There's no summer like a Sydney summer. From long days spent underneath beach umbrellas to leisurely lunches with friends, Sydney looks best when drenched in sunshine. If you're looking for a summer plan to fill your weekends with, the waterfront Mosman restaurant, St Siandra, is bringing back its much-loved deck chairs by Business & Pleasure Co. to its private beach this summer. Running from Friday, January 2 until Tuesday, March 31, every Wednesday to Sunday, the pop-up allows diners to settle into deck chairs right on the beach with uninterrupted harbour views and the full menu delivered right to your seat. From fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired share plates to summer-ready cocktails and chilled wines, you can order the best of St Siandra to your own private beach with just a tap of your phone. Talk about a luxury staycation. Secure your spot on St Siandra's private beach by booking in advance. The beach deck chairs are available to book in two-hour sessions in groups of two to six. Given the luxury of this offering, spots are limited, so it's best to lock in a few summer days with your friends and family ASAP. Inside, away from the sandy shores, St Siandra's continues to exude vacation vibes with a menu that's an ode to holiday dining and the flavours of the Mediterranean. Freshly caught seafood plays a starring role on the menu, which has been designed by head chef Sam McCallum. His experience is evident in his commitment to sourcing the highest-quality produce and ingredients, with a preference for local suppliers wherever possible. Visually, the vacation vibes don't end with the restaurant's beachfront location either. Touches throughout combine to transport you to Europe at its summery best. Every seat in the restaurant boasts views of the water, conspiring with the warm-hued, Amalfi-inspired interiors by interior designer Sally Taylor, featuring furniture sourced locally and from Italy. Together, it all beguiles guests into momentarily forgetting they're in fact in Mosman, not the Mediterranean. So much so, it's even possible to sail straight into St Siandra's private beach aboard your own (or a rented) vessel and disembark immediately into an awaiting deck chair or a seat inside. Whether you're planning a leisurely long lunch or just looking to soak up the sun in style, this unique Sydney experience blends barefoot luxury with laid-back Sydney coastal energy. See you on the deck chairs. See out summer from a beachside deck chair and book now at St Siandra. Image credit: Supplied
The summer festival season was marked by tragedy this past weekend, when a suspected mass-overdose event saw a fatality at techno festival Dreamstate and another six attendees hospitalised, with one in a critical condition at the time of writing. This follows a warning issued early last week about high-dose MDMA tablets in circulation in NSW that were detected to contain synthetic stimulants. While a police investigation into the event is still underway, NSW Health has confirmed its commitment to working with festival organisers to ensure the festival was as safe as possible. A spokesperson for the government organisation said, "A range of harm reduction initiatives are in place at festivals, including support and health promotion workers, health messaging, free chilled water, misting fans, chill-out spaces and well-equipped medical services," all of which are required by NSW law. However, the ABC confirmed that NSW's pill testing trial was not available at Dreamstate. [caption id="attachment_965220" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] That pill-testing trial was a 12-month commitment that began in March of 2025, during which free, anonymous testing would be made available at up to 12 music festivals. As mentioned, Dreamstate was not on the list of participating festivals — however, Laneway Festival, which took place the day after, was the eleventh and most recent festival to take part. Run on the ground with staff from the harm-prevention organisation NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA), the program was not a commitment to a fixed testing site, but a case-by-case trial of mobile testing planned by NSW Health with the music festival industry and harm-reduction organisations. Because this is a case-by-case offering, not every major festival has participated in the trial. Discussing the tragedy at Dreamstate with the ABC, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, said these events were a reminder that pill testing allows health warnings to reach the public before they come into contact with dangerous substances, adding that "We really want to get the word out about the dangers here." Across NSW's test program and national drug-testing services, there is an acknowledgment that illicit substances will always be present in the live music scene, and that festivals should prioritise patrons' safety through free, anonymous, on-site testing, free from prosecution. The program in NSW uses rapid testing technology, allowing patrons to present substances to testing staff, who will, in turn, provide information about what is present in the sample and its potency when applicable, and tailored advice on how to reduce risk if patrons still intend to consume the substance, or safe disposal methods if they decide not to. In 2024, a study published by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, from Monash University's Department of Forensic Medicine, revealed that between 2000 and 2019, 64 drug-related fatalities occurred at Australian live music events. According to a 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household survey, 64 percent of Australians support drug checking services as a whole, not exclusive to festivals. So, what are state governments actually doing about it? Canberra led the charge, opening CanTest, the country's first fixed pill-testing site in 2022, with funding to operate until June 2027. Victoria opened its first permanent pill-testing facility in August 2025, alongside a mobile testing program that saw 65 percent of participants have their first-ever harm-reduction conversation. On the opposite side of the conversation, Queensland pulled funding for its two fixed testing sites in Brisbane and the Gold Coast last April, before banning pill testing outright in September. In the NT, the ABC reported in 2021 that 73 percent of surveyed festivalgoers supported pill testing, but no government actions have been taken to enact it. In Tasmania, the state government remains opposed to pill testing rollouts despite 65 percent of voters calling for the services to be made available. That negative sentiment is shared by state governments in South and Western Australia, who remain firmly opposed to pill testing. [caption id="attachment_965685" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] Government sentiment aside, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation reports that in almost all cases, pill testing trials have led to less consumption of potentially dangerous drugs and greater awareness of the risks involved in drug use. Additionally, the ADF highlighted that public support for pill testing has steadily been rising across the nation in the last decade, so what's going to happen next in NSW? The NSW Government will seemingly still conclude the testing trial next month, following appearances at Yours and Owls, HTID, Field Day, Lost Paradise, EPIK, Hypersonic, Strawberry Fields, Knockout Outdoor, Hyperdome, Midnight Mafia and Laneway. But currently, the program home page does not outline where the trial will conclude, nor has the NSW government announced any intention to extend the trial or establish a fixed testing site from April 2026 onwards, leaving safety to the individuals for the foreseeable future. If you or anyone you know would like more information or harm-prevention support in NSW, the Alcohol and Drug Information Service provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs. Alternatively, PeerLine is a confidential peer-support service that offers support, referrals and individual advocacy, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
When 2022 ends and 2023 begins, Woodfordia in southeast Queensland will host the Woodford Folk Festival for the first since 2019 gave way to 2020. Thousands of music and arts lovers will descend upon the Moreton Bay Hinterland spot, and plenty of them will be camping. It's an annual tradition — if you live in southeast Queensland and you haven't camped at Woodford to see out the year at least once, do you really southeast Queensland? — and, timed perfectly for the upcoming fest, the site's accommodation options just levelled up. Woodfordia has already been home to Lake Gkula for the past three years, with the conservation and recreation habitat part of the event's 500-acre parkland. To take advantage of the site, it's been hosting camping beyond Woodford's usual dates, too. Adding onsite glamping tents was always in the works — and now they're here. Twenty luxury tents are now up and running, joining Woodfordia permanently. Each one features a fully furnished room for four, complete with a queen bed, bunk beds, sofa, dining table and chairs, fixed ensuites and kitchens, and sits in the existing camping grounds around Lake Gkula — close to the General Store. To start with, glamping will be offered at at the Woodford Folk Festival and across Easter in 2023, aka when camping at Lake Gkula is happening anyway. The plan, however, is to welcome in glampers year-round, and give holidaymakers a new getaway option. "The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the iconic Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023," said Woodfordia Inc General Manager Amanda Jackes. "Ultimately, these gorgeous glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays." "Accommodation has always been an issue at Woodfordia, with the most recent festival selling out all our 120 premium luxury bell tents along with the 250 tent city tent motels. These luxury glamping units will bring a new level of indulgent offering for our patrons." Upon launch, prices start at $305 per night with a three-night minimum booking. Even for Easter, some tents are already sold out — so if you're already thinking about your autumn vacation, getting in quick is recommended. Located 75-minutes north of Brisbane by car, Lake Gkula provides quite the scenic backdrop for a holiday. The man-made spot is teeming with fish and plant life, with than 16 species of native freshwater fish and crustaceans are swimming in its waters. For plenty of greenery, over 8000 plants have been planted in and around the lake to-date. Crucially for both the lake's biodiversity and for human swimmers, the entire body of water is chemical-free, using pumps and injectors to keep both a constant water flow and high levels of oxygen. The water is pushed through two wetlands, which act to purify the lake while also encouraging microorganisms to thrive. For more information about glamping at Woodfordia's Lake Gkula, visit the Woodfordia website. The 2022–23 Woodford Folk Festival runs from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023. For further details, head to the Woodford Folk Festival website. Images: Waterscapes / Gain Ryan / Jen Quodling, Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
If ever there was a time to treat yourself to a vacation, it's now, and you'll still find scores of memorable holiday destinations located in New Zealand. No long-haul flight required. What's more, if you're after a true break from reality, New Zealand is brimming with unique stays that'll transport you blissfully far from your everyday. Indulge in a few nights in a leafy treehouse, a beautifully restored truck perched right on the bay, or even a mountaintop cabin with views for days. Here, we've taken care of the hard bit and pulled together 15 of the most unique stays you can book in New Zealand. Pick your favourite, pack those bags and embark on a holiday that's worth writing home about. Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia Ten of the Most Luxurious Waterfront Stays You Can Book in Auckland The Most Unique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island Glamcamping, Whananaki A secluded waterfront cabin and campsite set among untouched wilderness, with hiking trails, clear blue ocean and private sandy beaches right on its doorstep. From $148 a night, sleeps six. The Grove Farm Stay, Thornton With features like a hot tub and king size bed, this comfy yurt makes for an idyllic farm stay. All just metres from the beach. From $276 a night, sleeps four. Mud Hut at Welcome Rock Trails, Garston Dose up on serenity at this rustic high-country hikers' hut, kitted out with a cosy fireplace, outdoor tub and some of the best views going around. From $125 a night, sleeps four. Fairytale Treehouse, Whangarei Your own magical treehouse escape, complete with cosy interiors, leafy wraparound deck and 28 lush acres to explore at your leisure. From $290 a night, sleeps two. The Amazing House Truck, Wainui Bay This former truck has been transformed into a comfy bayside getaway, complete with a woodfire and outdoor bath. Spend your days swimming, hiking or soaking up those views. From $237 a night, sleeps four. The Mudcastle, Nelson Fancy holidaying like royalty? Try this picturesque castle retreat, complete with fairytale features, a private pool and sweeping countryside views. From $1336 a night, sleeps 16. Alpine Cube, Ben Ohau Check out of reality and into this architecturally designed nature cabin, featuring zero wi-fi, a luxe open air spa and all the tranquility you could dream of. From $498 a night, sleeps two. Blackpool House, Auckland This contemporary couples' retreat boasts a lush, leafy setting, with stunning architecture, a cosy mezzanine library nook and a sun-drenched deck that's primed for relaxing. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Warm Cosy Yurt, Motueka Valley Al fresco drinks among the treetops and stargazing through the rooftop skylight — enjoy it all at this kitted-out yurt overlooking the Motueka River. From $122 a night, sleeps three. Rocky Point Hut, Pepin Island A tranquil hideaway for two with an outdoor tub offering epic panoramas, this clifftop hut is the stuff of holiday dreams. From $219 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse, Waiheke Island Hidden among the treetops, this contemporary cabin will charm you with its romantic loft bedroom, leafy gardens and blissful outdoor spa. From $292 a night, sleeps four. Woodpecker Bay Bach, Punakaiki Wake to the sound of crashing waves at this quaint beachfront stay. It's rocking a charmingly kitsch style and a bathtub with views to swoon over. From $226 a night, sleeps two. Away Treehouse, Auckland Blissful treehouse vibes abound at this secluded forest retreat. Unplug and recharge, while enjoying the cosy wood fire, outdoor spa and peaceful treetop setting. From $438 a night, sleeps two. Kauri Forest Chalet, Auckland In the heart of the bush, this secluded chalet makes for a tranquil couples' escape. Hiking trails abound and the beach is just a short drive away. From $180 a night, sleeps two. Te Kouma Heights Glamping, Manaia Find luxury off the grid in this tent for two with endless ocean and farmland views. Enjoy fully equipped solar power, a king bed and two claw-foot outdoor tubs facing the glittering Coromandel Harbour. From $332 a night, sleeps two. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb.
If you're keen to surround yourself with art in the most-immersive fashion on offer and you haven't yet visited The Lume, Australia's digital art gallery, then you'd better get organised: the Melbourne venue will close up on Sunday, June 1, 2025. News that the site was set to say farewell was first revealed in 2024, but with a January 2026 end date; however, those plans have now moved forward. Accordingly, The Lume will shut up shop when its present Vincent van Gogh showcase finishes. Art exhibitions are fleeting, of course, gracing walls and halls for just days, weeks or months at a time, then moving elsewhere or never being seen again. But when The Lume opened in 2021, you can be forgiven for thinking that it wouldn't be such a brief addition to Australia's cultural scene. The closure comes after Grande Experiences, the company behind it, decided not to extend its lease at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Whether you're an art lover based in the Victorian capital or elsewhere around the country, a last trip to the site means enjoying van Gogh delights, complete with The Starry Night projected large, taking over an entire room; the immersive Sunflower room, where golden petals stretch as far as the eye can see; VR experience Finding Vincent; a cafe inspired by the artist's Café Terrace at Night; and more. The Lume actually launched with the same exhibition. Also wowing audiences at the gallery since its opening: a celebration of Monet and his contemporaries, a huge showcase dedicated to First Nations artists and all things Leonardo da Vinci. Across its four-year run, The Lume has unsurprisingly proven popular, with 1.5-million visitors heading by to-date. "The Lume Melbourne has been a defining chapter in Australia's cultural landscape — a place where art, innovation and imagination came to life for millions of visitors. We are deeply grateful to our team, our partners and every guest who stepped through our doors," said Grande Experiences Founder and Chair, and The Lume Melbourne CEO, Bruce Peterson. "As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to once again redefine immersive storytelling. Rather than simply continuing, we are choosing to evolve — embracing new technologies that will take cultural experiences to even greater heights." "This was not a decision we made lightly, but one rooted in our ambition to push the boundaries of cultural storytelling even further. The landscape of immersive experiences is evolving rapidly, and we are seizing this moment to lead that evolution on a global scale. Our focus is now on creating even more groundbreaking, transformative stories through innovative new technology," Peterson continued. Melbourne's The Lume is one of two worldwide, with the other in Indianapolis in US, which is remaining open. Even as its only Australian site confirms its farewell, Grande Experiences hasn't ruled out more Aussie venues, advising that other states have flagged their interest in hosting the gallery — but nothing has been locked in so far. The Lume Melbourne will close at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Van Gogh at The Lume displays until then. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Grande Experiences.
No stranger to novel hospo concepts, Collingwood welcomes Bar Local Drop to the neighbourhood, serving everything from limited and rare drops to barbecue spatchcock, fresh pasta specials, and an impressive selection of over 500 bottles to stock your home cellar. The bar was founded by Jagdev Singh and his wife, Emily Prunty, the founders of The Local Drop, a respected wine business covering retail, events, and bespoke cellars. They chose Collingwood, specifically the design-forward space at 116 Rokeby Street, curated by Studio Y and recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects, to set up their bricks-and-mortar offering. While there is a deep and serious focus on all things wine, Bar Local Drop is also prioritising food. Head Chef Damon McIvor (of Wally's and Waxflower) brings more than 15-years' worth of industry experience to the kitchen. His Euro-leaning menu champions local growers, including Somerset Farm, Natoora and Day's Walk Farm. Seasonally changing menus may include tapioca fritti with anchovies, cured swordfish with pickled mussels, smoked lamb tartare with hash browns, and Hapuka with fennel and beurre blanc. Pop in midweek to catch the lunchtime specials that include barbecue spatch cock (served half or whole) with fries and chicken jus, or rotating pasta dishes for just $20. The star of the show, the wine, is left in the ultra-experienced hands of Pierrick Gorrichon, who not only served as the Sommelier at Gimlet but also worked at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Check out The Black Book, the bar's handwritten reserve list showcasing limited and rare wines. Here's the kicker: once a bottle is gone, it's simply crossed off the page, so don't snooze on trying these special drops. Images: Supplied.
New year, new adventures. It's time to start planning trips to hidden beaches while summer's still kicking, city breaks during quieter months of the year, and regional desert getaways when the temperature drops down south. And we get the "I'll put off travelling around Australia till I'm older" mentality. But enough of that. There's so much greatness in our own backyard that we shouldn't keep pushing local trips further down the line of must-visit places. So, read on to find a few Aussie destinations that should be added to your 2023 travel bucket list. Then go ahead and book a few trips before the opportunity passes. TASMANIA [caption id="attachment_883574" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zachary Ferguson (Unsplash)[/caption] BRUNY ISLAND Tassie's Bruny Island feels totally remote but it's a short ferry ride from the coast and, including driving time, is just 50-minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the rugged wilderness, you can still find luxury accommodation, amazing food and all kinds of local produce (think fine cheese and whisky). But consider Bruny Island a destination for when nature is calling. You'll find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. A trip to Bruny Island should be an essential addition to any Tasmanian vacation along the state's south-eastern coast. If you're a serious gourmand, you can experience all the island's finest delights in style with a gourmet tasting and sightseeing day trip from Hobart which includes award-winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge and mead, local honey and a lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay. Book it now at Concrete Playground Trips. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] BAY OF FIRES This region is ripe for exploring and one of the most photogenic regions in Tassie. There are hiking trails through bushland full of native Australian wildlife as well as pristine white sand beaches with orange-hued granite boulders that the Bay of Fires is renowned for. Come any time of year to enjoy the area, staying for a few days at one of our favourite glamping sites in Australia or simply pass through while road tripping around Tasmania's North East region. [caption id="attachment_718786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia and Graham Freeman[/caption] HOBART Hobart is booming. Increasingly, Australian travellers and international folk are taking the trip down south to Tasmania's seaside city. The city's brilliant food scene (which has totally transformed in the past ten years) draws visitors, as well as the city's singular cultural institution MONA. This museum is home to world-class art and installations from owner/mastermind David Walsh's private collection of works that are anything but stuffy. The art is served alongside a fabulous selection of locally-focused food and wine. And then there is the Mona Foma music and arts festival. The dates of this year's festival are Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Launceston, then the weekend of Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Hobart, and both weekends boast cracking lineups. If you haven't secured your tickets, you can still book one of our exclusive Mona Foma travel packages which includes Posh Pit ferry pass to the museum, tickets to see Peaches return to the Mona stage on Friday, 24 February, plus two nights in a luxe hotel. VICTORIA [caption id="attachment_883577" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Weyne Yew (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WYE RIVER Victoria's Great Ocean Road is always worth travelling down — but finding places to stop for a few nights can be a much harder task. The classics of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay are always great options, but we prefer the sleepier town of Wye River. The small regional town has its own beachside caravan park, an absolute stunner of a general store as well as plenty of beaches for surfing and swimming. Get away from the crowds down here. If you're keen to explore this area in style, book our Great Ocean Road road-tripping holiday here (which includes car rental and accommodation so all you need to do is get behind the wheel and enjoy the iconic views). [caption id="attachment_755967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson and Visit Victoria[/caption] WILSON'S PROMONTORY No matter how popular Wilson's Prom gets, you can always find your own private cove or headland. Either stay at a nearby town and then drive to a beach or hiking trail or get even further off the beaten path by camping, taking your time to go on long treks that'll distance you from the hustle of metropolitan civilisation. It's hard to find more stunning surrounds in Victoria, let alone Australia. You have tree-covered mountains that roll down to small coastal inlets where you can truly escape the outside world. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] BALLARAT This regional Victorian city was booming back in the Gold Rush era and has recently had another renaissance of sorts — brilliant restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels are the new gold. These treasures, paired with its proximity to Melbourne (it's about an hour and a half drive or train ride away), help make Ballarat an even greater travel destination for 2023. QUEENSLAND [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WHITSUNDAYS This may just be Australia's most up-market national park in the country. Luxury adult's only resorts and eco retreats are scattered all over the Whitsunday islands. This tropical paradise is where the rich and famous go to treat themselves to exclusive trips around the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. But you don't have to break the bank to enjoy these waters and beaches — so much of the area is considered a national park so you can go camping right up on many of the shorelines. Whitsunday Island, Hook Island and Henning Island all have campsites for those who want to properly get in touch with nature. Just make sure you book your campsite ahead of time because numbers are capped. If you are into a more luxurious stay, you can currently get 20% off the ultimate Whitsundays experience (think sunset sailing, scenic flights and a luxury resort stay) on this exclusive trip which you can book now. [caption id="attachment_876264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Maisch (Unsplash)[/caption] MUNGA THIRRI NATIONAL PARK Now off to somewhere entirely more remote. Munga Thirri is country that belongs to the Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi people, formerly known as the Simpson Desert National Park. It is the largest national park in Queensland and is also one of the toughest to explore. This is proper Australian outback territory. You'll see sand dunes stretching for kilometres (rising as high as 90 metres) and experience some of the best stargazing in your life. But, if you're not an experienced outback traveller without a decent haul of gear it can be a challenging area for camping. So, in light of that, if you lack the more hardcore camping chops it's best to book stay somewhere like The Birdsville Hotel which will organise tours into the desert. They'll take you on scenic flights, show you epic 4WD tracks and help you organise other local adventures. Just be aware that Munga Thirri is closed for a decent chunk of time in summer due to extreme heat — so be sure to check out the park's opening times on the Queensland national parks website. NEW SOUTH WALES [caption id="attachment_771536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NEWCASTLE Newcastle has undergone a huge cultural transformation in the past 15 years. Sydney's sister city hasn't always been a getaway destination, but we have been won over by its newfound charm. It has terrific beaches, an impressive street art scene that rivals Melbourne (well, don't say this around Melburnians), microbreweries, galleries, small bars, cafes aplenty and several good boutique hotels including a flashy new QT that opened in mid-2022. It really deserves to be added to your 2023 Australia travel bucket list. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, is fully explorable within a few days. And thanks to visitor limits (only 400 people are permitted at any one time), it's one of Australia's best islands to visit when you want to get off the mainland. Prepare to have these long beaches, idyllic diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourselves. It's also just a short two-hour flight east of Sydney or, if you have the means, you can access the island by your personal yacht. [caption id="attachment_882177" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Novotel Wollongong Northbeach[/caption] WOLLONGONG You'll find some of the most stunning beaches along this part of the south coast including Bulli and Austinmer. But this isn't your average sleepy beach town. The city of Wollongong has undergone its own transformation over the past few years, becoming a hub for great food and drink and cultural activities. After a day of swimming or hiking, either hit up the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre or the Wollongong Art Gallery before dining at some of the excellent restaurants in the area. This little city has a lot going for it. This year, Wollongong will also host the For The Love music festival on Sunday, February 24 with headliners Charli XCX and Duke Dumont. Concrete Playground has teamed up For The Love on curated one-of-a-kind VIP packages for those wanting the ultimate experience. Book your package here — it includes two VIP festival tickets, two nights stay at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, a Grey Goose gift pack in your hotel room and late check-out so you can sleep in after the party. [caption id="attachment_883578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jake Charles (Unsplash)[/caption] BYRON BAY Byron Bay is a classic Australian travel destination, much loved for its bohemian beach culture and world class yoga and wellness retreats scattered about the region. Nature lovers can also go sea kayaking around some of the most breathtaking beaches or hike within the national parks. And the foodies must experience Byron Bay's diverse grassroots drinking and dining scene that is growing impressively every year. And who knows, you might just run into one of the Hemsworth brothers while you're there. Book a four-day wellness holiday for under $400 through Concrete Playground Trips here (including accommodation, yoga classes and two seperate sea kayaking and snorkelling tours). WESTERN AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] ROTTNEST ISLAND If you want to take a selfie with a quokka then Rottnest Island is the only place to do it. These amusing little mounds of joy wander all over the island, ready for locals to respectfully stop for a snap. But that's not the only reason to visit this Australian island, located just a short 90-minute ferry ride from Perth. Come to these parts for pristinely kept beaches, shallow shores that are perfect for snorkelling in and plenty of great places to stay for a range of budgets (from high-end hotels to well-appointed campsites). A trip to Rottnest Island is a must for anyone making their way to Perth for a few days. If you're wanting to get the most out of your next jaunt to Perth, book our five-day Perth holiday here (including your accommodation, a day trip to Rottnest Island and visit to the Pinnacles). [caption id="attachment_883580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isabelle Truong (Unsplash)[/caption] THE KIMBERLEY This remote region in Western Australia is one of Australia's most impressive natural landscapes. It's known for its abundance of local wildlife that roams the rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges with hidden swimming holes and the semi-arid desert planes. It's a Tourism Australia ad everywhere you go. It's also one of the best places to visit when you want to keep the summer dream alive — boasting wonderfully warm weather throughout the colder months of the year. [caption id="attachment_807814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] NINGALOO REEF Fun fact: Ningaloo Reef is the only large reef in the world that you can access right off the shore. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, you don't need to book a spot on a large boat that takes you out to the reef with a bunch of other tourists. Here, you simply park by the beach and get straight to snorkelling around vibrant coral gardens, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. You'll find the UNESCO heritage-listed wonder 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, from where it runs north along the coast for 260 kilometres, between North West Cape and Red Bluff. Pick a point to explore on your own or hit up local guides who will show you the best parts. SOUTH AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_664008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Kruger[/caption] ADELAIDE HILLS South Australia is famous for its many wine regions that pump out case after case of spectacular vino. You've got McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Clare Valley, but we are all about the Adelaide Hills in 2023. First off, this is one of the easiest wine regions to reach — located just a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Adelaide. It's also home to some of our favourite cellar doors. We suggest you start in Woodside, where you'll find stunning cellar doors from Bird in Hand, Petaluma, Barristers Block and Golding Wines. And while you're there, don't miss Lost in a Forest which serves up woodfired pizzas and natural wine from local label Ochota Barrels in a 130-year-old church. Get the most out of your trip to this region by booking our Adelaide Hills escape here including two nights' accommodation, transport around local wineries, daily yoga classes and most of your meals. [caption id="attachment_883581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Skopal (Unsplash)[/caption] WILPENA POUND Wilpena Pound is the holy grail of the Flinders Ranges National Park, characterised by its dramatic rocky mountains. The entire region is vast and truly remote, located about a five-hour drive from Adelaide. But don't let the distance scare you off. There's much to see and do here. Go on 4WD treks through the bush, take scenic flights over the mountain ranges and go on guided hikes to see some of the best-preserved Aboriginal rock art while learning of the local Adnyamathanha people's rich history. [caption id="attachment_883583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Denu (Unsplash)[/caption] EYRE PENINSULA This coastal region in South Australia is foolishly overlooked by both Aussies and international travellers. It is the state's own version of Victoria's Great Ocean Road, and it might just give that famous stretch of coast a run for its money. Head to Eyre Peninsula to swim with dolphins and sea lions or simply relax on long sand beaches backed by rugged cliffs as you look out for passing whales. Dreamy stuff. Then you can hit up any of the local townships to try Eyre Peninsula's legendary oysters and freshly caught seafood or head inland to do some winery hopping. You'll quickly discover why it's one of our favourite stretches of coast in Australia. NORTHERN TERRITORY [caption id="attachment_826027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Kakadu is an unmissable Australian travel destination, but its perceived remoteness seems to put a lot of travellers off. Don't let it. Kakadu is only a three-hour drive from Darwin and it's well and truly worth the journey. Once you're there, you have an enormous natural playground to explore and some genuinely life-changing scenery and experiences ahead of you. We recommend hiring a 4WD with a pop-top tent or camper for the week and see where the road takes you. Organise an itinerary to hidden swimming holes and incredible rainwater waterfalls, epic mountain ranges or local wildlife sanctuaries and cultural experiences with the local Indigenous people to learn the ancient history and dreaming stories of the area. [caption id="attachment_883588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Banubanu, Tourism Australia[/caption] BREMER ISLAND Run away to the Northern Territory's fairly unknown Bremer Island for a super chill tropical island holiday. It's well and truly off the beaten path, so you'll be away from the crowds, surrounded only by well-preserved wilderness. There aren't many places to stay on the island, but we are big fans of Banubanu Beach Retreat — a glamping site located right on the water. Spend your days kayaking along the coast or snorkelling in the warm waters before eating some fresh-caught seafood. It's a really laid-back place to visit, away from the crowds and influencers. 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. Top images: Sal Salis on Ningaloo Reef
When Julia Child famously said, "If cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet", she lifted cookery to the status of creativity. Her passion wasn't one of just housekeeping — no ma'am — it was one of craft and she proved it doesn't matter if it enjoys the same length of tangibility as a painting or a pirouette. Further cementing that food is art, The Olsen — the flagship hotel of the Art Series Hotel Group — combines culinary culture with local art at its adjoining restaurant, Spoonbill. Drawing inspiration from landscape artist John Olsen, after whom the hotel is named, Spoonbill doesn't falter on design or aesthetic. The matching of rustic timber with black and grey tones means that the interior is sleek, but not uncomfortable. The rounded bar and woven ceiling pieces create character in the open space, and the arrangement of tables gives intimacy in close proximity. Located on a busy Chapel Street corner, the restaurant acts as a refuge from the weekend hustle — there's something comforting in watching the outside world blow along from behind glass, the hubbub replaced with the sound of clinking wine glasses. It lacked atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon, but, being a hotel venue, would be sure to seat more guests and locals come evening. With few diners present, however, you'll be sure to receive personal recommendations and service from waitstaff. The menu is designed for a snacking, drinking or a full dining experience. Choose items from an a la carte menu, or go with the Laurent-Perrier Sharing Menu — your choice of any six, nine or twelve ($65-105 per person) dishes spanning entrees, mains and desserts. Origins are an important part of the menu, which relies heavily on seasonal, regional produce. If you're feeling peckish try the Cloudy Bay oysters delivered daily by Mike ($4 each) or the Gamekeepers Sausage — a finely blended sausage of Otway Ranges pork, fennel and chilli served with grilled scamorza, relish and pine mushrooms ($18). The soft tacos ($6.80 each), however, were off the mark: the soft shell crab was moreish but missing some spice and the pastrami with lettuce and cheese was more lunchbox sandwich than lavish. The main fare covers all the bases you'd expect, from duck to slow-cooked beef cheek and a 100-day aged Gippsland porterhouse. On the day of dining the seafood option was a piece of decidedly melt-in-your-mouth barramundi on a bed of risotto ($35), and was a standout dish. John Olsen's Famous Paella ($33 for one) — a house specialty — featured a generous spattering of good, fresh seafood, but lacked the crispy top layer and spectrum of flavours of traditional paellas. However, it is dessert that is the work of art. A passionfruit creme is fresh, not too heavy and a perfect way to cleanse the palette, and the cinnamon poached pear with ginger spiced crumble, honey brittle and burnt honey ice cream (both $16) is presented breathtakingly on the plate. If you're feeling rather full and want to bypass dessert, coffee is by St Ali and dessert cocktails, wines and port round out the wine list. The Olsen endeavours to create art within its walls, and Spoonbill is no different. From its John Olsen artwork and clean structural design to its regional Australian menu, it's clear that it is an aesthetic experience as much as it is a culinary one.
It was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Succession's Sarah Snook, it became the talk of London's West End, and also earned its one and only performer a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her efforts. It's been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Borderlands) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. And, now it's heading to Broadway. Sydney Theatre Company's version of The Picture of Dorian Gray keeps doing huge things — and its latest jump to the most-famous stage district there is will also keep Snook at its centre. She's making her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, with the production hitting New York from March 2025. When STC's take on The Picture of Dorian Gray premiered in 2020 — and then also played theatres in Melbourne and Adelaide — it didn't just give Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece a fresh spin; it turned it into a brand-new stage sensation. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. It's the work of writer/director Kip Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which Broadway patrons now get to experience. "It was a singular privilege to bring The Picture of Dorian Gray to life in London and I am thrilled we will be able to share this astonishing production with audiences in New York," said Sarah Snook about the news. "From Oscar Wilde's timeless words to the masterful reinterpretation Kip Williams has created, this tale of virtue, corruption, vanity and repercussion is an electrifying journey for me as much as for the audiences, and I am filled with anticipation as we continue on this ambitious creative endeavour." "I was so humbled by the response from audiences in London to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I could not be more thrilled to be bringing this work to Broadway. It has been extraordinary to witness the way Oscar Wilde's story continues to resonate with people today," added Williams. "I am so excited for audiences in New York to experience our show and to see the tour-de-force performance Sarah Snook gives in bringing to life the many characters in this new adaptation of Wilde's remarkable story." Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The Picture of Dorian Gray will play Broadway in New York from March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
Kew's Skinny Dog Hotel has been kicking around in one form or another for over 150 years. In that time, it has passed through the hands of several owners and gone through a series of makeovers. Nowadays, the pub has settled into having two distinct spaces. Downstairs, you'll find the classic gastropub, serving up steak, pizza and parma deals and sporting plenty of beers and wines to locals. It still has that old-school boozer feel to it. But upstairs is altogether more sleek and refined. The rooftop was renovated in 2023, making it one of the area's must-visit spots in summer. The 400-capacity rooftop bar at Skinny Dog Hotel includes a light-filled atrium full of hanging plants and an openair terrace where you can soak up all the sun during a long day of drinking and eating. Dishes are somewhat more refined compared to the downstairs pub as well. Coconut chilli prawns, tofu chips and charcuterie tasting boards kick things off. A selection of gourmet pizzas, house-made pasta, a few roasts and plenty of seafood dishes round out the savoury dining options. The drinks on the Skinny Dog Hotel's new rooftop are also a step above those found downstairs. The extensive wine list features stacks of Aussie and New Zealand drops, and the team has dreamt up a few new signature cocktails. Beers, ciders and ginger beer are all on tap, plus plenty of fruity seltzers come in can form. It's ticking all the right boxes. From Friday to Sunday, the team hosts live music gigs and DJs up on the roof, transforming the space into more of a party destination as the sun goes down.
There's a lot you can do for $50. A single yellow note can get you two tickets to a movie or a tank full of petrol. But what a pineapple can also get you is a decent amount of food and drink — especially when you think outside of the square a little. Bargain set menu deals can be found around town if you know where to look and what the passwords are (hint: generally it's "feed me"). Melbourne has a staggering number of food and drink options. And, narrowing it down a bit, it also has a heap of set menus for those who like to live fancy but spend less. Live your best eating life and treat yourself to a set menu or a banquet — we've compiled a list of venues for when you feel like a veritable feast. So the next time your stomach is at its very emptiest, browse through. Plus, all these venues accept American Express so you won't even need to fiddle about with cash money at all, just pull out your Amex Card and you'll be good to go. Can't wait to start travelling the world again? American Express has the card for you. Sign up for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and you'll score 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, plus $450 of Qantas Travel Credit and two passes to the American Express Lounge every year. And you'll earn 1.25 Qantas Points for every dollar spent. T&Cs, minimum spend and eligibility criteria apply.
When it comes to finger-licking, napkin-required fried chicken in Melbourne, it's hard to pick a favourite. Are you partial to a brined and crispy American-style bird or one that's sticky with Korean sauce? Whatever your fried chook fancy, Melbourne's got a version to suit, with an array of local restaurants out to make this famed dish their own. If you weren't already craving some juicy chicken coated in special seasonings, sauces and other crushed snacks, you sure will be after reading this. Here's where to find Melbourne's best fried chicken joints. Recommended reads: The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne The Best Burgers in Melbourne The Best Steaks in Melbourne The Best Pizza in Melbourne
A blazing red neon sign is your first view of Lucy Liu, not Charlie's Angel, but one of Melbourne's most popular laneway eateries for great food and vibes in the heart of the city. Effectively sandwiched between Flinders, Russell and Collins streets, you've got no shortage of dining options in this area. You'd be kicking yourself if you passed her by. Once inside, the space is open and warm, with a design choice that never fails: an open kitchen. Time your booking or walk in at the right moment, and you could end up sitting with a view straight into it. Lucy's just turned 10, with much of the original kitchen team still a part of the family, so these veterans have every teaspoon and presentation detail locked down. What's on the menu? There's a healthy offering of bites, buns, plates both small and large and set menu banquets. A few suggestions: caramelised tofu betel leaf with pineapple and chilli or Pacific oysters with ponzu and Lucy's Sriracha to start. Follow that with a plate of kingfish sashimi with green nan jim, coconut and Thai basil (an original menu item) or fried chicken ribs with sour plum salt, lemon and kewpie. Go big with Lucy's softshell crab jianbing or a roast pork bun with house-made kimchi and sriracha mayo — or go full-feast and order another OG: drunken chicken with Shao Xing Wine and green onion dressing or a hefty slice of market fish. The banquet menus, ranging from $58pp to $78pp, give you a taste of all the hits in five or seven plates (vegan alternatives are available). The drinks menu is just as colourful and tasty to wash down all those treats. With nine specialty cocktails to choose from, plus half-strength cocktails or cocktails to share, so you're catered for whether you're planning on driving home or not. Wine comes by the glass, and Lucy has a few of her own bottles on offer, with an impressive lineup of local and imported beers and spirits to round it out.
Step aside wine. One of the most exciting movements in the Australian booze scene is the wealth of locally-produced spirits that combine world-class product and craft with indelible branding. Melbourne distillery The Gospel was recently anointed the second best rye whisky in the world, and the Yarra Valley's Four Pillars Gin has repeatedly been awarded in international competitions and rankings since its inception in 2013. Now there's a new Australian-made and -owned gin entrant in the mix that's quietly launching into the local market courtesy of a group of gin-loving founders. It's called Papa Salt Coastal Gin and the founders behind the drop are Tom Ackerley Charlie Maas, Josey McNamara, Regan Riskas and Margot Robbie. Yes, that Margot Robbie. We caught up with the group to discuss the origin story of Papa Salt, their collaboration with Lord Byron Distillery to create the product, and being a collective of gin lords. Firstly: tell us a bit about the relationship between the five of you and how you decided to start a business together? "Regan and Margot worked on a film together in 2015, and we all became friends as we bounced back and forth between LA and London in the years since. Sometime around 2018, Josey, Tom, and Margot started to consider creating a gin brand, and they knew that Charlie and his family were in the spirits industry. The five of us had a few very loose discussions about what it might look like to work together, and a lot of very detailed conversations about our favourite gins. It was clear very early on that we all had a passion for the category; that passion really defines our entire business strategy. We spent five years creating a gin that we wanted to drink; and only now are we trying to turn that into a business." Secondly: why gin? "The simple answer is that we all love to drink gin. Digging deeper, that's probably a credit to the category itself; there's so much variety in gin now that there's always something new to try, or an exciting new cocktail or taste profile for a specific use case. As a consumer, the versatility of gin is so exciting. As a brand producer, that means you can really experiment and try to create something unique to your taste. We love the idyllic notion of a perfect beach day, and when we conveyed that to our distiller he suggested that we try using oyster shell in the botanical mix. Not only did that provide a minerality that we really love in the taste, it's also something that's only possible in a gin." How did you end up working with Lord Byron Distillery to create the gin? "We reached out to just about every distillery you could imagine in Australia, and created a short list of options. Lord Byron Distillery stood out for their sustainability mission: they're a zero waste, entirely renewably powered facility." How involved were each of you with the development of the product and the brand? Is there one of you who is the true gin lord of the group? "Who is the true gin lord?! What an amazing question. We've been wondering what titles we should put on our business cards, and I think you just answered it. There is no one true gin lord in the group — we are all gin lords. We've gone through every single step in the development together. In fact, over five full years of development, we've only had two meetings that didn't include all five of the Founders (and one of those Tom attended via Zoom)." What's your preferred way to drink it? Individual answers please! Josey: "This may sound crazy, but Papa Salt makes a tremendous paloma." Margot: "Salt and soda with an orange rind and a crack of black pepper." Tom: "Dry martini straight up with an olive." Charlie: "Papa Salt and Fever Tree Sparkling Lime and Yuzu. Yuzu is the best citrus, it's not even close, and it pairs perfectly with Papa Salt." Regan: "Papa Salt & Soda with a juicy slice of blood orange and lots of ice." Explain the inspiration behind 'Papa Salt' as the name? I'm getting 'coastal daddy' vibes but I assume there's something more significant to it? "We wanted to name the product Salty Sea Dog Gin, but ran into some trademark issues there. But that was always the idea behind the brand – to celebrate those luxuriously aimless days in the sun. A few months later, on one of those exact sort of days, Tom, Margot, and Josey ended up at a beach bar in Sri Lanka with a salty sea dog who went by the name Papa Salt. He was originally from the Gold Coast, but after circumnavigating the globe a few times, he wound up on this particular beach on this particular day. It's our hope that Papa Salt Coastal Gin, born on the Eastern Australian coast, might travel just as far and create just as many memories." Current stockists for Papa Salt Coastal Gin are Rick Shores at Burleigh Beach, Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar in Sydney and Stokehouse in Melbourne.
With Melbourne slowly emerging from its latest COVID-19 lockdown, the city's retail and hospitality spaces are beginning to welcome back customers. When the end of November rolls around, a brand new precinct will join them — in a historic old spot that's been given a huge revamp. As first announced last decade, the former Pentridge Prison in Coburg has undergone a multimillion-dollar restoration and makeover, turning the site into a sprawling retail, dining and entertainment precinct. The entire precinct spans 6.7 hectares, encompassing shops, food, a new 15-screen Palace cinema and outdoor public areas, including a 6500-square-metre piazza. Some heritage elements from the prison have been retained, and the venue will also showcase stories about its former life in its design. While the cinema announced its opening plans earlier this month, revealing that it'll be starting its projectors before 2020 is out, the entire precinct itself has now unveiled its opening timeline as well. Come Thursday, November 26, the Pentridge Lifestyle Precinct and Pentridge Shopping Centre will be up and running — and, adjusting to the times, making the most of its outside space. A range of eateries, such as Cielo Gelateria, Jacky Jones Fish 'n' Chips, Pelicana Chicken, Mela Patisserie, Miskeh Middle Eastern Café and Lucky Little Dumplings, will all getting in on the action from day one. They'll be offering both indoor and al fresco dining, with the precinct specifically keen on picnics on its lawns. Also part of the new shopping centre: Ritchies IGA Fine Food and Wine supermarket, Lux Hair, Tao Massage and Classic Barber, plus Zen Home and Bountiful Garden Florist. And, the new Pentridge Adina Apartment Hotel will be located at the precinct, too. When it opens in the coming years, that means you'll be able to stay onsite in heritage rooms. Also slated in the future are tours of the entire former prison, which are expected to start in early 2022. The Pentridge Lifestyle Precinct and Pentridge Shopping Centre will open at 1 Champ Street, Coburg on Thursday, November 26.
Tasmania has long been a pilgrimage for nature lovers, cold-weather chasers and anyone who thinks a weekend away should always involve at least one decent bakery. In recent years, it's also become a destination for whisky lovers. Given Australia's tropical to subtropical climate, whisky distilling has often been left to the pros in the Scottish Highlands. There was a brief flirtation with distilling spirits in the cooler climate of Tasmania during the 1800s, before Governor John Franklin outlawed the practice. But in 1992, the Lark family created the first Australian distillery to produce single malt whisky in 154 years, firmly rekindling Tasmania's love affair with the spirit. Now, Tasmania is the home of Australia's new whisky scene, and LARK Distillery is leading the charge. Whether you're heading to Hobart for a laidback long weekend or are island hopping for a while longer, LARK's whisky-fuelled experiences should be added to any itinerary. Here's what you can expect when visiting the home of Tasmania's thriving whisky scene. [caption id="attachment_1046083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Still[/caption] The Still, Hobart Located in the heart of the city on Argyle Street, The Still is LARK's modern whisky bar. By day, the sleek yet warm flagship store is used as a retail space and tasting room for travellers wanting to learn more about Tasmania's whisky industry. During the 45-minute tasting experience, guests learn the story of LARK (from the fishing trip that began it all to its latest releases), and can enjoy a curated tasting of LARK's single malt whiskies. Guests will also receive a 10 percent discount on any bottles, so you can enjoy a taste of Tassie once you get home. If gin is more to your taste, The Still also offers a two-hour gin-making masterclass. Guests will receive a first-hand look behind the process of crafting native gin under the guidance of LARK's professors, who have created the award-winning Forty Spotted gin. During the booking, guests can explore the world of botanicals, try a refreshing native gin and tonic, learn about the history of the spirit, and even create their own Tasmanian gin as a souvenir. [caption id="attachment_1049089" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Still[/caption] Once the sun begins to set, The Still turns into a cocktail lounge and bustling bar. With its cosy booths, elevated food menu, and knowledgeable staff, even those less into whisky will be able to get out of their comfort zones and enjoy the spirit. Whether it's a tasting flight of impressive local whiskies from across the state, or a LARK whisky and soda, it's easy to spend a whole evening lapping up the atmosphere of The Still. You can try your luck at a walk-in or make a reservation to avoid missing out on a bucket list whisky experience. [caption id="attachment_1046084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pontville Distillery[/caption] Pontville Distillery Thirty minutes' drive north of The Still, you'll find LARK's Pontville Distillery. Set amongst historical buildings, the Pontville Distillery is Tasmania's only working whisky village and offers visitors the chance to explore how LARK crafts its award-winning spirits. Its production and site tour is the closest you'll get to stepping inside Tasmania's whisky origin story. During the 45-minute tour, guests are guided through the distillery to learn how the spirit is made, as well as discover the secrets behind single malt whisky and the story of LARK's beginnings. Enjoy four tastings along the way, and take in the atmospheric surrounds of the historic estate. The tours run every day at both 12pm and 2pm, so be sure to book in a spot on your next Tasmanian trip. [caption id="attachment_1050645" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pontville Distillery[/caption] Between the sleek, design-driven interiors of The Still in Hobart and the rustic, historic beauty of Pontville Distillery, LARK's venues offer two quintessentially Tasmanian whisky experiences. Whether you're a tourist on a long weekend or are looking for a local team bonding experience, you'll be planning your next trip before you've polished off your last dram. Book a table for you, your team, family or friends for dinner, drinks or a guided tasting experience at The Still. Book a spot for you, your team, family or friends on a guided whisky tour at LARK's Pontville Distillery. Lead image credit: Lark Distillery
For most people, a trip to Noosa means soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, hiking through verdant rainforests and shopping on Hastings Street. But there's so much more on offer throughout the region, from beachfront dining and kayaking through the Everglades to chasing dolphins and meeting local artists. Together with Visit Noosa, we've put together a guide on some lesser-known experiences around Noosa so you can discover something new on your next adventure to the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're after an adrenaline fix or want to sample some oysters by the beach, all you need to do is book your flight, check into one of our suggested accommodation options, and start exploring. Play Kick off your Noosa trip in style as soon as you touch down. Book a Tesla Transfer service to pick you up from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane airports and take you straight from the terminal to your accommodation in Noosa. There are a range of Tesla sedans and SUVs to choose from, with complimentary child seats available. Noosa is famed for its tranquil beaches and lush hinterland, but if you're keen to inject some excitement into your visit, join the Adventure Tribe for one of its many outdoor experiences. The team hosts tours and expeditions around Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, from rock climbing and abseiling to kayaking the Noosa Everglades and hiking the Cooloola Great Walk. The experiences range from two hours to multi-day trips, with private tours also available. For more thrills, spend a day at Aussie World, which features over 30 rides, attractions and games like mini-golf, a haunted maze and a trippy 'illusionarium', as well as eateries and a beer garden. There is a range of rides to suit the whole family, from the cruisy ferris wheel and carousel for smaller tots to the unmissable Dingo Racer rollercoaster and SX360 pendulum — the latter of which reaches speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour as it completes full revolutions 32 metres up in the air. There's no better way to explore the coast than from the water so book in for one of Noosa Wave's four maritime adventures to meet Queensland locals of a different kind, including whales, dolphins, turtles and tropical fish. Embark on a whale-watching tour or an exhilarating dolphin-spotting boat ride, or get up close and personal with a snorkelling or swimming-with-whales experience. But Noosa doesn't have to be all about chasing thrills and outdoor expeditions — culture vultures can get their fix at Noosa Open Studios, which hosts a free annual Art Trail. For 10 days, visitors are invited to explore the workshops and studios of 100-plus local artists around Noosa to meet the creatives, discover their processes and purchase artworks. Eat There's nothing quite like cracking open a cold one after a day spent outdoors, so hit up the Heads of Noosa Brewing Co taproom for an icy bev. Pair one of its crisp lagers with share plates such as fried brussels sprouts with lime mayo, tempura king prawns with golden curry mayo, Thai satay chicken roti, or beef cheeks braised in Heads Black Lager with mashed potato and honey carrots. For an intimate dining experience, visit Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach. The cosy, 14-seater restaurant is run by sole chef Stacey Conner and partner Jade Tareha and offers a seasonally changing set menu inspired by modern Australian and Middle Eastern flavours. Expect snacks such as Lebanese fried dumplings with spiced lamb and house-made Turkish bread with baba ganoush, followed by larger dishes like spiced wagyu flank with salsa verde or line-caught Pearl Perch with carrot sauce and barbecue fennel. Sides, desserts and wines are available to add on as you wish. You can't leave Noosa without dining by the beach, and Bistro C is the ideal spot to wrap up your Sunshine Coast holiday. Situated right on the boardwalk, the airy restaurant looks out onto Laguna Bay. For dinner, start with Coffin Bay oysters and calamari before moving onto bigger plates such as pork and prawn tortellini with XO butter, caramelised pork belly with toffee pear and crackling, or a spatchcock pie with pickled blueberries and a sticky jus. Finish off with a Mars Bar-inspired caramel chocolate delice, sticky date and ginger pudding with pear ice cream or coconut kaffir tapioca pudding with lychee and pineapple salsa. Start planning your Noosa getaway and find out more at the Visit Noosa website. Images: Tourism Noosa
Port Melbourne has scored its own taste of the 1950s jazz scene with cocktail lounge Clooney Kitchen & Bar opening on Bay Street. Named not for the actor, but for his famous jazz musician aunt Rosie, it's a little dose of old-world Hollywood glamour down under. Heading up the bar are Shannon McFarland (The Rochester, Woodland House) and Will Crennan (Gin Palace, Collins Quarter), who have pulled together a collection of artisanal spirits, inventive signature cocktails, craft beers from across Italy and Australia, and a tidy, yet well-travelled lineup of wine. Dialling up the luxury are lesser known Italian liqueurs, Scotch tasting trays and George Clooney's own Casamigos tequila. Meanwhile, McFarland's house-made liqueurs promise to add a unique edge to your drinking sessions. To match, Head Chef Leigh Stanicic (Melbourne Wine Room, The Fat Duck) has designed a menu of bar snacks and small bites drawing inspiration from across Europe and Asia, full of big, fresh flavours and boasting lots of raw dishes. Choose your own adventure, or settle in for the four-course food and cocktail degustation, a collaboration between McFarland and Stanicic. The space itself is dressed to impress, designed by Darren Kerf of Kerf Designs, with swanky plum velvet booths, art deco features and bold wallpapers full of 1950s elegance. To round out the experience, the team is matching that vintage sophistication with an old-school sense of hospitality, serving drinks carefully customised to guests' palates, and respecting the classics, while also embracing the new and innovative.
This Brunswick pub located toward the top end of Sydney Road has been around for yonks. It has had a few little makeovers in its storied past, but an old school boozer it remains. Peer over the large, curved bar in the main room and order some craft brews and classic pub grub before running out to the turfed beer garden to soak up some sun and catch a little live music gig. And come winter, the locals head indoors (with the bands) for long nights of drinking, eating and playing either pool or table tennis. It's one of the best Melbourne pubs any day of the year. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
Victoria's seemingly endless supply of incredible walking trails offers everything from waterfalls to coastal landscapes and rugged terrain covered in glistening rainforest. But best of all, you don't actually have to go far to enjoy these wonderful adventures. Many are well within reach of Melbourne's sprawling public transport network. And even when you're not trekking into the far-flung hills, it's a great idea to have some high-quality hiking gear to keep you warm and prepared for anything. That's why we've teamed up with Macpac to help you take a break from the Big Smoke and venture to some of Melbourne's most convenient hiking destinations. Don't stress about driving or mapping out your route, instead, head to the train station or tram stop and climb aboard, because these five hikes are all accessible via public transport and will have you surrounded by incredible scenery in no time at all. [caption id="attachment_711648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackman.[/caption] LILYDALE TO WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL Opened in 1901, the Warburton railway line once ferried farm produce back and forth from the city. But nowadays, it's been transformed into a charming pathway through scenic sights of the Yarra Valley that can be leisurely walked or cycled. With trips through historic vineyards and views of the Yarra Ranges towering in the distance, this trail is without a doubt one of the most satisfying that can be easily reached from the city. Conveniently beginning at Lilydale Station, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail sticks close to the original railway path as its 38-kilometre route winds its way through active farms and across 17 restored bridges. You don't need to complete the entire journey within a day; many of the individual sections are worthy of the trip all on their own. For example, the six-kilometre stretch between Mount Evelyn and Wandin (an hour's walk from Lilydale Station or a 20-minute bus ride) is particularly special, as you head downhill flanked by ferns and forestry and find yourself surrounded by native birdlife and wildflowers. Pack this: Rapaki 26L Daypack ($109.99) FRENCH ISLAND NATIONAL PARK Getting to French Island by public transport may require a few changeovers, but once you arrive, your efforts will be instantly rewarded by perhaps one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. Take the train to Frankston Station, change to a Stony Point V/Line service and then make the short trip by ferry to Tankerton Pier. Much of the island is covered by French Island National Park, which offers visitors a myriad of hiking and cycling trails surrounded by some wonderfully diverse landscapes. There are mangrove marshes, wild woodlands and native bushland that are all worth delving into. Plus French Island is also home to one of Australia's largest populations of koalas, so keep your eyes peeled. And when you need a break, make tracks to the French Island Vineyard, which is open every Sunday for wine tastings and wood-fired pizzas. Pack this: Graphic Organic Cotton T-Shirt in women's and men's styles ($39.99) GOLDFIELDS TRACK A slightly more serious undertaking than some of the other walks on this list, the Goldfields Track is a journey through one of Victoria's most prominent gold-rush era regions. The full length of this trail measures out to be a remarkable 210-kilometres, so unless you're prepared to take on a multi-day excursion up some challenging mountains, we recommend the much friendlier 20-kilometre route from Harcourt-Sutton Grange Road to Castlemaine. This section remains a tough hike at times, but you won't regret taking it on after soaking up the astounding views and the fascinating historical landmarks that dot the way. If you're coming from Melbourne, it's a good idea to make an early getaway on the V/Line, which departs the city toward Bendigo or Castlemaine about every hour. Pack this: Fiord 1.1 40L Pack ($189.99) SHERBROOKE FALLS WALK This lush forest is an oasis that's found within touching distance of the city. Catch the train to Upper Fern Tree Gully or Croydon stations and hop aboard the 688 bus to immerse yourself deep within this outer suburban pocket of greenery. There are a lot of hikes you can follow around here, but the Sherbrooke Falls Walk is an easy-going wander through the gullies and grasslands that has a spectacular end. Completed in around 45 minutes, the tranquil journey through the hills features towering mountain ash trees and a peaceful soundtrack from the suburb lyrebirds. Arriving at Sherbrooke Falls, you'll be met with some of the most impressive sights that can be discovered anywhere this close to the city. Pack this: Trekker Pertex Equilibrium Softshell Shorts in women's and men's styles ($89.99) [caption id="attachment_718793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] AmelieAuPont via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] PLENTY GORGE WALK Ride the 86 tram to the second to last stop, and you'll come upon one of Melbourne's best tucked away spots. For those in the know, Plenty Gorge Park and its picturesque Blue Lake always take up a spot on the summertime calendar once the temperature cranks up and the city's pools become overloaded. But this sprawling parkland offers a lot more than just a deep blue place to swim — and the Plenty Gorge Walk undoubtedly covers much of it. Making for a top-notch trek any time of year, the trail ventures through native bushland that's home to everything from kangaroos to echidnas to swans. Complete the loop around the former mineral quarry and admire the bushland views across the lake. At less than 20-kilometres from the city, this place is a top-notch half-day escape, perfect for a weekend trek. Pack this: Tui Fleece Pullover in women's and men's styles ($129.99)
Just next door to Glen Iris' much-loved Grazia Restaurant, Grazia D'Asporto brings the same Italian swagger to a polished grab-and-go format. 'D'asporto' translates to 'takeaway' in Italian, and that's exactly what you'll find here: coffee and pastries in the morning, panini and pizza a taglio by day, and Roman-style pizzas after dark. Executive Chef Joe Di Cintio has crafted a generous menu that mirrors the contemporary sensibilities that have made Grazia an enduring inner-east favourite. Schiacciata — baked daily in a Castelli pizza oven imported from Rome — comes stacked with fillings like slow-roasted porchetta, provolone, artichoke cream, Davidson plum sauce and slaw, or mortadella with stracciatella, house-made pistachio pesto and hot honey. There's also a selection of toastie-style sourdough melts like braised beef cheek with provolone and mustard pickles, daily-changing pizza by the slice and hot snacks like supplì carbonara, a Roman-style arancini filled with spaghetti alla carbonara. [caption id="attachment_1019114" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jay Hynes[/caption] At night, the focus shifts to Grazia's famed thin and crispy Roman pizzas, now available to-go in 11 varieties. Highlights include pumpkin, whipped ricotta, caramelised onion and hot honey; prawn, green olive and house chilli crisp; and mortadella, pistachio pesto, buratta and pistachio dust. Gluten-free bases are available upon request. On the sweet side, you'll find fluffy bombolone packed with vanilla custard, jam or Di Cintio's pistachio crema, citrus-flecked sfogliatelle and Drambuie-laced tiramisu. Plus, crema di caffe and a crema di pistachio featuring that house-made pistachio cream. The design by Richard Hall & Son cleverly balances industrial edges with playful flourishes — deep red tones, Italian-inspired checkerboard tiling, eye-catching benches by Hay and Steelotto and a stainless steel counter with marble inset create a space that's casual enough for a quick coffee run, but considered enough to make waiting for your pizza a pleasure. Top images: Jay Hynes.
Melbourne-born artist Buff Diss has been filling the streets with his geometric artworks for the past 14 years. Eschewing paint, he works primarily through the medium of tape to create dextrous designs that are not only striking in and of themselves but also create a "relationship" with the spaces on which they're displayed and present a "conversation with the architecture". Using a street art-like style, Buff Diss occupies a unique space in the art world, swapping the permanence and illegality of spray paint for a more novel approach. And it's with this style that he'll take over the Miller Design Lab — an innovative event series we're hosting with Miller Genuine Draft at the SoHigh Gallery, featuring some of the most exciting contemporary artists and musicians Australia has to offer. Here, we talk creative inspirations and aspirations with the artist and about his latest taped-up work to be revealed at the Miller Design Lab on Friday, March 22. Want to see his work come to life — all while enjoying complimentary eats and Miller Genuine Draft? RSVP to the free event here, and read on. A typical work day for Diss starts to the waking call of his infant son. And then it's on to an early surf or skate, coffee, emails, sketching and brainstorming for new projects. "I try to spend as much time with my son as I can, sharing the workload with my wife by balancing projects — [it's] easier said than done," says Diss. "Then [it's a] nice dinner with a good strong red, [and I] put the little fella to bed then catch up on my Feedly." A former computer science student, Buff Diss has turned back to his roots. He's found an interest in the possibilities allowed by augmented reality for two-dimensional artforms and how he can work these into his art. "I'm keen as to set up a Donkey Kong emulation on a mural, where different sections of the painted mural transform to platforms and are populated with playable sprites," muses Diss. "I'm really keen to get back into coding so I can add AR functionality to my future work." But at present, the artist will keep things analog as he takes over every tapeable surface of the Miller Design Lab space on Friday, March 22. Buff Diss' large-scale, bespoke piece will take shape in realtime, as he works and contours tape and linear mesh into bold, graphic murals that represent a map of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee River — the home of Miller Genuine Draft. "I'm mapping out historical aspects of Miller Beer in modern medium," says Diss, distilling his mammoth project into a single line. Each geometric shaping will appear four times alluding to the "four times cold filtered" brewing process of the beer. And at the event, you can watch as he works in response to music and builds to a 'big reveal' moment. With such an interest in architectural terrain, it comes as no surprise that Diss's favourite country is Taiwan, where he completed a project in New Taipei City back in 2015. "It's such a special place, [with] incredibly varied landscapes from mountains, forests and islands," says Diss. "But [it's] the people and the free approach to art there [that's] addictive." Along with his admiration for Taiwan, as well as New York-based streetwear designer Jeff Staples (the global curator of the Miller Design Lab), Diss notes that there's a lot of inspiring stuff coming out of Australia's contemporary and street art scene. He particularly follows the likes of Adelaide street artist Order (aka Seb Humphreys), installation artist Georgia Hill and painters Matthew Fortrose and Laith McGregor. Whenever interstate, Diss makes sure he hits his favourite spots, including Sydney's China Heights Gallery and dining institution Tetsuya's; Hobart's MONA "for the wine" and The Source "for the art"; and Adelaide's Apothecary 1878. At home, it's gnocchi at Lover and ever-changing art at Collingwood's Blackwoods Gallery. Currently reading Musashu by Japanese writer Eiji Yoshikawa, watching Tawainese film The Assassin and listening to British punk-rock band Idles, Diss's interests are seemingly far-spread, both geographically and topically. But a good red wine, he insists, is a constant in his ever-expanding curiosities. As for his future plans? Buff Diss is going more traditional. "Having worked outdoors for so long I'm going to start painting canvas this year. Wish me luck." See the Buff Diss takeover at the Miller Design Lab on Friday, March 22, from 7–10pm. RSVP here to secure your invite, and check out all the events, brought to you by Miller Genuine Draft here. Images: Kate Shanasy.
For as long as most Brisbanites can remember, the CBD's riverside stretch has been synonymous with bland buildings and an always-busy expressway — but that's changing. Popping up amid the hustle, bustle and boring concrete is the city's newest luxury hotel, W Brisbane is bringing a touch of ultra glam to the northern bank of the river. First announced last year as part of the chain's return to Australia, and originally set to launch in March, the hotel is now open on North Quay between the Victoria and Kurilpa bridges. The five-star spot boasts a view across the water to the Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland and the Gallery of Modern Art. And that's just the first of many features that might entice locals to book a staycation. Others include 312 designer rooms decked out with ten-gallon drum baths and in-suite cocktail stations, an onsite spa, and a fourth-level deck that includes an eye-catching pool, an adjacent bar and a barbecue area. While the overall look of the place takes inspiration from its location, with design agency Nic Graham & Associates working to the theme of "a river dreaming", W Brisbane's other main highlight actually springs from down south. As revealed a couple of months back, the hotel is home to Queensland's first Three Blue Ducks restaurant. A 150-seat space with views over the river, it'll serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with the kitchen overseen by chefs Mark LaBrooy, Darren Robertson and Andy Allen. On the menu: Ducks' signature dishes such as spanner crab scramble, old favourites including congee with pulled pork and hay smoked salmon kedgeree, and new additions like fermented chilli glazed chicken. Plus, as well as its hefty number of places to take a kip — including 28 suites, two extra-luxe spaces that've been dubbed "Wow Suites" and one "Extreme Wow Suite" — W Brisbane also features 1100 square metres of function space. Expect the hotel to become the city's new business go-to. And, of course, Brissie's new riverside hangout as well. Find W Brisbane at 81 North Quay, Brisbane. For more information about the hotel, or to make a reservation, visit the W Brisbane website. For further details about Three Blue Ducks, head to the restaurant's website.
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment in Melbourne, and it's mainly thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab. The company is in charge of the ever-popular Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and Sydney's Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (which is set to open in the Docklands soon, too). Now, it has just launched its latest brainchild: B. Lucky & Sons. It's a kidult-friendly bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn-shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus a Nintendo 64 in its original box and Tune Squad swag from the 1996 cult classic, Space Jam. Yup, they're going real old school with this one. The bar is also hidden behind the facade of an old pawn shop and decked out with eclectic furnishings, from old-world casino chandeliers to neon-lit red octagonal booths. This East-meets-West fit-out extends to the food, where pizzas are topped with the likes of crispy wonton wrappers and bonito flakes or sausage, gravy and potato crisps. For drinks, the bar is slinging canned cocktails and alcoholic bubble teas — like the Taro Bang (Frangelico, rum and taro with blueberry pearls and jellies) and the Passion Crackle (vodka, passion fruit and peach teas with apple flavoured pearls and jellies). Not to mention punch bowls served with floral tea cups, a gold-rimmed espresso martini and one with a side of toast and raspberry jam. The games themselves are clear throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Space Invaders to NBA Hoops and a Dance Dance Revolution knock-off. While the venue is open to littluns during the day, it's strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the 14th time. Images: Zennieshia Photography.
If you're looking for a bar situated near the G, have a gander at the London Tavern; it's been there since 1921 and is somewhat of a footy icon in the area. Watch the match there of a weekend night, or enter the hefty meat raffle every Thursday. If you don't make too much of a ruckus yourself perhaps you'll be able to hear the live MCG action from your seat.
To say that 2023 has been a chaotic year is a massive understatement. If you're hoping that 2024 will be calmer, cosier and more comforting, you're not alone. In fact, you've even got the Pantone Colour Institute for company. Before every new year hits, its colour experts pick a tone for the 12 months ahead. The latest selection: Peach Fuzz. Otherwise known as Pantone 13-1023, this hue between pink and orange is "compassionate and nurturing" according to the institute — and boasts "an all-embracing spirit [that] enriches mind, body and soul" as well. So, that's what's now meant to both set the trend for and sum up the year ahead, marking Pantone's 25th annual pick. The organisation is never short on words for its colours of the year, and has also dubbed 2024's tone as "a warm and cosy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others and the feeling of sanctuary this creates", "a fresh approach to a new softness" and "subtly sensual". Another way of putting it, as Pantone has: "a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of tenderness, and communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration". "PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves," explains Pantone Colour Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. "Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth." Expect to see all things Peach Fuzz popping up around the place throughout 2024 — in fashion and accessories, home decor, design and beauty, and more. The new shade takes over from 2023's Viva Magenta, 2022's Very Peri, and 2021's Ultimate Gray and vibrant yellow Illuminating before that. In 2020, Pantone went with Classic Blue, while 2019's colour was Living Coral, 2018's was Ultra Violet and 2017's was Greenery. To find out more about Peach Fuzz — and to check out all the previous Colours of the Year — head to the Pantone website.
"I do love this film." So advises Bob Odenkirk, exclaiming his fondness for Nobody 2 as soon as he starts chatting with Concrete Playground. As evident to everyone who sees the sequel to Nobody, that affection is already splashed across the screen. The same proved true in 2021, too, when the franchise's first movie initially gave its star a chance to switch up from leading one of TV's greatest-ever tragedies and series overall, aka Better Call Saul, with a jump into action mode. His task: playing Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad with a past that meant that he was never going to let gun-wielding thieves break into his home and upset his family life with his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen, Gladiator II) and their two children (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent's Gage Munroe and Harland Manor's Paisley Cadorath) without making those responsible pay for it. The debut picture set Hutch against the Russian mafia, all to take care of his loved ones. That isn't Mr Show with Bob and David and Breaking Bad alum Odenkirk's IRL path at all, but elements of Nobody were indeed personal. The idea to begin with started with him in his prime Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill/Gene Takovic days. And, as the Nobody 2 director Timo Tjahjanto (The Shadow Strays) explained back when the sequel's initial trailer dropped, "the first film is also sort of based on what happened to Bob in real life — the whole idea that he was confronting this thing that happened in his house, when somebody broke into his house. So he exorcised that sort of, I guess, trauma, by writing a script or writing a story." Four years later, with a movie that follows the Mansells on vacation to Plummerville — Hutch's dad David (Christopher Lloyd, Wednesday) included — this is still a action-flick saga with IRL connectioms for its lead. In his childhood, Odenkirk once went on a similar getaway. Again, the exact scenario that awaits Hutch isn't how its star's real life panned out; however, links to reality remain, including in exploring Plummerville's criminal element. Getting personal and relatable has always been baked into the Nobody films as well in a broader sense, given that both hone in on someone trying to do the best for their nearest and dearest. That's Hutch's emotional journey. Crucially for Nielsen, she tells us, the same applies to Becca. Nobody 2 kicks off pre-holiday, with Hutch working off his $30-million mob debt from the feature's predecessor, and barely spending time at home as a result. Becca isn't thrilled. Cue the trip, at Hutch's suggestion, to Plummerville's Wild Bill's Majestic Midway and Waterpark — a place with youthful memories for the film's protagonist. Of course, running afoul of the corrupt owner of the local theme park (John Ortiz, The Madness), a take-no-prisoners crime boss (Sharon Stone, The Flight Attendant) and underhanded law enforcement (with And Mrs' Colin Hanks as the sheriff) wasn't on anyone's dream vacation itinerary. Writing for Saturday Night Live, plus featuring in everything from Nebraska, Fargo, Little Women, Undone and Lucky Hank to The Bear and Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway, are all on multiple Emmy-nominee Odenkirk's resume. Whether as Hutch in the Nobody films or as Jimmy-slash-Saul, he's been especially focused on bringing to life figures who refuse to get knocked down and stay down for over 15 years now, though — but that's a trait that he stresses he believes applies to everyone. Indeed, there's always a relatability-meets-wish fulfilment mix to Hutch, Becca and the situations they're in. Who can't relate to struggling with work-life balance, or their partner's lack thereof? Or a holiday not quite panning out the way you'd hoped and wanting to set that right? Or protecting those most important to you? Nobody 2 sees Nielsen on-trend in her own career. For the second time in less than a year, she's returning to a big-screen part. First came Lucilla in Gladiator II; now follows Becca. While both are formidable women, as she has played repeatedly across a career that started with screen roles in the 80s and also spans The Devil's Advocate, Rushmore, Brothers, Wonder Woman, Origin and plenty beyond, it is particularly satisfying and gratifying to portray someone who is meant to be an everywoman — as Hutch is an everyman — and who demonstrates that she too, like all women, can hold her own, she notes. Alongside digging into why Nobody 2 is personal, and its focus on family as well as everyday woes — amid and sometimes through the action setpieces — Odenkirk and Nielsen also chatted with us about the origins of all things Nobody, further fleshing out Becca's story in the sequel, tenacity and more. On Whether Odenkirk Was Keen to Find His Next Recurring Character Beyond Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad — and What He Was Looking For Bob: "I didn't really think on the grand scale that you've described to me. I was really thinking about how Better Call Saul, to my surprise, was pleasing people in countries around the world. I really was mystified initially that Better Call Saul played so well in Italy and Romania and Russia and even England — and everywhere. I actually asked a journalist in Europe 'how do you understand the show? Do you have lawyers like this?'. And they said 'well, we've seen a lot of American entertainment and we understand enough about American culture to understand who Saul is in his community, in his world'. And then I saw that it played in China, and it gave me the thought 'well, if I did an action film, that could play around the world, too' — because action is fairly simple and easy to follow. And the value or the kind of drive of the film is easy to relate to. So I asked my manager 'what about an action film?' — and I thought he'd laugh me off the phone, but he did not. He said 'I get what you're saying. That could work'." On Nielsen's Opportunity to Further Build and Flesh Out Becca Mansell in Nobody 2 Connie: "I think Bob is just such a generous writer. He just writes all these situations where the humanity of his wife is just so clear. There is a wisdom that he builds into Becca — and a zenness, like a knowingness, that I find so attractive about Becca. Becca is patient, but she's not long-suffering. The difference is huge. And she is critical but never blames, never uses blame. She holds him accountable for the sake of the family, for what's best for all of them, but not to control. So there's this wonderful way you can build a character, and I think that Bob just really writes that into Becca since day one. I remember the first time when I read the first script and the reason why I decided I wanted to do it, even though I knew that they wouldn't be developing Becca until the second installation — I just knew that I wanted to do it because there was this sensitive, beautiful scene of two people sleeping with a pillow in-between them. And they're both awake, and they just can't figure out how to how to ford that river between them. And I just thought that I've never seen that in an action movie, something as sensitive as that. And I just love that." On Nobody 2's Personal Ties for Odenkirk, as the First Nobody Also Sported Bob: "Nobody 2 is about a family going on vacation. When I was a kid, we went on two vacations: one to the Illinois State Fair and one to the Wisconsin Dells. And the Wisconsin Dells are just like Plummerville — or at least they were 35, well 45 years ago, when I went on vacation to them. They're mostly water-based. There's duck boats. There's a guy who owns all the attractions in town — just like Wyatt Martin, played by John Ortiz. Wisconsin is where Al Capone ran his booze through. He actually had a home there, in Lake Geneva, I believe. So all that stuff that The Barber [Colin Salmon, EastEnders] says to Hutch, 'used to be a bootlegging route' — that's true of this place where I used to go. All of that is true. The backroads of Wisconsin was where they ran alcohol up to Canada during prohibition, ran it out to the other states, ran it through to Wisconsin. So all that stuff is based on my memories of childhood — and also Derek Kolstad [John Wick], who wrote the movie, his memories. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, very close to the Wisconsin Dells. So yes, this movie too is connected to my personal experience." On Doing What's Best for Your Family Always Being at the Heart of the Nobody Films, Even as Action Movies Filled with Violence and Vengeance Connie: "It really is, and I think that that's what attracted me to the story — is that it always stays grounded in something real. There's a real family there, kids, and the real community as well. So I love it when you see writing that just makes the small things come alive, because they are the ones that we just inherently use to create reference points to who we are all the time, and I love that kind of writing." On What Appeals to Odenkirk About Playing Characters Who Refuse to Get Knocked Down and Stay Down, and Are Determined to Bounce Back Up However They Can Bob: "Well, you can say that they're special people or they're indefatigable spirits, but I actually think that's actually pretty common. Most people I know don't quit until they're forced to. They kind of just don't quit. People don't quit. Sometimes I think people are limited by what they imagine they'd be capable of. And that limits them more than their spirit of fighting. I think most people fight pretty hard." On What's Satisfying and Gratifying for Nielsen About Portraying Formidable But Also Relatable Women Connie: "I think the most important thing is really showing normal people trying to address the enormous difficulties of living. There's just so much stuff that's hard to do. Family is hard. Relationships are hard. Jobs are hard. And just showing that, I think, at the same time as you're also entertaining, I think that makes people feel like they're seen — that their lives make sense, because everybody is going through that. So I think I really respond to writing where I see a real human struggle, and I also see indicators for where it becomes meaningful — like, that struggle has meaning." Nobody 2 opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
If anyone's embracing the idea of doing one thing and doing it well, it's the duo behind Thornbury's Casa Nata. Ruben Bertolo and Nelson Coutinho's High Street bakery is devoted to just one specialty: creamy, authentic pastéis de nata. Both children of Portuguese parents that migrated to Australia in the 80s, the pair is more than familiar with the custard-filled pastry, but felt it wasn't being properly represented here on Aussie shores. So, they decided to do something about it, got cracking on perfecting a recipe and opened the doors to Casa Nata in April 2020. The menu is a testament to the idea of quality over quantity, featuring nothing more than Atomica Coffee alongside just one version of the signature dessert. "And that is it for now. It still blows people's mind that that is all we do," says Bertolo, also admitting they don't plan on expanding this offering too much any time soon. "If we do add anything else, it definitely would never be something that would distract from the tarts." Of course, the hero status of these beauties is well-deserved, each tart taking three days to produce and the recipes kept firmly under wraps. You can, however, catch a glimpse of the chefs in action, thanks to the store's open kitchen.
The Lord of the Rings is turning 25 in 2026 — and one of the many ways you can celebrate a quarter century since the destruction of the One Ring is by listening to a candlelit rendition of its legendary score. The soundtracks of the fantasy films to end all fantasy films will get a string quartet treatment in cities across Australia thanks to Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings. Presented by Fever and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, the intimate concert series will recreate the iconic scores composed by Howard Shore in a smaller scale, but just as emotionally sweeping, format. From the humble tunes of the Shire to the stirring sounds of the plains of Rohan, and beyond, it's a trip to Middle-earth that you won't be forgetting any time soon. Tickets are limited, but you can join the waitlist now. "We are proud to be partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to host this unforgettable Candlelight concert series celebrating such a significant milestone as the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings," said Isabel Solano, Global Vice President of Original Experiences at Fever. "With Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings, we're paying tribute to the epic music from the timeless classic that continues to inspire generations and reinforcing our mission to make classical music accessible to every audience while celebrating some of the world's greatest composers." Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings will be coming to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney throughout early 2026. Adelaide shows will take place across two nights in February at the Capri Theatre, with Perth to follow at shows in March and April at Perth Town Hall. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane dates are yet to be confirmed, but will take place at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Collingwood Town Hall and Saint John's Anglican Cathedral, respectively. For more information, or to join the waitlist for 'Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings', visit the Fever website.
Those currently working from home have probably seen two major changes to their routine: less shoes and more snacks. To help with the latter, Australia's much-loved biscuit maker Arnott's is opening its vault and releasing some of its coveted recipes — for the first time in history. For week one of the snack expert's Big Recipe Release it unveiled its Monte Carlo recipe. Next up is the always reliable Scotch Finger. This recipe has been adapted for home bakers by Arnott's Master Baker Vanessa Horton and has only four ingredients — much easier than the 11-ingredient Monte — so if you're looking for something relatively simple to test out your baking skills with, it might be a good one to start with. As you'd expect, one of those ingredients is, in fact, flour, but we've rounded up some of the spots selling the essential ingredient across the country, which aren't supermarkets. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Tim Tam? Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the Scotch Finger recipe: ARNOTT'S SCOTCH FINGER 170 grams salted butter, softened 90 grams soft icing sugar 1 cup (165 grams) plain flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Method Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease a 30 x 20 centimetre rectangular slice pan and line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper two centimetres above edge of the pan. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and icing sugar for two minutes or until pale and creamy. Sift the flour and baking powder over the butter mixture and mix on low speed or with your hands until combined. Press mixture into slice pan and smooth over with a pallet knife. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and using a small sharp knife, immediately slice five centimetres crossways and 7.5 centimetres lengthways into rectangular pieces. Then run the knife gently ½ way into the shortbread pieces, not touching the bottom, to make the finger indent. Let the biscuit cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Note: If you would like to imprint SCOTCH or your NAME into the biscuit, this should be done before the biscuit cools. Trim edges, if desired, before serving.
It spent almost 100 years of its life as a dry venue, but the beer's flowing freely now at The Victoria Hotel, as it enters its next phase as Mister Munro. The historic Little Collins Street pub has been reimagined as a dapper dining room and bar, named in a nod to former Victorian Premier and temperance advocate, James Munro. Here, you'll find a locally-focused all-day offering that leans to the classics, much like the fitout takes its cues from the building's art deco origins. Breakfast might mean baked eggs with mushrooms and asparagus in slow cooked tomato sauce ($14) or a brown rice 'morning bowl' ($14). An all-day grazing menu features bites like beetroot carpaccio teamed with orange, goats cheese and candied walnuts ($12), tempura salt and vinegar haloumi fries ($8), and a charcuterie platter loaded with a largely local lineup of cheese, cured meats and wild fig compote ($18). Come dinnertime, there's the likes of a pistachio-crusted Millawarra lamb rack served alongside rustic sweet potato fries ($38) and Victorian rainbow trout, starring garlic butter, capers and shaved fennel ($22). The bar offering is a certain hit for that after-work tipple, too. Think, craft beers, an Aussie-led wine list and sophisticated signatures like the A Touch Of Class — a blend of sloe gin, prosecco, watermelon and basil ($18).
Bondi is the unofficial capital city of the early birds. While most other Australians are snoozing their alarms or negotiating with their bus schedules, Bondi locals have already seen friends, exercised and devoured a healthy breakfast. It's honestly enviable. If you've got a Sydney trip planned soon (or are a local looking to shift your lifestyle to the early hours), we asked residents what the best sunrise activities in Bondi are. Before sunrise To get into the Bondi spirit, your alarm should go off at least an hour before the sun rises. Once you've woken up and are dressed in your best activewear, head to Bondi's premier pilates studio, Body by Berner. Founder Bernadette Sukkar has created a cult following for her tough (yet effective) pilates classes. Located on Campbell Parade, classes start from 5am, so you can get a head start on your day. Book in a Signature Bern class to really see what all of the hype is about. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bernadette Sukkar (@mrsbernadettesukkar) Once you've worked those muscles, walk down the street to the newly opened Common Supply for a quick coffee or smoothie. You can get one whipped up fresh or grab a pre-made option from the handy convenience-store-style fridges. The grab-and-go drinks and snacks are perfect for keeping your body fuelled ahead of the sunrise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by common supply (@commonsupplyau) During sunrise It's not a trip to Sydney without witnessing the sunrise over the famous beach. Plant yourself on a nearby grassy spot or on the sand and drink in a brand new day — Bondi style. When the sun rises, and the surfers begin to paddle into the water, embark on a walk down the coastline. The Bondi to Bronte walk is popular for a reason. Head down solo for some peace before the crowds descend, or meet a friend to catch up as the day begins. It takes roughly 30 minutes each way, making it an ideal activity before the morning gets too hot. If you're dressed for it, you could even enjoy a quick dip at Bronte to cool down on the other side. [caption id="attachment_1060961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Pesta Photography[/caption] After sunrise Between the pilates class and walking, you've most likely worked up an appetite. Luckily, Bondi is a mecca for fresh and delicious food options. Set just back from Bondi's shoreline, Kazzi Beach Greek serves healthy breakfast options. Select from its menu of fresh fruit bowls, breakfast wraps stacked with eggs, bacon and haloumi, and even Greek pastries. You can choose to dine in and rest those legs post-Bondi to Bronte walk, or grab another takeaway and enjoy Greek delicacies on the beach post-morning swim. Kazzi Beach Greek is also open for lunch and dinner if you're looking for a dining option when you're by the beach for sunset. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kazzi Beach Greek (@kazzibeachgreek) It's been a stacked morning of health and wellness so far. To wind down your post-sunrise Bondi experience, head to 38° The Bathouse. Also located on Campbell Parade, 38° The Bathouse is a wellness destination featuring magnesium spa pools, traditional and infrared saunas, a cold plunge, silent and sound sessions, and a lounge area to rest up. If you're really feeling luxe (when in Bondi, of course), 38° The Bathouse also offers massages. It's the ultimate way to round out a dreamy, health-focused morning in Sydney's Bondi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 38° The Bathhouse (@slowhousebondi) Image credit: Oliver Strewe/ Getty Images
Spending more time on a train in Melbourne might not sound too appealing, but alongside some smashing burgers, you've never been on a train like this before. Poised five storeys above the streets of Collingwood, three well-travelled train carriages sit atop Easey's, a burger venue that seamlessly combines Melbourne's love of art, music, transport, food and drinks. Opened in 2015 by three mates who each shared a love of great food and graffiti art, Easey's has become a popular burger spot paying homage to the Aussie fish and chippery with potato cakes and dim sims, while the burgers take inspiration from American diner food. As summer is upon us, Easey's rooftop is the perfect place for a burger in the sun; the Hitachi trains might look a little worse for wear but the interiors have received a little sprucing up, making Easey's a unique and delicious experience.
In this or any other galaxy far, far away, now and a long time ago alike, this is a first: an exhibition displaying the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled, and ranking as the biggest touring Lego showcase ever. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition was initially announced in 2024, and now unveils the scenes crafted from its eight-million-plus plastic bricks at Melbourne Museum on the best day for it: May the fourth. The force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is, in this world-premiering exhibition featuring Lego models based on the George Lucas-created space saga. Locations, characters, duels: they're all included, such as the Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon doing the same. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has indeed been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of the smash-hit franchise that's been soaring across screens big and small — and beyond — for almost five decades now. To build, the showcase took more than 25,000 hours at McNaught's headquarters in Tullamarine. As it constructs an immersive experience and follows in the footsteps of the Jurassic World series, which has also received the Lego treatment from Brickman, Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition has plenty of material to draw upon. On-screen, so far it spans the initial film trilogy that released from 1977–83, then the prequels from 1999–2005, then the sequels — including The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker — from 2015–2019. Rogue One, Solo, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Skeleton Crew: the list goes on across cinemas and TV, including the wealth of animated efforts in the saga. This is not just the first Lego showcase dedicated to Star Wars, but the only Lego showcase devoted to it. Another drawcard: being able to build your own Lego brick lightsaber, then giving it a swing in augmented reality. If you're keen to check it out and you don't live in Melbourne, you'll need to head to the Victorian capital to wander through Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition. Alongside the hosting the world-premiere season, which runs until Monday, January 26, 2026, the stint at Melbourne Museum is an Australian exclusive. "Building the Star Wars galaxy from Lego bricks has been a dream project, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've created. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition takes some of the most-iconic moments from the beloved saga and reimagines them at a scale that's never been done before. The detail, the size and the sheer number of bricks used to make this exhibition is something truly special. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or just love to build, it's an experience that everyone can enjoy," said McNaught. "This world-first exhibition unites two of the most-iconic and -imaginative forces in global culture ‚ right here in Melbourne. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition boldly blends creativity, storytelling and interactivity into an adventure for curious minds of all ages," added Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Director Lynley Crosswell. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs from Sunday, May 4, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Exhibition images: Eugene Hyland, Museums Victoria / The Brickman.
Canberra is set to glow again as Enlighten Festival returns in 2026, transforming the capital into a city-wide playground of art, ideas and after-dark discovery. Running for 11 days from Friday, February 27 to Monday, March 9, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore Canberra in ways you normally wouldn't. Now in its 16th year, Enlighten delivers a packed program of world premieres, Canberra-firsts and large-scale experiences that tell Australian stories through art, exhibitions and immersive installations. At the heart of the festival are the Illuminations, the only time of year Canberra's national institutions unite to showcase monumental, original artworks across their facades. In 2026, architectural projections will light up the Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The lineup features works by celebrated artists Kaylene Whiskey, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Grace Kemarre Robinya, Sam Wallman, Philip Bunting, and Eleanor and Giovanni. After dark, Enlighten: The Night Shift unlocks Canberra's major institutions for unexpected late-night experiences. Think karaoke and live performances inside the Department of Memories at the Museum of Australian Democracy, free lantern-making at the National Archives, and degustation dining within the walls of Parliament House. The Festival Hub Artworks turn the National Triangle into an open-air gallery filled with immersive installations and roaming performances. World premieres, including Serendipity by Atelier Sisu and Glitch Monument by Collide Public Art, make their debut, alongside large-scale installations such as Whispers of Wonderment and Amorphia. Beyond the Triangle, Enlighten: BEYOND encourages audiences to venture further across the city, connecting Canberra's arts organisations, institutions, and local businesses through exhibitions, events, and pop-up experiences throughout the festival. One of the festival's standout moments is Symphony in the Park, a free, all-ages outdoor concert in Commonwealth Park. In 2026, Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors joins the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for world-premiere orchestral arrangements of classics, including Holy Grail and Throw Your Arms Around Me. Entry is free, but booking tickets is essential to secure your spot. The program is rounded out with events for those keen to dive deeper, from Luminous Ideas at Canberra Theatre Centre — featuring Jennifer Wong's FEAST — to the immersive digital exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. Whether you're visiting Canberra for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, Enlighten Festival 2026 is an invitation to wander, connect and see the city in a whole new light. Plan your trip to Enlighten Festival 2026 and see the program here.
While so many small restaurants and bars are doing it tough these days, plenty of the big restaurant groups are only getting bigger. Lucas Restaurants (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kisumé, Grill Americano, Society, Yakimono, Baby Pizza) is one of these beasts — and it's just announced plans to launch two new venues in the CBD. Set to open at 435 Bourke Street within a new $1 billion commercial office tower by developer Cbus Property, Chris Lucas and his team will not only run the sites but also heavily influence the space's design, which, as a restaurateur, is surely one of the perks of joining a venture while the venue is still under construction. About his new venture, Lucas said: "Melbourne is my home and city that I have dedicated my working life to and is also one of the world's great food cities. "Developments such as 435 Bourke Street give me a rare creative licence and a blank canvas to see how our restaurants can help transform our city and position it as a city of the future for both hospitality and work." At the time of publishing, the only details we have received about these two venues are that one will be a "new-style Chinese" restaurant, and the other a "sophisticated Mediterranean" diner. There's also no clear opening date, but the development in which they sit is slated to open sometime in 2026. [caption id="attachment_921103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yakimono[/caption] The two new Lucas Restaurants venues will be found at 435 Bourke Street, Melbourne, and are slated to open in 2026 . We'll be sure to keep you updated with more details as we find out more.
It's safe to say local artist Matt Adnate is pretty comfortable working in large scale. His public works can be seen gracing huge structures across Singapore, New York and Australia. Closer to home, you'll find a portrait of four local Indigenous Australians painted on the side of a soaring Sheeps Hill grain silo as part of the Silo Art Trail. But, clocking in at around twice the height of the regional Victoria piece, Adnate's latest artistic endeavour is the tallest mural in the southern hemisphere. If you've been kicking around Collingwood in recent weeks, you might have seen the genesis of this giant, vibrant work, on the side of the 20-storey Collingwood Commission Housing tower. Now complete, it stretches all 62 metres of the building, featuring huge lifelike portraits of four of the development's residents. Here's how it looks in full: The project saw Adnate teaming up, once again, with Fitzroy-born street art collective and creative agency Juddy Roller, who were also behind the Silo Art Trail. The idea for the work started when they took Minister for Planning Richard Wynne on an impromptu street art tour of the area a few years back. Since them, the crew of art-loving locals have been working towards bringing this huge public-housing mural to life. Of course, community engagement was key when the artwork's canvas was also home to hundreds of residents. So, organisers held a series of workshops, children from the precinct got together to create murals of their own and all residents keen to have their face immortalised in spray paint had their photo snapped down at the community centre. The four faces chosen for the work capture the area's spirit of diversity: Ethiopian woman Badria Abdo, who came to Australia 12 years ago as a refugee from Kenya; Indonesian man Yulius Antares Taime who has called the Collingwood flats home for just four months; Melbourne-born six-year-old Arden Watson-Cropley; and five-year-old Australian-Vietnamese girl Ni Na Nguyen. Find Adnate's Collingwood mural at 240 Wellington Street, Collingwood. Images: Nicole Reed Photography
In 2024, there was plenty of crying over Spilt Milk, when the touring music festival took itself off of Australia's cultural calendar for the year. It still popped up in a few cities to throw events it dubbed house parties, with Troye Sivan, Glass Animals and G Flip leading the lineup, but the full Spilt Milk experience was put on hold until 2025. Here's the excellent news for this year: Spilt Milk is indeed returning, and has just announced its summer 2025 dates. Not every fest that sat 2024 out has made a comeback — both Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass have scrapped their events in both years — but this one has stops in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and on the Gold Coast locked in for December. 2025's run of Spilt Milk fests will take place across two weekends, hitting two locations on each. It all starts on Saturday, December 6 at Victoria Park in Ballarat, before heading across the country to Claremont Showground in Perth on Sunday, December 7. Then, it's Canberra's turn at Exhibition Park on Saturday, December 13, followed by a trip to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct on Sunday, December 14. As for the lineup, it's on the way — and soon. For now, expect the return of sing-alongs at Guilty Pleasures, plus country bar Howdy Howdy and the Bus Da Move party bus. The art component will feature artists from Studio A. When it cancelled in 2024, the festival advised via social media that it was pulling the plug because it "couldn't get you the Spilt Milk you deserve this year". In 2023, Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Latto, Tkay Maidza and Aitch led the lineup. Flume, Stormzy and The Wombats were named as headliners in 2022 — the first Spilt Milk since the pandemic began — although Stormzy subsequently dropped out and cancelled his Australian tour. Khalid and Chvrches topped the bill in 2019, and Childish Gambino did the honours in 2018. Originally only popping up in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, then the Gold Coast and finally also to Perth, multi-city one-dayer Spilt Milk had cemented its spot as a must-attend event on the annual Aussie calendar before it took a year off, including for its lineups — and for its food offering as well, which spanned bites to eat from Chebbo's Burgers, 400 Gradi, Chicken Treat, and the BBQ and Beer Roadshow in 2023. Spilt Milk 2025 Dates and Venues Saturday, December 6 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 7 — Claremont Showground, Perth Saturday, December 13 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, December 14 — Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Gold Coast Spilt Milk is returning in December 2025, heading to Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Head to the festival website for more information Images: Jordan K Munns, Mackenzie Sweetnam, Jess Gleeson and Billy Zammit.
Every year during our wintertime, so many lucky folks jet off to Europe and other parts of the northern hemisphere seeking sin-filled holidays, but there are still stacks of Aussie destinations that are warm and summery throughout the year. If you're seeking a coastal vacay, there's no need to get on a long-haul flight — especially with the likes of Byron Bay being a short trip away. In northern NSW, this dream destination boasts sun, sand and rainforest in abundance. Plus, it's full of romantic studio spaces and quaint coastal bungalows, ideal for unwinding with your significant other or favourite travel buddy. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up 20 of Byron Bay's greatest couples' escapes. Book a favourite, pack your bags and prepare for that well-deserved beach retreat. Recommended reads: The Best NSW Glamping Spots The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Beach Camping Sites in NSW The Best Luxury Stays Near Sydney WOLF BEACH RETREAT, BYRON BAY A sleek, modern take on the classic beach shack, complete with open-plan living and secluded backyard. Cocktails on the deck are a must. How much? From $295 a night, sleeps two. THE STUDIO, BYRON BAY Decked out in soothing whites and natural finishes, this serene hideaway is primed for maximum relaxation. Check in and recharge in style. How much? From $263 a night, sleeps two. THE BUNGALOW, BYRON BAY It's hard not to embrace the Byron lifestyle at this relaxed coastal retreat, featuring modern boho styling throughout and a tropical garden out back. How much? From $427 a night, sleeps four. BEST LOCATION IN BYRON, BYRON BAY This stylishly minimalist studio space is the epitome of a calming getaway. It's filled with natural light and located just a quick stroll from the beach. How much? From $271 a night, sleeps two. LUXURY LOFT, BYRON BAY New York loft meets tropical bungalow for this breezy Byron hideaway. Get set for daily soaks in the outdoor tub, surrounded by nature. How much? From $395 a night, sleeps three. HILLSCAPES STUDIO, BYRON BAY Escape the hustle at this serene studio space, among the trees. A fireplace promises cosy nights and the deck boasts panoramic views. How much? From $242 a night, sleeps two. CACTUS ROSE VILLA, BYRON BAY With chic white interiors, a palm-fringed pool and a romantic loft-style bedroom, this private villa will have you living the holiday dream. How much? From $548 a night, sleeps two. PACIFIC EDGE, BYRON BAY Want to wake to the sound of the waves? This self-contained couples' escape is newly built and perched just minutes from the beach. How much? From $220 a night, sleeps two. BYRON BAY STUDIO, BYRON BAY A designer retreat for two, complete with glass-walled bathroom, secluded terrace and roomy outdoor tub. All just a quick hop from the beach. How much? From $379 a night, sleeps two. BAM STUDIO, BYRON BAY The luxurious self-contained hideaway you'll never want to check out of. Destress with the help of a private leafy garden and sun-dappled deck. How much? From $292 a night, sleeps two. EAST COAST ESCAPES STUDIO 105, BYRON BAY A contemporary coastal abode boasting a sun-drenched deck and beachy white colour palette, this one's handily located between the shops and the sand. How much? From $262 a night, sleeps two. JADE STUDIO, BYRON BAY Swap city life for some time spent recharging at this bright, breezy studio. It's got a sunny courtyard, outdoor shower and cracking location close to the shoreline. How much? From $297 a night, sleeps two. THE LOFT, BYRON BAY This beautifully restored cottage has cruisy coastal vibes on tap, just a ten-minute walk from Byron's Main Beach. The ultimate couples' hideout. How much? From $633 a night, sleeps two. THE APOLLO STUDIO, BYRON BAY Your own Mediterranean-inspired paradise, in the heart of town. With luxe fixtures and a leafy courtyard, this self-contained bungalow is a true holiday gem. How much? From $252 a night, sleeps two. THE TREEHOUSE, BYRON BAY A light-filled hilltop escape, with sweeping views across the trees. This designer space boasts a leafy terrace and ten acres of lush green backyard. How much? From $283 a night, sleeps two. SCANDINAVIAN SIMPLICITY, BYRON BAY Filled with luxe touches and boasting its own sunny green courtyard, this Scandi-inspired studio has holiday charms aplenty. An ideal escape for two. How much? From $180 a night, sleeps two. BASK & STOW SEA, BYRON BAY A cheery splash of Palm Springs style, by the beaches of Byron. This whitewashed villa features resort-worthy interiors and a sparkling plunge pool. How much? From $448 a night, sleeps two. PARADISO PROPERTY, BYRON BAY Embrace beachside living with a stay at this quaint bungalow for two. It's a breezy, open-plan situation, flanked by two grassy, sun-drenched courtyards. How much? From $339 a night, sleeps two. BOUTIQUE RETREAT, BYRON BAY A cheery self-contained apartment that's sure to win you over with its plush linens, palm-filled courtyard and pink stone outdoor tub. How much? From $275 a night, sleeps two.. ARTFUL WAREHOUSE CONVERSION, BYRON BAY Swap the beach shacks and bungalows for a stay at this lofty converted warehouse, featuring mod-industrial styling and some primo mountain views. How much? From $344 a night, sleeps two. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The foundations of wine are relatively simple — find a fertile patch of land, plant extraordinary grapes, and make the best wine you possibly can. In Australia, we grow more than 100 different grape varieties scattered across the country, in 65 distinct wine regions, and in each region we celebrate our unique climate and landscape by crafting some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Knowing the differences between them all is not so simple, which is why we've pinned down the six varieties you should get to know better — from dry, crisp rieslings to that spicy shiraz you like to crack open at a summer barbie. Winemakers, grape growers and viticulturists all work with Australia's varied climates and our ancient soils to plant classics like riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz alongside newer varieties like vermentino, fiano, nebbiolo and sangiovese. Unlike other winemaking countries in Europe, Australia's not beholden to any rules or boundaries, which means we've fostered a creative and innovative wine scene. Our winemakers are pushing boundaries by not only experimenting with new grape varieties and unusual blends but also by toying with new winemaking techniques, such as partial berry ferments, carbonic maceration and skin-contact wines. Start taste testing the classics and progress from there. [caption id="attachment_673382" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Wine[/caption] RIESLING Riesling is one of the most exciting and elegant dry white wines in the world. The grapes produce aromatic light- to medium-bodied wines with high acid presence and Australian rieslings tend to lean on the drier, crisp end of the spectrum. They are generally unoaked to highlight the wines zippy, acid lines, and while it's drinkable when it's very young, some wines can mature for decades. Where it's grown: Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania, Great Southern (WA) and Canberra District. What it tastes like: It's got so many expressions: jasmine florals overlaid by lime cordial and lemon meringue pie with a backbone of acidity and structure that will complement dishes like pork dumplings or sweet-and-sour chicken. SAUVIGNON BLANC Even though it's a white varietal, sauvignon blanc is the parent grape to red grape cabernet sauvignon. Hailing from France's Loire Valley, the grape was first grown in Australia in the 1800s but didn't become popular until 160 years later when our friends across the ditch started generating buzz about this little aromatic variety from the Marlborough region. Sauvignon blanc suits a more 'hands-off' approach; it's often picked when ripe and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and vibrancy. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Tasmania and Orange. What it tastes like: Australian Savvy Bs tend to take on a more tropical fruit expression — think pineapple, mandarin and guava — with bright citrus notes that scream for a bucket of prawns or fish and chips by the beach. CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is an excellent representation of the vineyard in which its fruit was grown, and it allows for experimentation — winemakers can choose what barrel it's fermented in, for example. Australia makes lean and light-bodied wines in cooler climates up to fuller-bodied, rich and ripe versions in our warm climates. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Margaret River, Hunter Valley and Mornington Peninsula. What it tastes like: Ripe stone fruits like white peach, balanced with fruits like pink grapefruit or apples and pears, rounded out with vanilla notes (from the oak it's fermented in). ROSÉ There are a few different ways to make rosé, but the most common is the practice of 'free run' juice. The grapes are crushed and all the liquid freely drains from the skins to the tank before the squeezing process begins. This process produces wines that are balanced in acidity and display high levels of purity in fruit aroma and flavour. Where it's grown: Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Langhorne Creek, plus most other wine regions. What it tastes like: Depending on the style of rosé, you could have florals, pomegranate and wild strawberry characters with fleshy savoury flavours (like dried herbs) on the other end of the spectrum. Dunk one in an ice bucket and enjoy with an antipasti platter for summer grazing. [caption id="attachment_731347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] PINOT NOIR All over the world pinot noir is regarded as one of the hardest grapes to grow and requires extra attention in every step of its development. A common winemaking strategy when handling pinot noir is to do an 'early press'. Pressing is the process that separates the red juice from its skins. Flavour and structure are extracted during this process by pressing early, before fermentation is completed. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, Geelong and Macedon Ranges. What it tastes like: It runs the full gamut of flavours from raspberry and crushed blueberries to savoury expressions like hints of clove, cinnamon bark and wet earth. With its complexity and versatility, pinot noir is the ultimate team player — an all-rounder that can fit into any culinary occasion. SHIRAZ Shiraz thrives in the heat and requires a warm growing season (something we're not short on here in Australia). However, the most aromatic, elegant styles of shiraz are grown in regions with high diurnal temperature ranges (warm days/cool nights). In more temperate areas, shiraz shows jammy, dark berry and plummy fruit characters and less of the delicate aromas. Where it's grown will affect how shiraz is processed and fermented, allowing the winemaker to create a particular style and to build character and complexity into the wine. Where it's grown: Barossa, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Heathcote, Hunter Valley, Canberra District, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley and Mount Barker. What it tastes like: Punnets of berries dusted with black and green peppercorns, usually medium-bodied in style with drying tannins that call for barbecued meats. WHO'S DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY? Australia's winemakers are always looking for new ways to develop, and even our more established wineries are open to experimentation in crafting new and exciting wines. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project range is all about celebrating the artistry of winemaking and showcasing the unique properties of each grape variety grown at a particular site. Experimental wines, like this range, are a way of developing and fostering new talent too, as the opportunity encourages the next generation of winemakers to think outside the box. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project wines showcase textures and freshness from the grapes to create fun and easy-to-drink styles like the pink pinot grigio, which is crafted with 'free run' juice, and the pinot noir, made using early pressing techniques to create a smooth and silky wine that's bursting with berry fruit characters. And then there's the reserve shiraz, which uses whole berry fermentation so that more full-fruit and robust flavours are extracted with gentle spicy characteristics. Explore the range that celebrates the processes of skilled winemakers, here. Love to wine and dine? Learn about your favourite flavour matches in our series Encyclopedia of Wine in collaboration with Wolf Blass. Top image: Hunter Valley, Destination NSW.
SHOP225 is on a roll after being named Australia's Best Pizzeria by the 50 Top Pizza Awards back in September. Now the hole-in-the-wall Pascoe Vale hotspot — and its Moonee Ponds sister restaurant, Il Caminetto — have received three more major accolades, cementing their reputation as must-try destinations for Italian cuisine. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves pizza, SHOP225 has long been committed to making gluten-free innovations, serving an unbeatable slice that's also celiac-friendly. Now, this boundary-pushing research has been honoured at the 24th World Spicy Pizza Championship in Scalea, Italy, positioning the pizzeria as a global trailblazer. While SHOP225 is forward-thinking in its pizza-making philosophy, the team was also recognised for its respect for tradition. Picking up another award, the Movimento Italian Pizzaioli, a global organisation committed to the art of Italian pizza, gave the pizzeria its flowers for preserving the spirit of a tried-and-true slice. In a similar vein, SHOP225's Sicilian heritage was also lauded with a third award. Respected culinary guide Sicilia da Gustare gave the pizzeria a special nod for its promotion of traditional Sicilian recipes and culture, helping to spread the delicious word about the region. With both venues renowned for their Sicilian-focused menus, Il Caminetto was awarded for its Sicilian-inspired wine list. Serving homemade pasta and woodfired pizza from its inviting corner restaurant, guests encounter regional reds and crisp coastal whites that evoke a sun-drenched Italian summer. Now with even more accolades to hang on the wall, SHOP225 was already big news after beating out more than 1000 other pizza restaurants from around the globe at the 50 Top Pizza Awards. Currently ranked 28th in the world and number one in Australia, perhaps it's time for an award-winning slice, gluten-free or otherwise. Head to SHOP225 at 225 Melville Rd, Pascoe Vale South, or find Il Caminetto at 114 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds. Visit the website for more information.
Pizza. It's delicious. It also has a huge spectrum of quality and authenticity. But Ladro on Fitzroy's Gertrude Street does it well. Really well. With a sleek interior, a woodfired oven or two and chefs making pasta by hand in the kitchen, pizza isn't all they do well. Start with a salumi board, deep-fried chickpea fritters and some chargrilled prawns or dive right into the pizzas. 16 different pizza options are up for grabs at Ladro, from your classic margs and capricciosa as well as more off-piste creations like the gamberi with lemon-marinated prawns and zucchini and the breakfast calazione with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, speck and an egg. And then there's the pasta. Each day, the chefs roll out fresh pasta for the masses. It's a labour of love and the proof really is in the pudding — or the pappardelle. The spaghettini with vongole, cherry tomatoes and garlic is light and delicate, while the beef ragu is tender and rich. And be careful when eating the soft and pillowy saffron gnocchi — that bright yellow sauce will get everywhere. To round off your eatables, the tiramisu served in a little jar is a must, while the Bomboloni — Italian Doughnuts served with hazelnut ice cream and rooftop honey — are decedent and addictive. But they aren't always on the menu. If they are when you visit, they're a must-order. All in all, Ladro has a touch of Italy with a Melbourne sensibility and a commitment to quality. No complaints here. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Founded by Nicholas Minton-Connell, Pollon Flowers has long been one of Melbourne's headline florists. Having got his start designing displays for David Jones and Dior throughout the 90s, before launching the business in Sydney and expanding to Melbourne, Minton-Connell's work has been celebrated for its originality and artistry. Situated at Chapter House, striking floral arrangements flow out onto Flinders Lane, adding a touch of colour to the busy thoroughfare. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event or just looking for a bouquet to brighten up your home, Pollon Flowers will have you covered. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
Opening in 2017, Brunswick East's Etta was in instant hit amongst both local wine and food lovers. Hannah Green (Rosetta) runs the show, and is supported by Rosheen Kaul in the kitchen and Ashley Boburka in the wine cellar. The trio champions all things local and seasonal (with a strong focus on small producers), meaning change is a big part of everything here. If you fall in love with a particular dish, don't be surprised if it's not there the week after. Instead, heat to Etta to keep trying something new. With Kaul running the pass, expect mostly contemporary pan-Asian eats. She draws from the flavours of her childhood, growing up in Singapore with Kashmiri, Peranakan, Chinese and Filipino heritage. This — blended with Etta's tradition of treating fresh, seasonal, sustainable produce with respect — makes for an eclectic and very Melbourne kind of menu. You can find simple dishes like the rock oysters served with a vibrant pink peppercorn granita or something a little more creative like the red curry rice salad with grilled octopus and woodfired otak-otak (fish cakes). Wine is also a big part of the Etta experience (this is why it made our list of the best wine bars in Melbourne). At first, Green set up the menu. But in 2020, Boburka took over the diverse 250-bottle wine program. Like before, there's a strong focus on Victorian and Australian winemakers alongside plenty of European drops. Boburka also gives heaps of love to small producers that approach intervention with light hands. Prepare to try something you've never had before at Etta — whether it's the wine or the food. And expect this each and every time you return. You certainly won't get bored here. Images: Annika Kafcaloudis Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Long considered one of Melbourne's go-to steak destinations, The Station Hotel sure knows how to make a good piece of meat shine. And that also means the kitchen's got the goods when a proper Sunday roast is on the cards. Hit this gorgeous heritage pub in Footscray from 12pm each week and enjoy one of the ten varieties of steak on offer — split into grass fed or grain fed options. Oysters, parmas, burgers, risottos and fish and chips also make an appearance, for those wanting other traditional pub offerings. Wash it all down with a long list of regularly rotating Aussie beers and wines — or some top shelf spirits — to have the ultimate Melbourne pub experience at Footscray's Station Hotel. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
UPDATE Monday, July 19: Lift those spirits and treat yourself to an at-home Mexican fiesta, courtesy of Mejico's latest delivery meal boxes. They arrive ready to heat and serve, packed with a two-person menu of starters, sides, dessert and a main dish — like the hibiscus mole chicken. A range of food and drink add-ons are also available. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. As the CBD slowly emerges from its 2020 hibernation, it's welcomed an especially lively newcomer in Mejico — a vibrant eatery that opened its doors this week, transforming Pink Alley into a permanent fiesta. Sibling to Mejico Sydney, which launched back in 2013, the restaurant's serving up a diverse menu of regional Mexican fare, alongside what's pegged to be Melbourne's largest selection of tequila and mezcal, clocking in at over 260 varieties. The two-storey space sports an edgy fit-out full of black and neon pink accents, with an all-weather glasshouse-style dining room on the ground floor, and a more intimate tequila bar and cocktail lounge upstairs. It's decked out with hand-drawn mandalas, striking murals by local artist Ash Keating, and a leafy vertical garden. Unlike most of the Mexican joints you've been frequenting, this one's an early riser, kicking off each day with a breakfast offering from 7.30am. Settle in with the likes of a reworked eggs benny with chipotle hollandaise, dulce de leche crumpets and mezcal-cured salmon, or grab a fresh croissant and coffee to-go. [caption id="attachment_793263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Come lunch and dinner, the menu expands to a colourful lineup of street snacks — think, grilled haloumi with burnt honey, fire-glazed salmon tacos and empanadas stuffed with Daylesford beef brisket — alongside larger plates like the pasilla-spiced roast chicken and a Yucatan-style pulled pork matched with smoked eggplant. Here, the all-important guacamole element is prepared tableside in front of your eyes, served with plantain chips and customised with your choice of garnishes. Or, you can tuck into a classic ($62) or deluxe ($79) 'feed me' menu, the latter of which includes a serve of Mejico's signature margarita cheesecake. Late-night cravings are sorted, too, with a special post-11pm snack menu, featuring bites like blue corn chips with a roasted pineapple and habanero salsa, brisket empanadas, and crispy chicharrones. Tequila and mezcal reign supreme on the drinks list, though the agave-focused cocktail lineup is also set to get a solid workout. You'll find fruity creations like a jalapeño margarita and the Guadalajaran — featuring a blend of pineapple-infused tequila and passionfruit. Rounding out the fun is a tidy crop of wines, crisp beers, and sangria by the glass or jug. Images: Arianna Leggiero
A pub has stood on the corner of Hawthorn's Church Street and Barkers Road (formerly Beehive Road) since the 1800s. It's had a few different names during that time — most recently, Serafina — but it's been called The Beehive throughout most of its life. And though Serafina is no longer, Julien Moussi and Tony Pantano from Only Hospitality (Hotel Collingwood, Hobsons Bay Hotel) have taken over the 300-seat pub and given it a major makeover, renaming it The Beehive in the process. By.Underwood was brought on to restore rather than renovate the building, and has worked hard to keep plenty of the pub's heritage features. The famed beehive sculpture that crowns the pub remains, as does the old-school ceiling plasterwork, restored flooring and large arch windows. A warm, bee-inspired yellow and brown colour palette flows throughout the venue, while playful beehive lights sit above banquette seats. It's a fun nod to the pub's name, but you'll still be hanging out in a pub, not a bee-themed bar. Chef Chris Rendell has designed The Beehive's new menu, delivering contemporary gastropub fare with a particular focus on woodfired cooking. Flame-kissed proteins now feature at The Beehive alongside pub classics like chicken and eggplant parmas and fish and chips, as well as a rotating selection of pastas and share plates. As another little nod to its name, local honey by Pure Peninsula is sprinkled throughout the food and drinks offerings, from a honeycomb-starring cheeseboard to honey-based desserts and a hot honey cocktail. Harrison Young (Milton Wine Shop) has been enlisted to create the wine list, which showcases both local and international drops. The team is pouring an impressive 17 by the glass and another 120 by the bottle. The old-school pub vibes live on at the front bar, which boasts a 12-strong selection of beers on tap and plenty of classic and signature cocktails. Here, you'll also find screens streaming sports matches, a roaring fireplace and plenty of sporting memorabilia. Images: David Green.
