an episode of How I Met Your Mother), put himself and his eating habits at the centre of the film. Think: Super Size Me, but Aussie and about the sweet stuff. Accordingly, Gameau physically charted the consequences of a high-sugar diet. The viewer response, as the cinema takings show, was phenomenal. Gameau wasn't thinking at the time that he'd discovered the blueprint for his approach as a filmmaker, aka documentaries with both a personal and an activist angle. "Upon reflection, I didn't know it at the time," he tells Concrete Playground. "I certainly just wanted to tell stories and thought that there weren't enough stories that, I guess, could enlighten or educate and inspire people. And so I thought that was the goal of making that. And then obviously seeing the impact that had, even in influencing policy in some countries — that kind of lit the fuse, I guess, of like 'oh, there's something really potent about storytelling'." "So much of our storytelling has been used for distraction and other means, and they're perpetuating values that maybe we don't need in this moment," Gameau continues. "So, how could we tell better stories that actually give people a bit more hope and show that there's a different part of humanity, rather than just conflict and competition and really base values around things — you think of those reality shows. So I just got inspired, I think, to tell more stories and try to encourage other storytellers, artists, whatever, to use their platform to maybe highlight the best of us as opposed to other values." Next on his behind-the-camera filmography — after more on-screen stints in Secrets & Lies, Gallipoli, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Barracuda and The Kettering Incident — came 2019's 2040. In a film that world-premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, follows in An Inconvenient Truth's footsteps and is in the top ten Aussie docos of all time at the box office, Gameau retained the same documentary style but changed subjects. His topic: climate change and ways to combat it. The personal element came via packaging his plea to the world to act as a letter to his then-four-year-old daughter, then travelling the globe to delve into potential solutions. Again, it was a massive success. Just as That Sugar Film helped put Gameau on the path to 2040, the latter did the same with Future Council. The environment is again the focus and the writer/director appears on-camera once more, but eight kids — Australian Ruby Rodgers, Joseph Wijaya from Bali, Norfolk Islander Hiva Tuki Grube, Karla Albjerg from Uganda, The Netherlands' Joaquin Minana, Clemence "CC" Currie from Scotland, Wales' Skye Neville and Aurvi Jain from Singapore — are the true stars of the show. Each was selected after a callout for children to accompany Gameau across Europe on a biofuel-powered school bus to both examine options for tackling the planet's predicament and speak with the leaders of companies contributing to the issue. The film's name doesn't just apply to their actions in the doco, either, with the kids making the child-led Future Council a real and ongoing organisation that's advocating for genuine action to save the earth. Gameau isn't merely giving voice to the frustration of the next generation about humanity's current handling of the climate crisis, then, but is helping them in their efforts. One result so far, almost a year before the film reached Australian cinemas in general release on Thursday, August 7, 2025 (but after world-premiering at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival): Ruby, Joseph, Hiva, Karla, Joaquin, CC, Skye and Aurvi appearing at, screening the feature for and meeting with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024. Their deeds, plus Future Council as an off-screen initiative, are inspiring both fellow children and adults — as also chronicled in a movie that's well aware of adult-washing but never earns that description itself, even while ensuring the film is accessible, and also balancing the seriousness of the environmental situation with a sense of joy, play and empowerment. Future Council, the film, is as much a celebration of unique personalities and children following their passions, too — and proves as heartening in that element as well. With Gameau, we also explored that key aspect of the documentary, his show-don't-tell approach to factual filmmaking in general, the path from 2040 to Future Council and the difficult task of getting CEOs to speak with the movie's eight kids, plus his own journey from when he was starting out as an actor and more. On the Show-Don't-Tell Approach Resonating Across Gameau's Documentaries "I think particularly, in this film, I think it could have failed really, really dramatically if it had felt preachy, if the kids were too precocious or pretentious, if it felt like I was steering them in any way and it was a sort of manipulation. That's a careful dance to do and it does take some crafting. I guess I don't think about it too overtly, but I think I know what I don't want it to be. And I see films where it does feel preachy and I think that's really off-putting, and people don't want that. They're craving authenticity in the current state of the world. They want people to be real. And I think that's what the children bring in spades." On How 2040 Put Gameau on the Path to Making Future Council "I took 2040 around the world and a lot of the releases did school visits, and I did lots of classrooms — and the questions were often better than any adult would ask in the Q&As. The kids really knew their stuff. And I just realised that I've projected my own childhood onto these children sometimes and forgotten that they just have access to so much information now. And the ones that are passionate about sustainability just go super-deep on these subjects — and they can online now. So they often know far more than most adults do. So it really felt like 'well, this is their moment. They deserve a platform. How do we connect them together so they don't feel like their only avenue is to protest on the streets? What if they could actually come together meaningfully, collaborate with organisations, businesses, their schools, and actually actively shape and design their own future?'. And I think we've got the opportunity with our tech now, their knowledge, their awareness, to do that, and so that just felt like a good fit for the Future Council." On Whether Gameau Expected the Huge Response That 2040 Received Around the World "I don't think so. I mean, you probably know it yourself, but I think there's a default in any artist that is self-sabotaging and doesn't think we're much good at anything, really. So it's always a little bit of a surprise when something does well. And I guess I was a bit spoilt with Sugar in that that was just such a bizarre, extraordinary takeoff that I didn't expect. That was always going to be hard to match. So I just, yeah, I was surprised. But I think 2040 came at a time when people were looking for solutions and, strangely, that narrative hadn't been told very much — which was a real surprise to me, that we weren't focusing all the great things that people were doing. And so I can see now why it resonated, but of course, yeah, anytime you make something and put it out in the world, you kind of assume that no one is going see it. And it means something to you, but might not connect. So it's always a lovely bonus when people do support it." On Gameau Not Worrying About Falling Into the Adult-Washing Trap By Making Optimistic and Empowering Environmental Documentaries for All Ages "No, I think it's the very thing we need. I think this whole particular movement has got bogged down in so much graphs and analysis and data that what it needs is humanity. It needs a burst of heart. And there's a great quote by an English academic, Louisa Ziane, and she says that 'if you want to change the world, you've got to throw a better party'. And I think that that's what these children bring. Even though, as you saw in the film, they're really processing deep grief, they still find a way to be children, and to play and have fun and find the best moments in in their life. And I think there's great lessons in that for all of us that, yeah, times are incredibly tough right now — we need to be honest about — but when we are honest about it and we give ourselves a good cry like the kids do, you do free up some space to also find the joy and be grateful for the things that are still happening in our lives. And that's the thing that's going to sustain us. If we all get too bogged down in the way of the world, we're no good to anyone, and I can relate to that. I know the state I get in when I'm too serious. So the children really taught me and inspire me to make sure I stay in my heart, and to make sure I still find the moments of joy and the slices of light among these dark times. They do still exist. There are people doing extraordinary things in the face of this adversity, trying to come up with new solutions right now, find the best and be the best humans they can be. So we need to focus on that just as much as we're focusing on the things we don't want." On Whether the Children Setting Up a Real-Life Future Council Was Always the Aim for the Film "It was always in the back of the mind there was a potential that could happen. But again, I was so careful to not steer this or lead the kids on in any way. And that sort of started to happen midway through the film. That's when the children went 'oh, we can see that we've got something to say here. We can see we're valuable and we are having an impact in these boardrooms — what if we did actually start extending this out?'. So it was an idea we talked about halfway through filming. And then subsequently, we've developed that together. We've run every decision through them — 'okay, from everything from branding, what would this look like? How would you want it to run? What don't you want it to be?'. And so now we have a functioning Future Council entity with a COO and board members, and it's all kicking off. And there's now an invitation to children right around the world — which is what this film will do as we take it around the world, is recruit children that want to sign up and join. And then it'll be child-led. So all the decisions go through the children. But we've got the adults that want to support the children with the more-complex stuff and the logistics and the governance, all those sort of things. But the idea is to really make sure that the children feel like they're making the decisions and it is coming from them. They're not being told by their teachers or someone else. Because they do know their stuff, and they do have a chance to really make change — and let's let them drive it." On How Future Council's Children Are Inspiring Adults "Every screening, something magical happens. Like, someone from somewhere reaches out. Some adult wants to join up some organisation. We've got people who just — one woman just gave every child $10,000 to support their initiatives. They are doing something. There's a magic that they have together, and I think it is that humanity. There's a lot of emotion in the screenings. There's people being very, very — it's sort of unlocking parts of them they haven't confronted for a while. So there's just — I don't know, it's hard to describe. There's a magic that's coming out of the tailpipe of this bus as it cruises around, and I'm just sitting back, watching it all, I'm observing, and I'm incredibly excited by what's forming and the people from right around the world that are coming in to support this. I think it's just one of those stories that's come at the right time. The children are taking this conversation to a deeper level that it needed to go to." On Getting Representatives From Large Corporations to Meet with the Children "Yeah, that was a challenge. And I guess the framing was that we wanted to make sure that we — it wasn't about just telling them they're wrong, that it was an invitation to some of these groups to say 'these kids have some really good ideas, and I think you'd be crazy not to access some of their creativity'. I think the children learned that as it went along, that, as you saw, when we started with Nestle, they did go in with quite an activist bent — and it was a much more aggressive take. Then they reflected on that and thought 'you know what, I don't know that that worked entirely'. So they tried and pivoted to a slightly different approach with ING — and by the time we got to Decathlon, which is the world's biggest sporting goods retailer, they were so collaborative. 'Right, how can we work?'. And that, I think, is when they discovered their superpower, and that's why they then wanted to turn this into something much bigger. So it was a really interesting journey. But as I said, to their credit, these companies did say yes. A lot said no. And it was a very, very difficult challenge to get the children in there, to be honest, and I was very lucky that I had some people that were supportive of my previous work in 2040 and were able to open the doors there. But yeah, full credit to those CEOs that did front up and listen to, as you saw, what were some pretty awkward questions and difficult conversations for them. But they were willing to lean in, not shut the film down, not try to edit or cancel — which they could have done. So in the end, we're grateful for the conversations we were able to have." On How Pivotal It Is for Future Council to Celebrate the Unique Personalities of the Kids in the Film — and to Make Children Feel Included for Whatever It Is That They're Passionate About "I obviously really love these kids and they do have their own uniqueness — and that's what's beautiful about it. And Ruby said it on a Q&A — what she learned was that some people feel like they can't do enough or 'who am I to do anything?' or 'I'm not doing enough?', but we all have our own unique way to contribute to this problem right now. And that's, I think, what the kids brought. Ruby found herself that she didn't think she was of any value, and then realised that her art is the thing that people need. And now she's got a record deal and now she's singing live, and all this stuff is happening because she's expressing her grief through her music Whereas Hiva, for example, is just obsessed with birds. And I've watched him give a TED talk now and bring a whole room to its knees because he channels these birds and tells people how important they are to our ecosystem. So they've all got their different superpower. And then they came together as this incredible force. And I think that's the metaphor, isn't it? That's the great example of what we need to do as humans, as a whole, is that no matter what field we're working in, no matter what area of interest we have or our passions, when we actually come together and reknit that fabric that's been torn apart from us by this system, that we can achieve extraordinary things. And I think that's the best takeaway — and my favourite scene in the film is that last scene where the kids are all coming together, they're all acknowledging what they learned from each other and the best that they see in each other. Whoa — what a what a lesson that is for adults right now and how we're going to fix some of these problems we're facing." On Whether Making Inspiring Documentaries Was Gameau's Aim Back When He Was Starting Out as an Actor "No. God no. No, I was way too self-obsessed back then. That was very much sort of, I guess, trying to forge my own path. 'What am I doing in life?'. I hadn't really understood — I always never felt quite happy. I was lucky enough, obviously, to do a film like The Tracker or Balibo, and those felt very, very rich and deep, and felt really fulfilling. But other than that, I always felt a little bit frustrated and not comfortable. And I was lucky enough, obviously, to work with people like Rolf [de Heer, who directed Gameau on The Tracker and Charlie's Country] and Rob Connolly [Balibo's filmmaker], and they showed me how powerful storytelling can be. And I decided that I wanted to start telling my own stories. I thought I had something to say and I wanted to find the courage to be able to say that. And that took a long time to find that courage. I had a lot self-doubt that so many people do, and I was really my worst enemy in that sense. So it's taken me a long time, and I'm still on that journey of really believing this. But I see it now. I can see the impact of what these stories have done and I'm just so grateful. It's been a magical experience. And this one even more so. I feel like it's less about me, this one — the others were quite focused with me at centre, but this again is a shifting in my own journey, to give a platform to these eight kids and then these other kids around the world. So yeah, it's just I've seen it. I just think storytelling is our most-potent tool for change and it is so underutilised and undervalued. And I think it's the only way we're going to get through. I really want to call out to all artists, whether they're musicians or artists or storytellers, whatever it might be, that this is our moment. This is our time. Terence McKenna had this great quote, he said that 'the role of the artist is to save the soul of mankind and anything else is a dithering while Rome burns. If the artist can't find the way, then the way cannot be found'. And I just think whoa, what a moment right now, given everything we're facing — let's unite as artists and tell a new story." Future Council opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Drawing attention away from any one of Timothée Chalamet (Wonka), Zendaya (Euphoria), Javier Bardem (The Little Mermaid), Rebecca Ferguson (Silo) or Josh Brolin (Outer Range) isn't easy, let alone from all five in the same films. And yet, the desert expanse that's roamed across by the stars of Denis Villeneuve's Dune franchise demands notice above everyone and everything. The person guaranteeing that viewers not only spy the sand stretching as far as the eye can see, but feel its impact: Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser. On both Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, his work for the Blade Runner 2049 director ensures that audiences spend ample time with Chalamet and company as well. The two movies are as intimate as they are epic. But these pictures couldn't exist without their namesake receiving such prominence. Sand isn't just sand in Dune, or to Fraser. With Dune: Part Two, Frank Herbert's books now reach cinemas for the third time — David Lynch's 80s adaptation came first — but they couldn't value golden grains more highly even when they were only playing out in readers' imaginations. In the Dune realm, all that siliceous substance is spice, also known as melange. It powers interstellar travel, extends lives and expands consciousness. It's only found on Arrakis, the planet that Chalamet's Paul Atreides is sent to live on in Dune: Part One when his father (Oscar Isaac, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) is installed as its new ruler. It's hardly astonishing, then, that past overseer Baron Vladimir Harkonnens (Stellan Skarsgård, Andor) isn't thrilled about losing control of such a treasure trove. It's similarly unsurprising that the Fremen, Arrakis' Indigenous population, is determined to fight for their home and destiny. Spinning this story for cinema was always going to be a sandy endeavour, with Fraser's skills pivotal. For Dune: Part One, which stunned with its spectacular desert-swept visuals and set the bar stratospherically high for its sequel, he won the Best Cinematography Oscar. "You become an expert in the dunes," he tells Concrete Playground about not just making the first film, but also returning for Dune: Part Two. He didn't shoot the initial flick with its follow-up in mind, however — or even dream back when he lensed his first-ever feature, 2005's Jewboy, that this is where his career would take him, or to an Academy Award-nomination for Lion before his Dune win. Bright Star, Let Me In, Zero Dark Thirty, Foxcatcher, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, The Batman, The Creator: they're all also on Fraser's resume. "It's funny because, it's going to sound a little bit weird, but I just didn't think full stop," Fraser shares about his mindset when he was initially starting out. "Whenever I was doing a movie when I was younger, or even now, frankly, it's one foot in front of the other as opposed to a master plan. I wish I was smart enough to be in that Dune world of plans within plans, and manipulating events to my end. But really what I was just trying to do was just trying to do the best job of the thing that was sitting right in front of me." "So no, I can tell you that right now, when we were filming in Bondi for that movie, on a bus in Bondi" — for Jewboy, that is — "that I categorically was not ever thinking about the possibility of doing something like Dune. That was never on my radar. Obviously I knew what I liked, and I knew the films that I loved. And it just became a a race — or a game, I should say — of doing what I love doing. And then if I was doing what I love doing, and then doing the best job that I could, then hopefully that then leads to the next thing that I love doing. And that's kind of how the career's gone. It's a little bit of a simplistic way of describing it, but that's a genuine, honest take on it," Fraser continues. To say that his career is going well is an understatement. Now that Fraser has returned to Dune — including showing moviegoers what Arrakis and all of its sand looks like under an eclipse, and also bringing the planet of Giedi Prime, which dwells beneath a black sun, to the screen — he'll next shoot the Dark Knight again on The Batman Part II. We chatted with the cinematographer about his work on both Dune films to-date, his Oscars recognition, how daunting it is to try to back up his Dune: Part One accolades on Dune: Part Two, his new expertise on sand dunes, taking Arrakis and Giedi Prime from the page to the screen, and more. [caption id="attachment_774009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dune: Part One. Image: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] On Lensing Dune: Part One Without Presuming That Fraser would Be Returning on Dune: Part Two "You never take anything for granted, and doing a movie is a miracle. People talk about us as a species having evolved, that's kind of a miracle — because there's a million things that could have gone wrong with a film getting up and going, but then there's another million things that could have gone wrong with me being able to do it. I could have been committed on another project. Denis may have chosen to to use another cinematographer, as is his right and he should and could, to create something different. Because that's what he he does — he casts his crew like he cast his actors. And so there's a whole myriad of reasons why I may not have been able to do Part Two. So I wasn't necessarily doing Part One on the proviso that I do Part Two. I was trying to make — as Denis was — Part One as good as possible, and do the best job for my director as possible. Then, with Part Two — obviously, we knew there was more of the story, but it's not dissimilar to to something like Rogue One. You know there's more to the story because the Star Wars universe is bigger than just Rogue One, but you don't make Rogue One thinking there's going to be another one or a series. You make the best thing you can." On Winning an Oscar for Dune: Part One — and Receiving a Nomination for Lion Before That "I love Lion, as I know a lot of people do. There's a lot of love out in the world for Lion. So, to have done that — the recognition is interesting, because the recognition from my peers is really important, and particularly peers that I respect and know. There's been a few events in my life where I've been given a pat on the back by people that I respect, and that's what effectively the Oscars are. A nomination for that is that exact thing. It's a pat on the back by your peers. And the win itself is, of course, icing on the cake, but that's not the most important thing. The most important thing is the nomination, because it basically says that of the movies of that year, that your peers feel like you are in the top five — and that's a big deal. For a kid from Melbourne who used to shoot short films and music videos with his buddies, to have made the top five film of the year for two years, I guess, now — two nominations — that's a big deal to have kudos from your peers, that I think's quite, quite fantastic. And also as a pat on the back to not just me, but also my director. Because if you recall in that year, Garth Davis directed Lion and that's a pat on the back to him. And Denis in the year that Dune was nominated, it's a massive pat on the back to him." On Being Daunted on Dune: Part Two After the Accolades and Acclaim Earned by Dune: Part One "Suddenly there's hype behind it. If it'd just been people going 'yeah, good one, that's great', well Part Two, you've got nothing to lose. But going into Part Two for us meant that we had everything to lose. Suddenly the stakes where a thousand times higher because everybody was going 'well, that won all these awards, this has got to be better'. Now, I will say just on the record, there have been many, many movies that have not won Academy Awards that are incredibly deserving — and there are many, many that have that aren't. So winning an Academy Award, in my opinion, is not always for the best film, out of respect for other films that don't win. But there is an inbuilt kind of consensus that that becomes the best film of the year. So therefore we were like 'alright, well all of us basically won that year'. Myself, and Patrice [Vermette, Foe] the production designer, and Paul [Lambert, First Man] the effects supervisor, and Joe [Walker, The Creator] the editor — we all kind of went 'gulp, we've got to make this better'. We want to make it better for ourselves anyway, and for the director anyway. But we're now like 'okay, now we've got to make it better better better better better'. Again, regardless of what it does in the awards season, I feel like we've made it better. I think every department stepped up. I didn't think that was even possible, frankly — that the design could be any better than last time or the VFX could be better than last time. But it is. And it was. And we did. And it felt better." On Becoming an Expert in Sand Dunes "What happens that I've learned — so here is the the masterclass of the sand dunes, if anybody wants to go out and shoot sand dunes — is that the time of day is critical. So you might be scouting a place in the morning where the sun's coming from east and you might not love it. You might dismiss it as a location. But you're driving past there in the afternoon, and the way the sun works its way across the the tops of the sand dunes and backlights the wind, it can change the location massively. Often at the beginning of our journey, back in 2019–2020, we would scout at the wrong time of day — or we would scout at a time of day that we weren't shooting. And we soon came to realise that 'okay, when this is scheduled, let's scout when it's scheduled, and that's the afternoon'. Which, in hindsight, is logical, and I'm surprised it even took us the couple of days it took us to figure that out. But yeah, I've become a bit of an expert when it comes to what the sand dunes are going to look like with the right light." On Giving Arrakis a Different Colour Palette for Dune: Part Two "We didn't want to start the movie the same way that that Part One ended. And it was a very deliberate, very deliberate process. Denis obviously had a really long time to think about this film — because even though I had done The Batman between the two Dune films, he had not. He was finishing Dune: Part One and he was preparing Dune: Part Two. So he had a lot of time to think about it, and he came to me and said 'I don't feel like we should start this the same way we ended'. And he said 'should we consider doing this as a night scene?'. And you know, I read the script, and a night scene for that scene would have been technically really tough, in the desert with lights. It would have been not only tough — nothing was impossible, of course — but I don't think the end result would have been as good. So we looked at day for night options. We looked at other ways to film it, to make it look different. And I found a filter that that cuts out a lot of blue and green light — not all of it, just a part of it, so it changes the spectrum, and it felt a little bit reddy-orange, but it still had colour. And we went 'perfect, that's what this world looks like when there's an eclipse'. So we said 'okay, we have the ability to to make an eclipse whenever we want'. And so we went 'let's start the film with an eclipse'. The funny thing was, we didn't plan for this, but during our time filming that sequence there was actually an eclipse in Jordan. Not to that degree — but we did a shot, we had our splinter unit DP Christoph with the long lens filming the sun, and so he did film the eclipse. I think there might be shot of the actual eclipse that we filmed in the film." On the Striking Look of House Harkonnen's Giedi Prime "Again, it's conversation with Denis. So Denis said 'listen, there's a fight scene. Feyd-Rautha [played by Elvis' Austin Butler] is gladiator, and there's a fight scene, and it's outside in a gladiatorial environment — but it can't look like Arrakis'. You think about all the gladiator films you've seen, and they're all on sand, aren't they? And they're all under the sun. So you would be confused if it looked like Gladiator or something, because it would be too similar to Arrakis. I'm not sure if this is in the book or not, but Denis wanted to create a a black sun for that world. And I was like 'wow, okay, what does the black sun do? Does it suck light out? Well, if it does, then it's black. It's a black hole.' But we were like 'no, it sucks the colour out. It emits an infrared light, but it sucks all the colour'. All work that's outside — the sun, effectively anything that's hit by sun or the effects of sun — is an infrared type of light with no visible colour. There are some scenes where it's inside in Giedi Prime and it's muted colours, but it's not black and white. When anybody comes from the Baron's box, for example, when they're inside in artificial light, let's call it, it's colour. It has colour. But then when they get hit by the sun, they become just this white, almost-ghoulish kind of effect. The benefit of that was that it really helped us tell that story of why the Harkonnen look the way they do — why they look so pale, and why they have alopecia, and why they have such gaunt, pale, pasty skin. It's because they don't get any of the ultraviolet from from the real sun. That's a backstory that never gets discussed in the movie, but hopefully with an audience it starts to become logical that you go 'okay, I get why they're so white and they need protection in the desert, because they can't handle the UV'. On Balancing the Epic and the Intimate On-Screen "I love extremes. I love dramatic extremes. I'm visually quite dramatic, I would like to think. So there's nothing more fantastic to me than seeing a closeup, then cutting to an extreme wide [shot] and seeing scale and grandeur that we possibly can't even imagine. It's something that I love about the Star Wars series. These guys get on the Millennium Falcon, which is massive, and then the Millennium Falcon flies up close to the Death Star, which then the Millennium Falcon becomes tiny. It's all about scale. It's people that we know get into something big, and then that big thing flies into something even bigger, which is beyond belief. It's hard to imagine that scale. As humans, we rarely come across scale that that absolutely floors us. I know people start talking about things like the Grand Canyon, they start talking about massive structures — massive earth-mining machinery, about the scale of those things that just literally blow their mind. So with filmmaking, we have that ability to create this scale that's beyond beyond this world, but mindblowing. Like those worms, I mean, those worms are beyond massive." On Making a Third Dune Film If It Comes to Fruition "Absolutely. I love working with Denis, so anytime Denis asks me to do a movie, I'll be there if the stars align — I'd be absolutely there. How it would look is a different story. I can't tell you what that would be, and that's what's fun about the process of discovering what a film is. Because Part Three would not look like Part One and Part Two. It would look different, and I don't know how that would be different at this point, which is fun because it means you got to work it out — and we could be talking again in whenever it comes out, five, ten years, whatever. If I get the chance to shoot it, then I'd love to talk about how different we made it. But at the moment, I don't know. It's a funny thing. I would love to do it. And if it comes off for me and the timing's right, fantastic." Dune: Part Two opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two.
There are 8222 islands within Australia's watery borders. You could spend your entire life hopping from one Aussie island to another and never quite make them all (well, unless you're very, very quick). So, we thought we'd save you some time by teaming up with Jim Beam and handpicking 12 of the best islands in Australia. That should at least get you started. Next time you start imagining you and your best mates on a white-sanded beach with quokkas close by, sea lions in the distance and your desks a few hundred kilometres away, these are the spots to catch a boat, plane, or ferry to. Remember: an adventure like this is best enjoyed together. Right? Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia [caption id="attachment_688591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coral Coast Tourism[/caption] Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia The Houtman Abrolhos isn't just an island, it's an archipelago. 122 isles make up the marvel, more or less clustered in three groups across 100 kilometres. They lie 60 kilometres off the Coral Coast, west of Geraldton, which is four hours north of Perth. Lose yourself snorkelling or diving among colourful coral, spotting Australian sea lions and looking out for more than 90 species of seabirds, including majestic white-breasted sea eagles. For mind-blowing views, jump aboard a scenic flight and see the best Australian island from a bird's eye view. [caption id="attachment_688571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Ewart for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] North Stradbroke Island, Queensland Located 25 minutes by ferry off the Queensland coast, Stradbroke Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane. It's the second biggest sand island in the world after K'gari (more on that Australian island later). For swimming in gentle waves, head to idyllic Cylinder Beach; for wilder surf, make your destination the 38-kilometre-long Main Beach. Overnight stays include beach camping, as well as an array of cottages, hotels and B&Bs. Just north of Straddie is Moreton Island, a wonderland of long beaches, clear lakes and a national park. Consider sleeping over at Tangalooma, an eco-friendly resort where you can hand-feed wild dolphins and swim around a shipwreck. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, a two-hour flight east of Sydney, is explorable within a few days. Whenever you travel on this top Australian island, you won't have to fear tourist crowds: only 400 visitors are permitted at any one time and the population is just 382. Prepare to have pretty beaches, spectacular diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourself. Among the best adventures are the Mount Gower Trail, a steep, eight-hour trek that carries you 875 metres above sea level, and Erscott's Hole, a natural wonder where you can snorkel among staghorn coral, bluefish and double-headed wrasse. With all this natural beauty, it's easy to see why it made our list of the best islands in Australia and best overall places to visit in Australia. [caption id="attachment_770035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny feels completely remote, yet it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast and, with driving time added, 50 minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the wilderness, you can find some top nosh: for fish and chips head to Jetty Cafe; for pub grub swing by Hotel Bruny; for cheese visit Bruny Island Cheese Company; and for a tipple, there's the Bruny Island House of Whisky. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. [caption id="attachment_688568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khy Orchard for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Magnetic Island, Queensland There are hundreds of islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, offering everything from secluded campsites to five-star luxury resorts. But, for convenience, outdoor adventures and, most importantly, koala spotting, Magnetic Island is hard to go past — found just 20 minutes from Townsville. Get active with sea kayaking tours and yoga classes, get artsy at beachside markets and galleries or relax at stunning beaches like Horseshoe Bay. If you're keen to venture further, jump aboard a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, diving or sightseeing tour. [caption id="attachment_688400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isaac Forman for SA Tourism Commission[/caption] Kangaroo Island, South Australia With a whopping 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island could have you exploring for weeks. To get there, take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula — around 100 kilometres south of Adelaide. Then gear up to share your holiday with sea lions, fur seals, little penguins, echidnas, koalas and, you guessed it, kangaroos. The Australian island is a haven for creatures who've struggled to survive elsewhere, especially local sea lions, who were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous national parks and conservation areas, and the almost 5000-strong population is big on food and wine. You also can't talk about this Aussie island without mentioning the spectacular beaches — our favourite being the one and only Stoke's Bay. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] The Whitsundays, Queensland In total, The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. It's hard to choose the best, especially as each depends on what kind of holiday you're after. You can go camping on the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, live it up at The InterContinental Resort on Hayman Island or even escape to an adults-only oasis like Elysian Retreat on Long Island — one of the best adults-only accommodations in The Whitsundays. From any of these small islands in Australia, you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef and countless other stunning natural landscapes. This region is also one of Australia's national parks, so it will continue to be preserved for many years to come — even if the reef itself does die off. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a 90-minute ferry ride from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, or 25 minutes from Fremantle. Like Kangaroo Island, Rottnest has given a big dose of much-needed love to Australia's wild creatures, particularly quokkas, which now number 12,000 or so. Dedicate some time to spotting them (though please don't go touching, patting or feeding) before visiting pristine beaches, such as The Basin, where you'll find an underwater playground, and Little Parakeet Bay, backdropped by striking rock formations. The best way to explore the Aussie island is by bike, but we are also big fans of getting on a sea kayak for the arvo as well. Prefer to stay here longer than a day? We recommend spending a few nights in Discovery Rottnest Island's luxe glamping tents by the beach. Phillip Island, Victoria Phillip Island's biggest drawcard is its penguin parade. Every night, at sunset, the island's resident little penguins return to their terrestrial homes, having spent the day out and about fishing. Beyond wildlife watching, go wine and craft beer tasting, bliss out with a massage or spa treatment or conquer a trail on foot, such as the Cape Woolamai Walk, which traverses dramatic clifftops along Phillip's southernmost point. Follow the links for suggestions on where to eat and drink and the best outdoor activities on Phillip Island. Unlike most of the other Australian islands on this list, you can reach this one by road: it's around 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne, making it one of the most accessible islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_911608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort[/caption] K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the biggest sand island in the world. There are 184,000 hectares of the stuff, made up of 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. If you've time on your hands, take on the Great Walk, an eight-day epic that visits many of K'gari's 100 freshwater lakes. If not, jump aboard a 4WD and cruise along 75 Mile Beach (one of our favourite adventure experiences in Australia), take a dip at Champagne Pools along the way and pay a visit to awe-inspiring Boorangoora(Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. [caption id="attachment_688583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Wilson for Tourism Tasmania[/caption] King Island, Tasmania You might have no idea where King Island is, but may have seen its cheese at the supermarket. King Island Dairy's decadent triple cream brie is an Aussie gourmet staple. But it's far from the only treat you'll be sampling in this lush place, which lies in the Bass Strait, halfway between Victoria and Tassie. Count, too, on super-fresh seafood, flavourful beef and a cornucopia of produce from local growers. When you're finished feasting, stroll along the white sands of Disappointment Bay, visit a 7000-year-old calcified forest and go horse riding by the sea. This under-the-radar travel destination is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_856441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Bribie Island, Queensland Bribie Island isn't that far from Brisbane (a little over one and a half hours), but is a haven for local wildlife. That's because this Australian island is home to the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park where you'll find dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife. All the classic Aussie land animals will be found all over the island, too. And, of course, the beaches are just stupidly beautiful. Whether you're a local or tourist, this island offers all the quintessential Australian sites you must see. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: K'gari Island, courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Melburnians love a good Japanese restaurant. Not only is it the most Googled cuisine in the state, but these spots come in so many forms — from wallet-friendly takeaway sushi and ramen haunts, to high-end omakase diners and neighbourhood izakaya. We've also seen a rise in contemporary Japanese restaurants that pull many of these elements together into one playful package — Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya, Yakimono, Supernormal and Robata all do this brilliantly. And Kushiro joined this club of new-wave Japanese restaurants back in June 2024, when it opened on Fitzroy's buzzing Brunswick Street This is Yvonne Cheng's second Kushiro outpost, with the first located inside Hong Kong's legendary Peninsula Hotel. Both sites have many similarities, but while the Hong Kong Kushiro is a traditional omakase diner befitting its five-star hotel setting, Melbourne's version is significantly more low-key and has a distinct izakaya feel. But just because it's less formal, don't think that means the quality here has also been taken down a notch, with Kushiro Hong Kong's Executive Chef Jan Chung in Melbourne to personally ensure the new offer is just as impressive as the original. Chung has worked in a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants, so you should rightfully expect top-quality eats with a lot of creative flair. You'll find him serving up a luxe scampi tartare with lobster bisque panna cotta; a less-than-classic char siu made with beetroot-marinated pork belly that's been tenderised with papaya and glazed with a sticky and sweet sauce; and a 12-hour slow-roasted short rib with barley, carrot and a whisky rosemary glaze. When it comes to bevs, the team is pouring Kushiro's own Japanese-made sake, as well as classic and signature cocktails, Japanese spirits, and a tight selection of wines and beers.
Australia has been welcoming a steady stream of stunning new hotel properties from local brands, from dog-friendly boutique stays to history-filled inner-city escapes. But that's not the case for our latest grand arrival, which officially opened today, Thursday, March 23, towering above Melbourne CBD's Lonsdale Street. After much hype, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has finally been unveiled in all its luxurious 80-storey glory. It marks the second Aussie property for the international Marriott-owned brand after an existing site in Perth, with the next slated to open on the Gold Coast by 2026. The new 257-room hotel is a high-end affair, with renowned Aussie architects Cottee Parker behind the build and BAR Studio to thank for the elegant interiors. Here, they've flipped the script on the usual hotel formula, placing the impressive Sky Lobby Reception way up on Level 80, where lofty ceilings and huge windows offer panoramic views to greet its guests. Rooms are kitted out with hand-made glass panels, dark timber and gold finishes, while artworks pay tribute to both the city location and the area's indigenous heritage. Splash out to stay in the enormous Ritz-Carlton Suite and you'll enjoy your own in-room sauna, walk-in wardrobe and private pantry. Last year, the hotel named Michael Greenlaw (London's Bibendum, Vue de Monde) as Executive Chef and Mark Best (Peninsula Bistro, Marque) in the role of Culinary Advisor, hinting at some buzz-worthy food and drink offerings to come. That looks set to be the case, with three onsite venues now unveiled — Atria is the innovative fine-diner celebrating hyper-seasonality, Cameo is the glam cocktail bar promising top-shelf sipping and the Lobby Lounge is the more casual counterpart that'll also play host to high-tea sessions. All of these sit at the top of the hotel, showcasing eye-popping views across the city. Of course, with all that luxury there had to be a standout wellness offering involved — and the Ritz-Carlton Spa promises not to disappoint. Here, you'll find six treatment rooms and a hefty menu of therapies, as well as a soaring infinity pool, yoga studio and fitness hub. The hotel is also home to no less than 2500 square metres of event space, including the expansive Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, which boasts space to sit 550 guests. Find the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne at 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Hidden underground bars, award-winning restaurants, dozens of standout laneway cafes and record stores — Adelaide has more than just delicious wine (although it has a lot of that, too). There are so many places to explore and experiences to be had in this history-rich city, you may struggle to fit it all into one weekend — as they say: so little time, so much to eat. But, we're here to help. We've created this comprehensive guide to the SA capital so you can spend more time drinking cocktails, and less time wandering backstreets. Adelaide is also so much more than just the CBD, too, so if you have the time, immerse yourself in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Clare Valley and the Limestone Coast. There's plenty of wine to be tasted and glamping to be done. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are some restrictions on where you can go on a holiday. But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_679115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Africola by Andre Castellucci[/caption] EAT Once you've jumped off the plane, your first stop should be Exchange Specialty Coffee. Serving up some of the best coffee in the country, the acclaimed cafe is tucked away behind Rundle Street. Stop here for a brew — a Melbourne-roasted Brazilian with cherry notes, perhaps — and the cafe's take on a reuben sandwich, and you'll be fuelled and ready to tackle the rest of the city. Well, fuelled and prepared to eat more. While you're on the east side of town — for out-of-towners, that's down near Rundle Street and the aptly named East Terrace — stop by the French-inflected all-day eatery Hey Jupiter for escargots and baked camembert, or to the vibrant Kutchi Deli Parwana, which is located literally next door on Ebenezer Place. The latter serves up Afghani-style street food, such as toasties made with flatbread and stuffed with hummus and lamb kofta, and its signature eggplant curry. If the light begins to fade and you still find yourself east, head to Adelaide's two most-lauded restaurants: Africola and Orana. Africola, helmed by Duncan Welgemoed, is serving up North African dishes out of its woodfired oven, including peri peri chicken with chakalaka relish, pork neck and fried cauliflower. And, whatever you do, don't forget to order a round of the tea sandwiches made with hot chicken dripping. A stone's throw away is Restaurant Orana run by acclaimed chef-owner Jock Zonfrillo (yes, the one from MasterChef). Orana has a degustation-only menu, spattered with native ingredients, alongside an impeccable wine list and service — and it's well worth the cash. On the opposite side of the city, near West Terrace, restaurants are a touch more casual, more snack-driven, and where you want to head before or after drinks. Behind a neon-lit entrance on Leigh Street, you'll find mod-Asian fare cooked over fire at Shōbōsho — and its spin-off, the eight-seater yakitori bar Dr Shō. Hop one street over to Peel Street and enjoy Southeast Asian street food and natural wine at Gondola Gondola, woodfired burgers, steaks and ribs at the upstairs Bread and Bone and refined yet simple fare made from quality local ingredients at Peel St. Around the corner, Sunny's Pizza — run by a group of hospitality long-timers — does what it says on the packet: pizza. It serves them topped with traditional and untraditional ingredients — San Marzano tomatoes, pork fennel sausage, lamb and tahini — and alongside creative cocktails. It also has a disco ball, so you can stay and dance till the wee hours. [caption id="attachment_679116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pink Moon Saloon[/caption] DRINK Adelaide's west end doesn't just have fancy food, either, the number of bars hidden down laneways, in basements and up hard-to-find staircases rivals even Melbourne's busiest inner city streets. We suggest you start at Pink Moon Saloon, a narrow A-frame bar, which has picked up a neat collection of gongs for its drinks and design. It even has a kitchen in the back, if you want to linger over brisket or grilled haloumi. Underground — and through a hidden door — is art deco bar Maybe Mae. Located in a passage between Peel and Leigh Streets, the bar is lined with green leather banquettes and serves up seasonal cocktails alongside the tastiest complimentary bar snack in the city: curry powder-fried Nutri Grain and peanuts (trust us, it tastes better than it sounds). West end stalwarts Udaberri and Clever Little Tailor mix fun and refined cocktails with finesse, and nearby Leigh Street Wine Room is a chic new wine bar pumping out minimal intervention drops and next-level snacks. Also worth visiting on the western side is sailor-themed Hains & Co, which is lined with plenty of boating paraphernalia — and lots of rum — and Sparkke at the Whitmore, a female-run pub and brewery with a rooftop bar. [caption id="attachment_679112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NOLA[/caption] Wander back east and Adelaide's seemingly never-ending collection of quality small bars continues. Overlooking Ebenezer Place is the multi-level Mr Goodbar. Its cocktails are strong and its vibe is inspired by the Deep South. On the opposite side of Rundle Street (well, underneath it) you'll encounter Hellbound. Fortunately, when you walk down its steps you won't enter purgatory — you'll encounter plenty of great wine curated by industry expert Mark Reginato. When you're ready to resurface, make a beeline for NOLA, a New Orleans-inspired jazz, whiskey and craft beer bar, speckled with banquettes, touches of turquoise and neon. A few metres away is Mother Vine, serving up an impressive selection of local and international wines, tapas and cheeses. It's also opposite Adelaide CBD's best bottle shop (more on that below). [caption id="attachment_679111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2KW by Jonathan Van de Knapp[/caption] DO 2KW is a must-visit for all Adelaide first- (second- or third-) timers. Located on the eighth storey of a historic building, it has some of the best views across the city. Its drinks and food menu are also hard to pass up — and give you more time to soak up the view. Plan in a trip to the CBD's best bottle shop, too. If we're to get technical, East End Cellars has a rep as one of the country's best bottle shops — with an impressive range of local, hard-to-find wines, spirits and craft brews. It often hosts free tastings, too, so keep on eye on the website while you're there. [caption id="attachment_679110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Smelly Cheese Shop[/caption] The historic Adelaide Central Markets, established in 1869, is a rite of passage for all visitors to Adelaide. Filled with hawking greengrocers, fishmongers and bratwurst-vendors, the markets are often packed — especially on weekends. Make your way through the crowd to much-loved The Smelly Cheese Shop (yes, they'll let you taste some) and Le Souk for fresh dates and racks upon racks of spices. If you need a break from eating and drinking, luckily Adelaide has another lesser-known gift hidden up its sleeve — its impressive collection of record stores. Rerun Record & Photography, hidden inside Adelaide's Market Bazaar, stocks a massive collection of retro records, alongside historic Adelaide photos and vintage cameras. Also, Streetlight Adelaide, Wolfies Records and Porthole Records are worth checking out. [caption id="attachment_679109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Majestic Minima Hotel[/caption] SLEEP When you've finished eating, drinking and packing your bags full of vinyls, you'll want to rest your weary head — and prepare to do it all again tomorrow. If you've got the cash, splash out on the most elegant option, The Mayfair Hotel. The heritage-listed building is home to 170 luxe suites, a gym and its own rooftop bar. Slightly more affordable, but equally central, is the Majestic Rooftop Hotel and the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury — both located in walking distance of all the aforementioned hot spots. If you're willing to travel a touch out of the city, you can snag an eclectic art-filled room at North Adelaide's Majestic Minima Hotel for around $100 a night. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Pink Moon Saloon.
Now a decade and a half in — and 28 films, too, plus seven new TV series that've hit queues in the last 18 months — the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever-expanding pop-culture behemoth. Sometimes it can be spectacular, as with Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok. Sometimes it's dispiritingly routine, as seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The MCU keeps shining bright popularity-wise, though, so much so that it's now telling its own tales about how it's so popular. In Ms Marvel, it even focuses on a Marvel superfan, heads to a Marvel fan convention and revels in worshipping at its own altar. Yes, we've reached the point in the biggest current franchise there is where the MCU is overtly and openly celebrating itself within its own on-screen stories — and celebrating the people who celebrate the MCU. Here, Marvel also shows its characters frothing over the very saga they're appearing in, homemade costumes whipped up for cosplay contests and all. That sounds like something out of the supremely non-Marvel superhero satire The Boys, but it's now an IRL status quo. And yet, with new streaming series Ms Marvel — which started its six-episode run on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 8 — all this Marvel self-fandom thankfully doesn't just feel like a massive corporation patting itself on the back in an expensive splash of self-congratulations. One of the reasons that Ms Marvel works: it's a series about a Marvel devotee because it's a coming-of-age series. Today's teens have grown up with the MCU, so a show about a 16-year-old finding her place in the world — with and without powers — can easily acknowledge that fact. The comic-book company isn't being meta or reflective. Rather, as non-Marvel fellow Disney+ release Turning Red was, Ms Marvel is about a teenage girl working out who she is and what she wants to be, and also how that process is shaped by what she loves. Pakistani American Kamala Khan (debutant Iman Vellani) happens to be obsessed with Marvel, and with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Just Mercy). Ms Marvel's first two episodes largely set the scene, establishing the MCU's second new-to-screens character in as many Disney+ programs after Moon Knight. Kamala lives in Jersey City with her parents Yusuf (Mohan Kapur, Bullets) and Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff, The Affair) — one friendly, the other strict — plus her elder brother Aamir (Saagar Shaikh, Unfair & Ugly). As well as palling around with her mates Bruno (Matt Lintz, The Walking Dead) and Nakia (Yasmeen Fletcher, Let Us In), often while talking about the Avengers, Kamala makes stop-motion videos fuelled by her Marvel mania. She also wants to do more than her mother allows, such as attending an Avengers convention dressed up as her hero, which Muneeba deems inappropriate. Deepening this tale about a teen desperate to follow her heart — a story that's hardly unique — is how wonderfully culturally specific Ms Marvel proves. The titular character is Marvel's first Muslim superhero, and this TV series embraces Kamala's heritage, as well as the stresses that come with being the American-born child of immigrant parents who want her to take advantage of their adopted home while remaining steadfastly true to their culture. Yes, Bend It Like Beckham did something similar first, just with soccer in Britain rather than superhero devotion in the US. That doesn't make Ms Marvel any less astute and affecting, however, including when it examines Kamala's layered relationship with her family and their expectations, and balancing caped-crusader fandom with tradition, religion and Pakistani pop culture. Of course, if Kamala's on-screen debut was only about a Marvel-loving high schooler with recognisable adolescent woes — even welcomely culturally apt ones — it wouldn't exist. Amid the yearning and rebellion, and just being a Pakistani American teen, arrives superpowers that are a literal dream come true for such a MCU stan. But Kamala doesn't know why she can suddenly create floating energy fields, shooting them a bit like Spider-Man slings webs, or where her abilities stem from. While that setup isn't unique either, creator and head writer Bisha K Ali (Loki, Four Weddings and a Funeral) ties Kamala's tussle with her new skills to everything that makes her who she is. The broader embrace and exploration of her culture doesn't subside; indeed, thanks to family whisperings about the perils of indulging in fantasies, her heritage might be linked to her future path. The MCU has spun coming-of-age tales before, with not one, not two, but three Tom Holland-starring Spider-Man movies within the franchise. There's a touch of the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to Ms Marvel, though, in its infectiously joyous vibe. If the series wasn't as sincere as it is — and as charming, warm and fun as well — it could've easily felt too calculating. Marvel does like to try other genres on for size, often moulding them to fit the house style, and Ms Marvel might've done the same with teen dreams and high-school hijinks. Indeed, it still may have played out that way if its lead casting wasn't so spot-on. Surprisingly given how much of a natural she is in front of the camera, and in the role, Vellani is an on-screen newcomer — and an utter delight. Just as the unrelated Conversations with Friends benefited from casting a new talent without any past credits, Ms Marvel is all the better for having its lead come to the part without any film and TV baggage. But being a fresh face navigating such a sprawling realm isn't why Vellani is so engaging. She's at home selling the show's comedy and drama alike, and its diehard Marvel devotion and adolescent angst as well, and making it all feel as lived in and genuine as the MCU has ever managed. That this miniseries is a lead up to 2023 big-screen release The Marvels, where Vellani will return as Kamala, is gloriously great news as a result. It'll team her up with Larson as Carol Danvers, plus WandaVision's Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau — and, if Ms Marvel is any indication, it's hopefully poised to be much better than the lacklustre Captain Marvel. Check out the trailer for Ms Marvel below: Ms Marvel streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, June 8, with episodes dropping weekly. Images: ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Over the course of the past year that wasn't, things like scheduling have more or less gone out the window. After all, how far ahead can you plan if things could change, quite literally, at any minute? If nothing else, the past year has probably taught us all how to be spontaneous — but spontaneously having people over at your place (restrictions permitting, of course) doesn't mean that you should neglect your duties as host. That's where we come in. We've teamed up with Yumi's to put together a list of six easy things to whip up for last-minute — or even unexpected — guests. [caption id="attachment_817506" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Benjamin Brunner (Unsplash)[/caption] TOMATO, BOCCONCINI AND BASIL BITES The low effort to high payoff ratio of these treats makes them an easy crowd-pleaser. It's not hard to imagine why the tried-and-true combo of plump, sweet tomato, creamy cheese and fresh, zingy basil has become a grazing platter staple — not only are the flavours a perfect match, but these morsels are a cinch to put together, and also incredibly versatile. Whether you stack them as fresh bite-sized stacks, turn them into a salad, or put them on a pizza, these tricolour treats will be sure to put a smile on your guests' faces. FALAFELS These veggie favourites will please even the pickiest eaters. And thankfully, it couldn't be more easy to impress your guests with them, thanks to Yumi's range of excellent pre-cooked falafels. They come in a classic and sesame variety, and also in resealable bags — meaning you can even keep some for yourself after your guests leave. Give them a quick zap in the microwave for half a minute, and serve them with liberal amounts of Yumi's classic silky hommus or addictive garlic dip to take your platter to the next level. [caption id="attachment_817512" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brett Jordan (Unsplash)[/caption] MINI QUICHES Mixing up your platter with hot and cold options automatically takes your hosting levels up a notch (at least in the eyes of your guests). And less than ten minutes of prep using pantry staples is all it takes to impress when you plate up these mini quiches. They're filling, tasty and versatile — try mixing it up with different types of cheese or veggies. [caption id="attachment_817513" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin Alargent (Pexels)[/caption] FIGS AND CHEESE We may not be able to travel right now, but the dreamy combination of figs and goat cheese will at least transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean. The sweet, plump and honeyed notes of the fruit are the perfect foil to cut through cheese with stronger flavours — goat's cheese is a great pairing (especially drizzled with a bit of honey), but other cheeses, like a sharp stilton or a creamy brie, work just as well. It's an easy combo to assemble, too — cut the figs in half and serve them up with your choice of cheese. If you want to take it to another level, popping the fruit under the grill can bring out more of the flavour. DIPS, CRUDITES AND CRACKERS Whether you're serving them before dinner or they're accompanying casual wine time, dips are perhaps the ultimate no-brainer for entertaining at home (or solo snacking, we hasten to add). Yumi's has long been a favourite for its creative range of dips that are packed with real ingredients — from a creamy avo and sea salt dip to the mildly sweet roasted beetroot, there are combinations to suit any palate. Chop up some veggies or spread out some crackers for dipping and you've got yourself a winning platter. Feeling fancy? You can even make your own crackers — these rosemary ones go with just about anything. [caption id="attachment_817519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Seymour (Unsplash)[/caption] MINI SAUSAGE ROLLS The humble sausage roll is another platter pick that seems like you've gone to more trouble than you actually have. Sure, you can get fancy with it and make your own filling, but if you're pressed for time, you can bring pre-made sausages to the party, wrap them up in puff pastry, portion them out and bang them in the oven. Add a couple of sides for dipping — we love the contrast of a sweet chutney — and you're set. For more entertaining inspiration, check out the full range of Yumi's falafels, veggie bites and dips.
Humans have made a pastime of staring up at the night sky for as long as history can tell us. Unfortunately, the amount of excess light that our big cities leak into the sky makes for pretty poor stargazing conditions on an average night in the inner city. With that in mind, we've scoped out the spots all around Australia where it's still possible to use one's telescope for its intended purpose. Stargazing, that is — not trying to peek at what your neighbours keep behind their curtains. So, find the closest stargazing spot (or book a flight ASAP) and take part in this time-honoured tradition. Sydney Observatory, NSW In terms of physical proximity to the night sky, Sydney Observatory is a pretty good starting point. One of the highest accessible points overlooking Sydney Harbour, its building houses three telescopes — including the oldest working telescope in Australia, which was acquired for the 1874 transit of Venus. The other two are a 42-centimetre computer-controlled lens and, for those of you who prefer gazing at the star closest to us, a telescope that lets you look at the sun. You can get a glimpse through the onsite telescopes on a ticketed guided tour. Otherwise, the Observatory is free to visit and open Wednesday–Saturday from 12–6pm. This is definitely the first step for every would-be Galileo. [caption id="attachment_730726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marc Aragnou via ASNSW[/caption] Wiruna, Blue Mountains, NSW Wiruna is the Astronomical Society of NSW's best-kept secret — if you go to its website, you'll see what we mean. Located on the outskirts of Wollemi National Park in the Blue Mountains, Wiruna is basically 107 acres of astronomy Christmas. Starry season's greetings, sky-lovers. The ASNSW holds a number of stargazing sessions on weekends throughout the year, and encourages amateurs and old hands alike to come and use the incredible array of equipment they've got stashed up there. The easiest way to get involved is to become a member of the ASNSW — it's a process that requires payments and applications — but allows you to visit this site and others with the group or on your own once you're accredited. [caption id="attachment_730730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran, NSW Warrumbungle National Park is a proper hike (read: a five or six hour drive from Sydney), but it's also a proper dark sky site. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has dedicated funds to limiting light pollution in and around the park and, with these measures in place, Warrumbungle joins the likes of Death Valley National Park in the US and Galloway Forest Park in Scotland as an official dark sky park — that is, one of the top places on the planet to revel in galactic goings-on. Warrumbungle does have its own observatory, but scientists and astronomers have the run of the place after sundown. Amateur astronomy in Warrumbungle is best performed the old-fashioned way, with the humble eyeball (and optional pince-nez). [caption id="attachment_730745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Graham Hosking via the City of Greater Bendigo[/caption] Leon Mow Dark Sky Site, Heathcote, VIC Located just 1.5 hours drive north of Melbourne, the town of Heathcote boasts some incredibly beautiful skies — and heaps of bush walks, reserves and national parks from which to see it at night. If you take your astronomy very seriously, you can head to Heathcote's Leon Mow Dark Sky Site. The country estate is available for use by Astronomical Society of Victoria members at any time, and they're even welcomed to camp out overnight. Membership will set you back $80 a year or, for non-members, the site is open to the public for free during annual events and meet-ups (just check the website for details). You can BYO telescope or binoculars, or just gaze up — there's plenty of beauty to be seen by the naked eye. [caption id="attachment_730556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC The breathtaking views to be had on any trip along the Great Ocean Road are hard to beat. But we bet you haven't considered taking this trip after dark. Turns out that the routes along these many rock formations offer a stunning view at night, too. This is especially true at the road's all-star site, the Twelve Apostles. On a clear night, the stargazing is truly awe-inspiring. It won't be the view of these golden cliffs and crumbling pillars that you're used to seeing in photos, but it offers something else altogether — and that a lot of people haven't seen. Look up, listen to the lapping waves and enjoy the rare peace and quiet here. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mt Coot-Tha, QLD Named after the soldier and astronomer who gave Brisbane its name, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has been a favourite school tour spot since 1978. If you're a Queenslander, you've definitely been — and it's definitely worth another visit, even if you're well out of class. But unlike school, staring into space here is not only acceptable, it's mandatory. The Cosmic Skydome is the main attraction, under which you'll lean back and send your eyes skywards as informative films tell of black holes, the dark universe, moons and cosmic collisions. Once you've toured the stars, return to earth with a walk through the surrounding Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. [caption id="attachment_730557" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] The Jump-Up Dark Sky Sanctuary, Winton, Queensland The sleepy town of Winton in northwest Queensland is perhaps the number-one stargazing destination in all of Australia — as of April 2019, the town received Australia's first of seven international certifications for a Dark Sky Sanctuary. There are only 22 certified sites worldwide, so it's a particularly impressive win for Aussie shores. The sanctuary is set within the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at its Jump-Up facility, which is free and open all year round. Here, you can view the spirals of the Milky Way and Orion Arm, as well as the collapse of nebulae and the birth of new stars. Bring along a telescope, binoculars and a picnic — you'll want to stick around for a while. [caption id="attachment_730555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Charleville Cosmos Centre, Charleville, QLD The tiny town of Charleville — situated a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane — is home to one of the few observatories where you can stargaze both day and night. When the sun is up, you can attend a range of astronomy tours at the Cosmos Centre, including the sun viewing, which uses a special telescope to let you gaze directly at the surface of our planet's closest star. At night, experiences range from $45 for an Aboriginal night sky story session, up to $130 for personal astronomy tours. Check out clusters, planets, nebulae and, on a good night, the Milky Way. Inside the centre, there are heaps of tours and events going on each day, plus some seriously impressive equipment to boot.
Melbourne's cultural tapestry weaves some of its most dynamic colours in South Melbourne where the pulse of the city's south beats with a rhythm that promises something truly stunning for every hour. About 12,000 people call South Melbourne home and lucky them, they get to experience the joys of an Albert Park lake stroll and a South Melbourne dim sim every day. But as for the rest of us, we'll have to settle for just visiting. But what if you only had one day? How would you make the most of your time? Well, let's find out. MORNING If the early bird gets the worm and the second mouse gets the cheese, the South Melbourne visitor needn't worry about any of that, because chances are if you're reading this, you're a human. However, no matter your species, it is recommended to rise just before the sun so you can be at Albert Park Lake as that giant fireball in the sky says good morning to the planet. Yes, waking that early sucks, but if you can do it, the reward will be immense. The lake and its surrounds are stunning at all times of day but with a dynamic pastel backdrop of orange sky and brightening light it is particularly special. Next, we need coffee. A morning is only as good as the coffee that accompanies it — cue The Kettle Black, where baristas craft seriously decent coffee. Stick around for a while and take in the vibe, the airy sun-drenched space is worth lingering over. [caption id="attachment_925199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oven-fresh croissants at Chez Dre[/caption] Next, head to the Austro Bakery and nab yourself a giant pretzel, loaf of sourdough or anything else your heart desires. You really can't go wrong here as the bakery effortlessly blends tradition of centuries-old European baking inspiration with a modern twist. Speaking of baked goods, you might also want to swing by Chez Dre, a French-inspired cafe serving cakes and brunch that will transport you to Paris with every flaky bite of its chocolate croissants. Finally, round off the morning with a visit to See Yup Temple, built originally in 1856 then rebuilt and expanded a decade later. The oldest Chinese temple in Australia is a real historical treat right here in Melbourne and the perfect place to take a quiet moment before things start ramping up for the rest of the day. AFTERNOON By afternoon, South Melbourne Market beckons with the siren call of a South Melbourne dim sim — it would be a crime and an affront to all things good and holy not to. This is a sacred place for dim sim lovers the world over, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. To taste the South Melbourne dim sim is to experience a little piece of delicious Australian history. So go on, grab one, or grab a few, and let's get going. Next up? Get in loser, we're going shopping. Check out Clarendon, Coventry, Cecil and Park streets for a little bit of retail therapy at some of Melbourne's coolest boutiques. If you're into good design, cute homewares and anything even remotely fashion-related, this is your time to shine as you hunt for a hidden gem in South Melbourne's leafy shopping streets. To keep the artisanal vibe going, pop into the Australian Tapestry Workshop on Park Street. It's been spinning some of Australia's most stunning tapestries since 1976 and is the only one of its kind in Australia, as well as among just a handful around the world. Guests can check out its two galleries, which showcase exhibitions of tapestries and modern art on a rotating basis. It also runs tapestry classes and workshops regularly. And finally, for a laidback interlude, pop into Westside Ale Works — a cosy laneway brewpub hidden on Alfred Street just begging you to stay for a while and enjoy a nice afternoon pint (or several). EVENING As the sun dips and evening colours the sky, a stroll along Port Melbourne Beach offers the perfect canvas for a sunset walk — bonus points if you're with that special someone, this is seriously romantic. And if you don't have that special someone, you'll find someone one day, or maybe you won't! Either way, a sunset stroll on the beach is lovely. Next, follow the scent of a woodfired grill to Half Acre, a once dilapidated mill that's been transformed into a fine spot to enjoy a hearty feast of great, simple food with Middle Eastern and Euro influences amid an instantly warm atmosphere that feels like elevated dining at a friend's place. Afterwards, head to Bellota Wine Bar and enjoy a glass of red, or white, or orange — given it is home to literally thousands of wine bottles. Whether you're sitting at the bar, the tables, or in the courtyard, the vibe is sure to be immaculate. LATE-NIGHT FUN The night is still young; it's only natural we go bar hopping. Head to gorgeous Hatted bistro James for a European wine bar feeling with hints of Japanese inspiration on its fantastic degustation menu. Or for something more casual venture up to The Albion Rooftop to enjoy the spectacular cityscape vista, or pop by The Montague in the leafy backstreets for a nice cocktail in the inviting outdoor seating. Obviously, we suggest all three, as well as any more you might encounter on your journey. South Melbourne is your oyster, and all its bars lead to a good time. And now for the best part of the night. Head to Dessertopia for some of the most visually pleasing desserts you'll ever see. Seriously, they look so good you'll almost feel bad eating them (almost). Don't take our word for it, check out its Insta. Yes, that's right, glow-in-the-dark cupcakes. What a time to be alive. Enjoy and bask in the sweet glow, you had the ultimate day (and night) in South Melbourne. Now go get some rest, you must be exhausted. Looking to make the most of your next city break? Explore more of your city this summer with the City of Port Phillip.
When you think of Melbourne's west, you might initially call to mind a series of modern, industrial images; a far cry from the gentle, ancient Chinese religion of Taoism. It may come as something of a shock, then, to learn that Footscray is in fact home to Australia's largest Taoist temple. Heavenly Queen Temple comprises a series of traditional Chinese red-brick buildings with striking golden rooftops, situated along the Maribyrnong River. Various elements have been completed and opened to the public over recent years, though construction wasn't entirely finished until 2020. The site features a breathtaking 16-metre-high statue of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, plus an ornate entrance gate, Chinese gardens and the main temple. There's also a drum tower and a bell tower, an exhibition and conference centre and a traditional Chinese tea house and restaurant. While it's first and foremost a place of worship, visitors and tourists are welcome. Image: Jay Hynes Photography
When it comes to eating out, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. Choosing where to eat is a difficult choice relegated to only the most decisive of friends. But, even so, sometimes you want to cook something at home. With that in mind, we annoyed the Porteño team to give us a recipe. So they relented and told us how make their insanely good, crispy brussels sprouts. You can make 'em too! PORTEÑO'S CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves eight 2kg brussels sprouts, cut in half 150g lentils 1 bunch of mint 1 bunch of continental parsley river salt flakes cottonseed oil (for deep frying) For dressing 2 tbls hot English mustard 100ml vincotto 200ml EVOO salt and pepper to taste Cook lentils in simmering water until tender, drain and set aside. Whisk all ingredients for dressing together. Trim ends and remove outer leaves of Brussels sprouts then cut in half lengthways. Heat cottonseed oil to 180˚ in a heavy based saucepan. Deep fry brussels sprouts in batches until golden and crispy. When done, drain on paper towel then place in a large bowl. Season with river salt flakes, add dressing, mint, parsley and lentils and toss to coat. Updated: December 24, 2017. This article was originally published in the lead-up to Taste of Sydney 2016.
Waking up to a perfect sunrise on an almost empty beach. Spotting a true-blue Aussie icon. Or sticking your head out of the window when you're cruising with the fam. Each one of these TikTok videos has us dreaming of epic adventures with our besties, lazing in the sun, and rising early to catch a wave or two. In short, they make us miss the best parts of summer — and make us want to extend that carefree holiday vibe into autumn, too. To help inspire you to live your best life, we've teamed up with TikTok to bring you five videos that'll have you handing over that resignation and GTFO to bigger and brighter things. [embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@kendallandglenn/video/6885137289199095042[/embed] Kendall and Glenn are really channeling that sun-kissed, no-worries Australian dream right now. The couple is travelling around Australia in a VW — called Vance — and they're capturing the best (and worst) parts of living on the road together. They've been to Magnetic Island, Uluru, Flinders Ranges and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Here they're really flexing that perfect #vanlife morning. [embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@yeetus_mcfeetus/video/6716434036241206534[/embed] In 2010, the Big Prawn came close to death when the Ballina Shire Council voted in favour of its demolition. Luckily, the public had other ideas and today you can still find it in Ballina, NSW. KT, or @yeetus_mcfeetus, picked a true-blue legend to soundtrack their encounter with two other Aussie greats: Bunnings and the Big Prawn. Make like KT and plan your own trip to see these extremely Australian big things for yourself. [embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@genuine_spud/video/6858869469809249541[/embed] Emilee Flood's 'Electric Love' is one of those tracks synonymous with TikTok. (It's a real Sad Girl TikTok banger). But here, Kel-C uses that 'lightning in a bottle' lyric to show us all their feels about a perfect summer road trip — kangaroos, beaches, sunsets and snacks. Take. Us. Back. [embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@gemmacatherine29/video/6828566161651666181[/embed] How good's WA? Gemma Catherine, maker of this extraordinarily good case for getting out of bed before sunrise, shows us it's the state to be in for escaping iso and getting out for a surf. Now, being back at work isn't strictly the same as iso, but we're feeling the itch to travel all the same. If you're looking for inspiration, here are ten must-visit locations in Australia. [embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@_.lilyhaynes._/video/6894561223736691969[/embed] If there's one video in this roundup that speaks to us most it's this gem from Lily Haynes. She's filmed her pup Alfie living his best self, chilling with the fam, seeing what's up, riding shotgun. If that doesn't push you to book a long weekend on the road, we don't know what will. Alfie, we ❤️ you. Download TikTok to watch more blissful travel videos. Top image: Wikimedia Commons
A CBD joint that provides those living room vibes when your own home is too full of empty pizza boxes and you need to clear the grey matter from your brain. Venture down a street (Little Lonsdale) and scurry down a lane (Hardware) and hop up a level (one) to La La Land, where a lavishness of brown Chesterfield-style couches awaits. Inside this neighbourhood haunt, the Brooklyn warehouse-esque windows provide the light, and around you, a motley of suits, casuals and dates are a spatter. A good place to bring a mate or just a book for a boozy read. The drinks menu is vast and colourful, with beers available on tap and in the fridge by the pint or jug. Wines cover every end of the spectrum, with red, white, rosé and sparkling varietals from Australia and France all appearing. Cocktails come in signature and classic forms. The former includes Bounty, which recreates the chocolate bar we all know and some of us love, with 1800 Coconut and Joseph Carton Creme de Cacao, and Who Shot Tom Collins, which sells itself as a Bloody Shiraz spin on the classic. There are also some nifty drink specials for the thrifty, with beers and wines for $6 and spirits prices down to $15 from 4–6pm. Better yet, between 6 and 7pm, you can get two classic cocktails for just $30. Settle in, order a grazing board and enjoy the space however you please. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
The morning sun slants in through the leaves of the majestic plane tree outside Short Straw. It's buzzing with breakfasters — and it's not even the weekend yet. But it's worth the wait to get into this little spot, where the art of the neighbourhood cafe is at its finest. Although it only opened in January, it feels as though Short Straw has long been a part of the Hawthorn fabric, tucked as it is just off the increasingly cool bustle of Glenferrie Road. It's been happily coasting along, being and doing without a lot of hype. This is coffee and breakfast as it should be. Chef Josh Clark (ex-Young Bloods Diner) has created a new menu for autumn featuring dishes we recognise and love, done well and with a tasteful twist and a flourish here and there. Cacao, cranberry and hazelnut granola is toasted to an appropriate crunchiness, and served with an organic yoghurt panna cotta, strawberries and a flurry of petals ($11). The eggs Benedict ($17) feature Grandmother Ham and some shaved apple to cut through the richness of the hollandaise. For those who want it all, the early board is an excellent choice; it includes a mini Bircher with granola, strawberries and yoghurt, prosciutto, avocado and poached egg on pumpkin toast and a glass of OJ ($18). All bases covered. It's an all-day menu that runs through until 3pm — and while the breakfast dishes lend themselves admirably to lunchtime appetites, if you're wanting that little bit more, the kitchen produces a pulled chicken and freekeh salad and a hanger steak sandwich that will have you at apricot mustard. Specials appear on wall-mounted brown butcher's paper. Drinks are divided into hot stuff, cold stuff and healthy stuff, which makes early morning decisions easier. Coffee is by Niccolo, which is an excellent bean for milk coffee, and perfect for the Hawthorn latte zone. There are also a green juice, red juice and a couple of substantial smoothies on offer. The interior is a nice mix of white painted brick walls and wooden beams and an almost conservatory feel to the end room with its hanging plants and hexagonal metal and ivy wall feature. Short Straw is nothing like my kitchen, but there is something in the selection of music, the reassuring décor and the ambiance created by friendly staff that makes it feel like home. Images: Jo Rittey.
Coburg Night Market is gearing up for another massive year, returning to Bridges Reserve from Thursday, December 11—Saturday, December 13. After drawing record-breaking crowds in 2023 and 2024, the beloved summer event is expected to deliver its biggest edition yet, with three evenings of food, music, makers and community under the open sky. Shifting to a Thursday–Saturday format, the 2025 program brings together a vibrant mix of local talent, curated experiences and family-friendly activities. This year's music lineup has been handpicked by MzRizk, one of Melbourne's most influential DJs and creative producers, whose deep ties to the city's north are reflected in the rich and diverse roster of artists taking the stage. The event kicks off with Triple R's DJ Systa BB setting the tone ahead of powerhouse sets from Miss Katalyna and Kee'Ahn, delivering soulful vocals and plenty of heart. On Friday, DJ General Feelings opens the night before Kazaband follows with irresistible rhythms. Then, Miss Emilia brings her silky-smooth sound while Teymori closes things out with his signature genre-blending energy. Saturday starts early at midday, bringing a fresh slate of creative, family-friendly activities. Kids can join the Counihan Gallery for postcard-sized art-making or jump into a jewellery workshop hosted by Creed Custom Designs. Later in the evening, PBS DJ Mike Gurrieri and Triple R's Pebbles, featuring Noongar sister duo Bumpy and Emmy, keep the energy high between live performances curated by Amped Up! — Merri-bek's Amplify youth live music committee — showcasing emerging acts Soundmakrz and Lily Hallawell. Last but not least, Wild Gloriosa serves up seductive R&B tunes before Amaru Tribe ends the weekend with a Latin-infused, joy-filled party set. Across all three days, visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with moving performances by Sanctum Studio, community art-making sessions with Bee-longing in Merri-bek, and guidance from MCs Callum Padgham (Thursday and Friday) and Hawraa Kash (Saturday). And of course, it wouldn't be Coburg Night Market without the food. This year features a vast selection of food trucks, artisan stalls and local makers, offering everything from street eats to handmade goods, perfect for pre-Christmas shopping, late-night snacking, or simply soaking up the summer vibes. Free, family-friendly, dog-friendly and fully accessible, Coburg Night Market transforms Bridges Reserve into a vibrant gathering place for the whole community.
From the moment it opened its doors in early 2024, Bistra became a Carlton classic. A white-tablecloth affair with a decidedly Australian flair, an evening at Bistra is always sophisticated, never stuffy. The romantic two-storey venue on Elgin Street is owned by Henry Crawford, Alexei Taheny-Macfarlane, and Joseph Ho, a trio of hospitality and wine experts. Studio Wonder designed the space to feel intimate and inviting, freshened up with playful art and sculpture from local artists such as Darren Sylvester, Carol Crawford and Riley Payne. Manning the pans and leading a team of ambitious up-and-comers is head chef Alex Nishizawa. When your resume includes gigs at Bar Liberty, Falco and working as Ben Shewry's sous chef at Attica, it's no surprise you've landed the top spot in one of Melbourne's hottest kitchens. The traditional yet undeniably intelligent menu is the kind that causes diners to consider ordering one of everything. How should we be able to choose between chicken liver pâté with traditional accompaniments, tiger prawns with fermented chilli and parsley, or an asparagus salad with poached egg, parmesan, croutons and tarragon? And you can't miss the crowd favourites, spinach and ricotta dumplings with butter and sage, and agnolotti with Long Paddock Cheese and pistachio. For mains, many cannot resist the classic cheeseburger, or an eye fillet with peppercorn sauce and fries. However, the Sommerland chicken with Jerusalem artichoke and truffled jus is also a quiet contender for a winner. Whichever you choose, there is sure to be an expertly picked wine to match, with Bistra's wine list comprising a collection that the owners have been building together for over ten years. You must save room for a dessert, or two (or three). Nostalgic, comforting flavours in the form of apple crumble with créme fraiche, banana cake with chocolate butterscotch and cream, and cream puffs with ice cream and chocolate ganache, will be a sweet end to a wonderful evening. Top image: Becca Crawford.
Vivid Cafe and Lounge has been up and running on Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn since March 2023, originally only serving up classic Melbourne cafe fare. But a few months after opening, Chef Nobphadon Kaewkarn (AKA Chef Bird) started slowly introducing more and more Thai eats to the menu — until the lunch offerings were dominated by curries, noodles and spicy seafood dishes. And as of February this year, the team took the leap into becoming an all-day venue, transforming into a Thai restaurant once breakfast is over — and it's now running a booming dinner trade from Wednesday–Sunday. On the menu, you'll find classics like soft-shell crab bao, spicy coconut prawns, fish cakes, roti and chicken satay to start, as well as bigger dishes like hot and spicy tom yum soup, a stack of salads, curries, pad thai, pad kra pow, slow-cooked lamb and a crispy prawn (or crab) omelette. Come weekend lunchtime, Vivid is serving one of the most affordable all-you-can-eat meals in town. For just $29 per person, you'll get 90 minutes of unlimited red, green and massaman curry, plus endless amounts of spring rolls, pad thai, pad see ew, fried rice and roti. And you get to choose what protein goes in each. We're all about bottomless brunch deals, whether it's the luxe Conservatory buffet at Crown or the old Smorgy's offerings (RIP), so this new addition to Melbourne's all-you-can-eat scene is firmly on our radar. And to top it all off, Vivid now has an alcohol license — you've got $10 wines by the glass, plus happy-hour deals on beers and cocktails. Shit's expensive these days. But Vivid is serving up genuinely good eats for so little. Get on it. You'll find Vivid Cafe and Lounge at 616 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. It's open for breakfast from Monday–Friday, lunch from Monday– Sunday and dinner from Wednesday–Sunday. For more information, visit the venue's website.
There's no shortage of highlights along Tassie's eastern shores, with Freycinet National Park's Wineglass Bay an alluring attraction. However, just a short drive up the coast, the charming community of Bicheno awaits, renowned for its scenic natural landmarks and vibrant culinary scene. Returning on Saturday, November 15, the Bicheno Food & Wine Festival is where visitors can experience the community's mouthwatering bites and sips in one spot. Featuring 30 stallholders showcasing Tasmania's finest flavours and makers, expect a coastal celebration of stellar seafood, local wine and live music. The lineup for the 2025 edition is soon to be revealed, but previous instalments have included a who's who of local epicureans. Think award-winning drinks from Bicheno Beer Co., Maclean Bay Wines and Ironhouse Tasmania, alongside non-stop gourmet cuisine from Formosa Bites, Salsa Sol and Fried & Loaded. Set against a picturesque seascape, the Bicheno Food & Wine Festival is also stacked with live music and entertainment. Throughout the day, local bands and singer-songwriters will take to the stage. Meanwhile, roving buskers also provide an easy-breezy soundtrack for visitors dining on the freshest east coast produce.
Tired of your post-work pub? Quarterhouse is here to breathe new life into your pint, making its grand arrival opposite Southern Cross Station on Wednesday, May 14. Spanning three huge levels with enough space for 1,400 patrons, expect the venue to become a bustling destination for after-work bevvies, corporate functions and weekend get-togethers. And, of course, pre- and post-game drinks are made easy considering Quarterhouse's proximity to Marvel Stadium. So, what's in store for punters? The ground floor, aka the public bar, adds just a little more sophistication to the quintessential pub-going experience, with hearty meals, cold drinks and live sports displayed on a four-metre-wide screen. Slide into a comfy banquette or head outside to soak up the city's atmosphere with street-side dining and drinks. On level one, versatile function spaces provide the ideal setting for private and corporate events, with capacity for 240 guests. Lastly, the rooftop bar features an open-air, wrap-around terrace, primed with laidback vibes perfect for mid-week or weekend gatherings. Looking out onto Sky Park, you'll have the ideal vantage point to admire this elevated patch of greenery perched above Collins Street. "Quarterhouse is exactly what this part of the CBD has been missing," said venue manager Luke Bottoms. "It's everything Melbournians love about a pub; casual and with something for everyone, whilst also offering something unique with our rooftop bar overlooking the Sky Park." When it comes to food, Quarterhouse has two curated menus, one for each level. Going beyond the usual pub grub, the venue brings a slight European gastropub flair, with thoughtful dishes that still hit the mark. In the public bar, start small with fried squid paired with pickled fennel, lemon and aioli, then move on to classic chicken parmas or the Quarterhouse Burger, featuring bacon, blue cheese mayo, pickled onions and more. There's also a selection of steaks, served with skin-on fries, salad, umami butter and jus gras or peppercorn sauce. On the rooftop, share-style dishes include wagyu beef skewers with a pepperberry jus gras and roast shallots. Meanwhile, seven wood-fired pizza options offer plenty of variety. For something fancy, order the crumbed pork ribeye with a lemon caper beurre noisette and chives, or the pan-fried barramundi served with salsa verde. Complementing the cuisine is a weekly entertainment lineup, with highlights including free all-day pool in the public bar on Mondays. On Thursdays, dine alongside a live acoustic soundtrack from 5pm, then get down on Friday nights for Sunset Sip DJs on the rooftop. Then, Sunday brings a rotating roast lunch special, while trivia takes over the public bar from 3pm. With plenty more to explore, Quarterhouse might just become your new post-work or game-day hangout. Quarterhouse opens Wednesday, May 14, at 693 Collins St, Docklands. Head to the website for more information.
3D printing technology is a lot to get your head around, especially in regards to the science fiction-esque breakthroughs of the medical world. But in regards to improving your herb garden, 3D printing can lend a hand here as well. Like a family tree for plants, the new 3D Printed Aqueduct Planters have a built in trickle down irrigation system so you only need to soak the top plant in water and the rest will follow. The planter utilizes the connections between each planter as a method of transferring water and saturating the soil from the top planter to the lower plants. This is especially useful for air plants or plants that don’t need a lot of soil. The planter system can be set up in an array of configurations so you can construct your living wall to complement your living space. [via inhabit]
As much of the TV-watching world is, Ashley Zukerman is a Succession fan. Unlike almost everyone else, however, his affection was partly built from inside of the award-winning series. In a recurring role across the HBO masterpiece's four seasons, he played political strategist Nate Sofrelli, whose past romantic relationship with Shiv Roy — portrayed by fellow Australian Sarah Snook (Memoir of a Snail) — kept spilling over into their present professional and personal spheres. But "there was periods where I didn't know if I was coming back", Zukerman tells Concrete Playground, "and there were periods where I just became more fan than part of it". A role in one of the best TV shows of the 21st century, plus a range of others in fellow international fare — big-screen horror-western The Wind and drama Language Arts; television's A Teacher, The Lost Symbol and City on Fire; and the three straight-to-streaming Fear Street movies among them — kept Zukerman away from home for years. Then In Vitro, an Aussie sci-fi thriller that premiered at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival and hit local cinemas in general release on Thursday, March 27, 2025, came his way. Before this, he hadn't worked on a homegrown project since 2017's The Easybeats miniseries Friday on My Mind. Prior to that, he'd hopped between the Australian and Aussie-made likes of The Pacific, Rush, Terra Nova, Underbelly and The Code, and Manhattan, Fear the Walking Dead, Masters of Sex and Designated Survivor overseas. Starring in In Vitro eventuated because he initially met two of the film's co-writers and fellow actors, Will Howarth (who also co-directs with Tom McKeith) and Talia Zucker, in Los Angeles when they were all stateside endeavouring to establish their careers. Due to release timing, audiences who didn't catch In Vitro on its 2024 festival run will have seen Zukerman pop up in homegrown efforts in Aussie limited series Apple Cider Vinegar first, earlier in 2025. Later this year, he also has Australian-made, New Year's Eve-set time-travel film One More Shot heading to Stan. Only In Vitro has him playing a cattle breeder in an eerie vision of the potential near future, though — a livestock farmer experimenting with biotechnology in a world, and an industry, decimated by the climate crisis and struggling to adapt to the new reality. As Jack, husband to Zucker's (Motel Acacia) Layla, Howarth (Toolies) and McKeith's (Beast) movie also tasks Zukerman with exploring the distance that clearly lingers in the the feature's central marriage, digging into the source of Jack and Layla's domestic disharmony, and unpacking the impact of controlling relationships. More than two decades have now passed since Zukerman's initial screen role, also in an Australian film, with playing Thug #2 in Tom White his debut performance. Looking back on it, "so that was my first-ever thing, and I hadn't gone to the Victorian College of the Arts yet. I had no idea what I was doing", he advises. "My family, no one in my family, was in creative industries at all. I was just trying to brute-force my way through, trying to get headshots and making cold calls and just trying", Zukerman continues. "And then when that called and I got a role, I thought it was the craziest thing in the world. Then I get there and I do it, and I'm in a scene with Colin Friels [Interceptor] and Dan Spielman [Black Snow], who I ended up playing brothers with in The Code years later. And I thought that was just very, very special at the time. Dan was on, I think, The Secret Life of Us, and Colin Friels on Water Rats, and they were heroes of mine at the time. And then to be able to revisit that with Dan years later as, I guess, equals, was very special." [caption id="attachment_997134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Succession, David Russell/HBO[/caption] From the outside, the success that Zukerman has enjoyed over the last few years with Succession, Fear Street, City on Fire, A Teacher, The Lost Symbol and more seems huge. It is huge. He's also added Apple TV+'s Silo to his resume. For him, however, "it hasn't felt huge, but I don't think I necessarily ever have that feeling of looking at things from the outside", he reflects. "From the inside, I'd say that it's felt really fun. I know that the thing I love most is when I love the project and I feel like I'm close to the coalface of something. I thought that they were all great projects, and so that has been fun." "You're right, it's been a really nice few years, and it felt comfortable," Zukerman goes on. "I guess I'll say I've just never really stressed work. I've always known things will come, and I've always been aware that if I'm not chosen for something that it's because the person, the artist in charge of it, just doesn't need my specific colour, my specific paintbrush, and so I've never really sweated it if things haven't come to me. But the last couple of years, it's just been really enjoyable to just work on special things — and to be able to have a continuous run of that, I do feel very full now. I'm not someone who enjoys acting all the time, I don't necessarily love the experience, but I do love it when I feel that there are certain elements there, and I've been on a run projects now where those elements were largely there. It has been a really fun few years for that." From what excited Zukerman about In Vitro, his read on his complicated character and the research that went into his performance, to farewelling Succession, returning home and his initial acting dream, our chat with Zukerman covers them all — and more — as well. On What Excited Zukerman About In Vitro, and About Making His First Australian Project Since Friday on My Mind "So I knew Tahlia and Will. I'd known them before. We all met in LA when we were all younger and hustling out there. It was just this coffee shop that we all ended up frequenting, and that's where we got to know each other. It was during the pandemic that they sent the script and said 'we've been working on this, we've been thinking about you for it'. And I read it and I thought 'wow'. And I was honoured that they thought of me for it. But I thought that they had done something just really special. I think that the horror genre or the thriller genre is interesting when it's used to explore other themes. And so the thriller part of it didn't necessarily pop for me, but I thought that they were able to thread together some nuanced questions about a few issues that we're dealing with in the world, and finding a connection between them — with the climate crisis; domestic violence; how we use tech to brute-force our way through solutions; and how some people in our world don't really care about our world or the natural world or each other as the actual life that exists in it, but just what they can take from it. And I think that they were able to thread all those ideas in a very nuanced way, offering something new to the questions of 'what do we do in this world?' and 'how are we going to deal with all of these issues we have?'. The climate crisis, like so many of us, that keeps me up at night. One of the things I worry most about it is this idea that it's happening just, just slow enough that we get used to it, and it's so hard to talk about. It's so difficult to engage with it, because it's so scary for so many of us. As soon as, I know for me personally, it's hard for me when I see an article written about it for me to click on it, for me to actually open that page and delve into it. It's hard for me to watch something about it. And I thought that what they did here was they did it in a very nuanced way, where they offered something very new to that conversation, and in a way that I thought was going to be very useful and interesting — and human. It was just that the film seemed to have a very new idea to approach this issue, and that's I think what moved me about it. And then, as we went on, there were questions about the character that became far more important for me to ask. But when I first read it, that's what touched me." On Zukerman's Read on Jack and His Motivations "I think it depends how far back we go with him. If we go from what we know backwards, I think he's gotten to a stage where he has lost his sense of humanity and he's just so far down the rabbit hole on this that he can't actually turn back. I was working on this show, The Lost Symbol, the Dan Brown thing, at the time that I read this, and I was researching these secret societies and how people who were doing bad things justified them. And I came across this quote, which was from the Bible: 'to the pure, all things are pure'. I think that that is key to Jack, that because he felt he was doing something worthy and important, everything else he was doing was fine and justified … It's this idea that he's probably just a bucket with a hole in it. It doesn't matter what you pour in, he's always going to be empty. I think he's one of these just incredibly ordinary people who thinks that he's a vulnerable genius, and no one is giving him the adulation he deserves, and he will never get enough love from his partner, and that then leads to control and violence. So I think those are the things that are at play in him." On Playing a Part That's a Puzzle for the Audience as They Try to Piece Together the Full Story "Typically, the more complex a character, the less challenging I find it, because then there are just so many things underneath the surface. So those things were great, and once I knew the approach, what we were trying to do, we talked, Will, Tom and Tahlia and I talked early about this idea that we'd be doing a disservice to this story if he was arch — especially the domestic control, domestic violence story. And that he had to be so ordinary in that way, that if we were trying to portray a villain, it would do a disservice to Tahlia's story and it would be doing a disservice to the wider story. So the fact that we could let all of that complexity live in him, that gave me a lot of freedom. But you're right that the challenging thing in any of these stories is how we bury the lead when we choose to drop breadcrumbs, how we lean on awkward moments as clues for the idea — like leaving just enough the information for the audience to question what is going on to lead them down the rabbit hole with us ,but gently. That is the more challenging thing, because that's not necessarily about just living in the scene naturally. That's trying to plan the larger story. I was buoyed when I saw it — I thought we did that quite well. I really loved especially how they put it together in the edit, leaning on those awkward interactions, I thought was quite nice." On the Research That Goes Into Playing a Part Like This, Digging Into Coercive Control, Biotech and More "Typically I do love a lot of research, and I started down the path of him being an engineer. I wanted to make sure those thoughts were in there. I wanted to know where we were at with that stuff. But I think ultimately where I got to was, all that stuff — like you like feel at the end of the film — I think is window dressing in a way. I needed to know enough about that so that I could know what he was doing, but ultimately the key to him is what we're talking about — how to actually think about these men who do these things, like 'what is the wiring going on in in them?'. That's the work of understanding this character. It's the domestic work. It's the human work. And to try to explain, empathise, not absolve, but just to understand what makes these people do those things. I think that was the work with him." [caption id="attachment_997132" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Succession, Macall Polay/HBO[/caption] On Saying Goodbye to Succession, and What It Meant to Zukerman to Be a Part of It "I think it's so nice that that show will exist forever. I think it's now part of television canon, and to be a part of it, I'm just so proud. So I think it will just always have a life. I grew up loving The Sopranos and Six Feet Under and The Wire and Oz, and those seminal TV shows — and The West Wing. I knew characters that were there for an episode, that were there for three episodes. I was so aware of every little storyline on all of those shows, and I was just like 'if only I could be in something like that, that would be it'. Like, 'I would be fine'. [caption id="attachment_997133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Succession, Peter Kramer/HBO[/caption] And I'm lucky that I got to do one of those, and I got to be there for a little bit, and I got to witness how they made it, and I got to be around those people. I just feel so lucky. I was there and I was a part of it, but I got to also be an audience just as much as, I think, in it. It's an interesting question. It was something just so special about that production that I think I'll continue to try to, I guess, understand and learn from and think about. [caption id="attachment_997137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Succession, David Russell/HBO[/caption] All I love about any work is how close to the creative muscle I can be, and I think what was special about that show was that. I was on the periphery. There were moments when I was a little more forward in the story, but largely I was orbiting the story. And I think what was special about that is that it doesn't matter how big your role must have been — that's both the cast and crew — everyone on that set felt like they were a part of it, that they had agency to make decisions, that they were genuinely like what was being asked of them was what was special about them to only bring that. That was what was special, and that's what I'll remember. And I think it left something with me that I've taken to other things. I think it's that energy that I've brought with me after that show. " [caption id="attachment_997145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Apple Cider Vinegar, courtesy of Netflix © 2025[/caption] On Heading Back to Australia After a Significant Run of Roles Overseas "It was never by design that I would be away. It was just that the right things didn't come up, or scheduling got in the way, or something happened for me over there that meant that I couldn't come back for various things. And it was just always I missed it. I really missed being back. I really love it here. I love the way we work. I love how fast we are, how efficient we are. We work with few resources sometimes, but it's an advantage, it creates the style of TV and film that we make. It all goes into it. It ends up on camera, that energy. And it kind of has become our visual language sometimes. [caption id="attachment_997144" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One More Shot, Ben King/Stan[/caption] And I also guess there is something about being overseas and an expat which means I'm always playing someone else in a way. There's something about home, is what I'm saying, that's important. That I know the rules of Australia. I know how people interact, that there's the micro gestures between us all, how we all interact. I guess that is home for me, that when I get back to Australia my shoulders drop and I just know how to live here. Even though the US isn't that different, it's different enough that it changes me. It requires something else of me to live there. And that's a joy sometimes. I mean, to leave is wonderful — but to come back is really, it's home. It's just a very special thing. And also, I feel very fortunate because of what I've been able to do overseas, I can now come back and work on these great things, and help these great things get up." On the Initial Dream for Zukerman's Acting Career When He Was First Starting Out "It's such a great question, because it's so rare to look back and go 'what was it that that younger person had actually wanted, and are you there now?'. That's a very special question that I don't really often give myself time to do. But I think I probably had a lot of chutzpah and a lot of ambition back then. I probably had ideas, but I didn't know what the job was, even. I didn't know what the work of being an actor was. I had a feeling that acting gave me the ability to do something I couldn't do in life, that I loved the analysis of human beings, and I loved being able to express things that I didn't express in my normal life. I loved that. But that hadn't really congealed yet, and probably at the time I just had ideas about wanting to play these big roles and do these big things, but I didn't know what it was. [caption id="attachment_997146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City on Fire, Apple TV+[/caption] Once I started studying and I started understanding what it was, I think very quickly the only goal of mine was to have choice — just to be able to do the things I love. Like I said, it's just not always the case that I love acting, and I knew that early on that sometimes the experience can be difficult for myriad reasons. But to be able to get to a point where I can just, from project to project — based on, whether it's the quality of the work or it's the quality of the people, or both — that I could just choose to do that. I think that's nice to think about that. I think I have it, I am doing that now. I get to be pretty picky with what I do, and I get to do things for the right reasons." In Vitro opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
