One of Melbourne's original laneway haunts, the multi-level Campari House has a space for every mood and occasion. Get comfy in the dining room with a feast of rustic Italian fare, unwind over cocktails and DJ tunes in the upstairs lounge, or venture to the astroturfed rooftop bar to team an Auchentoshan & Ale with sweeping city views. The Italian-inspired menu features fresh, modern dishes — from steamed local bay mussels ($18), roasted beetroot ravioli ($28), braised lamb ragu ($28), and a traditional Italian tiramisu ($14). All of which, should be aptly complemented by a glass of Campari, obviously. Images: Giulia Morlando.
There's something about the end of winter that gets Australian music festivals locking in their plans for spring, summer and beyond. Already as 2024's frostiest season come to a close, Meredith, Always Live, Beyond The Valley, Bluesfest, Lost Paradise and SXSW Sydney have either announced or added to their lineups. Next up: Good Things. Back when winter was just beginning, the fest confirmed that it'd be back this year and set its dates across the country's east coast. Now, its roster of acts is here just before spring arrives. Korn, Sum 41, Violent Femmes and Billy Corgan will lead the bill when Good Things heads to Melbourne on Friday, December 6, then Sydney on Saturday, December 7 and finally to Brisbane on Sunday, December 8. [caption id="attachment_970650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maurice Nunez[/caption] As in previous years, Good Things is again taking over Flemington Racecourse, Centennial Park and Brisbane Showgrounds. That's where you'll hear 'ADIDAS', 'Got the Life', 'In Too Deep', 'Pieces', 'Blister in the Sun', 'Add It Up', 'Today', '1979' and more from the fest's first four big names alone. The complete lineup features both international and local highlights, including Germany's Electric Callboy, plus America's Mastodon, The Gaslight Anthem, Kerry King and L7. Among the homegrown acts, Jet, The Living End and The Butterfly Effect will all take to the stage, as will Killing Heidi performing their 2000 album Reflector in full. Festivalgoers can also look forward to carnival-style stunts and acts at STAGE 666, which returns after proving a hit in 2023. This year's hefty list of bands follows in the footsteps of the reunited TISM, Bring Me the Horizon, The Amity Affliction, NOFX, Millencolin, Devo, Fall Out Boy, Limp Bizkit, Corey Taylor and Pennywise, all of which have graced Good Things in the past two years alone. Good Things 2024 Lineup: Korn Sum 41 Violent Femmes Electric Callboy Billy Corgan Mastodon Kerry King The Gaslight Anthem Jet The Living End L7 Northlane Bowling for Soup Alpha Wolf Sleeping with Sirens The Butterfly Effect 311 AViVA Destroy Boys Dragon Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls From Ashes to New Grandson Highly Suspect Imminence Killing Heidi (performing Reflector in full) Loathe Reliqa Taylor Acorn Good Things 2024 Dates: Friday, December 6 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Saturday, December 7 — Centennial Park, Sydney Sunday, December 8 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Good Things hits Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2024. Presale tickets go on sale at 10am AEST on Tuesday, August 27, with general sales from the same time on Thursday, August 29. Head to the festival website for more information. Good Things images: Kane Hibberd.
What's better than hosting a big arts festival in one location? Spreading the love across two different cities on consecutive weekends. That's the format that worked for Mona Foma, the Museum of Old and New Art's (MONA) key summer event, when it was last held in 2021 — so that's exactly what'll happen again in 2022. Come January, arts and music fans will be able to soak in the fest's eclectic sights and sounds in two places: in Hobart and in Launceston. Although Mona Foma was originally held in Hobart, where MONA is located, the event made the move to Launceston in 2019. So there's plenty of reasons behind splitting its program between both Tasmanian cities. Launceston will be up first, from Friday, January 21–Sunday, January 23, with Hobart getting the nod the next week from Friday, January 28–Sunday, January 30. Just what'll be on the bill hasn't been announced as yet, and won't be until Friday, December 3 — but you can start marking your calendars now anyway. Tasmania is also reopening its borders to double-jabbed visitors from Wednesday, December 15, which is great news if you now know what you'd like to do — and which huge arts fest you'd like to hit up — this summer. The border reopening applies to double-vaxxed travellers from both interstate and overseas, too, which could have some influence on Mona Foma's lineup. [caption id="attachment_784489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Flaming Lips, Mona, Hobart, Mona Foma 2016. Photo Credit: MONA/Rémi Chauvin. Image Courtesy Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] "Delivering a festival in two cities in January 2021 felt like nothing less than a miracle," said Mona Foma curator Brian Ritchie. "Come January 2022 we'll do it again and promise another festive burst of euphoria and unforgettable moments." In terms of what's in store, Ritchie advised that the MONA team "is working on strange new venues, indefatigable creativity, cultivation of powerful talent and the unpredictable." Mona Foma will take place from January 21–23, 2022 in Launceston, and from January 28–39, 2022 in Hobart. We'll update you when the full program is announced on Friday, December 3 — but head to the festival website in the interim for further details. Top image: Faux Mo, Mona Foma 2021. Mona/Remi Chauvin. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Collingwood's RVCA Corner Gallery and the Heavy Time Institute presents Party in The Back, a photographic exhibition from celebrated skateboarder Tino Razo opening on April 21. Razo's evocative images of sunset-drenched skate-sessions document the faded grandeur of South California's abandoned suburban pools. The same adventurous spirit that drove him to use word-of-mouth, satellite technology, and pure luck to track down deserted territories also permeates the tone of his art. Steeped in nostalgia for a thrill-seeking youth gone by and increasingly ungraspable notions of the American Dream, the exhibition, categorised as a 'lyrical photo eulogy', is a narrative of decay and discovery. Having skated for over 30 years, Tino Razo lives his photo project, and his perspective is accordingly authentic. His work is being exhibited in Australia for the first time, alongside an Anthology Editions book of all images, available to purchase alongside limited prints for the duration of the show.
Burger fiends of Melbourne, the wait is finally over. Legendary Sydney crew Mary's has today, Monday, January 20, opened the doors to its first permanent local venture, located on Franklin Street in the CBD. With four Sydney outposts under their belts, co-owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham have brought their American-style burgers, decadent fried chicken and general loose vibes down south. And, unlike their one-day kitchen takeover at Leonard's House of Love and two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free, this time, it's a permanent fixture. The CBD venue is Mary's biggest yet, boasting space for 140 punters, a cosy mezzanine level and — perched dramatically from the roof — a supersized, custom wrought-iron chandelier, hung with over 24,000 dead rose stems. You'll find the cavernous space tucked down a laneway, marked simply by a glowing red light. [caption id="attachment_758203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RC Stills[/caption] The brand's grungy, rock 'n' roll attitude is alive and well here, as is that penchant for unapologetically big-flavoured fare and top-notch vino. The menu showcases familiar favourites like the signature Mary's burger, the fried chook and the much-loved mash and gravy, alongside a handful of site-specific creations solely for the Melbourne crowd. In especially happy news for herbivores, a full vegan offering is also being dished up, mirroring the smash-hit plant-based lineup that debuted at Mary's Circular Quay outpost last May. True to form, there's plenty of love here for excellent wine, with a 100-strong list by much-lauded Mary's wine director Caitlyn Rees. Expect a lineup that's a little bit left-of-centre and very fun, shining a spotlight on the industry's young guns and emerging winemakers. [caption id="attachment_758205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RC Stills[/caption] And, as is custom with a Mary's venue, there's a high-octane soundtrack to help bring it all to life. Find Mary's Melbourne at 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne. It's open from 4pm–1am Monday–Thursday and 12pm–1am Friday–Sunday. Images: RC Stills
Deciding how to spend what is potentially your first big international trip in years is a big call. If you're seeking the buzz of a big city but don't want to forgo outdoor adventures, we have an unexpected suggestion for you: New York State. Yep, The City That Never Sleeps delivers all the metropolitan hype you're craving while also being within reach of countless intrepid adventures. Extend your stay in the state and dedicate some time to experiencing all the incredible scenery and activities the blissful upstate region has to offer — it'll add another memorable dimension to your trip. Here, we've teamed up with New York State to present a selection of epic outdoor adventures that'll level up your next holiday itinerary. [caption id="attachment_851067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mike Groll[/caption] PADDLE DOWN THE HUDSON WHILE HEARING LOCAL LEGENDS Along the Hudson River's eastern shoreline, the charming village of Sleepy Hollow is well worth a visit to check out the eclectic mix of historical buildings, multicultural food spots and recreational activities. It also happens to be one of New York's best spots for kayaking. Kayak Hudson ensures visitors of all experience levels can enjoy the scenery with an expert guide on its two-hour tour. You'll launch from a tiny beach at Horan's Landing, then paddle down the river past the 19th-century Tarrytown Lighthouse. Plus, if you're a fan of ghost stories, you'll love hearing all about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a spooky tale that gives the community its haunted reputation. [caption id="attachment_844987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] TREK THROUGH DIVERSE FOREST TERRAIN The city streets offer plenty of excitement, but you don't have to travel far to find mind-blowing hiking destinations in New York. A two-hour drive from NYC, the Catskill Mountains is another hugely popular mountain range. Across a diverse network of hiking trails, populated with waterfalls, river crossings and woodland terrain, this outdoor wonderland is an undeniably rewarding area to discover. The average wayfarer won't have a problem completing the Kaaterskill Falls hike. Likewise, the Overlook Mountain summit, which you'll reach via a steady incline will reward you with sweeping views of Hudson Valley, plus old hotel ruins and a fire tower. Or, a little further afield, discover the state's highest peaks in the colossal Adirondacks — Ampersand Mountain reaches 1022 metres and you can reach the summit via a sprawling trailhead lined with wildflowers and panoramic views. [caption id="attachment_844999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] TAKE A TOPSY-TURVY RIDE DOWN A RIVER There are many experiences that spring to mind when thinking of New York. Theatre shows. Basketball games. Eating your weight in pizza and hot dogs. But whitewater rafting? Probably not. Well, throw it on your bucket list because the state actually has a selection of places to ride the rapids. The Black River Gorge plunges visitors into a narrow ravine loaded with bumpy ledges and boulders — you'll paddle through 14 major rapids on a 3.5-hour Adirondacks River Outfitters Adventures tour. Elsewhere in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is also recognised as a top-notch rafting location, with this floating tour providing a relatively calm water-going experience. Departing from Table Rock, you'll navigate through the Grand Flume canyon to soak up the striking rock formations before arriving at the Whirlpool Basin's choppy rapids. [caption id="attachment_847389" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Maid of the Mist[/caption] GET UP CLOSE TO NORTH AMERICA'S MOST LEGENDARY WATERFALLS Maid of the Mist has operated in the shadow of Niagara Falls since 1846, attracting nature-lovers looking to get an up-close glimpse of the three waterfalls that encompass this famous landmark. Its tours of the Falls started out in rickety rowboats 150 years ago, but you'll be glad to hear that Maid of the Mist's fleet has undergone a significant upgrade — it began tours on 90-foot zero-emission electric vessels in 2020. Prepare to be awe-struck as you make for the base of the American side of the Falls standing atop the double-decker boat in your souvenir poncho, which will (somewhat) protect you from the near 600,000 gallons of water rushing over the falls per second. You'll also be taken to check out the largest of the bunch – Horseshoe Falls – to encounter dramatic whitewater pools and towering rock formations. [caption id="attachment_845287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] ZOOM THROUGH THE AIR AT DIZZYING HEIGHTS Step out of your comfort zone with the New York Zipline Adventure Tour. Set against the backdrop of the Catskills at Hunter Mountain, this canopy experience is the highest, fastest and longest in North America, ensuring you get a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the surrounding mountain peaks. There are two adventures to choose from: the Skyrider Tour and the Mid-Mountain Tour. The former is the top choice, as you'll hook into five separate zip lines that stretch for over seven kilometres. As you whip along at breakneck speeds, the peak distance from the ground of 180 metres is bound to make your head spin. [caption id="attachment_844982" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Larry Tetamore[/caption] GET A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OVER AN EXPANSIVE STATE PARK You won't find many places better for hot air ballooning than Letchworth State Park, a sprawling green expanse nicknamed 'The Grand Canyon of the East'. The landscape definitely lives up to this moniker, with dense woodlands, waterfalls and gorges, ensuring your gentle float through the air comes with a spectacular view. On a tour with Balloons Over Letchworth, you'll lift off from Middle Falls to rise high above the countryside before gliding so low you can almost touch the rivers. Tours run daily from May to October, depending on the weather, but an autumn visit guarantees you'll catch colourful changes sweeping across the hinterland. [caption id="attachment_846386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] FLEX YOUR SKIING SKILLS AT THIS MASSIVE WINTER RESORT You don't need to trek across the country to find a celebrated ski destination — this one is just 2.5 hours from NYC. The Catamount Mountain Resort provides an excellent experience for alpine enthusiasts, particularly after a major 2018 upgrade brought new lifts and snowmaking machines to support the diverse runs (the longest of which is 2.8 kilometres) and a snow tubing park. Yet winter isn't the only time to visit, with the mountain resort remaining incredibly active throughout the warmer months. Home to the longest continuous zipline in the United States at almost 1700 metres, as well as a thrilling aerial adventure park, Catamount is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in New York's midsummer beauty. [caption id="attachment_851070" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED[/caption] DIVE SEVERAL SHIPWRECKS BENEATH ST LAWRENCE RIVER Forming part of the international border between the United States and Canada, the St Lawrence River has been a major shipping corridor for hundreds of years. Unfortunately for the vessels and some of their crew, this treacherous stretch of the Thousand Islands-Seaway region has claimed many a freighter and schooner. Today, the river is one of North America's top shipwreck diving locations for beginners and experts alike, with dozens of vessels to explore. Several local dive companies organise gear and guided underwater adventures to the most popular, including the Islander and the SS Keystorm. [caption id="attachment_846387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] BE A BIG KID FOR THE DAY AT THIS NATURE-FOCUSED INTERACTIVE PARK Over the last 25 years, The Wild Center has become one of New York's premier attractions for outdoor encounters. Situated in Tupper Lake, on the edge of the Adirondacks, this sprawling 115-acre property's nature walks, museums and kid-friendly play areas help bring people closer to the natural world. The Wild Walk is the park's most popular activity, featuring a series of elevated bridges and tree houses leading visitors through the forest canopy. Meanwhile, a viewpoint replicating a massive bald eagle's nest provides a stellar spot to take in the landscape. Alongside a vast network of hiking trails and ponds, there's also fascinating public art and wildlife encounters. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, cultural experiences, places to stay and day trips from NYC. Top image: NYSDED, Darren McGee
Lime Cordiale are showing some love to some of Australia's biggest regional hubs on a new tour that will see them performing in RSL clubs and intimate venues along the east coast. Spanning eight shows stretching between the Sunshine Coast and Frankston, the Fantastical Country Club Experience will deliver the band's catalogue of beloved hits, plus tracks from their upcoming third studio album, to cities and towns that are often missed on major national tours. The tour will kick off just north of Sydney with a pair of shows at the Dee Why RSL on Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19. From there, Lime Cordiale will head to Wollongong's Waves, Beer Deluxe in Albury, The Pier in Frankston, Venue 114 on the Sunshine Coast, Panthers Port Macquarie and, finally, The Coliseum in Rooty Hill on Sunday, April 15. Two of the stops — Dee Why RSL on March 19 and Venue 114 on Saturday, April 8 — are all-ages affairs, meaning Lime Cordiale fans young and old on the Central Coast and the Sunshine Coast can head along. The infectious five-piece will be joined by upcoming singer-songwriter Aleksiah on all eight dates, as well as Gold Coast musician Bella Amor in Dee Why, Wollongong and Albury, and sunny four-piece Coterie across the final four shows of the tour. Lime Cordiale recently landed four songs in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2022 including 'Holy Moley', their latest in a series of collaborations with the multi-talented British actor, DJ and musician Idris Elba. Their upcoming album hasn't been given a name or release date yet, but it's set to feature recent singles 'Colin', 'Country Club' and 'Facts of Life'. LIME CORDIALE'S FANTASTICAL COUNTRY CLUB TOUR 2023: Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19 — Dee Why RSL Friday, March 24 — Waves, Wollongong Friday, March 31 — Beer Deluxe, Albury Sunday, April 2 — The Pier, Frankston Saturday, April 8 — Venue 114, Sunshine Coast Sunday, April 9 — Panthers, Port Macquarie Saturday, April 15 — The Coliseum, Rooty Hill Lime Cordiale will tour the east coast of Australia in March and April. Tickets to the 'Fantastical Country Club Tour' are on sale now.
Riding bulls in Broome, empty pie shops, Western Sydney's total boss suit-wearing sapeur trend straight from the Democratic Republic of Congo — Australian life is pretty hard to pin down. Legendary Sydney artist Ken Done, The Messenger Group owner and creative director Lisa Messenger and award-winning Sydney photographer Stephen Dupont have come close to it, painstakingly trawled through a record 1250 entries in the City of Sydney’s 2014 Australian Life competition. Part of this year's Art & About program, the exhibition formerly known as Sydney Life has been expanded to include the whole country this time around — as well as Instagram. Unsurprisingly attracting a record wave of Australian photographers — both established and upcoming — Australian Life now has its 22 finalists, all of whom sought to capture their own little corner of Australia as intimately or vastly as possible. The resulting shortlist (notably mostly made up of NSW photographers) is a significantly diverse patchwork of Australian daily life in its weirdest, funniest and saddest moments. "We opened this iconic competition to all Australians for the first time and we are delighted with the result," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. "We’ve received record numbers of entries providing unique glimpses into the lives of people from right across our country." The Australian Life competition is no small fry; the winner takes home a cheeky $10,000 prize. The top shot is set to be announced at Art & About Sydney’s free public launch party in Martin Place on Friday, September 19, after which you'll be able to stroll through Hyde Park's St James walkway and take in all 22 finalists in large-scale reproductions until October 12. Casual snappers, you've still got a shot at glory and fame. If you think you've nailed a moment of pure Australianness with one of your Instagrams, make sure you hashtag it #australianlife and enter the official Instagram part of the competition. Entries are open until September 18 and will be announced October 3. Australian Life 2014 finalists: Georgina Pope (Goulburn, NSW) — A great day for drying Berylouise Mitchell (Ashfield, NSW) — Anzac Day Tribute Godelieve Mols (Dee Why, NSW) — AFL Match in Ngukurr, Arnhem Land, NT Rodney Campbell (Lane Cove North, NSW) — Boarding Glenn Campbell (Darwin, NT) — Brothers in Boob Tubes Natalie Grono (Lennox Head, NSW) — Children of the tribe Rob Annesley (Lugarno, NSW) — ColourMeRad 5K Ivana Jovanovic (Botany, NSW) — Dinner Jon Lewis (Wombeyan Caves, NSW) — Farewelling Martin Sharp Desmond Kok Hui Ong (Redfern, NSW) — For Sale Paul Blackmore (Tamarama, NSW) — Icebergs Matthew Newton (Hobart, TAS) — I’m a fire starter Jewels Lynch (Tweed Heaqds, NSW) — Mutitjulu Dreaming Richard Payne (Manly, NSW) — PIES Brent Winstone (Bondi Beach, NSW) — Pondering in the tent of wonder Lisa Maree Williams (Bondi Junction, NSW) — Rio Station Warwick Kent (Crows Nest, NSW) — Rush Hour Tamara Voninski (Alexandria, NSW) — Saltwater Cowboys Louise Whelan (Avalon, NSW) — Sydney Sapeurs Dianne English (Round Corner, NSW) — The Doll House Andre Martin (Artarmon, NSW) — tin city John Goodridge (Newington, NSW) — Windbreak For more details and full stories behind the finalists visit Art & About.
Melbourne CBD bars and restaurants work hard to get the after-work crowd, luring them with all manner of boozy deals. Now, every Friday until March 22, George on Collins is joining the fold. Instead of competing with the 5pm crowd of bars and restaurants that run deals, George on Collins is instead focusing on those of us looking for a spot to kick on. From 9–11pm every Friday night, the team serves up free-flowing margaritas for $79 per person for an experience they've dubbed George's Social Club. Spicy, passion fruit and classic margaritas are up for grabs, and guests will also get a complimentary roti taco filled with either fish, tofu or pork. It'll probably be smart to order a few more on the night or get a few other bar snacks for the table — all available until close. To keep the Friday night party vibes going till late, George on Collins will also be hosting DJs until they kick everyone out. But if you're not up for a late one, the team is also offering $15 classic margaritas during happy hour from 3–6pm, Tuesday through to Friday. Yes, we can have chill end-of-week drinks too. Other post-work deals around the CBD include the Lukas Group's $9.50 cocktail hour every Thursday across all group venues. And Culprit at W Melbourne has a huge selection of unlimited drinks and food deals running from Tuesday to Thursday.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this months latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from September's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL Hitting streaming mere days after premiering at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, The Mad Women's Ball marks the latest thoughtful and enthralling stint behind the camera for Mélanie Laurent. The French actor who'll forever be known for Inglourious Basterds features on-screen in this, too, and turns in a layered and textured performance. But, behind the lens for the sixth time — and the first since 2018's Galveston — she transforms an already-gripping tale into a film that's vivid, passionate, empathetic and resonant. You could compare The Mad Women's Ball to One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, although that's oversimplifying things. Both are primarily set within comparable facilities, with the Salpêtrière neurological clinic the key location here, and both hone in on the power imbalance between those admitted and those running the show. But the Salpêtrière's patients are all women, most have been checked in against their will, the word 'hysteria' is thrown around too often by the male doctors, and 19th-century Paris treats anyone who doesn't conform to to the placid, dutiful female norm with contempt. That's what Eugénie Cléry (Lou de Laâge, who also starred in Laurent's 2014 film Breathe) learns after she starts hearing spirits. When her wealthy family find out about her new ability to communicate with the dead, she's packed away despite her pleas and protests, and confined to a place where she's little more than an inmate for men to torture with ice baths and other supposed cures. Laurent plays a nurse who becomes sympathetic to Eugénie's cause, but the film has just as much time for the sense of camaraderie that springs between the facility's wrongly institutionalised charges. It also offers space for other on-screen women to make an imprint, and serves up not just a potent but a handsomely staged adaptation of Victoria Mas' novel Le bal des folles. The Mad Women's Ball is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. SQUID GAME Exploring societal divides within South Korea wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but its success was always going to give other films and TV shows on the topic a healthy boost. Accordingly, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between the acclaimed movie and Netflix's new highly addictive Squid Game — the show that's on track to become the platform's biggest show ever (yes, bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton) less than two weeks since it released. Anyone who has seen even an episode knows why this nine-part series is so compulsively watchable. Its puzzle-like storyline and its unflinching savagery making quite the combination. Here, in a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup, 456 competitors are selected to work their way through six seemingly easy children's games. They're all given numbers and green tracksuits, they're all competing for 45.6 billion won, and it turns out that they've also all made their way to the contest after being singled out for having enormous debts. That includes series protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, Deliver Us From Evil), a chauffeur with a gambling problem, and also a divorcé desperate to do whatever he needs to to keep his daughter in his life. But, as it probes the chasms caused by capitalism and cash — and the things the latter makes people do under the former — this program isn't just about one player. It's about survival, the status quo the world has accepted when it comes to money, and the real inequality present both in South Korea and elsewhere. Filled with electric performances, as clever as it is compelling, unsurprisingly littered with smart cliffhangers, and never afraid to get bloody and brutal, the result is a savvy, tense and taut horror-thriller that entertains instantly and also has much to say. Squid Game is available to stream via Netflix. MIDNIGHT MASS No one can accuse Mike Flanagan of being lazy. In the past three years, he's made four different Netflix horror series, plus The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep. In the two years before that, he directed four other movies. Yes, he's prolific, and he also knows and loves his unsettling niche. Midnight Mass is the third of those aforementioned shows, and forgoes the ghostly setup of The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor — and it spins its musing on loss in multiple forms, faith in just as many varieties, and mortality and everything it means into a commanding seven-part miniseries. For Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford, Good Girls), the show's narrative begins with the biggest mistake of his life. After killing a woman while drunk driving, he spends four years in prison, haunted by her bloody face whenever he tries to close his eyes. Upon his release, he has no choice but to head home to Crockett Island, where his god-fearing mother (Kristin Lehman, Altered Carbon) is thrilled, his Ron Swanson-esque dad (Hill House and Bly Manor alum Henry Thomas) barely says a word, and his now-pregnant childhood sweetheart (Kate Siegel, Gerald's Game) has just made a comeback after her own absence. Also upsetting the status quo: the arrival of Father Paul (Hamish Linklater, Legion) to fill in for the island's ailing priest, and a wild storm that wreaks havoc. When he's spinning episodic stories, Flanagan likes to tease. He likes fleshing out his always-eclectic range of characters, too, and Midnight Mass is no different. Here, he adores monologues as well, but that's hardly surprising given the stellar cast he's writing for. It's been a great year or so for disquieting miniseries set on small, sparsely populated islands, thanks to The Third Day as well, and this is just absorbing. Midnight Mass is available to stream via Netflix. STRONG FEMALE LEAD When The Final Quarter opted to explore AFL footballer Adam Goodes' career purely using footage from the time — focusing on his stint on the field during its last stages, as the name makes plain — it weaved together media clips from his games, general AFL coverage, news stories, press conferences and interviews from the era. The result: a heartbreaking picture of the ex-Swans captain's experiences with racism that couldn't paint a clearer picture. Strong Female Lead does the same, but swaps sports for politics and discrimination based on race for prejudice predicated upon gender. Given that Australia has only ever had one female Prime Minister, that's where this fast-paced documentary heads, with director Tosca Looby (See What You Made Me Do) and editor Rachel Grierson Johns (Roller Dreams) letting existing media materials about Julia Gillard do all the talking. Anyone who can remember the headlines, news commentary, panel shows and talkback radio discussions from her 2010–13 spot in the nation's top job will know what they're in for, but seeing it all so deftly sliced together couldn't be more powerful. The sexism she faced at every turn isn't a relic of that not-at-all-distant past, of course. Indeed, Looby's approach makes all the horrendous words flung Gillard's way cut like a fresh wound, and simultaneously also sting like an old scar that won't heal. That's the cumulative effect of enduring the horrific things said, her overall treatment as PM, the odious behaviour of her parliamentary peers, and the belittling comments and placards, too. Strong Female Lead is a film to get angry with, as it's meant to be. It's also a celebration of Gillard's achievement in becoming Prime Minister, her work both along the way and in the role and other world leaders who've broken the glass ceiling. What lingers, though, is the fierce and formidable indictment of what women in positions of authority have been forced to navigate. Strong Female Lead is available to stream via SBS On Demand. EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE They're both underdog stories, they're both set in Sheffield in England's north, and they both have the accents to prove the latter. They each follow struggling locals trying to carve out a better life, and feature the entertainment industry prominently. And, they both chronicle characters breaking out of their comfort zones, shocking plenty around them, and working towards a big show, event or both. The movie that got there first: The Full Monty. The newcomer: Everybody's Talking About Jamie. That's about where the similarities between the two end, however, other than the inescapably feel-good vibe they both stir up. In this case, that crowd-pleasing sentiment springs from teenager Jamie New (first-timer Max Harwood), his quest to become a drag queen and his determination to chase that dream by first frocking up for his school prom. Already bullied, considered a disappointment by his soccer-loving father (Ralph Ineson, Gunpowder Milkshake), but adored by his mother (Sarah Lancashire, Yesterday) and best friend (fellow film debutant Lauren Patel), he isn't certain about showing his drag side to the world. He needs mentoring by a former drag icon (Richard E Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), in fact, to even get the courage to do so. And, from there, the path to unleashing his inner queen is nowhere near as sparkly as the red heels his mum gives him for his 16th birthday. Where Everybody's Talking About Jamie isn't at all surprising, whether you're familiar with the stage production it's based on, or the real-life tale it's inspired by — or if you've just seen other against-the-odds British flicks such as Kes and Billy Elliott. Nonetheless, from its first frame to its last, this lively and sweet musical still shimmers, glows and charms. Everybody's Talking About Jamie is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE In the initial two episodes of Scenes From a Marriage, Mira (Jessica Chastain, IT: Chapter Two) and Jonathan (Oscar Isaac, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) brush their teeth in front of their ensuite mirror. It's an everyday task in a familiar place, spanning something we all do in a space we all use, but this five-part HBO miniseries turns these two scenes into a complex snapshot of its central couple. It takes not just skill but feeling and understanding to turn such a mundane activity into a must-see; however, that's this weighty show's remit. Scenes From a Marriage gets viewers engrossed in cleaning teeth because it's ordinary, and because everything within its frames fits the same description. Its central relationship careens from happy to heartbroken, comfortable to distraught, and assured to messy, but it also charts a path that countless others have. Accordingly, Mira and Jonathan start the series cemented in their routine, but with each of its five episodes dedicated to a significant day over the course of several years, much changes. The ambitious tech industry executive to his ex-Orthodox Jewish philosophy professor, Mira drops a bombshell, their lives shift over and over, and yet plenty stays the same as well. As penned and helmed by The Affair's Hagai Levi — remaking the 1973 Swedish TV miniseries by iconic film director Ingmar Bergman — Scenes From a Marriage is a show about patterns, cycles and echoes, in fact. It ponders how they ripple through relationships and, when broken or changed, how their absence is felt. The result is devastating and powerful, shot and scored with intensity, and home to exceptional performances from Chastain and Isaac, who prove just as irresistible in their second collaboration in a stormy union as they did in 2014 also-stellar A Most Violent Year. The first three episodes of Scenes From a Marriage are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING If you've ever listened to a true-crime podcast, decided that you'd make a great Serial host yourself and started wondering how you'd ever follow in Sarah Koenig's footsteps, then you should be watching Only Murders in the Building. The Disney+ series follows three New Yorkers who follow that same process. Actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated), theatre producer Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and the much-younger Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die) are all obsessed with a series hosted by the fictional Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, Girls5eva), to the point of bonding over it as strangers. Then, when someone turns up dead in their building, they decide that they can sleuth their way through the case — by getting talking themselves, naturally. But being a true-crime podcast diehard and making a true-crime podcast clearly aren't quite the same thing, and turning amateur detective isn't clearcut either. Entertaining and exceptionally well-cast, Only Murders in the Building makes makes the most of its main trio's mismatched vibe. It's filled with hearty affection for everything it jokes about, resulting in an upbeat satire of true-crime obsessions, podcasting's pervasiveness and the intersection of the two. It adores its single-setting Agatha Christie-lite setup, it's always empathetic, and it also loves peppering in highly recognisable co-stars and guest stars such as Fey, Nathan Lane (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Amy Ryan (Late Night) and even Sting. The series is also written and acted with enough depth to pair relatable character insights with its bubbly, clownish fun. If Knives Out was a sitcom, and also a little goofier, it'd turn out like this — and that's a delight, obviously. The first seven episodes of Only Murders in the Building are available to stream via Star on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS How do you match a season of TV that introduced the world to yet another ace Matt Berry character? That's a question What We Do in the Shadows faced with its third season, after its last batch of episodes featured Jackie Daytona — the "regular human bartender" persona adopted by Berry's bloodsucker Laszlo Cravensworth. Thankfully, this vampire sharehouse comedy found an easy solution. It's still doing what it does best, which includes gifting the glorious Berry (Toast of London) and his co-stars Kayvan Novak (Four Lions), Natasia Demetriou (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga), Mark Proksch (The Office) and Harvey Guillen (Werewolves Within) reams of witty and hilarious dialogue. Picking up where the last season left off, the show's vamps now have a new job running the local Vampiric Council; however, the mockumentary-style series still knows that it's at the best when its stars are riffing either together or directly to the camera. Obviously, the Staten Island-dwelling bloodsuckers' new gig comes with ample chaos and, as it dives into everything that follows, What We Do in the Shadows is still one of the silliest yet smartest horror-comedies that's ever been made. But as proved the case with the movie it sprang from — aka Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's 2014 film of the same name — so much of the joy and laughs here come from watching exceptional comedic talents inhabit their characters' fangs, banter about undead tropes and bounce off of each other. That hasn't changed in season three, and the entire series is still a side-splitting gem in each and every episode. The first five episodes of What We Do in the Shadows' third season are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. Y: THE LAST MAN On paper, Y: The Last Man sounds familiar, even if you haven't read the source material. Based on the 2002–08 comic book series of the same name, it steps into a post-apocalyptic time where an eerie illness wipes out everyone with a Y chromosome — humans and other mammals alike. Accordingly, it initially resembles a reverse version of The Handmaid's Tale and Children of Men. Thankfully, this dystopian tale heads in its own direction. First, it spends an episode plotting out the pre-plague status quo for Yorick Brown (Ben Schnetzer, The Grizzlies), his US Congresswoman mother Jennifer (Let Him Go) and his paramedic sister Hero (Olivia Thirlby, Goliath). Then, it dives deep into the world-changing event that sees males wiped out en masse. It isn't a spoiler to say that Yorick survives, because the title ensures that's clear. Also making it through: his Capuchin monkey Ampersand. As the globe's women react, adjust and endeavour to traverse a whole new way of life, Yorick endeavours to do the same — and, based on its first episodes, it makes for gripping viewing. It's the type of show that starts out with an obvious been-there-done-that vibe, especially at the moment. Anyone who has filled even part of the pandemic binge-watching movies about contagions, outbreaks and infections will recognise plenty of elements, but this is also the kind of series that takes its time to settle in, and to expand and grow. It's ongoing focus on what comes next, rather than simply exploring what happened, is also filled with possibilities — timely ones, too, given the current state of reality. The first five episodes of Y: The Last Man are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. A RECENT MUST-SEE YOU CAN (AND SHOULD) STREAM NOW ANOTHER ROUND Even the most joyous days and nights spent sipping your favourite drink can have their memory tainted by a hangover. Imbibe too much, and there's a kicker just waiting to pulsate through your brain and punish your body when all that alcohol inevitably starts to wear off. For much of Another Round, four Copenhagen school teachers try to avoid this feeling. The film they're in doesn't, though. Writer/director Thomas Vinterberg (Kursk) and his co-scribe Tobias Lindholm (A War) lay bare the ups and downs of knocking back boozy beverages, and also serve up a finale that's a sight to behold. Without sashaying into spoiler territory, the feature's last moments are a thing of sublime beauty. Some movies end in a WTF, "what were they thinking?" kind of way, but this Oscar-winning Danish film comes to a conclusion with a big and bold showstopper that's also a piece of bittersweet perfection. The picture's highest-profile star, Mads Mikkelsen (Arctic), is involved. His pre-acting background as an acrobat and dancer comes in handy, too. Unsurprisingly, the substances that flow freely throughout the feature remain prominent. And, so does the canny and candid awareness that life's highs and lows just keep spilling, plus the just-as-shrewd understanding that the line between self-sabotage and self-release is as thin as a slice of lemon garnishing a cocktail. Another Round is available to stream via SBS On Demand. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August this year — and our top straight-to-streaming movies and specials from 2021 so far, and our list of the best new TV shows released this year so far as well.
Residents of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, if you were looking forward to watching a Channing Tatum-starring movie about male strippers jump into real life right in front of your eyes, we have bad news. After the pandemic delayed Magic Mike Live's Sydney season, then interrupted its Melbourne run, the stage show has completely scrapped the rest of its Australian tour — so, if you haven't already, you won't be seeing it IRL anytime soon. In 2012, when the world discovered all things Magic Mike — and that it was based on Tatum's own experiences working in the field — everyone was a little sceptical. But the film boasts a great director in Steven Soderbergh, and a cast that also includes Matthew Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Olivia Munn, Riley Keough and peak McConnaissance-era Matthew McConaughey. Also, it's great. Alongside 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL, the franchise takes a smart and sensitive look at men chasing the American Dream by taking off their clothes, with Tatum successfully turning what could've been a forgettable chapter of his pre-fame life into a hit big-screen series, and — unsurprisingly — then bringing it back to the stage. Yes, Magic Mike was always going to return to where it all began. As seen in Las Vegas, London and Berlin, Magic Mike Live sees real-life male dancers strip up a storm for eager audiences. And, in Australia, it has been doing so in a 600-seat spiegeltent called The Arcadia — but the struggles of dealing with the pandemic has seen the show's organisers call it quits on the Aussie tour. "Everyone at Magic Mike Live is heartbroken to have to make this decision but we have been left with no choice," said Executive Producer Vincent Marini in a statement. "After enduring four lockdowns and millions of dollars in refunds and cancellations, we simply can't sustain a tour that has no opportunity to perform. Our performers, crew, management team and local industry partners in Australia have constantly amazed us with their talent, dedication, and resiliency. Their hard work combined with the truly heart-warming reception we received from audiences in Sydney and Melbourne, make us hopeful that we can someday return to Australia and finish what we started." Accordingly, the remainder of the show's Melbourne season will no longer go ahead when the city gets out of its sixth lockdown — and stints in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have been totally scrapped. Magic Mike Live was due to head to Brisbane in November, then move on to Perth and Adelaide throughout 2022. Fingers crossed that the show will eventually plan another Aussie run, with the cancellation seeing it join a lengthy list of live productions affected by the pandemic so far. Hamilton's long-awaited Australian premiere season is currently on hiatus in Sydney due to the NSW capital's ongoing lockdown, and Jagged Little Pill the Musical has postponed its planned 2021 Australian debut until yet-to-be-announced new dates, for instance. Also, Tony-winning musical The Phantom of the Opera has pushed back its Aussie seasons until 2022 and Moulin Rouge! The Musical didn't make its local bow in mid-August as slated — although the latter will hopefully hit the stage in Melbourne after lockdown lifts. Magic Mike Live will no longer be resuming its Melbourne season, or heading to Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide. For more information, visit the show's website. Images: Peter Brew-Bevan.
In a few years, when someone hands you an Australian $5 note, that cold hard cash in your hand will look more than a little different. The nation's banknotes have undergone a makeover in the past few years, with a revamped $5 note doing the rounds since 2016 — but that same denomination is about to get another redesign to replace Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you pay for your coffees with actual money or you barely handle physical coins and notes, every Aussie knows that the late monarch's likeness adorns some of our legal tender, including our $5 note. Accordingly, with the Queen's passing in 2022, we all started wondering two things: whether we'd get a day off (answer: yes) and what's happening to our currency. Now, the Reserve Bank of Australia has announced that the $5 note will replace the portrait of the Queen, but not with King Charles III. Instead, in welcome news, one side of the note will feature "a new design that honours the culture and history of the First Australians". "This decision by the Reserve Bank Board follows consultation with the Australian Government, which supports this change," the organisation said in a statement. "The Bank will consult with First Australians in designing the $5 banknote. The new banknote will take a number of years to be designed and printed. In the meantime, the current $5 banknote will continue to be issued. It will be able to be used even after the new banknote is issued." The other side of the $5 note will remain unchanged, so it'll still boast an image of the Australian Parliament. That design features the Forecourt Mosaic, which is based on Michael Nelson Jagamara's Central Desert dot-style painting Possum and Wallaby Dreaming. As the Reserve Bank's statement makes plain, exactly how the new $5 note design will pay tribute to Australia's Indigenous culture and history hasn't yet been finalised. In the past, Australia's currency has featured imagery of Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings, and designs based on a bark painting by David Malangi Daymirringu, thanks to the original $1 banknote from 1966 — before that denomination was replaced with a gold coin. The Reserve Bank also issued a one-off $10 note as the nation's first-ever polymer banknote in 1988, which highlighted examples of ancient and contemporary Aboriginal art. And, the $50 banknote currently in circulation pays tribute to author, activist, inventor, musician, preacher and Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon. For more information about Australia's currency and any changes, head to the Reserve Bank of Australia's website.
It's long lived up to its name as one of the west's most respected live music haunts, but Footscray's Reverence Hotel is gearing up to call last drinks, set to shut its doors for good in March 2019. Owners, Matt and Melanie Bodiam, took to Facebook in November to deliver the blow to the pub's many fans, thanking everyone who's supported their venture in its impressive six and a half years of life. Unable to secure another long-term lease on the site and with the current month-to-month operations putting a damper on any long-term plans, they've announced Saturday, March 2 as The Reverence's last hurrah. "Looking back we are really proud of our achievements, the community that has congregated, and the memories that have been made are immense," the owners say in the post. "What we've created here has far surpassed our expectations!" https://www.facebook.com/reverencehotel/posts/1333743773434885 As well as giving a shout out to the community, past and present staff, and all who'd given help and support, the owners hinted that the venue won't be going out without a sufficient bang. A massive 14 gigs will take place over the pub's last three weeks of operation, with a lot of regulars coming in to see it off, including Melbourne faves The Smith Street Band and locals Camp Cope. A few shows have already sold out, so make sure you snap up some tix for one last gig at the Rev. And keep an eye on the Facebook page for details around the final on Saturday, March 2 — it's set to be an all-timer. REVERENCE HOTEL FINAL GIGS Thursday, February 21 — Space Junk, Wicked City, Claws and Organs + Shane and the Dog Hunts Friday, February 22 — Hard Aches, Nothing Really, Premium Cable + Yo Lande (SOLD OUT) Saturday, February 23 — Camp Cope with Drmngnow + Hexdebt (SOLD OUT) Saturday, February 23 — Mount Defiance, Squid Fishing, Luke Seymoup + Eaglemont Sunday, February 24 — Wil Wagner and the Dead Salesmen Duo Tuesday, February 26 — Secret (TBC) + Taco Tuesday Wednesday, February 27 — Foxing + trivia Thursday, February 28 — Pridelands, The Gloom in the Corner, Caution: Thieves + Setmeonfire Friday, March 1 — Post Truth, Extinct Exist, Fourteen Nights at Sea, Diploid + Excircling Sea Saturday, March 2 — Secret (TBC) The Reverence Hotel is located at 28 Napier Street, Footscray. It will close its doors for the final time on March 2, 2019. Updated: February 19, 2019.
The highly-anticipated line-up for the colossal Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has just emerged, and this year the Californian festival will feature one identical line-up playing twice on consecutive weekends in mid-April. On Friday April 13 & 20, indie rock duo The Black Keys will headline the shows after successfully selling out Madison Square Garden in a matter of minutes. Also performing will be staple house favourites Afrojack and Swedish House Mafia, while rap fans will be treated to a set from Kendrick Lamar, the West Coast's most prized up-and-comer. Concrete Playground was able to chat recently with Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, who will also take the stage on the first day. On Saturday April 14 & 21, rock giants Radiohead grab the coveted headline spot, while hipster favourites Bon Iver and Feist tail closely behind. Electronic fans will be pleased with the addition of production wizards Flying Lotus and SBTRKT, two acts who are pushing the boundaries of electronic dance music with great creativity. The older demographic of festivalheads can dust off their studded leather jackets for a set from seventies punk legends the Buzzcocks. The final dates on Sunday April 15 & 22 will be headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and who better to close off this Californian festival than the duo who placed the state on the hip-hop map throughout the nineties and beyond. However, the real music shockwave this week was the reformation of At The Drive-In, who's relentless post-hardcore sound still goes unmatched. Instrumental hip-hop heads will also want to see the legendary DJ Shadow and lightning hands of AraabMUZIK, the self-proclaimed "MVP of the MPC." Gotye will fly the Australian flag as the only artist making the trip from Down Under for the 2012 instalment. You can check out the complete line-up here, but you might want to read it over at least four times, because there's an avalanche of artists to get through. This is a dream festival for most music fans, and a credit to organisers for gathering such a ecclectic range of sounds. If you have some spare coin and free time on your hands, there won't be many other options better than this. Head over to California for a weekend that will go down as one of the all-time greats.
When The Social Network arrived in cinemas in 2010 with its can't-look-away performance from Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain) as Mark Zuckerberg, David Fincher's (The Killer) steely direction and Aaron Sorkin's (Being the Ricardos) incisive script, it was firmly an origin story. As the world knew even then just six years after Facebook's founding, however, the platform was only just getting started. As a result, a sequel to the three-time Oscar-winning movie — including for Sorkin's screenplay — has always felt like a matter of when not if. Cue The Social Network Part II, which is now reportedly in the works. Deadline has revealed that the follow-up looks set to move forward, with Sorkin back to lead the charge. This time, he's not just writing but also directing. While Fincher is also in sequel mode at the moment, he's stepping into Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's realm, helming the Brad Pitt (F1)-starring follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's also Oscar-winning picture. It's expected that The Social Network Part II will use the Wall Street Journal's 'The Facebook Files' article series from October 2021 as its basis — which means that the platform's impacts, and those of fellow Meta-owned social-media service Instagram, could be in the spotlight. There's no word yet on a release date, so when you'll be seeing the film on the big screen is yet to be revealed. In the same category: The Social Network Part II's cast. Whether Eisenberg will step back into Zuckerberg's shoes — and into a role that's among the most pivotal in the early days of his career, as also proved true for co-star Andrew Garfield (We Live in Time) — is not yet known, then. Alongside creating the small screen's Sports Night, The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Newsroom, Sorkin has directed three films so far: Molly's Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Being the Ricardos. The first two on that list also saw him nominated for screenwriting Oscars. Among the initial The Social Network's accolades: the Oscar for Best Original Score for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. There's no word yet whether The Social Network Part II will boast their efforts again to help cement an unsettling tone. There's obviously no trailer so far for the The Social Network Part II — but check out the trailers to The Social Network above, plus its first ten minutes below: The Social Network Part II doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you with more details when they're announced. Via Variety/Deadline.
It's what Melbourne is known for: having a drink on the top of one of its city buildings as you see out the day in style. We know there are many to choose from, so in partnership with Jim Beam, we've put together a list of four rooftop bars where you can find something a little different — from cheeseburgers in old tram carriages to cocktails above a Chinese restaurant.
With exciting outdoor explorations, remarkable eateries, eye-opening cultural experiences and an effortless transit system, Singapore is a no-brainer for your next family getaway. Thanks to Singapore Tourism, we've rounded up some insider tips on activities around the Lion City to delight any kids (and kids at heart) and make your family trip to Singapore unforgettable. Skip the tourist haunts for these lesser known adventures when you're here. Race at Hyperspeed at The Palawan at Sentosa Sentosa is a haven for family fun, with everything from tranquil beaches, shops and eateries to theme parks, indoor skydiving, zip-lining and treetop obstacle courses, a dolphin island, and a role-play city for kids. Can't decide where to start? Kick off your Sentosa adventures at The Palawan, where you can get a bite at the food trucks before letting your tiny tots run wild at Singapore's only floating water park, HydroDash, or at the beachside mini-golf course, UltraGolf. The Palawan is also home to a massive go-karting circuit, which spans 308 metres across three levels. What makes HyperDrive stand out is not only its sheer size, state-of-the-art electric go-karts and immersive lighting and sound features, but its innovative Game of Karts experience. Instead of just zooming around the track, drivers can participate in an interactive virtual game while racing, collecting weapons or boosts along the track to beat out the competition. Stimulate Your Senses at Sentosa's Sensoryscape While you're at Sentosa, be sure to explore the newly opened Sensoryscape. As the name suggests, this 350-metre passageway is a treat for the senses, making use of pioneering architecture, soundscapes, augmented reality and light projections. Linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches in the south, Sensoryscape features six stops — the Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Glow Garden. From verdant views and streams of water to textured plants, scented flora and edible greenery, each garden is designed to be interactive and immersive. As the sun sets, Sensoryscape comes alive with digital projections, sounds and lights to complement the installations. Be a Zookeeper for a Day at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Get up close and personal with Singapore's wildlife at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which consists of the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders. Do more than just marvel at the animals when you visit the Singapore Zoo — children above the age of six can become a zookeeper for a day and learn about Mandai Wildlife's conservation efforts, meet some of the animals, try their hand at basic caring duties and enjoy lunch at Ah Meng terrace. There are two programs: the Kid Edition runs from 9am–1.45pm on Saturdays for little ones between the ages of 6–12, while the Junior Edition runs from 9am–4pm on Saturdays for teens above the age of 13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream With 14 themed rooms, interactive experiences, delightful photo opportunities and of course, unlimited ice cream, the Museum of Ice Cream is a pastel-hued paradise. Embrace your love of all things sweet as you play giant games, do arts and crafts, leap around in an inflatable room and dive into a pool of sprinkles. A general admission ticket will also get you unlimited amounts of five different ice cream desserts, but for only 10 SGD more, you can unlock additional flavours with a premium ticket. Marvel at Nature at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this enchanting park is specifically designed for children under the age of 14 and is the first of its kind in Asia. Intended to educate little ones and foster their appreciation for nature, the gardens include a maze, playground, treehouse, pond, flying fox, potting garden, fruit orchard and classrooms, with interactive activities and educational signs dotted throughout. To preserve the magic of the grounds (and for safety reasons), adults are only permitted if accompanying a child. [caption id="attachment_983728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oo La Lab Facebook[/caption] Create Your Own Scent at Oo La Lab For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, book in for a workshop at Chinatown perfumerie Oo La Lab. Adults and teens can have a go at mixing their own scents to create a bespoke perfume, incense or candle. If any little ones want to have a go, there's also a 60-minute workshop for kids aged five and older, where they'll get to learn about smells, play around with fragrances and make their own scented body wash to bring home. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre.
Melbourne is always bragging about its 'best-kept secrets' that are tucked away in back alleys and laneways all over the city. Well, the secret's out. We've recently given you the hot tip on the best laneway coffee spots — now it's time to offer up our picks for Melbourne's best bars hidden away in unlikely corners. Whether you're after classic cocktails or a cold beer, these ten bars will meet your thirst-quenching needs and often have some pretty nifty interiors to boot. Section 8 Pull up a milk crate and set yourself up in this excellent outdoor bar just on the edge of Chinatown. The bar, which has been constructed out of an old shipping container, serves everything from your spirit of choice to a cheeky long neck. While the space is essentially a converted parking lot, parasols and lanterns pretty up the place, and the street art on the surrounding walls display some of Melbourne's finest talent. Finally, these guys know how to throw a party — Rizky's Block Party is on monthly where they play the best hip hop beats and serve up awesome Caribbean food. 27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne, 0430 291 588, section8.com.au Shebeen Want to drink international beers and do some good at the same time? Shebeen is the place to satisfy both your thirst and charitable urges. 100% of the profits from every drink you purchase go to aid organisations all over the world, with each charity listed under every drink so you know exactly where your dollars are going. They also do some seriously good bar snacks; their sliders and banh mi are particularly noteworthy for a light dinner option. Shebeen also hosts screening events like Speakeasy Cinema, so it's worth checking out what's on. 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9650 6931, shebeen.com.au Double Happiness Slink down Liverpool Street in the city and give this propaganda-themed hole-in-the wall a go. The service here is fantastic, and while their set cocktail list is impressive and bursting with oriental flavours of lychee, coriander and plum wine, they are also happy to make something that suits your personal taste. But really, these guys know what they're doing — we can't recommend the October Revolution cocktail highly enough. Plus, there is a lovely open fire, perfect for chilly Melbourne nights. 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne, (03) 9650 4488, double-happiness.org Misty Hosier Lane is undoubtedly one of Melbourne's most impressive street art laneways, and Misty is just one more gem that can be found there. An excellent spot for a 'nice drink' before a show at the Forum, and the majority of the light source radiates from the back-lit bar. The cocktails are where it's at here, and the bartenders love getting a bit creative with their concoctions. Records spin from 9pm most nights, so get ready for some soul grooves. 3-5 Hosier Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9663 9202, mistybar.com Sister Bella Created by the St Jerome's 'Master' five years ago, Sister Bella can be a tricky one to find, but it's well worth the hunt. This one is a staple for the 'no frills' customer, and if you do want something a little fun, you should probably grab a Pirate Drank, consisting of Sailor Jerry's spiced rum with ginger beer and fresh lime. The bar food, like the drinks, are standard but reliable crowd pleasers; get yourself a Slutty Pumpkin Pizza (roasted pumpkin, feta, basil and pine nuts) and thank us later. 22 Drewery Place, Melbourne, sisterbella.com Romeo Lane Although we were sad to say goodbye to our favourite inner city wine bar Von Haus, it's with happy cocktail-fed smiles that we can say it's reincarnation, Romeo Lane, is just as good. The small bar still looks much the same, and manages to nail intimacy without pretension — which is what we loved about Von Haus anyway. And while the shift has changed to creating incredible cocktails, there's still a European wine list to choose from. Open from noon, this is a great spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 1 Crossley Street, Melbourne, (03) 9639 8095, romeolane.com.au Bar Americano Taking its cues from Italian espresso bars and Robert Vermeire's 1922 book 'Cocktails: How to Mix Them', Bar Americano is serious business. This standing room only establishment is designed for drinking (and eating) on the go, as a max of ten people at a time can get amongst the excitement. This one is for the connoisseurs of classic cocktails; if you had the opportunity to visit Der Raum (owner Matt Bax's previous bar) you'll know that you're in very good hands. If you can't wait until night time that's fine — swing by for an espresso during daylight hours. 20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne, www.facebook.com/baramericanomel Hihou While this Japanese-influenced cocktail bar is elegant and very civilised, there is plenty of fun to be had at Hihou. Once you have arrived and de-shoed (depending on where you're sitting) you're welcomed with hot towels for your hands as you fan over the many sake, sochu and cocktail options for your drinking pleasure. Simon Denton, the great man behind Izakaya Den, is responsible for this hidden gem. Our hot tip is to come hungry — whether you want to pick at some chilli miso edamame, or get stuck into the kingfish ceviche, the choice is yours. First Floor, 1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9654 2977, hihou.com.au The Croft Institute Self described as 'the first of Melbourne's laneway bars', The Croft appeals to your inner science-nerd sensibilities. The shelves are stocked with an array of delectable spirits and plenty of oddly-shaped beakers, syringes and test tubes, making the prospect of devouring one of their custom designed cocktails an intriguing one. If the stark black and white tiles and dim lighting is giving you the willies, head upstairs to the gymnasium bar, complete with inbuilt bleachers and turf bar. 21 Croft Alley, Melbourne, (03) 9671 4399, thecroftinstitute.com Hell's Kitchen Centre Place really is the most ideal Melbourne laneway for people watching, and at Hell's Kitchen you get a birds eye view above the crowds. Plenty of local beers on tap and an intriguing wine list is topped off with house-infused vodka — flavours including chilli, lychee and ginger and honey. We'd recommend popping in here for an afternoon drink and a catch up, and, if you're peckish, they serve food until 10pm. 20 Centre Place, Melbourne, (03) 9654 5755, facebook.com/hells-kitchen/
It's been a long time between Australian visits for UK disco-pop queen Jessie Ware. The last time she graced our shores was for Laneway Festival all the way back in 2013. In the time since, she's released four albums, including the immensely critically acclaimed What's You Pleasure in 2020 and its equally vibrant recent follow-up That! Feels Good!. But, it looks like the drought may be coming to an end, with Ware letting it slip that she's got plans to perform at Australian music festival Summer Camp later in 2023. On the most recent episode of her podcast Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, the singer and her mother Lennie were joined by a fellow pop icon: Australia's very-own Dannii Minogue. While the episode traverses the dynamics of the Minogue family and the delights of panna cotta, one eagle-eared Twitter user noticed that Ware dropped the unannounced goss that she'd be heading Down Under soon. "I'm actually going to Australia in November for this festival called Summer Camp," Ware said while discussing travel plans, and the possibility of doing a Table Manners series here in Oz. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Summer Camp Festival (@summercampfestivalau) Summer Camp hosted its inaugural festivals in Sydney and Melbourne in 2022, combining top-notch tunes and LGBTQIA+ pride through a stacked lineup featuring Years & Years, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Big Freedia, Cub Sport and The Veronicas. The festival was also set to arrive in Darwin and Perth; however, after it was postponed from February to November, it was forced to reduce its scale to a two-date run. The festival hasn't announced its 2023 plans as yet, but its website does state "2023 dates coming soon". If Jessie Ware is to be believed, it looks set for a November comeback. We'll be sure to keep you updated whenever some concrete news comes through on a Jessie Ware tour of Australia, or a return for Summer Camp. If you want to hear the specific section of the podcast, it kicks off just after the eight-minute mark. Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware is available wherever you find your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can keep up to date with the latest Summer Camp announcements at the festival's Instagram account. Top image: Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
Having tempted us with their coffee window (cleverly positioned on the path to Victoria Park station) for four months now, Dr Morse is now in full swing, complete with a newly-acquired liquor license, beer garden, roaring open fire and one of the best value burgers in Melbourne (big call, we know). The space, on a corner beside the railway station, is a bit like a cat with nine lives. In the past few years it has been Kiss FM's pizza joint, followed by the Johnston Street Milk Bar and now, in its present reincarnation, Dr Morse. Originally, it appears, the space was an old apothecary, and the owners have restored some of the original features, including brick wall signage advertising Indian Root Pills ('for indigestion'). Hopefully this homage to its early successes will help the new owners to solidify their own. It's an interesting space, and everything has been carefully considered. The open fire place is a huge plus, warming the noses and fingertips of the lucky group who nabs the sofa and ottoman seating around it, and the beer garden will be a joy in summer, with its own bar and a BBQ hinting at plans for the warmer months. It's quite clear the aim here was to create a space that encouraged Sunday sessions and relaxed afternoons spent drinking craft cider and snacking on hand cut chips with chipotle aioli ($6). Or, looking to cure any Saturday night ills? The beef burger will do just that. It's perfectly sloppy, the bun is rich and buttery, and for $10, it's a steal. The organic quinoa salad with avocado, pistachio, pomegranate, corn and soft-boiled egg ($16) is as remedy of a different kind, and equally good value. In the mornings, the coffee window opens at 7am every day to give early morning commuters a caffeine hit and baked breakfast goods, before the main doors open up at 11.30am. The focus with the drinks list is on local makers: Abbotsford's Moondog beer is on tap, the wine list favours small Victorian labels, and there is tea available from Collingwood's Storm in a Teacup. Whatever your ailment, Dr Morse aims to cure it — or at least make you forget for a while.
After making the move west from Melbourne Zoo in February, Werribee Open Range Zoo's herd of nine Asian elephants is ready to welcome visitors into its world-class new digs. The state-of-the-art Elephant Trail spans an impressive 21 hectares — that's the size of the entire Melbourne Zoo complex — giving these gentle giants more space than ever before to roam the landscape, and still leaving plenty of room for human visitors to join them, too. The new trail seamlessly connects the six different habitats and two mega pools in the $88-million precinct. The trail includes plenty of designated open space, too, giving visitors the chance to have an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures. You can also take a look inside the Elephant Barn, where experienced keepers train the herd and keep them in tip-top shape. The trail also swings past two massive swimming pools — a choice spot for the elephants when they're keen to cool off or indulge in an invigorating mud bath. Just how massive exactly are these pools? They hold 150 million litres of water — which is roughly enough to fill Flinders Street Station — that's pumped in through a 2.5-kilometre pipeline connected to the Werribee Recycled Water Plant. Getting a good wash behind the ears has probably never felt so good. If you're keen to learn more about the elephants and how they live, the zoo is also holding regular talks giving you the opportunity to do just that. There are five that take place each day, held in various locations throughout the habitat. With the trail taking about an hour to explore on foot, there's also a brand-new cafe perfectly positioned along the route. Here, you can sip coffee and munch on a cake while watching these magnificent creatures go about their day. Two months after they made the nearly 40-km trek from their former home at Melbourne Zoo — following a rigorous two-year training program to prepare them for the journey — the elephants have settled into their new surroundings over the last few weeks. Now, human visitors are invited to say hello to some of the biggest and friendliest land animals on the planet. The Elephant Trail is open daily from 9am–5pm at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Head to the zoo's website for more information.
Daylesford is a haven of spa retreats, friendly pubs, roaring fireplaces and mountainous beauty. Nestled into the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and just a stone's throw from the healing powers of Hepburn Springs, it's lovely at anytime of year, but winter brings a special kind of magic. Rather than feeling like you should be out, relentlessly doing, you can shamelessly surrender to warm, cosy, heartening indulgences — from soaking in hot tubs filled with nutrient-rich mineral water to sipping craft ales by a roaring fire. Here's your guide to winter decadence in Daylesford and its neighbouring towns. Winter slips by quicker than you think, so make plans soon. WHERE BREAKFAST MEETS DESSERT The French sure know how to do a winter's breakfast: with hot chocolate. Follow their lead at the Chocolate Mill, a strawbale marvel 7km north of Daylesford that produces handmade chocolates. Peer into the open kitchen to witness the creators in action before claiming a table at the Hot Chocolate Cafe. Next stop, real breakfast. You'll get it with a stone fireplace at Moto Bean Coffee Roasters in Malmsbury, about 30 kilometres' north-east of Daylesford. Formerly a farmer's barn, this epic, industrial-inspired cafe is dotted with classic motorbikes and dedicated to roasting coffee beans. Tuck into an apple hotcake with whipped honey mascarpone, walnut crumbs and baby herbs. FUEL UP BY THE FIRE Come lunchtime, head to the Farmers Arms, where you can hide away in a booth or soak up some rays in the beer garden, accompanied by your dog. The menu is all about fancied-up pub classics, such as roasted pork belly with mash, broccolini, Harcourt apple cider jelly and red wine jus. Another spot where it's easy to while away a winter's afternoon is the Cosmopolitan in Trentham. This gorgeous 1866 pub, encircled by weatherboard verandahs, was rebuilt in 2009 following a 2005 fire. The extensive craft beer and local wine lists will keep you sampling for hours, plus, on Sundays, there's live music. Eats are gastropub-style — think smoked duck breast with grilled witlof, beans, kipflers, hazelnuts, sherry vinegar and maple dressing. If you want to treat yourself, then swing over to Kyneton – about 30km north-west – for dinner. At Source Dining, owner-chef Tim Foster serves up hatted creations, accompanied by a wine list that holds two Australian Wine List of the Year Glasses. Try the local beef tartare, with pickled farm beetroot, beetroot mayonnaise, cured yolk, fresh horseradish, salt and vinegar kale, and potato chips. Most produce comes straight from the kitchen garden. Alternatively, there are excellent woodfired pizzas at Olive Jones in Macedon. SOAK AND SINK INTO SPAS Every visit to Daylesford should involve a long, long soak in Hepburn Springs' warm, nutrient-rich mineral waters. Victorians have been onto this since 1895, when Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa was built. The complex, which scored a $13-million revamp in 2008, hosts two social pools, as well as private tubs for those keen to rejuvenate in peace. Once you've bathed, try drinking the waters: various springs are dotted around Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Alternatively, at Salus Day Spa at Lake House Hotel, sink into a deep tub in a treehouse, surrounded by blonde timber and lush greenery. Also in Hepburn Springs is Shizuka Ryokan, a Japanese wellness retreat, inspired by ryokans: ancient inns where samurai warriors would go to rest and reflect. Don a kimono and wander around the minimalist grounds before settling in for a spa treatment – be it a Geisha facial based on 1200-year-old techniques or a shiatsu massage. FINE INDOOR PURSUITS Now that you're thoroughly relaxed, it's time to get arty at the Convent Gallery, a mansion turned convent turned gallery. Or get your hands dirty with a sourdough-making workshop at RedBeard Historic Bakery, Trentham, where the results will be baked in a massive 19th-century oven. If that sounds like too much thinking, get even more relaxed with a wine tasting session at Passing Clouds' stunning cellar door in Musk, just five minutes' drive from town, before continuing to Daylesford Cider Company for mulled ciders, made with organic apples, by the fire. THE COSIEST SLEEP SPOTS One of the hands-down best things about winter is snuggling in bed, ensconced in doonas, woollen blankets and piles of pillows. Add a roaring fire, and there's no going anywhere. Luckily, Daylesford and its surrounds are packed with dreamy retreats. At the luxe end of the scale is Clifftop At Hepburn, where private villas come with spectacular views, spas, stone hot tubs, massage chairs and fireplaces. Another collection of beautiful villas surrounded by bushland is Kudos. These architect-designed wonders offer fireplaces and spa areas that open onto private decks. To step back in time, sleep over at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, built in 1935. There's a day spa onsite, with mineral water baths, heated to 37 degrees Celsius, stunning Italian gardens and Stuart Rattle-designed lounges, splashed with marble, leather and polished wood. Rooms vary from cosy classics to a four-bedroom villa built in 1864. For a stay in downtown Daylesford, book at Frangos. Think high ceilings, spa baths and quirky touches, such as hand-embroidered pillows, mirror walls and velvet bed heads. There's also an in-house Endota Spa. To explore more winter indulgences in the Daylesford region and get booking, visit the Wander Victoria website. Top image: Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel.
It's big, it's bold, it's unapologetic, and it's fresh off the smoker, folks. Yep, Melbourne's finest food destination, Il Mercato Centrale has officially launched Il Texan Barbecue. Famous for pizza, pasta and other delicious Italian delights, Il Mercato Centrale is now expanding its culinary borders via some of the world's most fabulous food artisans, starting with Armstrong Barbecue. From Wednesday, March 5, the stellar team are bringing house-made beef sausages, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and juicy pulled pork to your dining doorstep. Il Texan Barbecue is a purist's spin on the Central Texas-style barbecue. Leading the feast is pitmaster and Executive Chef, Nathan Zammit, working alongside co-founder and Texan native Tim Jordan. Zammit has worked in some of Europe's best-loved kitchens, and is dedicated to the artistry of the perfect barbecue – from the ideal brisket bark to the deep smoke rings that make or break legendary pitmasters. Expect fire, smoke and the good-ol' fashioned hard work required to knock up the best damn brisket you can imagine – napkins, please! "The best way to eat Texas barbecue is with your hands, a stack of butcher paper and plenty of napkins," says Zammit. Every bite represents an authentic experience, adds Jordan. "In Texas, barbecue isn't just food," he says. "It's a tradition, a way of life. You don't just 'make' barbecue; you honour it. The fire, the patience, the wood, it all matters. If you're not waking up at 3am to tend the pit, you're not doing it right." Smoked "low and slow" for 12-18 hours over seasoned local hardwoods, the collagen-rich cut and absolute king of a dish becomes smoky, tender perfection, with a crisp black bark and melt-in-your-mouth interior. It's uncompromising, with that simple elegance you can only get from true culinary craftsmanship – plus just the right amount of salt, black pepper, smoke and time. So, whether you're grabbing yourself a solo tray or enjoying a mouth-watering feast with friends, count on the kind of food that's worth waiting for. Get those tastebuds ready for an authentic experience – with all the bells, whistles and smoke rings you can handle. Il Texan Barbecue is now on the menu at Il Mercado Centrale, 546 Collins St, Melbourne. Find out more at the website.
When TRANCE was added to Dark Mofo's 2023 lineup, it didn't just gift the festival a three-day theatre-meets-rave performance from Berlin-based Chinese artist Tianzhuo Chen. It did that, of course, but it also distilled the essence of the Tasmanian winter fest down into one must-see event. At this show, you don't just buy a ticket, take a seat and get 90 minutes of entertainment. Rather, you wander in and out, enjoying a true experience — and, in the ultimate act of fest surrender, you let yourself go along for the ride. That really is Dark Mofo in a nutshell. Each year, its June lineup features much that you need to plan ahead to attend; hot tickets sell out, and fast. But if there's ever been an arts festival that lends itself to seeing where the moment takes you, embracing the unexpected and revelling in the moment, it's this one. And, gloriously, that makes it a delight for last-minute planners. Haven't locked in your Dark Mofo schedule yet? We understand — and we're here to help. Now that the festival is underway until Thursday, June 22, the CP Team has put together a guide to our top picks for a stunning time if you're the kind of person who only decides what they're doing on the day. Obviously, TRANCE is on the list, but so are nine other standouts. [caption id="attachment_904503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] DEAFHEAVEN PERFORMING SUNBATHER Ten years ago, almost to the day, Sunbather changed metal music. Its transcendent mix of glistening guitars, hellish black metal vocals and impassioned drums were divisive at the time, but would go on to influence musicians both inside and beyond heavy metal spheres for the next decade. A festival exclusive, Deafheaven Performing Sunbather is a must-see for fans of any kind of rock music. The seasoned performers will be hitting the Odeon stage on Thursday, June 15 for an hour-long tour through their beloved album. You'll hear the epic first rising note of 'Dream House', then everything through to the grand fadeout of 'The Pecan Tree' — and you'll hear something astonishing. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_886260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Marianna Wytyczak[/caption] A DIVINE COMEDY If you're heading south to Dark Mofo's fortnight-long dedication to hedonism, you probably already know that you're in for all-day debauchery, boundary-pushing displays of creativity and a bloody great time. But if you haven't locked in your itinerary, A Divine Comedy is a stellar choice to add to your lineup. This two-hour Australian-exclusive movement piece comes from choreographer Florentina Holzinger, whose work is characterised by a fusion of dance, stunts and pushing her audience's comfort levels to the max. In this piece, we join Dante on her travels through "hell, purgatory and paradise". Through a red haze, an all-female-identifying cast brings to life the journey of horror, joy and everything in between — with motocross, hypnosis and plenty of bodily fluids thrown in, too. There are tickets available for Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18, with the Sunday show Auslan interpreted for those with accessibility needs. Grace MacKenzie, Branded Content Manager [caption id="attachment_904505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] SILENT SYMPHONY Sound and vision. It's such a simple combination, and it hums at the heart of all festival experiences. We see. We listen. We're engaged, entertained and maybe even transformed — including (or perhaps especially) when we're in darkness, hearing kinetic light and sound instruments, all thanks to Silent Symphony by London-based arts collective United Visual Artists. Part of Dark Mofo's free program, and letting attendees drop in from 4–10pm Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 14–Thursday, June 15, this City Hall work has a clear purpose: to send its audience into the cosmos. Everything seen and heard is inspired by the belief that the universe has its own inaudible music, with UVA creating a piece that mimics planetary orbit. If stepping into a haze and being enveloped by what follows is your kind of release, prepare to be transported. Sarah Ward, Associate Editor SEX + DEATH DAYCLUB So many of Dark Mofo's events are scheduled in the evenings, but I'm keen to explore even more during the day. That's why the Sex + Death Dayclub is on my agenda. This nightclub is only open during the afternoon, and is hidden within the Mona museum itself, running from Friday, June 9–Monday, June 12 and again from Friday, June 16–Monday, June 19. Simply purchase entry into the museum and find the club at the IMPORT EXPORT lounge. Inside, you'll grab some drinks, hide (or dance) in some dark corners of the installation, and listen to DJs and live music chosen by Hobart-based artist Ben Salter. Either start your day here or kick on to this joint in the morning, after a big night out at some of Dark Mofo's other wild events. Andrew Zuccala, SEO Editor [caption id="attachment_904563" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zuriaake, Grywnn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HYMNS TO THE DEAD I'm no longer in my moshing prime (in fact I'm years past it), but I still believe that thrashing in a circle pit is a pastime that's truly ageless. Putting the 'dark' in Dark Mofo is Hymns to the Dead — a black metal extravaganza featuring a triumvirate of acts traversing three continents for a night of metal carnage and axe-crunching musical brutality. On the lineup: Haunter from the USA, Zuriaake from China (yes there's a ripe metal scene in China worth investigating) and Dødheimsgard, the legendary Norwegian visionaries of the genre. If spiritual enlightenment is what you seek at Dark Mofo and extreme loud noise is your pathway to achieving it, you just might find the divine here. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director [caption id="attachment_898571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] WINTER FEAST If you're in Hobart for Dark Mofo, a visit to the Winter Feast across Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Thursday, June 15–Sunday, June 18 is a must. Arrive hungry and dive headfirst into 85-plus different culinary stallholders ranging from tender barbecue and local wines to sustainable cheeses and next-level s'mores. Chef's Table alum Ana Roš is flying in for the occasion to headline the food fest with a four-course exploration of Slovenian and Tasmanian eats. Some other choice suggestions for stallholders to hit up include Bruny Island Oysters (a must when in Tassie); Moo Brew, which has created a limited-edition Winter IPA; Formosa Bites, serving up chargrilled satay squid on a stick; Baked Snow, for deep-fried Taiwanese chicken or scallop sandwiches; and Eden Pantry, for a homely serving of apple pie and vanilla ice cream to round out your night. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_904568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ogoh Ogoh: The Burning, Dark Mofo, 2022. Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2022. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2022.[/caption] BLUE VELVET LOUNGE Didn't make it to Dark Mofo in time for the David Lynch-inspired masquerade ball, which kicked off the already weird and wild fest in the most fitting manner possible? Don't worry, there's more where that came from. You don't need to don a mask to hit the Blue Velvet Lounge, but you will be in a place most wonderful and strange. Here's hoping that cherry pie will be on the menu. Open nightly from Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 14–Sunday, June 18, and free to enter, this Dark Park spot is all about hanging out over tunes, performances, bites and beverages — Dark Mofo-style, of course, which means that anything can and will happen. It's also home to this year's ogoh-ogoh, the sculpture that invites attendees to write down their fears, which will be burnt at the end of this year's run. Sarah Ward, Associate Editor [caption id="attachment_897774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Blake. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] TRANCE Drop-in drop-out 12-hour performance TRANCE from Tianzhuo Chen plunges you into an immersive otherworldly space filled with cartoonish larger-than-life creatures. Here, from Thursday, June 8–Saturday, June 10, you'll find a group of multi-talented performers flexing their range of talents across the mammoth day-to-night show. Depending when you arrive, you might find yourself among a bassy DJ set, a crunk dance-off, a concert from a metal band or a ambient wave of electronic music. Whichever awaits, they'll be accompanied by the movement of the troupe, with the goal of making you truly connect with the moment and your experience, and — as the name says — putting you into a state of trance. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_895366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] TRENTEMØLLER If you're like me, aka a poor planner through and through, then you might not be organised to head down to Dark Mofo until the closing days of the festival. That's fine, because events like Trentemøller's Tasmanian stop are on the schedule to keep us latecomers occupied — I'll see you there. The Danish electronic music composer hits MAC2, a large waterfront space, on Sunday, June 18. And for this show, he's taking cues from an environment that has a lot in common with Dark Mofo: Scandinavia. Kicking off at 9pm, the concert will flit between a state of frenetic and the serene, fuelled by electronic shoegaze tunes. Will we feel a viking spirit? Fingers crossed. Alec Jones, Junior Writer [caption id="attachment_898330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] NIGHT MASS: EXSTASIA You haven't done Dark Mofo right if you haven't added Night Mass: Exstasia to your itinerary. Here, you can let all of your worries fade away as the music captivates your senses. This must-attend event will take you on an intoxicating journey across genres, from techno and synth-pop to manic garage and baile funk, as you tear up the dance floor — and there's still tickets on offer for Friday, June 9 and Friday, June 16. Whichever evening you pick, expect a lineup of memorable tunes featuring influences around the world, and likely discovering your new favourite artists. And, of course, dancing well into the early hours of the next morning. Nishika Sharma, Editorial Assistant Dark Mofo 2023 runs from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania, with tickets on sale now. Still looking for Dark Mofo inspiration? Check out our wholesome-to-hedonistic guide, which'll help you stack your festival itinerary based on the level of chaos you're after. Top image: TRANCE by Tianzhuo Chen | Dark Mofo 2023. Photo credit: Camille Blake. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Martha Marcy May Marlene is a moving psychological thriller detailing the plight of Martha (Elizabeth Olson), who has recently spent two years living with an abusive cult and its deceivingly charming leader (John Hawkes). After her escape, she reunites with her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy). She attempts to mould her life back to routine, yet is unwilling to divulge details of her mysterious and lengthy disappearance. Despite her family's concerns and inquiries, Martha's history is still kept hidden in darkness and the film pivots around the haunting memories of her ordeal. When such memories begin to fuel her paranoia and the fear that she may be recaptured, Martha becomes a victim of her past as her concept of reality becomes distorted with immense vigour. A dark and magnetic exploration of human consciousness, Martha Marcy May Marlene exposes the unturned side of humanity that we fear to recognise. The film is directed and written by Sean Durkin, who won the esteemed award for "Best Director" at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011, and opens in cinemas February 2. Courtesy of Fox Searchlight, Concrete Playground has twenty double passes to giveaway. To win tickets to Martha Marcy May Marlene, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au by 5pm on Friday, January 21. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KFu-zcQ7Mh4
Camberwell cafe The Old Garage has made quite the name for itself with its progressive, plant-driven menu, which offers vegan options for every single dish. And this month, it's celebrating its first birthday in the most fitting way possible — with a big day of animal-friendly fun. Join in the block party shenanigans from 11am on Saturday, March 6, when chef and co-owner Prince Dib fires up the barbecue for a vegan feast featuring snags from Ascot Vale's The Kynd Butcher. It'll taste good and feel good, with all profits going to support the New Life For Animals Rehoming Centre. Then, from 2–4pm, it's your pooch's time to shine, thanks to a free photo studio shoot taking happy snaps of the day's four-legged guests. And as always, there'll be plenty of puppuccinos on offer, with proceeds from each of the dog-friendly drinks heading to local no-kill animal shelters and sanctuaries, like Loki's Lodge in Derrinal.
Fitzroy has welcomed a new haven of 70s disco dazzle, as The Lame Duck arrives to heat things up this summer. Behind a glittering gold door and up a flight of stairs on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets, this newbie's rocking a retro pool room aesthetic with a definite disco edge. Cementing those old-school party vibes, expect a healthy dose of wood panelling, a shrine to the one and only Cher, a working photo booth for late-night happy snaps, and a Billy Bass presiding happily over the room. A vintage purple pool table snookers all the others in town, and enormous booths — decked out in hot pink palm trees, no less — are primed for group festivities. With a nifty 4am licence, and a couple of hospitality veterans at the helm, it's a place where letting your hair down is most certainly encouraged. The cocktail offering is embracing the very best of eras past, slinging new-school takes on some of the 70s' best-known daggy drinks. There's the daring Mezcal Sunrise ($18) with pink grapefruit juice, a piña colada-margarita mash-up ($18) and the signature Lame Fluffy Duck ($18) — a gin and Aperol sour. They're all ten bucks if you get there for happy hour between 5–7pm Tuesday to Thursday. More retro classics pepper the snacks menu; you'll find yourself stepping back in time with bites like pickled onions, hot dogs and an oozy baked camembert fondue. Meanwhile, the DJ tunes will be spinning nightly, with residents like JNETT and Capt'n Shergz throwing down a hearty mix of disco, funk and soul jams. Be sure to bring your party shoes — dancing on the tables is a-ok at The Lame Duck. At least for the time being. Images: Jess Middleton.
When winter rolls around, it's all too easy to hide away and only catch glimpses of the outside world through your Instagram feed. This year, fight the urge to bundle up on the couch for the next few months and go cure the inevitable wanderlust you'll get from scrolling through social media. You don't even have to go that far. Especially when spots like Port Stephens are an easy 2.5-hour drive away. You might associate the area with sun and surf, but it's packed with spots that are perfect for chilly days, too. Picture yourself kicking back in a comfy couch with a top-shelf tipple while staring out at still water. Or, how about blissing out in a hot tub after an aromatherapy massage? Then there are the whales. 'Tis the season for watching after all. We've got your itinerary covered below. Now, all you've gotta do is book the trip. [caption id="attachment_774058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SET SAIL TO WATCH FOR WHALES Between May and October every year, thousands of humpback whales swim along Australia's east coast, and one of the best places to watch them just so happens to be Port Stephens. Climb aboard a tour that you can book though Concrete Playground Trips to spend three hours cruising in the deep, looking out for tail slaps, body rolls and breaches. Alternatively, stick to the land — some of the best spots include Tomaree Head, Boat Harbour, Anna Bay and Fishermans Bay. GET UP CLOSE TO AUSTRALIA'S CUTEST MARSUPIALS We bet you have a soft spot for koalas because, well, who doesn't? And if you want to see these cuddly creatures up close — and contribute to local preservation and conservation efforts — we suggest paying a visit to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Set within eight hectares of bushland, the sanctuary includes a koala hospital, Sanctuary Story Walk (a 250-metre pathway telling the story of the koala and its habitat) and the Newcastle Airport Skywalk — a 225-metre elevated pathway that provides a treetop-style experience in the koalas' natural habitat. The sanctuary has accommodation on-site, too, including glamping tents and suites, if you'd like to spend a little longer in the koalas' bushland retreat. Overnight guests are treated to an early-morning tour during the morning feeding routine, so you can see the koalas at their most active. INDULGE IN A TREATMENT AT SPA LUCCA A really good winter escape should involve a long spa treatment, which you'll conveniently find at Spa Lucca. As soon as you step into the peaceful, ocean-inspired surroundings, you'll feel instantly at ease. The extensive menu covers aromatherapy massages, chakra balancing sessions, body polishes and plenty more, including several signature 'rituals'. There's also a blissful private bath, where you can soak your stresses away, as well as a sauna and steam room. To go all-out, book a package, which bundles a bunch of treatments into one ultra-relaxing session. [caption id="attachment_774065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GO ON A 4WD BEACH AND SAND DUNE ADVENTURE This 4WD trek takes you to all the best bits of Birubi Beach, including the famous Stockton Sand Dunes — the biggest dunes in the entire Southern Hemisphere. At the dunes, the guide will take you sandboarding with all the equipment provided. It's guaranteed to be the most fun you've had since you threw yourself down a grassy hillside as a kid. Then you'll glide across the coast to gawk at stunning sites and search for pipis wiggling about the shore. You can then take a few back to your accom to taste later. GO TOP SHELF IN A WHISKY BAR Your wintry escapades continue at Moby's Bar. Sink into a leather lounge, surrounded by mahogany and stone, and sip your way through whiskies from all over the world. There are even a few bottles from Port Ellen, on the island of Islay, which closed in 1983 and is now considered one of the most coveted drops on the planet. To sample some top whiskies, head there between 4–6pm for happy hour. Afterwards, head to The Wild Herring to feast on local seafood, like seared scallop croquettes and Moreton Bay bug pies — nothing says winter by the beach quite like a hot seafood pie. EAT OYSTERS STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM For some people, loving oysters is in their blood. Take the Holberts, a Port Stephens family who've been farming the tasty little molluscs for five generations. Their business is now one of the biggest oyster producers in New South Wales — even with plenty of fierce competition. The best part of all this is that you're welcome to drop by the farm, chat about what they've learned over the past 100 or so years and taste the results — freshly shucked. Plus, you can do all that while sitting on the waterfront and sipping a beer or wine. And, if you happen to have a bottle of something special in your suitcase, you're welcome to BYO (wine only). [caption id="attachment_716523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Spencer OEH[/caption] STROLL ALONG WRECK BEACH There are 26 beaches in Port Stephens, so it's never difficult to find a stretch of sand to call yours for a day. While many are well-known to locals and visitors, others are harder to find — and don't attract as many weekend crowds. One of these is Wreck Beach, a glorious cove tucked away behind Shoal Bay. To get there, and feed your intrepid spirit at the same time, take the Wreck Beach Walk (currently closed for repairs), a one-kilometre trek through coastal angophora forest. Once you're on the sand, keep a lookout for whales and dolphins; Port Stephens is home to a resident dolphin community, which numbers somewhere between 90 and 120. [caption id="attachment_716286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] High Tea at Galley Kitchen[/caption] HAVE HIGH TEA WITH UNLIMITED BUBBLY If there's one delicious way to while away a winter's afternoon, it has to be at a high tea with bottomless sparkling wine. And the only way you could make it even better is with tranquil, dreamy waterscapes to gaze at — which is exactly what you'll get in The Galley Kitchen. Set in an airy, light-filled space with expansive views over Port Stephens, the tea is available every day from 2.30–4.30pm. It'll set you back $89 but that includes unlimited sparkling wine, plus as much Ronnefeldt Tea as you can drink. 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 image: Tomaree Head Summit, Destination NSW
A sunny afternoon spent hanging out in a historic garden, smashing bubbly and playing petanque — it sounds like something out of some European holiday, but it's a situation you can find under an hour away from Melbourne. Cleveland Winery's lush green grounds are located in Lancefield — and it has views of the vineyard and the Macedon Ranges. On warm days you can eat and drink out of on the deck, or head indoors to the restaurant, which doles out dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and woodfired pizza on weekend afternoons. Make sure you head down to the winery's famous underground cellar door to smaple some of the winery's shiraz, chardonnay and sparkling pinot noir.
Across the bay in Melbourne's first port settlement, you'll find a culture-rich suburb of restaurants, boutiques, bars and the best of a waterside lifestyle. Williamstown retains aesthetic cues from its gold rush history and past industrial days, with the multicultural influences of its surrounding suburbs and its proximity to the city adding to the pull of the town. The constantly evolving suburb is also home to plenty of great local businesses. To help you navigate the shops and eateries, we've teamed up with American Express to bring you this handy guide to shopping small in Williamstown. Head to Melbourne's west for a day, afternoon or even just a cheeky hour of browsing — and make sure you're armed with your American Express Card, too, because you're sure to fall in love with several things.
In early 2018, cult-favourite gelateria Pidapipo celebrated the launch of its new Degraves Street store, off the back of its first two sweet successes in Carlton and Windsor. Pidapipo stands out for many reasons, but a physical different to other Melbourne gelato shops is that you don't actually see your scoop until it's sitting in its cone, in your very own hand. Lisa Valmorbida, the owner of the Pidapipo, brought in a stainless steel Italian-built pozzetti fridge — meaning literally under the lid — where the gelato is kept hidden away at an optimal temperature so you know you're tasting the gelato at its best. The CBD store showcases Pidapipo's signature range of traditional flavours and inventive creations, from the dreamy dulche de leche to the black sesame. And it's also home to a few exclusive, CBD-only additions, including four granitas in flavours like raspberry and blood orange. We know you're already thinking about after-work snacks. One of the new CBD-exclusive additions, launching on Sunday, December 9, is Pidapipo's new range of (super nostalgic) sundaes — or coppa gelato. Set to feature permanently on the menu, the sundaes are $11 each and come in four different flavours: Banana Split, made from fior di latte gelato and topped with a cherry (of course); a strawberry- and whipped cream-heavy Ultra Fragola; a diner-style Malt Crumble with salted caramel gelato and caramel sauce; and the Classic — with chocolate gelato, fudge and nuts. To launch the new range, the CBD store will be kicking off a new Sundae Sessions event series. From 2–6pm on Sunday, December 9, head in store for sundaes with a side of live art and music. While the sundaes are only available at the CBD store for now, Pidapipo is hoping to launch them at the Carlton and Windsor stores in 2019. The new Pidapipo is located at 8 Degraves Street, Melbourne. The free gelato will be available from 12–3pm, and the store is open from 12–11pm daily. For more info, visit pidapipo.com.
You're hitting the road on tour and you're only playing the greatest hits. That's one fine way to do the South Island of New Zealand, a destination known for its jaw-on-the-floor scenery, geological wonders, and oh so many gateways to adventure. Our tip? Start in the northwest corner of the island and drive clockwise. You'll hit every region — each with some miracle of landscape and gastronomy to call its own — see seven sublime sights, and emerge satisfied at the end. TASMAN: SPLIT APPLE ROCK Best accessed by way of the ocean, Abel Tasman National Park's Split Apple Rock is a vision emerging from the deep. The natural enigma is the gateway to one of the country's most stunning national parks, surrounded by 237 kilometres of blue waters and golden sands. The granite rock sits 50 metres out into the bay, and as local legend has it, the spherical form was cut by two gods arguing over it. Geologists, meanwhile, believe that the rock was split like an apple during one of the country's ice ages. These days, it's a popular spot for sea kayaking and swimming. You can float right up to the rock and marvel in the nature and wildlife surrounding it. The awe-inspiring beauty is just a taste of the Abel Tasman, which can be walked, kayaked or sailed in however many days your wanderlust desires. Other notable Tasman mentions: Wharariki Beach, Te Waikoropupu Springs. NELSON: LAKE ROTOITI A short drive inland from the abundance of beaches in Nelson, lies Lake Rotoiti, a gem in the region's second national park. The iconic view of the boat ramp, adored by local families and eels alike, stretches to the furthest reaches of the lake, and into the mountains in the distance. In winter, the snowy peaks reflect off the glassy surface. In summer, lush native bushland is a backdrop for children jumping into the water. Native birds can be spied in nearby bushes, with tracks circling the water's edge, and friendly Kiwis are never hard to find if you're looking to dabble in watersports. The money-maker? Watching the sun go down, and the sudden realisation that there's nothing but you and nature. It's captivating. Other notable Nelson mentions: Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Blue Lake. MARLBOROUGH: QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND Chances are you have breezed through this beauty on a trip from the capital to head further south but have never taken advantage of the natural wonder at your fingertips. The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys, mountains plummeting into the blue waters below. The calm waters are inhabited by dolphins, whales and friendly fish often caught by locals for food, and the sandy beaches are inhabited by laidback Kiwis and their baches that have passed through the generations. Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the largest channels in the network of bays and mountains and, like much of the country, can be enjoyed by boat or foot. The walking track is an easy route, showcasing some of the best sights all the way through to the capital, and can be done in three to five days. Pick of the bunch? Standing on the corner of the South Island, watching the sun rise over the North. Other notable Marlborough mentions: French Pass, Winery Tour. CANTERBURY: AORAKI/MOUNT COOK Aoraki/Mount Cook has a commanding presence, with a sharp peak and plummeting crevasses. The sheer sight is enough to keep you on edge, but the company of the mountain is oddly comforting. This is the tallest mountain in the country, standing 3,724 metres, and has an ability to render anyone speechless. Ngai Tahu, the main iwi of the region, consider Aoraki as the most sacred of the ancestors that they had descended from. The name is believed to mean cloud piercer. Ascending the steep peak is no easy feat and should be reserved for the most experienced climbers, or those safely tucked inside a helicopter. From Hooker Lake, south of the mountain, the modern explorer can indulge in the ever-inspiring lake and mountain duo. As you drive into the region, past the electric blue Lake Pukaki, and catch the first glimpse of the mountain in the background, you know you're in for a vision of a lifetime. Other notable Canterbury mentions: Lake Tekapo, seal spotting at Kaikoura. OTAGO: ROY'S PEAK Prepare to put in the hard yards to make this Instagram a reality. The five-hour round trek to Roy's Peak has been known to test the fittest climbers, but the view from the top is comparable only to being on Pride Rock. It's overwhelming when you stand on the edge of something so big, with the furthest corners of the country in sight. Gazing over Lake Wanaka, you can spot that Wanaka Tree, and see to the peak of Mount Aspiring in the distance. Bonus: The steep ascent will help you condition your glutes. In a region rich with adventure tourism, from skiing to jetboating, skydiving to bungee jumping, the breath of fresh air at the summit of Roy's Peak is a moment of solace. Take it all in, pinch yourself, it's real. Other notable Otago mentions: Moeraki Boulders, Tunnel Beach. SOUTHLAND: MILFORD SOUND There's no sight more sobering than standing at the foot of some of the world's most remote peaks. Watching lonesome waterfalls fall into endless ocean. It's a sight that's so iconically New Zealand, so undeniably unmissable, and it's all waiting at Milford Sound. This south corner of the country can be explored by foot, discovered by air or taken in by boat venturing through the never-ending turns of the fiord. Buses to Queenstown are abundant, and water tours of Milford Sound depart frequently. Guides will direct you to graceful waterfalls and sharp peaks that can be snapped from afar and savoured forever. Other notable Southland mentions: The Catlins, Stewart Island. WEST COAST: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER A sight slowly slipping from our grasps, nothing is more striking than the geological wonder that is Franz Josef Glacier. Standing at the base of the icy slopes gives you a real feeling of how vast this country is. There are rare rock formations, frozen rivers from centuries past, mountainous peaks to one side and a blue ocean to the other. It can be dumbfounding if you think too much. A one-hour hike will get you to the base of the glacier, but the best seat in the house is slightly further uphill. Almer Hut is one of the humblest abodes on the planet, though it sits atop dramatic snowy peaks and stark cliff faces. Visitors can enjoy a view down Franz Josef Glacier to the rugged West Coast beaches below. The hike is for experienced climbers, but many local companies offer heli-tours to the picture perfect palace. Other notable West Coast mentions: Punakaiki, Oparara Arches. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
After spending the last few years in the grasp of tweens and sexless Mormons, it's good to see the vampire movie finally biting back. From the ingenious goofiness of What We Do in the Shadows to the eerie urban decay of Only Lovers Left Alive, it's been a banner year for big screen bloodsuckers, a trend that continues at ACMI this month with the most fascinating shakeup to the genre yet. Sexy, scary and fearlessly subversive, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a last minute contender for one of the best films of 2014. Billed as the world's first Iranian Vampire Western, the debut film from writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour takes place on the outskirts of an industrial ghost town, ominously named Bad City. It's here that an aloof young vampire in heavy eye makeup and billowing chador (Sheila Vand) stalks the streets in search of victims to devour. What she doesn't count on, however, is the romantic attention of a handsome local drug dealer (Arash Marandi), who unwittingly presents her with a difficult choice: pursue a relationship or eat him for dinner. If the plot sounds thin, that's probably because it is. A spiritual descendent of David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch, the California-based Amirpour is far less concerned with narrative than she is with style and atmosphere. The moody black and white cinematography further enhances the film's already palpable sense of menace, while also calling to mind prototypical vampire movies such as Vampyr and the original Dracula. The eclectic soundtrack is equally evocative, Amirpour spinning a Tarantino-esque blend of European and Iranian pop music combined with the rousing strains of an old school Spaghetti Western. Yet despite her aesthetic self-consciousness, Amirpour's film is in no way lacking in substance. While vampire stories are traditionally about sexuality, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night reframes the discussion to focus more on gender. It's obviously not a coincidence that Vand's vigilante vamp feeds exclusively on misogynistic men. Likewise the pointed choice of costume: her traditional head-to-toe black garb, so often viewed as a sign of oppression, re-appropriated as a symbol of her power. Even the film's title is misleading. Amirpour sets us up to expect a helpless victim, only to deliver something very different indeed. Bold and surprising, this is a truly stunning debut. Do everything you can to seek it out.
In what could possibly be the most exciting music news to hit our shores in recent memory, Radiohead have announced a tour of Australian and New Zealand in 2012. This will be Radiohead's first Australian tour in eight years, and the band's first to New Zealand since 1998. With the release of their eighth album, The King of Limbs, in February 2011, Radiohead have steered away from their rock foundations to become more experimental with electronic sound and vocals. Tickets are set to go on sale on Thursday, March 1, but a limited number have been made available via the band's site. To get in before the rush click here (Update: these tickets have now sold out). More pre-sale tickets will be available here at 12pm (EST) on Tuesday, February 27, or you can buy regular release tickets at Ticketek from 10am (EST) on Thursday. Australian and New Zealand 2012 tour dates: Friday, 6th November 2012 - Vector Arena, New Zealand Friday, 9th November 2012 - Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Monday 12th November 2012 - Entertainment Centre, Sydney Tuesday 13th November 2012 - Entertainment Centre, Sydney Friday, 16th November 2012 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, 17th November 2012 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne https://youtube.com/watch?v=7AJrCsp2Ago
When one door closes, another one opens. And, in the case of Melbourne institution Brunetti, that door is bigger and better than ever before. Forced out of its longstanding Collins Street cafe due to works on Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel, the Italian cafe has landed itself new and improved digs, opening a sprawling venue connecting Flinders Lane and Collins Street. It's a fresh look for an old favourite — the 300-seater boasting a smart, contemporary fit-out, as imagined by the team at Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Think, brass accents, sleek marble and a 15.5-metre-high mural of an Italian town square. The food offering has entered a new era too, with executive chef Simon Moss (ex-Entrecote) plating up full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to complement Brunetti's mind-blowing array of signature cakes and pastries. Dishes like spaghetti carbonara with cured egg yolk, and vitello tonnato bruschetta are served up on tableware crafted by local artist Glen Tebble, while pizzas get the proper Italian treatment, wood-fired in a Marana Forni oven suspended from the ceiling. There's also a Campari bar, dedicated to the classic Italian Spritz, sections for deli goods and takeaway wines, and an espresso bar where waistcoated baristas are working with an exclusive Lavazza coffee blend. Food images: Gareth Sobey.
Summer in Melbourne means many things — outdoor cinemas, rooftop bars and balmy evening walks with gelato in hand. It also means it's time for the city's epic four-day celebration of food, drink, art and entertainment: Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux. The much-loved festival will return this December, transforming Yarra Park into a playground for all ages. With a host of new events, including collaborations between some of Melbourne's best chefs and artists, and masterclasses galore, you'll want to add this summer food festival to your calendar. During the day, meander through the marketplace and stop for a chat with one of the artisan producers — there are more than 100 to choose from. Later, meet up with friends for a gourmet picnic in the park to savour some street food, indulge in a drink or two and admire the glowing canopy of trees as the sun sets. If choosing from this year's line-up seems like too much — let us help. We've collated our top picks of the festival's new and exciting experiences, so you can relax and enjoy the full extent of what Taste has to offer. AFTER DARK PARTY While Taste is known for its daytime activities, workshops and masterclasses, this year's event won't stop there. In fact, on Friday and Saturday night, festival goers will be able to wine, dine and boogie well into the evening. The canopy of trees high above Yarra Park will sparkle with glittering neon lights while a killer line-up of musicians and DJs — including electronic duo GL and Melbourne soul singer Fraser A. Gorman — will come together to transform the festival into a late-night party destination below. Once you've worked up an appetite on the dance floor, you'll be able to dig into sophisticated snacks and sip on creative concoctions — including a complimentary welcome drink from Archie Rose. ARCHIE ROSE GIN BLENDING CLASS If you don't mind a cheeky G&T, head along to a blending class hosted by one of Archie Rose Distilling Co.'s gin wizards. Offering masterclasses across the four days, this is your chance to learn a little more about the history of the well-loved spirit and to blend your very own 200ml bottle from a range of botanical distillates. Archie Rose was founded in Sydney just three years ago as the city's first working distillery since 1853, as well as a cocktail bar. But what the young brand lacks in age, it makes up for in excellently handcrafted gin, vodka and whisky. Whether you're new to the gin scene, dabble in home distilling or simply want to expand your knowledge of the spirit, the Archie Rose team are keen to share a gin-spirational class with you. CREATIVE COLABS This exclusive collaboration project will unite local chefs and artists in arguably the most exciting new event to grace Taste 2017. Four of Melbourne's top chefs will team up with graffiti artists, designers and sculptors to create an iconic dish and limited edition artwork exclusively for the festival. Mamasita's Michael Smith is one of the four. He's pairing up with street artist Josh Muir (you might have seen his work at White Night 2016) to concoct offerings inspired by Mexico. Shadowboxer head chef Liz Contini will also take part, collaborating with illustrator and photographer Evie Cahir, while celebrity chef Scott Pickett, of ESP and Estelle Bistro, and artist Geoff Nees will share their love of minimalism to create something truly special. The Press Club's superstar owner and chef George Calombaris will also grace the festival, working with artist Ash Keating (pictured) on a creative passion project. OPENING NIGHT TENTH BIRTHDAY BASH Don't miss the chance to celebrate a decade of Taste at the Opening Night Birthday Bash. Both a celebration of Melbourne's food scene and a reflection of what it has produced over the past ten years — food trends, signature dishes and drink concoctions — the party will see some of the city's best chefs, bartenders and musicians come together for a night of fun. The celebration will be held in a boho sanctuary with Persian rugs, comfy couches and a spacious dance floor (so you can show off all your best moves). Alongside snacks and and free-flowing wine, there'll be sweets created by Glace's Christy Tania. Tania will be creating the dessert in collaboration with a clothing designer so assume it'll be equally wearable and edible. TASTE TIPIS For a more glamorous Taste experience, book a session at one of the festival's new Taste Tipis. These luxurious tents are arguably the most indulgent way to sample all the festival has to offer. Each tipi can fit up to ten people and each comes with a personal host to deliver drinks to your group. Savour the moment as you sit back and relax in your little piece of paradise overlooking the rest of the festival. BAKING CLASSES AT THE LURPAK BAKERY Want to know the secret to perfect pastry? Keen to refine your tart-making skills but don't know where to start? Book in for a class at Taste's Lurpak Bakery, and master the art of baking. At the intimate 30-minute sessions, you'll quickly learn that great baked goods start with premium quality ingredients — especially when it comes to butter. Instructed by professional bakers and pastry chefs, participants will have the chance to get hands-on in the kitchen and try out their new skills, then enjoy their freshly baked, buttery creations. Keen to taste more? Visit Taste of Melbourne from Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3 at Yarra Park. Find tickets to these events and more on here.
In 2025, Sydney Opera House's annual All About Women festival is welcoming than 50 speakers, including artists, thinkers and storytellers from both Australia and overseas, to explore gender, equality and justice. This year's lineup will participate in sessions that span women in sport and the influence of the Matildas, racism and sexism in the music industry, the impacts of skincare routines, and plenty more. For 13 years, marking International Women's Day with talks, panels, workshops and performances has been as easy as attending this highlight of the cultural calendar — a must-attend event not only in Sydney, but also nationally in recent years, thanks to the streaming of sessions online (which continues in 2025). For this year, Kate Berlant and Gina Chick joined the All About Women bill first, as did the return of the Feminist Roast. Kara Swisher, Rachel House, Jaguar Jonze and Grace Tame are among the folks joining them come Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 9. Berlant is making her first trip Down Under, with the comedian and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don't Worry Darling and A League of Their Own actor set to debut a new stand-up show. Alone Australia's first-season winner Chick is on the bill fresh from releasing her memoir We Are the Stars in October, and will chat about following your own path, grief and resourcefulness. On a lineup overseen by the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas team — as led by Chip Rolley, alongside 10 News First's Narelda Jacobs and actor and writer Michelle Law — journalist and Burn Book: A Tech Love Story author Swisher will dig into the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, while Heartbreak High star and The Mountain director House will chat through the importance of community and her Māori culture in her career. Jonze is on the panel discussing the present state of the music industry, as is Barkaa. And Tame is part of the Feminist Roast alongside Michelle Brasier, Nakkiah Lui, Lucinda 'Froomes' Price and Steph Tisdell. The Tillies are on the roster via former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, plus Football Australia, the Matildas and the ParaMatildas Media Manager Ann Odong, with their session exploring the current situation for women in sport. Elsewhere, Dr Michelle Wong, Jessica DeFino and Yumi Stynes — plus Price again — will examine the impacts of beauty standards, especially upon younger generations. All About Women's 2025 program also spans sessions on the women who gave testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, the rise of domestic violence-related deaths in Australia, systems that are meant to protect First Nations children, perimenopause and how women's health is being commercialised, tradwives, grief, motherhood, the nation's declining birth rate, bodily autonomy and abortion, and being friends for life.
Praise be to science, the invisible threads that make sense of our nonsensical existence. From the cosmic majesty of astronomy to the life-saving arts of medicine, we owe a great deal to science. And, while we all spend our lives surrounded by it, let's not take it for granted. Science and the experts who champion it deserve to be celebrated — and that's exactly what happens at events like the World Science Festival Brisbane. This annual event series, taking place between Friday, March 15 and Sunday, March 24, puts the top experts from every field front and centre to talk about the wonders and mysteries of science, both the fun and important kinds. With the 2024 iteration of the World Science Festival just around the corner, here are eight events we are not going to miss. 'An Afternoon of Science' with Leigh Sales, Annabel Crabb and guests — Saturday, March 23 If there are two hosts suited to lead a discussion about the all-encompassing joys and wonders of all things scientific, it's these two entertaining, intelligent women. Leigh Sales needs no introduction; anyone who has paid attention to the news in Australia in the past ten years will recognise her and that oh-so-familiar ABC anchor voice. Joining her is an equally influential name in media, commentary and creativity: Annabel Crabb. Together, the two of them host a much-loved podcast and have recently co-authored a book, but for WSFB they'll lead a conversation with some yet-to-be-announced special guests about everything exciting happening in science. Buy tickets now. 'ADA' by Karina Smigla-Bobinski — Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 24 For something interactive, it's worth considering Curiocity Brisbane and its range of artworks running alongside WSFB 2024. Chief among them is an interactive piece titled ADA at the Cultural Forecourt in South Bank. On the surface, it's a white room containing a floating plastic orb, an orb that bears several charcoal sticks and an open encouragement for visitors to push it around as they please. The idea of the piece is more nuanced. In giving it a nudge, you contribute to the growing web of markings on the walls, ceiling and floor as the orb moves around the room. It's a lovely callback to the earliest form of human communication: drawing on the walls. It's also a tribute by German artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski to Ada Lovelace, a visionary figure in early computing. Buy tickets now. 'Cultivating the Future of Food' with Rhianna Patrick and guests — Thursday, March 22 As entertaining as a floating orb of charcoal pencils is, it's not exactly something that the future of humanity depends on. A much more significant subject in that realm of interest is the issue of food; rather, the increasing risk of food shortages in a future shaped by climate change. That's the issue on hand for this panel of experts, led by Torres Strait Islander journalist and broadcaster Rhianna Patrick. The First Nations people of Australia (and the world) have championed sustainable food practices since the dawn of civilisation so what can we take from that knowledge and apply to the future? Patrick and her guests, Suzanne Thompson and Madonna Thompson, will lead an insightful discussion to address that question. Buy tickets now. 'The Earth Above: A Deep Time View of Australia's History' — March 15 to March 24 One of the most popular destinations during WSFB is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, famous for its immersive dome cinema. This year, the starring show is a movie-length visual presentation on the huge dome screen, one that charts 140,000 years of Australian natural and cultural history. To explore that history, audiences will be transported to four locations across the country: Girraween Lagoon on Larrakia and Wulna Country near Darwin; Cloggs Cave on GunaiKurnai Country in Victoria's Gippsland region; Lake Mungo in NSW on the land of the Barkandji/Paakantyi, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people; and Jiigurru (Lizard Island) on the Great Barrier Reef, which is sacred to many, including the Dingaal people. Buy tickets now. 'Night of the Nerds' — Saturday, March 23 'Night of the Nerds' is a WSFB tradition, regularly adding a splash of hilarity to the festival program. In essence, it's a quiz show starring Aussie comedians and scientists putting their combined knowledge to the test. Hosted by whip-smart comedian Mark Humphries, two teams will enter but only one can be crowned nerds supreme. The games will star Chaser comedian Craig Reucassel, broadcaster Nate Byrne and astrophysicist Kirsten Banks, Professor Paul Young, Dr Naomi Koh Belic and more. The night will also feature a band comprised of Brisbane music luminaries like The Grates' Patience Hodgson, Velociraptor's Georgie Browning, Ball Park Music's Jen Boyce and Paul Furness, and Simi Lacroix. Buy tickets now. 'Social Science' — Friday, March 22 Another WSFB favourite, 'Social Science', is an after-dark transformation of the Queensland Museum into a space of celebration where art and science become one. Grab a science-themed cocktail from the bar and explore the museum to find one of the many free workshops and activities scattered across level two of the museum. Explore and you'll find a fashion show, live podcast recording, a drag show, live painting, an insect-pinning workshop, multiple dancefloors and after-dark entry to two of the museum's most popular exhibits: The Hatchery and Jurassic World by Brickman®. Buy tickets now. 'Life on Mars' with Graham Phillips and guests — Friday, March 22 For as long as humans have existed, we've been fascinated by the night sky. How could we not be? That beautiful mosaic has enchanted and inspired us, and as technology has taken us higher, we've started to explore it more and more. In this expert-led panel, astrophysicist and science journalist Graham Phillips will lead a conversation about the mysteries of the universe as we know them in 2024. Joining him will be Professor Tamara Davis, an accomplished astrophysicist who will share her knowledge on dark energy and the continuing expansion of the universe; Professor Kathleen Campbell, a leading expert on astrobiology who can offer insights on the ongoing search for alien life — and finally Professor Martin Van Kranendonk, an expert in early Earth research and how that can help us explore our solar system. Buy tickets now. 'Space Rocks to Moon Rocks: Paths to Life in the Solar System' — Saturday, March 23 If the solar system and the mysteries of the universe is exactly your kind of jam, then this is the unmissable event for you. Over the past few years, NASA has been set on answering fundamental questions like how our solar system came to be, how life on earth was sparked, and more. To do so, three famous missions were launched: Osiris Rex, Artemis and Perseverance Rover. What samples of the universe have these expeditions sent home? What can we learn? Discussing these questions and what this means for our many questions will be a panel made up of Professor Brian Greene, astrobiologist David Flannery and planetary researcher Phil Bland, three experts who together will do their best to chart the story of our planetary neighbourhood. Buy tickets now. World Science Festival Brisbane runs from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 24. For more information or to book tickets to one of the events, visit the website.
This artist refuses to stop sliding. Longtime lover of the playground staple, Carsten Höller has been bringing slides into his work since the '90s. Now he's installed a colossal freestanding slide at Swiss furniture company Vitra's campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Off-time just got a whole lot better for Vitra residents. Höller's latest piece, straightforwardly named Vitra Slide Tower (2014), stands at a whopping 100 feet tall. It's also a clock. Why not. “I think it would change our lives if we could slide more,” Höller told the New York Times. True that, imagine sliding from bed to work instead of that dastardly train trip. You're feeling a cheeky second morning coffee but you work in a walk-up? Sliiiiiide. You're running late but the nearest bus stop is at least twenty minutes down the hill thattaway? Sliiiiiide. You despise the Goo Goo Dolls but your housemate just cranked their Party of Five-friendly '98 single? Sliiiiiide. Höller has been using slides in his work since 1998, from the Berlin Biennale to his hugely popular 2007 work Test Site in the Turbine Hall at London's Tate Modern. More recently, Höller installed a spiralling tube slide through all four floors of NYC's New Museum as part of his stunning 2011-12 takeover exhibition Experience. You'd jump in here... ... shoot through here... ... end up here. Then race back up stairs, push the kiddies out of the way and ART AGAIN! But there's more to sliding than "WEEEEEEEEE!" Höller more eloquently quotes French sociologist Roger Caillois in his New York Times interview, seeing structures as more than their functional ability to transport things — creating what he calls a "voluptuous panic" during sliding. Höller's love for sliding is reminscent of the time a UK artist decided to build a giant Slip N Slide through Bristol, primarily because he was jaded by how people move from A to B. Either way, dudes know how to party. Via artnet and New York Times.
It would certainly be Schmuck-like (that is, foolish) not to visit one of the best bagel masters in town. Schmucks Bagels go way beyond the average poppy seed bagel, serving adventurous options such as the Hippie Slicker — a seeded bagel filled with turmeric-roasted cauliflower, hummus, watercress and tomato — and the Oy Vey, filled with pulled pork, harissa slaw and tonkatsu. Sure, the store is small, but it's totally defying what can be crammed into a round of boiled bread. While Schmucks concede that bagels are now seen as an American thing, it prides itself on tracing the history of bagels back to the 17th century Jewish bakeries of Poland, and its story is goes back to owner Jeremy Marmur's grandfather, a holocaust survivor who allowed his grandson to binge on bagels as a child. If we're going to trust anyone with a bagel in Melbourne — it's these guys. The bagels here are steamed rather than boiled, giving it a lighter texture and a full-flavoured taste. They come in a variety including sesame, seedy grain, blueberry or rye with condiments including almond butter, Nutella and cream cheese. The breakfast menu is elaborate, with 'Avo Our Way' catering for the vegetarians, while the sausage and egg filling with Kewpie mayo and iceberg is up there with the best. The 'All-Day- bagels include a nod to their Polish origins, with a turkey breast, hickory smoked bacon, kewpie, tomato and melted cheese option available, while the truffle pepperoni is a nod to New York. There are jars too, filled with either passionfruit yoghurt and dried berries or buckwheat granola with coconut yoghurt and almond milk. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Bagels in Melbourne for 2023
Regional Victoria has scored a new waterfront craft booze destination, with the launch of Nagambie Brewery & Distillery. You'll find it just a 90-minute drive out of Melbourne, perched right on Lake Nagambie and boasting some primo water views. The site, once home to the town's police camp, has been transformed into a bright, sophisticated venue, at the hands of Melbourne architecture firm Six Degrees. It's an impressive space, featuring floor-to-ceiling lakeside windows, a bar crafted from brass, steel and concrete, and a sprawling deck over the water. The focus here is on bespoke beers and spirits, crafted on ingredients sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. There have been big efforts made to minimise the venue's carbon footprint and to reuse and recycle throughout. Nagambie Brewery & Distillery already has three house beers under its belt, with plans to launch a gin, vodka and whisky later this year. Many more drinks are in the pipeline, too. For now, the signatures are backed by a thoughtful curation of brews, wine and spirits. To match, is a food offering inspired by the smokehouses of America. Prepared by Head Chef Nigel Brown (The Middle Park Hotel, The Newmarket), the lineup includes burgers, woodfired pizzas and a selection of barbecue meats. You'll also find onsite cafe Ma Forbes Kitchen, which opened in 2019. Images: Gareth Sobey.
Footscray's small bar scene might be booming, but its patrons have been faced with a little bit of a food conundrum. With most of these drinking dens operating sans kitchen, dinner options are largely limited to whatever nearby eateries are on the bars' delivery radars. Enter, Slice Shop Pizza, the latest offering from Burn City Smokers' Steve Kimonides and Raphael Guthrie. Slinging New York-style pizza by the slice, as well as 18-inch pies, it's the culinary accompaniment Footscray's drinking crowd has been waiting for. You'll find it perched on Nicholson Street, sporting just a few metres of standing room and four stools for those speedy dine-in sessions. Grab a slice to go, or order in from one of the nearby watering holes, including craft beer bar Mr West, which sits just across the street. The owners, both locals, have transformed a former discount supermarket into a laid-back lunch and dinner pit-stop, with a new home-spun fit-out thanks to the pair's own handiwork. Neon Slice Shop signage — in the AFL Western Bulldogs' signature red, white and blue — beckons from the window. The menu rotation runs to around seven core creations, with a daily special thrown in for good measure, and all slices kept to an easy $5. There might be a pork and fennel number — starring Italian sausage, mozzarella and roast peppers — a classic capricciosa or margherita, and maybe a mushroom, thyme and truffle concoction. Vegans will always find a plant-based pizza on offer, too. Glimpses of the duo's other life as barbecue masters shine through the menu every now and then, too, with the likes of Burn City's brisket or some slow-smoked pig's head making the odd cameo appearance. Regardless of toppings, expect chewy, foldable New York slices, crafted on tipo 00 flour and fired in an impressive Italian Moretti Forni oven. This beauty fits ten whole 18-inch pies at once and cooks them in about five minutes flat. Images: Parker Blain.
It might highlight the best in TV as well as film, but there's nothing small about the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards, or the festival that's sprung up around it. In 2024, in tandem with its move to the Gold Coast, the accolades unveiled a multi-day program of talks, events and screenings around the ceremony, all celebrating Aussie movies and shows, plus the talent behind them. In 2025, AACTA Festival is returning — for a longer run and with a bigger program. 2024's four-day, 70-plus-event lineup has been eclipsed by 2025's five-day bill with more than 100 events. HOTA, Home of the Arts is AACTA Festival's base again. The dates for your diary: Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9 for the fest, and Friday, February 7 for the main awards ceremony. The bulk of the movies and TV shows nominated for this year's AACTAs won't be announced until Saturday, December 7, which means that more AACTA Festival lineup details will arrive afterwards; however, the program revealed so far is already impressive. One big highlight: getting the Working Dog team, aka Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh and Rob Sitch, together for an in-conversation session that's bound to touch upon everything from The Castle, Frontline, Thank God You're Here and Utopia to The Dish, The Hollowmen and Have You Been Paying Attention?. The Dish will also be on the screening program, and the Working Dog team will receive the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award. Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune and is highly tipped for another one for Dune: Part Two, is another big-name inclusion, chatting about his Hollywood work. Also in the same category: John Seale, who took home an Academy Award for The English Patient, and was nominated for Witness, Rain Man, Cold Mountain and Mad Max: Fury Road. Attendees can also look forward to authors Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland returning from 2024's lineup, chatting about Boy Swallows Universe and The Lost Flowers of Alice on the small screen, respectively; a dive into the Heartbreak High soundtrack; a panel on queer storytelling with RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon and Deadloch's Nina Oyama; and a session with First Nations filmmakers. Australia's contribution to the horror genre, tunes from the How to Make Gravy movie performed live, Dani Im's Eurovision experience, a Taylor Swift symposium: they're part of AACTA Festival as well. And if you're keen to watch movies, Gettin' Square followup Spit will enjoy its Queensland premiere, complete with star David Wenham (Fake) chatting about the feature's journey; Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will make its Australian debut, at Movie World, of course; and upcoming action film Homeward with Nathan Phillips (Kid Snow) and Jake Ryan (Territory) will take viewers behind the scenes. "AACTA Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that connects and celebrates our entire screen industry. With over 100 events led by our industry's best, it is a truly transformative experience for anyone passionate about the screen industry, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore career pathways and connect with some of the brightest minds in film and television," said AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella about 2025's lineup. "This year, we're especially excited to shine a spotlight on the resurgence of music in screen storytelling. With an incredible program of events featuring world-class composers, songwriters and music supervisors, we're not just celebrating the artistry of soundtracks and scores; we're also providing invaluable development opportunities for aspiring creatives to learn, network and advance their careers. AACTA Festival is where inspiration meets opportunity, and we can't wait to see the next generation of Australian screen talent emerge." [caption id="attachment_955328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix © 2023[/caption] AACTA Festival will run from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast. For further details, head to the fest's website.
It's about to get a whole lot harder for any Victorian driver to get away with using their mobile phone while driving — and it's thanks to new safety cameras being installed to detect this and other illegal behaviour behind the wheel. After a successful three-month trial of the phone detection cameras last year, the Victorian Government has announced that it'll now spend $33.7 million to roll out the technology permanently across the state. It's also on track to introduce new legislation to penalise any offenders. The trial, which launched in July 2020, assessed 679,438 vehicles across various metropolitan and regional locations — and found one in 42 drivers using their phone illegally while driving. And since that was bang in the middle of Melbourne's lockdowns, when travel was at a minimum, it's likely the number of risky drivers caught would be even higher during regular times. So, how do the cameras work? Well, they use an AI system to snap high-resolution images of the front seat of the car, and those images can then be viewed in real time to detect folks using their phones while they're behind the wheel. During the trial, they also observed other risky behaviours including driving without a seatbelt, driving with pets on laps and driving without any hands on the steering wheel. The cameras can apparently operate in all conditions, day and night, and regardless of the weather. And according to research from Monash University Accident Research Centre, they have the potential to prevent around 95 casualty crashes each year. Up in Sydney, the camera technology has been in use since being rolled out permanently in late 2019. Before that, an initial six-month trial of the cameras in early 2019 spied more than 100,000 drivers illegally using their phones. In Victoria, operators are now set to engage in further consultation and the system will undergo testing, before being rolled out permanently across the state's roads by 2023. Once the technology is fully operational, any camera images deemed to identify a mobile phone offence will then be passed on to properly trained police personnel for verification, before a penalty is issued. Victoria's rollout of the safety cameras is expected to be completed by 2023. To find out more, head to the Victorian Government website.
Everyone has their favourite local cafe. Whether you're in for a morning coffee or a genius sandwich, there's always a handful of go-to, never-fail, delightfully reliable places that you know and love within a stone's throw of your door. So in the spirit of sharing, we thought we'd let you in on a few of our writers' favourite picks, in partnership with Milklab and its brand-new oat milk. These are the great Melbourne cafes that helped our team get through lockdown — and are now helping us stay fuelled in the reopened city. TICKLED PINK, ELWOOD A recently opened sister site to the Thornbury cafe of the same name, Tickled Pink on Elwood's leafy Tennyson Street is all about good coffee, good food and good vibes. The menu features updated takes on classic breakfast and lunch dishes — pumpkin spiced bircher muesli, chilli eggs, feta and house-made chilli on a croissant and truffle benedict on Alaysa bread. There's also a great selection of cold-pressed juices, milkshakes and smoothies to wash it all down. When it comes to the coffee, Tickled Pink's Milklab oat cap is impressively creamy with just the right amount of froth. [caption id="attachment_809989" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tofu Studio[/caption] KELSO'S SANDWICH SHOPPE, ABBOTSFORD Since 2016, Kelso's has been a northside go-to for sandwiches, burgers or a New York-style chop cheese. Take a seat at the old-school, loosely American-style diner and order a cup of Coffee Supreme house blend filter, then roll up your sleeves to get involved with sambos like the Tuck Shop Salad which is a nostalgic must-try, or the excellent tuna melt. Pair your sandwich with crispy fries or hash browns, which are very hard to say no to. You'll also find regular weekend specials that are worth looking out for. COMMA TUCKSHOP, MOORABBIN Tucked away in the backstreets of Moorabbin, Comma Tuckshop knows a thing or two about good quality coffee, bagels and salads. The cafe on Tuck Street, an offshoot of nearby wine bar Comma Food & Wine, specialises in loaded gourmet bagels. We're talking the likes of Ora King salmon cured overnight in peppercorns, coriander seeds and chilli, paired with caper cream cheese, house pickles, red onion and dill; or Cape Grim hanger steak, which comes with potato chips and dill-pickle mayo and smoked scamorza. If you feel like something lighter, you can grab the superfood-packed chermoula cauliflower salad with freekeh. CABIN, HAMPTON Cabin is a light-filled café in the heart of Hampton with a suitably relaxed and cosy vibe. The north-facing spot is perfect on sunny days for both brunch with mates or for a solo coffee and a read in the rays. Seasonal produce is championed throughout the tidy all-day menu, which also includes a number of baked goods if you're after something snack-sized. Cabin also offers the answer to any smoothie or milkshake cravings you might have, with a very decent selection of both on offer. [caption id="attachment_831729" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bold & Italic Media[/caption] BICYCLE THIEVES, NORTHCOTE With a name that pays tribute to Northcote's Italian heritage, High Street's Bicycle Thieves is named after the classic 1948 Italian film of the same name. Yet despite nodding to overseas roots, everything here is made from scratch in-house including butter which is churned daily. There's plenty of space both inside and out and the cafe caters to all dietary requirements and cravings, with a creative, all-day menu that spans crumpets to ramen. Coffee by Duke is complemented by an impressive drinks list, from cold brew to kombucha to a selection of brunch-ready cocktails. MACKIE, MULGRAVE Mackie is a beautiful sun-filled cafe just off Mulgrave's Mackie Road that offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. For breakfast, it's hard to go past the curry- and coriander-accented chilli scramble, or 'banoffles' (that's Belgian waffles with banana, ice cream, salted caramel, strawberries and walnuts). The lunch menu includes classic cafe fare prepared well. A chilli-spiked burrito bowl, Moroccan lamb shoulder and a Southern-style fried chicken burger all feature. Don't skip the coffee here, either — the award-winning house blend features notes of cocoa and berry, boasts a smooth body and long, sweet finish, flavours which are further enhanced with the addition of Milklab oat. We challenged one of our writers to switch to oat milk for a week. Find out what they discovered here. Ask your barista for Milklab Oat or head to the website for more information. Top image: Bicycle Thieves by Bold & Italic Media
Whether you're self-isolating or social-distancing, we bet your couch has seen more of you in the past week than it has all year long. And if you've been looking for some motivation to (temporarily) pause powering through your chocolate reserves and flipping between Netflix and COVID-19 news, here it is: free fun workouts. While you can't get to the gym or go to your bootcamp, you can work up a sweat at home without spending a dime — and without running 66 kilometres in laps around your apartment like this guy. Here are some actually fun (and free) ways to work out at home. NIKE TRAINING CLUB If you want to get fit like the pros, the Nike Training Club is the way to do it. The app offers over 190 free workouts focused on strength training, cardio, endurance and even yoga and mobility. These workouts have been designed by the Nike Master Trainers, who offer video guidance via the app. Workouts are designed for all fitness levels and heaps are body weight-only, so you don't need at-home equipment, either. The more workouts you complete, the more customised the app becomes, and it even offers daily recommendations for regular users. Basically, it's created to make you feel like you have a personal trainer in your living room. Download the free Nike Training Club app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--jhKVdZOJM YOGA WITH ADRIENE Yoga trainer Adriene Mishler must be doing something right — she has over 6.55 million subscribers to her YouTube channel. Her chilled-out and calming disposition make her one of the best online yogis out there. And she has a lot of videos up, with more to come, too — so you you won't run out of workouts anytime soon. Her classes are also much more specialised than your average hatha, with videos themed around yoga for almost anything and anyone. Yoga for hangovers. Yoga for writers. Yoga for chefs. For runners, self-love, cramps, couch potatoes and lower back pain — which may be particularly important in this work-from-home culture. Mishler also offers a 30-day class flow, which you can follow along with daily. Oh, and you'll also get to work out with her dog, Benjamin the blue heeler. Check out all of Yoga with Adriene's videos on her YouTube channel. SMILING MIND Odds are, you aren't just going stir crazy physically, but mentally, too. It's important now more than ever to check in with yourself, watch your stress levels and look after your mental health. One of the ways to do this from home is through guided meditation. While there are heaps of meditation and mindfulness apps out there, Smiling Mind is absolutely free. So, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a meditation guru without the monthly subscription fee — and without leaving the house. The app only suggests ten minute a day, so it isn't a huge commitment, either. Its offering is broken down into age groups, too, and even offers meditation for kids and teenagers. Download the free Smiling Mind app for iOS or Android. 30-DAY SQUAT CHALLENGE When you're staring down the barrel of a few weeks (or more) at home, it can be good to have a daily exercise goal to keep you sane. This 30-Day Squat Challenge app offers just that. The month-long workout plan focuses on — you guessed it — squats, but there isn't just one way to do this move, either. The app focuses on a whopping 13 squat variations used across six different workouts. The intensity of the workout increases by the day, so that on day 30 you'll be a squat master — and have the booty to show for it. Download the free 30 Day Squat Challenge app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofddKYnkxTQ&t=5s THE FITNESS MARSHALL For a fun workout at home (that'll have you smiling if not sweating), it's time to start following fitness teacher Caleb Marshall. His YouTube channel already has 2.3 million subscribers, and for good reason — his workouts are actually fun. They're more dance classes than workouts, and you'll be grooving along to pop songs. Think Work by Rhianna, Truth Hurts by Lizzo and Womanizer by Britney Spears. Marshall's dance moves are for novices, not the pros — so anyone really can join in. And most of his videos are only the length of one song (three–four minutes long), so you can even dance along as part of a quick five-minute break. Check out all of The Fitness Marshall's videos on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukDLb3rAmTY JANE FONDA ON BEFIT If you haven't watched the famous 1982 VHS Jane Fonda's Workout, you've definitely heard of it. Selling over 17 million copies, the video workout accompanied Fonda's bestselling book of the same name. While you can't watch the OG VHS for free, you can watch a heap of Fonda's slightly-more-recent videos on the BeFit YouTube channel. These oldies-but-goodies are fun, easy and a bit of a laugh. Fonda offers a wide range of workouts, from cardio and fat burning to yoga energy booster and even a questionable dance class. So dust off your leg warmers and sweatbands and prepare for some indoor aerobics. Check out all of BeFit's Jane Fonda YouTube videos over here.
Melbourne loves a good pop-up almost as much as we also love Mexican inspired anything. Las Laneway Fiesta from Si Senor Pop Up Art Taqueria brings these two favoured somethings together in a perfect marriage over four weekends. The work of four up-and-coming street artists will offer an aesthetic accompaniment to the tasty tacos, with an additional ten artists part of the wider festival. Speaking of tacos, they will be served courtesy of ex Mamasita Chef Guillermo Ortiz, to be washed down with tequila and mezcal cocktails by Cabo Wabo and Espolon. Expect Latin beats, a cool visual projection from the peeps behind White Night Melbourne (Projection Teknik) and live graffiti in this all round Mexican fiesta. Leave the fish bowl at home — that's just tacky!
There is nothing wrong with grown ups playing with Lego. Just ask architectural artist Adam Reed Tucker. In collaboration with Lego, Reed has created two new series in the Lego line which aim to celebrate the world's most iconic landmarks by bringing them to Lego life. For Reed, the humble lego brick has been somewhat of a revelation and he sees his mini lego creations as 'interpretations rather than replicas'. And he's right. Despite the fact that his creations are made of a toy you may have tried to eat as a toddler, they are undeniably sophisticated, artistic and a challenging exercise in right-brained fun. The Lego Architectural line consists of a Landmark Series and an Architect Series. The landmark series allows architectural enthusiastics to assemble their very own Empire State Building, White House or Rockerfeller Center, while the architect series pays homage to some of the world's greatest architects, in particular Frank Lloyd Wright. There is both a Lego creation of Wright's Solomon R. Guggneheim Museum and his Fallingwater, now one of the world's most famous and visited residences. The Lego Architectural line is a fresh and clever take on a much loved old toy , and a great gift for the young (or not so young) architects in your life. Or you might just want to keep it for yourself.
