With international travel set to be off the cards until mid 2021, many Aussies are looking to explore their own backyards a bit more. One of the ways we're doing that is by hitting the trails and mountain paths. While your regular trainers and favourite leggings are probably all good for a one-day hike (depending on terrain), if you're looking to do something a bit longer — like a multi-day adventure across NSW, Victoria of Queensland — you might want to invest in some slightly more serious hiking gear. This can usually cost a pretty penny, but, thankfully, good ol' Aldi is about to drop a heap of adventure gear that won't empty your bank account. Available at stores across the country from Saturday, July 4, the gear includes everything from down jackets to hiking shoes and backpacks. You can snag headlamps for just $4.99, wool hiking socks for $11.99, $12.99 gloves , shoes for $29.99, a $34.99 30-litre backpack, merino thermals from $26.99 and a waterproof jacket starting at $39.99. There's also an Ultralight down jacket, which is water repellent, insulated and can be packed into a easy-to-carry pocket, is on offer for just $49.99 — still less than a pineapple — as well as some outdoor-appropriate technology such as binoculars ($39.99), handheld radios ($49.99) and GPS watches ($79.99). Once you're all kitted out, it's time to start planning your adventure. We suggest you aim high (literally) and tick off these ten epic mountain walks across Australia. The Aldi Adventure Range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, July 4. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1, until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in ten Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website.
In Dune, Josh Brolin jumped wholeheartedly into one of the best sci-fi subgenres there is: the space opera. When a movie follows a spice-war fought by feuding houses on far-flung planets, no other description fits the bill. And, the 2021 big-screen hit — and 2022 big-time Oscar-nominee — firmly did its slice of science fiction proud. But, as well showing up for next year's sequel Dune: Part Two, Brolin definitely isn't done with sci-fi just yet. Making a rare small-screen appearance — his first ongoing episodic role since 2003, in fact — the Milk Oscar-nominee leads Outer Range, the next trippy streaming series that you'll want to add to your queue. That recommendation is based on the just-dropped first teaser trailer for the eight-part series, which'll hit Prime Video from Friday, April 15, and promises quite the mind-bending supernatural western. The setup: on a ranch in Wyoming, Brolin's Royal Abbott is trying to keep his land, and ensure that his family stays together, after his daughter-in-law Rebecca goes missing. His neighbours, the Tillersons, are after his parcel of turf, and strange things start happening — including an eerie black void in the middle of the Abbotts' west pasture. So far, the show is keeping most of its small town-set storyline close to its sci-fi/western/thriller/mystery chest — but the sneak peek certainly sets an unsettling tone. And yes, it's shaping up to be a big year for unnerving stories set in vast expanses of US land, with Jordan Peele's latest horror epic Nope covering the same terrain. Outer Range will drop two episodes per week, so you'll spend around a month soaking in its mysteries, turf wars and wild revelations. If you've currently got a Yellowjackets shaped hole in your viewing schedule, this might just fill it. On-screen, Brolin is joined by an impressive cast that includes Imogen Poots (The Father), Lili Taylor (Perry Mason), Tamara Podemski (Run), Tom Pelphrey (Ozark) and Noah Reid (Schitt's Creek). Check out the trailer for Outer Range below: Outer Range will start streaming via Prime Video Down Under on Friday, April 15.
2021 proved a busy year for Chris Lucas and his growing hospitality stable, with the addition of not one, but two new restaurants — the glamourous Society and buzzing Japanese spot Yakimono. But hey, why stop when you're on a roll, right? Lucas (of Chin Chin, Baby Pizza, Hawker Hall) is gearing up to open the doors to yet another hotly anticipated eatery before the month's out, with the impending arrival of new Italian-inspired bar and restaurant Grill Americano. First announced last June and originally slated for a spring launch, the newcomer is now set to welcome customers from Monday, March 21, making its home in the iconic 101 Collins Street tower. If you're extra keen, however, you can get in early as bookings for the venue open today, Tuesday, March 8. [caption id="attachment_845295" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grill Americano owner Chris Lucas[/caption] While you'll have to wait a couple more weeks to find out exactly what's in store, the team has unveiled a few key details to tide us all over until then. You can expect a Northern Italian flavour to Lucas' latest menu, from a kitchen that's centred around a bespoke wood oven and flame-licked grills. The food offering is set to hero top-quality Aussie meat and seafood, running to the likes of sophisticated grill classics, handmade pasta dishes and slow-cooked braises. And tying it all together is a sense of modern elegance, right through to the team of smartly jacketed waitstaff bringing the dining room to life. Lucas says: "Grill Americano speaks of the rich cultural heritage of Melbourne as one of the best food cities in the world", sharing that he hopes the newcomer will help give a much-needed boost to the city's rebuilding restaurant industry. Grill Americano will open at 101 Collins (entry via Flinders Lane) from Monday, March 21. We'll share more details about the venue as they drop.
A brand new performing arts festival is on its way to Melbourne, featuring works by creatives from all across Asia. Running from January to April in 2017, the first ever Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts is a joint venture between various government entities, the Sidney Myer Fund, and a number of the city's leading cultural institutions — including the Arts Centre Melbourne, the NGV and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Suffice it to say, we've got big expectations. The inaugural Asia TOPA lineup includes 60 events and more than 350 artists, hailing from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and beyond. Standout shows include a special performance by the MSO featuring prolific Bollywood composer A.R. Rahman, a pop music pop-up and bar in the Immigration Museum courtyard, and the first ever Australian performance by the National Chinese Ballet of their most iconic work, The Red Detachment of Women. Many works on the program are the result of cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary collaboration. In One Beautiful Thing, acclaimed local circus company Circa will join forces with acrobats from India to showcase the centuries old gymnastic practice of mallakhamb. Meanwhile, Chunky Move choreographer Anouk van Dijk has teamed up with Singaporean visual artist Ho Tzu Nyen on the immersive new dance work ANTI GRAVITY. Also on the menu are a number of moving image works. These include a free exhibition at ACMI about the early days of Bollywood, a showcase of four episodes that reimagine urban mythologies and traditional Filipino folklore from Australian-Filipino collective Club Ate, and a special screening of Satan Jawa, the new film from Indonesia's Garin Nugroho, featuring a live score by the MSO and 20 gamelan players. Image: Balud (Jai Jai), Ex Nilalang (2015). Shot by Gregory Lorenzutti.
Gin has come a long way in the past few years. No longer confined to your gran's dusty antique liquor cabinet, this refreshing and versatile nectar has shaken off the cobwebs by quickly becoming a staple component of any summertime drinking sesh. G&Ts have officially replaced vodka sodas as your beachfront drink of choice, and now Bombay Sapphire are taking things one step further. This summer they'll be opening a dedicated gin bar in North Melbourne. From November 19 until December 6, Bombay are treating us to a world of ginny bliss in the form of Project Botanicals. Pioneering the alluring idea of 'ginstronomy', this idyllic little hideaway will be serving up a curated menu of 10 dishes from Masterchef's Gary Mehigan paired with 10 unique cocktails from brand ambassador and certified gin master Raj Nagra. Taking inspiration from the aromatic depth of Bombay Sapphire, each pairing will be inspired by a botanical extract from the gin itself. Lemon will be utilised in a citrusy twist of a classic Tom Collins paired with cured kingfish, and coriander will be replacing the usual mint in a gin-based version of the Moscow Mule, paired with Vietnamese rolls and yellowfin tuna. It's safe to say, it's time to venture beyond the classic G&T. Project Botanicals will be open every Wednesday-Sunday evening at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne. For just $35 per person, you'll be treated to two cocktails and matching tapas style dishes. Book your tickets here or, if you fancy some free tickets, we're giving away two double passes. Shoot your details through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au to be in the draw.
It might seem like Melbourne's inner north has become overrun with breweries in recent years, but the beer-making traditions of Richmond, Abbotsford and Collingwood actually date back to the 1800s. But, it's safe to say, the beers have improved a lot, with innovative beer purveyors setting up shop in various ramshackle warehouses scattered over town. Strap on your walking shoes and plunge into Melbourne's immense beer culture. Visiting these five brewhouses is a beer lover's adventure so good you won't be going back to the standard swill anytime soon. FIRST, A FEW SIMPLE TIPS Start early —It's easy to lose track of time in a house full of beer. To fit all of these in, you'll need to get to the first brewery early. Go with a group — Sharing a beer with friends doesn't just spread the love for local craft brews but will also make the walking in-between go by far faster. Take advantage of tasting paddles — The most bang-for-your-buck option, paddles allow you to taste the brewery's range without going overboard. Schedule a brewery tour — There are few occasions in life when you get to see exactly where the product you're consuming is made. Take advantage of this moment. Pace yourself — Don't be a hero, you have a whole day of drinking ahead of you. This isn't a pub crawl for rowdy uni kids all wearing the same t-shirt. The breweries are community hangouts where friends gather to chill and grab a beer, best to keep that in mind. Eat, eat, eat — Drinking on an empty stomach leads to nothing but inevitable sadness; luckily, some of the breweries have food trucks parked outside or you can grab a bite to eat inside. Now, let's get walking. STARTING POINT: MOUNTAIN GOAT BREWERY & BAR The original brewery. The Mountain Goat Brewery is a fitting place to start this boozy walking tour as these guys have been around since 1997 — right back near the start of Australian craft beer. Emerging from Dave Bonighton and Cam Hines' backyard, it's now one of the industry's largest players and its dedication to the craft has stayed the same over the last 22 years. Featuring many old-favourite drops, the large-scale brick warehouse also has a novel selection on tap that you can only test out here. The North Street IPA is a fine choice with its fruity aroma and earthy hints, while the Fancy Pants Amber Ale makes for an easy-going drink — a good one to kick off the day's festivities. 80 North Street, Richmond. Open 5–10pm Wednesday, 5–11pm Friday, and 12–6pm Sunday. SECOND STOP: MOON DOG CRAFT BREWERY (15 MIN WALK) The casual brewery. Moon Dog may have recently announced some brand spanking new digs to open in Preston later in 2019, but for now its home remains on Duke Street, Abbotsford. Sink into the thrift store couches and get comfortable because there are a lot of great drinks to sample. The brewery might take on a pretty lo-fi appearance, but don't mistake it for a small-time operation. Moon Dog is already pumping out millions of litres of beer each year with more soon to come. There are ten taps on offer, pouring classics like Old Mate and Love Tap plus some seriously flavourful single kegs. Meanwhile, there's always free popcorn and a van serving woodfired pizza out the front. 17 Duke Street, Abbotsford. Open 4–11pm Wednesday to Friday, 12–11pm Saturday, and 12–8pm Sunday. [caption id="attachment_717784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Hyde Photography[/caption] THIRD STOP: STOMPING GROUND BREWING & BEER HALL (20 MIN WALK) The next-big-thing brewery. If Mountain Goat is responsible for helping launch craft brewing in Victoria, Stomping Ground is the crew pushing it forward. Having opened its massive Collingwood brewery and bar back in 2016, it's not uncommon to see the sprawling, 30-tap converted warehouse teeming every weekend. If the sun's shining, the beer garden is perfect with its semi-retractable roof, while there's a huge fireplace for those wintery Melbourne days. With so many beers on offer here, now is your chance to give a tasting paddle a try, with the Cicerone Selection ($26) featuring everything from tart goses to the smoky Hanging Rauch — a German-style smoked larger. 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood. Open 11.30am–late Sunday to Thursday and 11.30am–1am Friday and Saturday. FOURTH STOP: THE MILL BREWERY (15 MIN WALK) The relaxed brewery. Leave behind the powerhouse that is Stomping Ground and get yourself to a more intimate space at The Mill Brewery. This formerly dilapidated mechanic's workshop is one of the local residents' favourite haunts thanks to its chilled out atmosphere. Founder Mirek Aldridge is still very much a part of the everyday activities here and is always keen for a chat. Find yourself a spot at the solid red gum tables and sip a Jack D-licious — a golden ale with a slightly floral flavour at a very reasonable 4.8 per cent ABV. If you can still find a way to focus, there's also table tennis to test your hand-eye coordination. 40 Sackville Street, Collingwood. Open 4–10pm Wednesday to Thursday, 4–11pm Friday, 1–11pm Saturday, and 1–9pm Sunday. LAST STOP: FIXATION BREWING CO – THE INCUBATOR (5 MIN WALK) The obsessed brewery. If there's one thing that Fixation Brewing Co knows, it's IPA. That's because the entire brand is dedicated to making this specific type of beer as fresh and flavourful as possible. Fronted by experienced hop-head Tom Delmont, this place is Australia's only brewery bar that's dedicated to IPA so you can be sure that it delivers some serious quality. The namesake brew offers a hazy orange colour that comes loaded with fruity notes, while The Fix takes things up a notch with its punchy double IPA strength. Being the last stop on your potent brewery walking tour, let's hope you don't feel it too much tomorrow. 414 Smith Street, Collingwood. Open 4–10pm Wednesday to Thursday, 3–10pm Friday, 12–10pm Saturday, 1–7pm Sunday. Want more inner north breweries? Pace these six out. Top image: Stomping Ground
Borneo-born chef Esca Khoo made quite the splash during his stint helming the kitchen at Miss Mi, even earning it a Chef's Hat. But if you missed out on catching his playfully inventive neo-Asian fare in the CBD, you've got one final chance to get acquainted before Khoo jets off to launch his upcoming Malaysia restaurant venture. The Noma Sydney and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal alum is hitting Balaclava's Moonhouse for a one-night-only farewell feast on Tuesday, October 25. [caption id="attachment_856124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moonhouse, by Parker Blain[/caption] Guests are in for a five-course spread built on Khoo's signature fusion of traditional Asian technique, and Malaysian and Australian flavours. Expect a healthy dose of Hong Kong influence throughout, across a menu that features a slew of exclusive new creations. We're talking the likes of caramelised boar san choy bow; a scallop, octopus and prawn chee cheong fun with kelp dressing; Spam fried rice starring grilled char siew pork chop; and Hong Kong-style French toast elevated with sesame and pecan butter. Tickets come in at $145, including a signature Moonhouse cocktail on arrival. You can make a booking online from 5.30pm. [caption id="attachment_856128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moonhouse, by Parker Blain[/caption]
Whether you watched along during its original 2010–12 run, or you've been hooked to repeats of old episodes over the past nine years, there's no denying the joys of SBS game show Letters and Numbers. It celebrates clever contestants doing word and number puzzles, each episode has an engagingly low-key vibe — all while still remaining tense as competitors try to work out the right answers, of course — and it's very easy and immensely enjoyable to play along with from home. The show didn't use a new format, though, with the Aussie series taking its cues from both French TV's Des chiffres et des lettres, which dates back to 1965, and also from Britain's Countdown, which has been on the air since 1982. So, now that Letters and Numbers is coming back — which is obviously fantastic news — it's doing so with a twist that also takes inspiration from overseas. Get ready to spend your time watching Celebrity Letters and Numbers. Yes, the change of focus is right there in the title, with famous folks rather than everyday people battling it out — to make words out of nine randomly selected letters, to use six also randomly chosen numbers in equations to reach a set figure, and to rearrange a jumble of nine more letters into one lengthty word in the final round. There's a big emphasis on comedians this time around, too, so this is basically SBS's Aussie version of the great 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (which SBS also airs, so it clearly knows that it's ace). Celebrity Letters and Numbers will start airing from 7.30pm on Saturday, October 2, with its twelve-episode first season dropping new instalments weekly on both SBS on TV and via SBS On Demand. You'll be getting twice as much puzzling this time, with eps running for an hour. Also, the series will air at least two seasons, with the second set to land in 2022. There is one other significant change, too, with comedian Michael Hing taking over hosting duties from Richard Morecroft. That said, Lily Serna will return to flip numbers and show off her maths skills, and David Astle will again tell contestants whether they've found real words or just made them up, all with his trusty dictionary in hand. And, if you're wondering who'll be competing, guests include Hamish Blake, Matt Okine, Merrick Watts, Jennifer Wong, Aaron Chen and Susie Youssef. They'll each be vying for a single book per episode, which is being sourced from a vintage 80s encyclopaedia collection that's been gifted by Michael Hing's parents (after they cleaned out their garage). Check out the trailer below: Celebrity Letters and Numbers will start airing on SBS and SBS On Demand from Saturday, October 2, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Take the rocky road down to the Yarra Valley and get ready to stuff your face. Yes, the fiends behind last year's month-long sugar extravaganza are taking your tastebuds on a trip all over again, with sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road in the spotlight. By the way, to any dentists who are reading, go ahead and put down a deposit on that beach house you were looking at. We have a feeling your financial situation is going to be juuuuuuuuust fine. The Rocky Road Festival of Flavours will run through the entire month of May. That's 31 days, which means 31 different flavours. And it doesn't just stop at blocks and bars, either, even when a 100-kilogram, eight-metre long rocky road block is part of the fun. There'll also be rocky road hot chocolate, rocky road ice cream and rocky road waffles too. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery will also be hosting Rock Around the Block tasting sessions three times a day, which can be booked via their website.
Set in 1980, Everbody Wants Some!! follows a university baseball team as they prepare to commence the next semester, and feels in a lot of ways like the movie Richard Linklater was destined to make. As the film ambles through the antics of teens and twenty-somethings embarking upon the next chapter of their lives (read: drinking and chasing girls), it shouldn't come as a surprise that it's a spiritual sequel to the writer-director's 1993 effort Dazed and Confused. In painting a portrait of young men becoming adults in the most routine of ways, it also acts as a very apt follow-up to the filmmaker's last effort, Boyhood. Rather than charting the final day of high school, or capturing the process of growing up over the course of 12 years, Linklater's latest chronicles the weekend before the start of college classes. When Jake (Blake Jenner) parks his car outside of the team lodgings he's about to call home, he's clearly excited, and just as obviously trying to make sure he appears cool, calm and collected. That careful attitude colours his interactions with his new housemates, whether they're welcoming him with open arms or pronouncing their strong dislike of pitchers. By day, they mostly sit or drive around. By night, they try their luck with the opposite sex at bars and parties. Cue a film with plenty of talk and testosterone, not as much action as any of the characters would like, but plenty of the kind of carefree moments that everyone has experienced at some point in their lives. As Jake's fellow baseballers flit through the narrative, some make a bigger impression than others – including ladies man McReynolds (Tyler Hoechlin), bearded stoner Willoughby (Wyatt Russell), and confident veteran Finnegan (Glen Powell). However, as they sling insults at each other, trade in exaggerated stories and natter on about whatever comes into their heads, they all play their part in this freewheeling slice of life. Accordingly, Everybody Wants Some!! is the ultimate hangout flick, about a bunch of guys just shooting the shit when they're not expected to do anything else. There's no missing the nostalgia driving Linklater's warmly amusing movie, with his images tinted with the glow of happy memories, his camera placed to make the viewer think they're part of the gang, and his soundtrack overflowing with '80s hits like 'My Sharona' and 'Rapper's Delight'. That said, there's also no mistaking the way that the filmmaker simply presents rather than probes, such as when it comes to Jake's romance with fellow freshman Beverly (Zoey Deutch). He's not making a statement — he's just happy to linger in the group's company. Don't confuse the film's laidback vibe with a lack of smarts or precision though. As Linklater proved with his charming romantic trio Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, it takes careful planning and pitch-perfect performances to make something look and feel so easy and effortless. Like their director, the ensemble cast rarely hit a bad note, with Jenner and Russell certain stars in the making. The film's title might stem from a Van Halen song, but as this group whiles away several days, Everybody Wants Some!! earns its exclamation marks.
You might not be able to flit away to Europe this weekend, but you can soak up a taste of German festival culture right here in your own backyard. It's all thanks to electro production crew Flow Music, who have rounded up a top-shelf lineup of international dance acts for a rollicking party at North Melbourne's The Third Day. Kicking off from 1pm, this day festival promises a thumping dance floor guided by Berlin-born house sensation Madmotormiquel, German producer Seth Schwarz, Amsterdam-based DJ Franca and Dutch star Joep Mencke. Also hitting the decks will be Melbourne's own Deep Ghosh going back-to-back with Sriracha. It's a whole lot cheaper than a plane fare, too — tickets clock in at just $30. [caption id="attachment_887279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sriracha[/caption] What's more, you'll be grooving for a great cause. The party was originally set to take place aboard floating club ATET before it was damaged in a fire earlier this week. In support of the venue, all profits from this event will now go towards helping ATET rebuild. Top image: Joep Mencke
If trams are a part of your everyday commute, the concept might have lost its shine a bit. But get ready to rekindle the romance because there's a Yarra Valley getaway where you can spend the night in your very own, very comfy, refurbished 1930s-era tram. You'll find The Oaks located on two leafy acres in Lilydale, right at the doorstep of Yarra Valley wine country. The property boasts three accommodation options, including two quaint heritage-style cottages, but there's no denying the star of the show is Doris. She's an 86-year-old W Class Melbourne tram that's been carefully restored by her new owners and transformed into a cosy suite with space to sleep up to four. The fitout is cheerfully retro, with chequered floor and vintage furniture pieces, and vinyl tram seats in place of a couch. The two double bedrooms sit at either end in their own carriage compartments, while the outdoor deck areas have been designed to look like Doris has just cruised into the tram stop. She's held firmly onto her roots, too, decked out with plenty of yellow and green trimmings, and with her handles, poles and sliding doors kept intact. The tram's even sporting a fresh exterior paint job, resplendent in glossy green and yellow. Of course, guests won't be stuck dealing with 1930s-era mod-cons — the stay features all the usual luxuries, including air-con, heating, a full bathroom with proper shower and toilet, a TV, a kitchen and even an outdoor fire pit. Find Doris at The Oaks Lilydale Accommodation, 500 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale. Prices start from $450 per night for four guests. After more unique stays? Check out our roundup of extraordinary escapes around Australia.
Lune's legendary croissants have long been a weekend staple, the original Fitzroy bakery pulling its heftiest queues every Saturday and Sunday. But now, Kate Reid's internationally renowned, French-style pastries are set to become part of many a workday routine, too, with Lune's second store opening in the heart of the CBD this week. The standing-room-only Collins Street space will be open and baking buttery delights from 7am to 3pm weekdays, kicking off this morning, Tuesday, October 2. The ovens are set to keep firing right through each day, offering a selection of five Lune staples — the traditional croissant, a pain au chocolate, a ham and gruyère savoury number, a lemon curd cruffin and the cult-favourite, twice-baked almond croissant — along with a few surprise appearances here and there. But if you're worried about your weekend pastry fix, don't be — Reid assures it'll remain business as usual at the original store. At the new store, top-notch coffee will again come courtesy of Small Batch, with Patrick Janowicz (Patricia, Coffee Supreme) heading things up front of house. Visitors will be able to grab a coffee and croissant to go, or indulge in a bite at the espresso bar, while watching some magic unfold through the bakery's viewing window. Design-wise, Lune 2.0 takes plenty of inspiration from its sibling, referencing the sleek concrete and dramatic black accents, though the new semi-subterranean bunker space taps into plenty of its own personality as well. Swing by the CBD store during the first two weeks and you'll be able to see Reid herself working the new bakery, alongside what she calls "Lune's crack team" of pastry masters. Find Lune Croissanterie's new CBD space at Shop 16, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne (enter via Russell Street). It's open from 7am till 3pm (or sold out) Monday to Friday.
If you're thinking small for your next domestic getaway, there's a new pint-sized accommodation option to add to that holiday radar. NRMA, aka the National Roads and Motorists' Association, has just unveiled two new stylishly-repurposed shipping containers it's calling 'glamtainers' — and they'll be making their home on New South Wales' Central Coast until autumn next year. Easily movable and extendable in size, the seven-metre-long luxury tiny homes have room to sleep four, each boasting two queen beds, a full bathroom and a decent sized kitchenette. What's more, they're fitted out in style, with upscale features including comfy King Koil mattresses, plush linens, air-conditioning and attached outdoor entertaining spaces. No slumming it here, that's for sure. Currently located at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, the two new glamtainers are the work of Melbourne company GlamXperience, which makes a whole suite of glamping tents and mini retreats — and whose creations you might have spied at the likes of St Jerome's The Hotel and the newly launched Clifftop at Hepburn. They're designed to allow guests to experience staying amongst the great outdoors, without sacrificing comfort. Bookings are already filling up fast for the glamtainers' debut stint on the NSW Central Coast, with prices starting from $180 per night. And, because the entire concept of turning shipping containers into places to stay means they're easily portable, the pair of glamtainers will be packed up and shuttled off to NRMA's Jindabyne resort come late autumn — where they'll enjoy a second iteration during ski season. The glamtainers are now available to book at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Head to the website to check availability and make a booking. Images: Shan Rose Photography
Thanks to the events of the past year, you've probably forgotten what an overseas holiday feels like — unless you've either already taken advantage of the newly opened trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand, or you've made plans to hop across the ditch sometime soon. Don't go pulling out a map of the rest of the globe just yet, however, because the folks at Qantas and Jetstar have just announced a delay to their plans to start flying to other international destinations again. Initially, the airlines were hoping to begin soaring to a number of overseas spots in October. Qantas had outlined plans to recommence flights to 22 of its 25 international destinations — including London, Singapore and Los Angeles — while Jetstar was intending to resume trips to all of its 13 international routes by the same projected date. The Qantas Group, the company behind both carriers, has since updated that timeframe, announcing that it's now hoping to restart its international flights to places other than NZ in late December this year. The change follows recent forecasting by the Federal Government, which noted that Australia's borders wouldn't reopen to international travel until at least mid-2022 — as well as the fact that the nation's vaccine rollout hasn't been proceeding as quickly as originally advised. So, a lot still needs to go to plan for the two airlines to have you jetting off to foreign lands this summer. That's Qantas and Jetstar's current target date, though. It has been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic first forced Qantas and Jetstar to suspend international flights, which happened back in March 2020. There has been talk of other travel bubbles, however, including a possible one with Singapore — with Qantas Group saying that it remains "optimistic that additional bubbles will open once Australia's vaccine rollout is complete to countries who, by then, are in a similar position." The airlines will contact anyone who has already booked flights from October onwards, but notes that "recent levels of uncertainty meant international booking levels were relatively low." When overseas flights to spots other than NZ do resume, you might not be able to fly until you've received your jab, with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce previously stating the airline would only allow vaccinated passengers to travel on international flights. The airline is also currently trialling digital health pass apps, such as Common Pass and IATA Travel Pass, which contain information about a passenger's COVID-19 status, testing and vaccinations, on current international repatriation flights. Of course, even once international flights are up and running again, you can expect a much lower capacity than pre-COVID travel — Qantas previously said that it's not anticipating a full return to normality until 2024. To find out more about Qantas and Jetstar's international travel plans, visit the Qantas website.
One of today's most exciting directors adapts one of the great novels of the past two centuries, all with a lineup of stars that should make all other movies envious. That's the new version of Little Women in a nutshell. Greta Gerwig writes, directs and takes inspiration from Louisa May Alcott's classic of the same name, while Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet and Bob Odenkirk all feature among the cast. After nabbing Oscar nominations and widespread acclaim for Lady Bird, her solo filmmaking debut, Gerwig once again turns her attention to the trials and tribulations of young women. It's clearly a topic of great interest to the actor-turned-writer/director. She co-wrote Frances Ha and Mistress America with Noah Baumbach (as well as starring in them both), and did the same with her first joint stint behind the camera, Nights and Weekends, which she co-directed with Joe Swanberg. If you haven't read the book, or perhaps you just need a refresher, Little Women steps into the lives of the March family in 1860s New England in the aftermath of the American Civil War. It's a time when gender roles are clearly demarcated, but that isn't going to stop the spirited Jo (Ronan) from chasing her dreams — while her sisters Meg (Watson), Amy (Pugh, worlds away from Midsommar) and Beth (Australian actress Eliza Scanlen, who started her career on Home and Away) all have their own plans for their futures. Dern plays their mother, Streep pops up as the girls' aunt, and Chalamet once again has his sights set on Ronan, as he did in Lady Bird. This marks the eighth big-screen adaptation of Little Women, with Gillian Armstrong's 1994 film — starring Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon and Christian Bale — the most recent version of note. Watch the first trailer for Gerwig's take on the tale below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AST2-4db4ic Little Women releases in Australian cinemas on January 1, 2020.
Last time Ben Caplan was in Australia, he was accompanied by a band called the Casual Smokers — a motley crew who helped their frontman spark a gnarly jamboree of pluck-and-twang folk ballads. But, after a stint at Sydney Festival, he's fired the band, kept their instruments and taken up acting (beard in-tow). Old Stock is being billed as a refugee love story and, with a multitude of instruments strewn about the stage, there's no chance this is going to be a spoken word gig. Seizing upon the Jewish musical tradition of the klezmer folk tale, Caplan will set about rattling off the tale of two Romanian Jews looking to make a new home in Canada in the early 20th century. If you're desperate for a seat in the front row, some sort of face-protector wouldn't go astray — Old Stock's won a bunch of plaudits and when Caplan dances, Edinburgh Fringe Awards tend to fall out of his trousers. Caplan will do just five shows at the Arts Centre between January 29 and February 2. Image: Stoo Metz Photography.
Hurdle Creek is typically known for its gins, such as the Powder Monkey Navy Strength Gin. It's a distinctive rye character crafted from triticale, malt and barley, and loaded with locally sourced botanicals, including pink peppercorns, cinnamon and eucalyptus leaves picked from the ribbon gum outside their Milawa-based stillhouse. But we'd predict most bougie dinner party guests would welcome its local take on the iconic French aniseed aperitif, pastis. Traditionally made with the root of liquorice, star anise and oh-la-la botanicals, Hurdle Creek has adapted the classic spirit starting with its own grain spirit, and have given it a true Australian character with the addition of native aniseed myrtle and mintbush. The cellar door is open on the Milawa property every day except Wednesday.
The world has witnessed pizza spinoffs aplenty since the first pizzeria supposedly opened in Naples back in 1738. But if there's one thing most pizza lovers can agree on, it's that cheese makes everything a whole lot better. So, you can imagine the cheesy grins all over Melbourne as 400 Gradi this week announced the addition of a 150-cheese pizza to its Melbourne menus for one glorious day. Don't go assuming that the number 150 is hyperbole — this pizza will have literally 150 cheeses of varying textures and tastes in both the cheese base and the extra cheeses on top. Created by 400 Gradi owner and winner of the world's best pizza title Johnny Di Francesco, the hallowed pizza will only be available from Wednesday, September 5, to Sunday, September 8 in celebration of America's National Cheese Pizza Day (apparently that's a thing). The current world record for the cheesiest pizza — well, officially, the Greatest Variety of Cheese on a Pizza — goes to one topped with 111 different varieties, and Di Francesco has smashed this record. It's not the first time Di Francesco has brought an over-the-top cheese pizza into reality — he's twice created a 99-cheese pizza, once in 2016, and once in 2014 to coincide with the release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the animals who dreamed up the idea of the 99-cheese pizza) movie. Since then, he's been hard at work, nipping, tucking and experimenting with cheese ratios to ensure this latest iteration is truly a cheese lover's dream personified. The 150-cheese pizza is $25 and will be gracing the menus at Gradi restaurants across Melbourne until Sunday, September 8, including the original 400 Gradi, Brunswick East; Gradi Crown, Southbank; Gradi Eastland, Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood; and 400 Gradi, Essendon. If you, like us, fancy yourself a bit of a cheese fanatic, you're probably curious as to what the 150 cheeses are. Well, here's the full list. Agour Ossau Iraty 12 month Alba Ricotta Ambrosi Grana Padano 18 month Aphrodite Feta Barrel-Aged Artemis Kefalotyri Asiago Pressata Berrys Creek Riverine Blue Berrys Creek Moss Blue Berrys Creek Tarwin Blue Will Studd Brillat Savarin Snow White Goat Cheddar Casa Madaio Canestrato Casa Madaio Il Cinerino Casa Madaio Paglierino Chabert Emmental Savoie NYD Coolea NYD Cornish Kern Cropwell Bishop Shropshire Chevrefeuille Crottin C/Grove Lamb Chopper C/Grove Midnight Moon Berthaut Epoisses AOP K/Swiss First Konig Kuh St Mamet Cantal Aop Cravero Parm Reggiano 24 month Haxaire Munster Petit Heidi Tilsit Il Fort Cacio Di Bosco Il Fort Pec. Toscano Dop Jacquin Pyramide De Chab. Jean Faup Chevre Fromager Des Clarines Perrin Secret De Scey Perrin St Vernier Kefalograviera Lartisan Fermier Portion Lartisan Fromage Blanc Lartisan Mountain Man Lartisan Petite Rouge Lartisan Tome Fraiche La Peral Blue Cheese Germain Langres Plateau Larrikins Bocconcini Le Conquerant Pont Leveq Le Conquerant Camembert Le Dauphin Double Creme Le Dauphin Soumaintrain Secret De Lys Monterey Jack Jalapeño Monterey Jack Plain Will Studd Comte La Couronne Mauri Gorgonzola Dolce Mauri Gorgonzola Piccante Mauri Fontina Meredith Chevre Meredith Curd Goat Meredith Feta Marinated Milawa Blue Milawa King River Gold Rnd Mimolette Aged Losfeld Occelli Testun Di Barolo Onetik Bleu Des Basque Onetik Bleuette Onetik Chabrin Onetik Chebris Onetik Ossau Iraty six month Papillon Roquefort AOP Pave Daffinois Pecorino Romano DOP Perenz Formajo Ciock Perenz Millefoglie Perenz Montasio 15 month Perenz Ubriaco Di Capral Valpad. Provo. Picc. Dop Pyengana Mature Cheddar Merco Mahon Curado 6mth Merco Iberico Merco Manchego six month Merco Murcia Al Vino Merco Valdeon Quickes Devonshire Red Quickes Smoked Cheddar Ricotta Salata Rouzaire Coulommiers Rouzaire Fougerus St Agur Blue Portion Schulz Quark Organic S&B Chevrot S&B Mothais Sur Feuille Shaw Rvr Annie Bax Shaw Rvr Buffalino Shaw Rvr Buffeta Shaw Rvr Buffalino Smk Swiss Gruyere K/Swiss Nufenen K/Swiss Blumenkase Tatura Cream Cheese T/Amore Scamorza Smoked T/Amore Scamorza Bianca Chabert Beaufort Alpage Capitoul Caprinelle Chevre Uplands Pleasant Ridge Vacherin Le Duc Nyd Wensleydale Will Studd Stilton W/Side Charleston Tiny Wbye Truffle Triple Brie Yvd White Savourine Log Yvd Black Sav Pyramid Yvd Fromage Frais Cow Yvd Le Jack Yvd Yering Yvd Persian Fetta Jar Heidi Raclette T/Amore Squacarone T/Amore Stracciatella Milawa Camembert Goat Merco San Simon Smoked Mauri Formaggella Capra Cabot Cheddar Clothbound W/Side Goat Hot Tin Roof Jacquin Rond Du Cher Cashel Blue Crozier Blue Garrotxa Pecorino Toscano Pecorino Romano Pec Roredepienzo Gorgonzola pricante Gorgonzola dolce Provola cheese Sovrano di bufala Grana Padano Parmigiana Fiordilatte Bufala Raspadura Toma Pecorino Siciliano Pecorino Emilia Goat cheese italiano sardegna Goat cheese spagna Stravevcchio friuli (cow's milk 30 months old) Cacioricotta Primo sale Stracchino Smoked bufala Buffola ricotta St Angel Triple Creme Blue Taleggio
There's always something happening in New South Wales, no matter what time of the year. So whether you're a local looking for extravagant summertime surf carnivals on the coast or an interstater on the hunt for cosy winter festivities, there's something for everyone. So why not get a weekend getaway on the books? We've scoured the calendar for festivities taking place across the state, and here's our round-up of the outdoor events. Depending on where you go, you'll need some sunscreen, a good jumper or a couple of napkins. Adventure awaits.
When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights from the just-dropped November, December and January program, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile from November 28 in Sydney and Melbourne, November 30 in Perth and December 14 in Brisbane, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels — and, in some cities, to see Brad Pitt twice thanks to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ad Astra. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will mark 20 years since Bring It On first waved its pom poms, step back into The Matrix in some cities, and revisit last year's A Star Is Born — as well as Bohemian Rhapsody in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. The February and March lineup will be announced on January 15, so there are even more movies to come. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze everywhere except Brisbane — and bring your dog everywhere but Perth. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2019 DATES Sydney: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Perth: Nov 30–Mar 29 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 13–Feb 16 (Botanic Park) Brisbane: Dec 14–March 29 (Roma Street Parkland) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 28. For more information and bookings, visit the website. Top image: Moonlight Cinema Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
While Melbourne isn't known for its inner-city snow, there are plenty of ways you can embrace the wintry weather this year. You can spin around a pop-up ice skating rink, eat chocolate fondue inside 'igloos' and, now, go zooming down a giant ice slide. The District Docklands will once again play host to a 15-metre ice slide over the cooler months, which will pop up in The Square next to Uniqlo from June 29 till July 14. Each slide down the icy slope will cost you a gold coin donation, which will go straight to Kids Under Cover, a non-profit supporting young people at risk. As you're sliding for a good cause, you have a great excuse to go down again and again and again — your inner child will thank you for it. The ice slide is open daily from 11am–5pm, but there are two adults-only, after-dark sessions lined up, too. On Friday, July 5 and Friday, July 12, the pop-up will open from 6–8pm for sliding free of little 'uns. During these two hours, you'll also be able to buy hot chocolates, beers from Urban Alley and try free Spanish doughnuts from San Churro. These sessions are free, but numbers are limited, so you'll need to sign up here if you want to head along.
If you're looking for a way to extend your summer this year, there is no better place to escape to than the Great Barrier Reef. From first-time snorkellers to diehard divers, everyone will find an experience off the shores of Tropical North Queensland to get pumped about. You can meet green turtles and manta rays, peep an abundance of mesmerising coral and give a little wave to Nemo in his natural habitat. So, consider this your sign to finally tick off this bucket list trip to witness the magic of the reef this autumn. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] GO DEEP INTO THE SEA WITH FIRST NATIONS GUIDES If your idea of a perfect day in the ocean is seeing beautiful reefs and getting an insightful connection to the sea, put Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel on your itinerary. Offering a unique experience, this local team will invite you to step into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime. Visiting an array of reefs unique to Tropical North Queensland, you'll be accompanied by First Nations sea rangers who are passionate marine lovers, prioritising reef preservation and sustainable tourism. With Dreamtime, you'll spend the day snorkelling in some of the world's best reefs and learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island traditions and cultural connections to the region. [caption id="attachment_829681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] BLAST OFF TO VLASOFF CAY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE REEF ENCOUNTER An exclusive experience awaits with this lush trip to Vlasoff Cay — a jewel in the crown of the Great Barrier Reef. This sandy cay, with 360-degree views of the world famous reef, is also accessible via boat, but the luxe experience is from the air. To see the sights from above, book a full-day return helicopter trip with eco-certified reef lovers Nautilus Aviation. You'll get to spend hours with the sand between your toes, snorkelling and indulging in a gourmet picnic hamper as you drip-dry in the balmy tropical air. The cay is a popular destination, so take advantage of the off-peak months and beat the crowds. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH AROONA LUXURY BOAT CHARTERS Grab eight of your closest mates and jump aboard Aroona for a totally luxurious reef experience. Whether you're exploring the reef on a day trip, or escaping the mainland for a seven-day soiree, Aroona Luxury Boat Charters is the choose-your-own-adventure experience of your dreams. Want a jam-packed escape featuring fishing and kite-surfing, or a calmer pace with snorkelling and sipping cocktails on the top deck? Thankfully, Aroona boasts flexibility and an abundance of options that is synonymous with the area. And there's no better way to watch tropical rainfall over the rainforest than from the deck as you cruise towards Fitzroy Island. [caption id="attachment_830344" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SET SAIL TO GREEN ISLAND Green Island is the quintessential destination for the rainforest and ocean combo for which Tropical North Queensland is famous. As the name suggests, it's the only cay in the Great Barrier Reef that boasts a rainforest as well as pristine sands. Plus, Ocean Free is the only tour operator in Cairns that offers a personal sailing reef and island tour. Ocean Free provide a tour with an exclusive reef mooring at the island. Taking a highly personalised approach, Ocean Free lets you decide how to spend your day. Snorkel straight off the boat, try your hand at an introductory dive or spend the day exploring the island's rainforest. Then, return aboard Ocean Free to relax and marvel at Green Island over a smorgasbord lunch. EXPLORE THE REEF FROM TROPICAL ISLAND SHORES A day tour on the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises will take you to more places in one day than you could visit in a week anywhere else in the world. And, its tour features the shortest open water crossing to the reef in Cairns — ideal for those who are prone to seasickness. Start the day with a quick coach trip from Cairns through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest mountains to the Mulgrave River. Here, the luxurious riverboat will carry you downriver and across the sea to your base at Normanby Island. Then the day is yours to explore this secluded National Park island. You can snorkel right off the beach or explore the reef and marine life a little further afield on a guided snorkel safari experience. Be sure to take a walk around the island with the tour's marine biologist who'll help you discover the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the island's rainforest and rock pools. [caption id="attachment_829683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] STAY DRY AT CAIRNS AQUARIUM If it's childhood wonder and extensive marine knowledge you're after, then the Cairns Aquarium is ideal. Home to more than 16,000 specimens and ten different ecosystems, the aquarium is a window into the flora and fauna that call the Great Barrier Reef home — and it's only a stroll from the bustling Cairns Esplanade. Get inspired by daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations, live diver feeds and marine touch 'n' talk shows. Or, if a day of underwater wonder sets your stomach rumbling, head to the aquarium's Dundee's Restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal on the Daintree Deck and watch the warm tropical rain fall in an afternoon shower. [caption id="attachment_830353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] CATCH COLOURFUL SEA CREATURES OFF THE COAST OF PORT DOUGLAS If you're a diehard snorkelling fan, jump onboard Calypso Reef Cruises for an unforgettable and environmentally friendly experience off the coast of Port Douglas. Relax on Calypso's dedicated snorkelling vessel, offering comfortable day beds and spacious decks, before popping on your gear and meeting some of the most exquisite marine life in the world. The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life at Opal Reef are visible within a couple of metres from the water surface making it accessible for most levels of swimming skill. The trickiest part will be keeping count of how many giant clams, stingrays, green turtles and clownfish you'll spot. SPLURGE ON A MULTI-DAY DIVING TRIP This multi-day live-aboard experience is the ideal ocean getaway for accredited open water divers. Offering three-, four- and seven-day trips, Spirit of Freedom will whisk you away to Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef — some of the most impressive dive destinations in the world. Experience shark dives, sheer walls laced with soft corals, manta rays, and bright, abundant tropical reefs rich with biodiversity paired with hotel quality amenities and first-class meals on this lush escape. And, did we mention the boat's three decks you can relax on? They're perfect for an afternoon kip before heading out for a twilight dive. Ready to dive deep into the reef? For more information and to discover more about a holiday in Tropical North Queensland this autumn, visit the website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland
To ring in the year of the tiger, dumpling master Din Tai Fung created cute chocolate and biscoff tiger buns, continuing its annual tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year with an adorable addition to its menu (see also: ox buns from 2021 and pig bao from 2019). But creative dishes aren't just a once-a-year thing here. Now that Easter is almost upon us, the chain is serving up something else to tempt your tastebuds: hot cross bao. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like — and the bao is only available for a limited time. On the outside, each one looks like a hot cross bun, but they're made with fluffy steamed bread. And, you won't find any raisins or sultanas inside — instead, they're filled with gooey molten Nutella. The hot cross bao are available at all Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets in Sydney, so you'll want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza and MLC Centre venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the bao on offer at Emporium Melbourne. If you'd rather have them brought to your door, they're also available for delivery in frozen form. If you're keen to stock your freezer and enjoy them once Easter passes, that's an option as well. The only problem we can foresee with this Easter hybrid dish? Wanting to devour as many as possible. They'll cost you $6.80 for two in-store, and $10 for a three-pack of frozen dumplings. Hot cross bun bao are available for $6.80 for two at all Din Tai Fung stores. They're also available for delivery, for $10 — plus a $10–20 delivery fee.
Over the past few years, Gelatissimo has whipped up a number of creative flavours, including frosé sorbet, gelato for dogs, and ginger beer, Weet-Bix, fairy bread, hot cross bun, cinnamon scroll, chocolate fudge and bubble tea gelato. Most recently, it made its own spin on Caramilk gelato, too. For its latest offering, the Australian dessert chain is taking inspiration from another beloved foodstuff — and from the current time of year. Can't choose between devouring Easter eggs or licking your way through a few scoops of ice cream? Gelatissimo has the solution. Yes, that very combination will be on the menu from Friday, March 26, with Easter egg-filled mint chocolate gelato earning the honours as Gelatissimo's next flavour of the month. Only available while stocks last until Thursday, April 22 — so for Easter, but not just until Easter — the flavour starts with mint-choc gelato, then adds in those round pieces of chocolate. It also features cookie crumbs, which add to the chunky texture. You can get it in stores Australia-wide, or via delivered take-home packs through services such as UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash. And yes, you can add it to your indulgent Easter list — alongside everything from boozy coffee liqueur-filled Easter eggs to hot cross bao (but you'll only be able to nab the latter if you're in Sydney or Melbourne). Gelatissimo's mint-choc Easter egg gelato is available from all stores nationwide from Friday, March 26–Thursday, March 22.
Forget been-there-done-that road trips — this is the year you start taking the road less travelled. You need something new. Something special. Something delicious worth making the turnoff and tracking down. With a little inspiration from Empty Esky and Canadian Club, we've got your next off-the-beaten-track road trip all planned — right down to the coffee stops, long lunches and one-of-a-kind gourmet country pies. Starting in Canberra, your foodie stops will take you to Braidwood, Batemans Bay and Ulladulla before finishing up in Milton. Along the way, you'll eat local, drink well and get cosy in some hidden country gems. Best of all, you'll help independent venues in communities still recovering from the bushfires — and, you know, everything else that happened in 2020. These pretty little places haven't had the easiest time lately, but still have so much good country hospitality to offer. [caption id="attachment_750222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Canberra[/caption] BARRIO COLLECTIVE COFFEE, BRADDON We're kicking things off in Canberra, and you can't leave the capital without visiting Barrio Collective Coffee in Braddon. Industrial chic meets Japanese modernism in this friendly neighbourhood coffee shop, with an eclectic and ever-changing brunch menu. Regular additions include fancy tacos and tostadas, chazuke, gooey Spanish tortilla, big toasties and baguettes stuffed with the best seasonal produce. And there are always freshly baked sweet treats, like cardamom buns and jammy donuts, which make for excellent car snacks. There's in-house roasted coffee all day, plus fine wines in the afternoon (for your passengers). Love Barrio's brew? Grab an Aeropress and a bag of freshly roasted beans to keep you going all journey long. [caption id="attachment_802004" align="alignnone" width="1920"] crissouli, Flickr[/caption] THE ALBION CAFE, BRAIDWOOD Forget the drive-thru, go locavore. In the charming country town of Braidwood, The Albion Cafe offers healthy, seasonal specials based on the best local produce. A stylish but cosy set-up in the historic Albion Hotel building, this family business welcomes everyone with good old-fashioned country hospitality. It's wholesome through and through, and it caters for all dietary needs. That means you can expect nourishing soups and slow-cooked stews in cold weather, an abundance of salads in summer and toasties all year round. Grab some gourmet tidbits or fresh meals to-go from the little shop for a picnic later — artisanal sourdough and homemade hummus will hit the spot better than a packet of chips. CLUB CATALINA, BATEMANS BAY Congrats, you've made it to the Bay. Now, it's time to think outside the seagull-swooping chip shop. Catalina Country Club has a hundred-year history serving the folks of Batemans Bay. Don't worry, you can still hit that craving for a pub-style feed, but with a bit more refinement. Enjoy panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel and parmas, juicy wagyu burgers and artisanal pizza, served fresh from a woodfired oven, with a refreshing Canadian Club and Dry. Or, live the seaside high life and opt for the signature seafood platter and fresh oysters. [caption id="attachment_802671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emma Joyce[/caption] HAYDEN'S PIES, ULLADULLA What's better than a fast food cheeseburger? A gourmet cheeseburger pie. Turn off the Princes Highway for a pastry pit-stop at Hayden's Pies, which has been perfecting the pie since 2003. Choose from solid classics like chunky steak or hefty vego options like mushroom, spinach and goat's cheese — or take a chance on one of its intriguing specials. Give alpaca chilli con carne a go. Or, what about camel, chickpea and coriander? Even kangaroo, wallaby and the occasional croc make it into the oven. Stop by on Sunday for the roast-inspired pie, featuring pork or lamb with peas, potatoes and gravy. It even has dessert covered, with specials like vanilla slices and portuguese tarts. You owe it to yourself to make this epic pie pilgrimage. [caption id="attachment_801304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Something's Wild Photography[/caption] SMALL TOWN, MILTON Celebrate the journey's end with a bit of Small Town charm. From the owners of former Milton fine diner St Isidore, this sleek bistro offers a prix fixe and a la carte menu, both designed to pair elegant snacks and share-style plates with (mainly) small-batch Aussie wines. Small Town spins clever twists on comforting classics, like yorkshire pudding with sea urchin and egg yolk sauce; delicate prawn, scallop and chicken skin dumplings; and sourdough pici pasta with corn, kale, manchego and sorrel. And, as always, it's hard to pass up a fresh lobster roll. After your meal, pop next door to Small Town Provisions, the restaurant's new deli and shop, which sells cheese, cured meat and fresh bread — basically, all the trappings for a next-level picnic. For more road trip inspiration, check out these guides from Canadian Club and Empty Esky. Top image: Barrio Collective Coffee, Visit Canberra
At a time when every second movie seems to feature caped crusaders, you can be forgiven for thinking Gifted might fit the usual bill. Captain America aka Chris Evans leads the cast, The Amazing Spider-Man's Marc Webb sits in the director's chair, and, based on her off-screen interviews, Jenny Slate is the smart, spirited actress superhero we all need. Their collaboration doesn't involve spandex or fighting crime, however, but rather championing strengths and recognising truths of another kind. This precocious, kid-centric film makes no attempt to hide its efforts to tug at your heartstrings. But memorable performances and a refreshing perspective ensure that it's a winner nonetheless. In a tale of brains rather than brawn, seven-year-old Mary Adler (Mckenna Grace) is the smartest student in her new Florida school, and her teacher (Slate) wants to do something about it. But Mary's uncle Frank (Evans) disagrees, having seen her genius mathematician mother follow a similar path only to end up taking her own life due to the pressure. When the headmistress calls in Frank's own estranged mother (Lindsay Duncan), a tug-of-war ensues over the girl's future. He insists that Mary should have a normal childhood, while his mum wants her granddaughter prodigy to realise her potential as soon as possible — regardless of the consequences. What's the best option? With its allegiance firmly with the likeable Frank, Gifted plays up the contrasting parenting styles for drama, rather than delving too deeply into the question. And yet, as Mary gets stuck in the middle of a very predictable custody battle, the film makes a crucial case: that being normal and special aren't mutually exclusive. Don't underestimate this viewpoint, and the alternative it offers to almost every other message that movies thrust our way. Seeing a constant parade of superheroes on screen can cast everyday existence in a pretty dull light, but Gifted celebrates the idea that life and people can be both extraordinary and average, and that that is perfectly okay. Perhaps that's how Webb approached making the film as well — sometimes it's great, sometimes it's simply good, but it comes together nicely overall. It's easy enough to see where the by-the-book plot is going, although thankfully it's all engaging enough that viewers won't really mind. The score lays the sentiment on a little too thick sometimes, and the Florida setting is given quite the sunny hue, but ultimately the film never veers into territory that could be called grating or cloying. Still, blending all of the above together mightn't have worked as well if Gifted wasn't so superbly cast. Pay attention to young Grace, a veteran of 42 roles at the age of just 11, who makes Mary feel like the type of kid everyone can relate to — even if you don't share the same exceptional math skills. Elsewhere, Evans gives his conflicted character ample emotional range, while Slate makes her kindly teacher more than just a helpful love interest. As a feisty neighbour, Octavia Spencer mightn't have quite as much to do, but she's as warm and enjoyable as anything else the movie has to offer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDgOnFH_KEo
It's nice to escape out of the big city sometimes. Just a hop, skip and a jump (90 minutes) from Sydney, the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort is a worthy way to exit hectic Sydney and get a little quality R&R in. Beachfront and with numerous, luxurious pools, the resort is nestled in between Tuggerah Lake and the sea, so swimming is probably #1 on your holiday priorities list. For those who can drag themselves away from their sunlounger, the resort is the perfect gateway to the New South Wales Central Coast. Around summer, this area is your go-to for outdoor adventures ranging from surfing and paddleboarding to quad biking and ziplining through the treetops. Take your pick from beaches like The Entrance, Bateau Bay, Shelly Beach, Copacabana or Macmaster's, enjoy your cold-drip coffee barefoot in the cafes of Avoca and Terrigal, and breathe in a big gulp of fresh air at Bouddi National Park. So you can further remind yourself that you're out of the city, all rooms at the Pullman Magenta Shores (choose from a studio apartment up to a three-bed villa) have relaxing nature views, just so you can remind yourself that you're out of the city. You can kick back in the Lagoon Pool, the heated lap pool indoors if it's a bit nippy, or even the beach rock pools if you want to go crab-watching. The Resort is also home to the Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club, designed by Ross Watson and 18-holes long to fully occupy your vacation days. You're only allowed on this private green if you're staying at Pullman Magenta Shores, or if you've invested in a pricey membership, so take advantage. If you're tuckered out from the activity time or golf isn't your bag, head to the on-site Vie Spa to pamper yourself in one of their five treatment rooms. Once you're hungry from all the relaxing, head over to the resort's fine-dining Barrett's Restaurant, or Shallows Bar – there's a tasting menu as well as a wood-fired pizza oven and a range of share plates on the menu, so your belly will be just as happy as your relaxed muscles.
That moment when you don't know if a film franchise has become more juvenile, or whether it's you that's grown up. This was the uncomfortable experience of watching Kick-Ass 2, and after days of quiet contemplation, I've come to the conclusion: it's not me. Based on the comics by Mark Millar and brought to the screen by Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust), the first Kick-Ass film was a high point in the 'real superhero' wave — a funny counterpoint to the likes of Watchmen. Catching bits of it on TV recently, I thought it seemed only more razor-sharp. The new Kick-Ass 2 disappoints by pitching way too low. There is, for starters, an insane number of dick biting jokes. And it's not a running gag. It seems almost unbelievable that an objective party read the script and didn't think to say, 'hey, how about we stop at separate dick biting joke no.3'? Impotence, race and sexuality are also targets of choice. It seems new writer and director Jeff Wadlow has decided his audience is teenage boys, and no one else. Plot-wise, Kick-Ass 2 picks up about three years after its predecessor. Dave Lizewski (previously weedy, now hunky Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has hung up the Kick-Ass wetsuit, while the orphaned Mindy MacCready (Chloe Grace Moretz), aka Hit Girl, keeps her ongoing training a secret from her guardian, her dad's good friend, Sergeant Marcus Williams (Morris Chestnut). But when Dave gets restless and Mindy gets obedient, their crime-fighting status is reversed, and for camaraderie Dave instead joins the superhero team calling themselves 'Justice Forever' (led by a well prosthetised Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes) to rid the streets of evil. The devoted amateurs are no match, however, for the coming storm from Dave's spoilt and abandoned schoolmate Chris D'Amico (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who's graduated from being Red Mist to the moniker the Motherfucker and who has Kick-Ass obsessively in his sights. It's a unique mix of unimpressiveness at work in this film. On top of the lumpen humour, there's also extreme violence and schlock sentimentality that together are supremely weird. Kick-Ass 2's one redeemer is Hit Girl. If the whole film had been 'Hit Girl Goes to High School', it would have been great. She's always been a special character that challenges every idea we have of girlhood, and the Professional-meets-Mean Girls-like scenes of her dealing with dating, dance club, the popular crowd and bullying are smart, fresh and compelling. The film also deals well with her sexuality, now she's 15. Her costume remains fabulously unsexy and practical, so that's how we view her fights, but she's given room to explore some of her own sexual feelings. In what's possibly the film's best scene, a One Direction replica band plays, and we see that even the disciplined teen warrior is unable to resist their charms. Later, she has a quick perv at a shirtless Dave. This is a character whose impact will carry on, even if there's no Hit-Girl movie in multiplexes. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YWozxV3fsAU
If you've been to Sydney, the Night Noodle Markets or spent some time on Instagram any time in the last few years, you've probably seen Black Star Pastry's strawberry watermelon cake floating around in the hands of hungry sweets fiends. You'll also know it's not just any cake — no, it's a thing of intense beauty that catches the eye (and heart) of anyone who as much as glances at the pink flower-topped cube of pastry. Just look at it. If your sweet tooth is aching just looking at that pretty hunk o' cake, you'll be delighted to know that the Sydney-based bakery is coming down south to Melbourne for a pop-up. They'll be setting up shop on University Street in Carlton from Monday, February 20 with a selection of their incredible cakes — and yes, their signature aforementioned strawberry watermelon doozy will be there. Other favourites include the lemon pistachio zen cake, the strawberry lychee cake and the vegan chocolate popcorn cake. They'll also open up online orders to Melbourne so you can order a huge one for an "occasion". Until now Black Star's goods have only been available at their three Sydney locations and, for the last two years, the Night Noodle Markets. The pop-up runs until June 30, so make the most of all that glorious, glorious cake while it's in town — although they're also hinting at the possibility for a permanent store to open here in the future. Don't worry, the hope of more dessert to come isn't their only goodbye gift, with all pre-order cakes receiving a 10% discount with the code 'byefornow', and a farewell party planned. At the latter, there'll be free skewers, cake and booze from noon until 6pm on July 2 at Hoy Pinoy. Parting is such sweet sorrow indeed.
Melbourne may be the world's most liveable city, but according to travel website Babble, it doesn't even make the top ten when it comes to sustainability. The City of Melbourne Council is keen to change that, though. They're aiming to make Melbourne one of the world's most sustainable cities by 2020, and this exhibition might just give them some inspiration. The Liveable and Sustainable exhibition will feature artworks by University of Melbourne students and photojournalist Andrew Brownbill that were all inspired by the question, how would you depict a sustainable and liveable city and lifestyle? The artworks will consist of a range of photos, paintings, sculpture and mixed media works, and two winners will be selected by a panel of judges. There'll be cash prizes for the winners, and their works will be displayed at one of the galleries in Federation Square.
Matt Wilkinson's iconic cafe Pope Joan spent years as an inner-north culinary go-to, before a new building development forced a move and it settled into its current CBD digs in 2019. These days, the venue is continuing its original legacy in a Collins Street home, now steered by Danish Head Chef Bente Grysbæk. Her reinvigorated breakfast menu features a slew of familiar favourites alongside some creative newcomers. The popular rhubarb-topped rice pudding ($12) remains, as do the elevated boiled eggs with soldiers and bacon bits ($13). But you'll also find additions like a Danish-inspired breakfast hash starring Warialda beef rump, fried eggs and potato gems ($25), the Milawa chicken schnitzel sided with dashi-dressed cabbage salad ($28) and hero veg plates like the Romsey pumpkin with toasted seeds, hummus and spiced agave ($24). The sandwich game here is as strong as ever, with signatures like the Pope Joan brekkie roll ($14) and the reuben ($19) now joined by the likes of a roast cauliflower pita wrap ($16), and a Danish open rye sandwich featuring smoked salmon, crudités and a mustard sauce. The cake trolley has also made its return, loaded with sweet things you can match to an Allpress coffee or house chai. Come afternoon, you're in excellent hands with snacks like Port Phillip sardines and free-range chicken liver parfait, plus cheese and charcuterie platters, to enjoy alongside classic cocktails or a glass or two of vino. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Live music, good wine and food – what more could you ask for? At Innocent Bystander's Vegan Garden Party, the cellar door and restaurant will be debuting a new vegan menu curated by the establishment's very own head chef. The delicious spread will consist of charred broccolini with almond cream and mushroom ketchup, crispy Kipfler potatoes with mustard sauce, and salsa verde and pickles. Topping it off is a sweet vegan raspberry chocolate dessert. [caption id="attachment_876618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Innocent Bystander - Supplied[/caption] But that's not all. Local musicians Malcura will be gracing the party with their signature acoustic flamenco sounds from 4-7pm. To complete the evening, a selection of vegan wine will be offered at Innocent Bystander's new Refillable Station. Simply save your empty wine bottles and get $5 off your next purchase when you're in need of a refill. Top images: Innocent Bystander — supplied.
You put up the money. You helped stomp the grapes. Now, the people-powered winemakers at Noisy Ritual are inviting you back to put a cork in 2015 — literally. After getting off the ground earlier in the year with crowdfunding support from a group of wine-loving locals, the Preston-based urban winery has produced six batches of homemade vino which they're now about to bottle. So naturally, they're using it as an excuse to throw a party. Cracking open their casks on the evening of Saturday, November 21 in a Brunswick East warehouse space, the Noisy Ritual Bottling Party will be your very first chance to try their 2015 vintage – straight from the bottle you helped pour it into. In addition to the wine, there'll be food by Forge Woodfired Pizza and music from Broadway Sounds, Pink Tiles and a number of local DJs. We'll drink to that.
Melbourne is no stranger to a Korean barbecue restaurant. You'll find them all over the CBD and out in the burbs. We've also got all kinds of them — there are cheap BYO joints and all-you-can-eat affairs, as well as fancier varieties. Melbourne CBD's newest KBBQ spot Woo399 lands on the more premium side of things. Don't get us wrong, it's not a hushed-voiced fine-diner. There's still plenty of fun to be had fighting over the gas-fired grills in the 104-person restaurant. We say it's more high-end because of the quality of meat that's up for grabs. The team sources its pure-bred wagyu from Elbow Valley in Queensland, where the cattle are fed a combination of orange pulp and locally grown grains like wheat, barley and corn. This results in outstanding meat quality, with the team sourcing plenty of cuts with a 9+ marble score. And unlike most Korean barbecue joints, you don't just choose a banquet or selection of meats from the menu. At Woo399, you make your way up to the butcher's fridge, where top-grade meat has already been sliced and packaged for you. Either take this meat home or stick around to dine in. When dining in, simply pick the wagyu with your desired marbling (and price), add some other meats to your basket (pork belly and ox tongue are also available), pay at the counter and then start cooking. Choose from beef cuts like chuck eye roll, short rib, flat meat and the holy oyster blade. Each person is charged $9.99 to use the grills, which also gets you complimentary sauces, three side dishes and unlimited soft drinks. For an extra cost, you can order kimchi, croquettes, soups and a bunch of vegetables. And if you'd rather pair your KBBQ with some booze, Cass Korean larger and soju can be ordered from the waitstaff. Woo399 is ideal for Korean barbecue fans who are incredibly particular about the cuts and quality of meat they want to grill. There are absolutely no surprises here. You'll find Woo399 at 399 Lonsdale Street in the CBD, open from 5:30–10pm every day of the week. For more details, visit the restaurant's website.
Sydney trio Little May could be Australia's answer to folk warblers First Aid Kit. They've certainly been compared to the Swedish duo, and to New Zealand's Tiny Ruins, but at the moment they are carving out their own path. They've recently put out their debut, self-titled EP and just wrapped up an Australian tour with the legendary Rodriguez. But there's no rest for the wicked (or the wickedly charming, in this case). Little May are about to embark on a 12-date national headline tour to promote the EP. They'll be spreading the good vibes around Northcote Social on both November 20 and 21 supported by Winterbourne and HOWQUA. To find out more, check out our interview. We asked them for their best tips for summer road trips.
James Squire and Concrete Playground are hosting a Spring Banquet at The Crafty Squire, giving 30 lucky winners and their guests a seat at the table. You'll sit down to a five-course meal custom-made by head chef Alan Fraser, each dish paired with a specific James Squire tipple. To go in the running to win tickets for you and a friend, just complete the form below, subscribe to the newsletters and agree to the competition terms and conditions. But be quick, the banquet takes place on Wednesday, September 28, and entries close at midnight Sunday, September 18. [competition]585077[/competition]
It was known as The Battle of the Sexes — a 1973 tennis match between former men’s champion Bobby Riggs and then women’s champion Billie Jean King. It would be the most watched tennis game in history, with a $100,000, winner-takes-all purse. But for King especially, the match was about much more than the prize money. In an era of appalling gender inequality, it was a symbolic chance to prove to the world that women were just as capable as men, in sport or in any other endeavour. All she had to do was come out on top. In their retelling of the match, directors James Erskine and Zara Hayes employ a style similar to that of Oscar winner James Marsh (Man on Wire, Project Nim), sneakily blending archival footage with re-enactments in order to immerse their viewers and heighten the sense of narrative. In doing so, they ensure that even those with no interest in tennis stay engaged, gripped by a story that has much more to do with politics and personality than it does with hitting a ball over a net. It helps that history has gifted them with a marvellous pair of characters. At one end of the court, the 55-year-old Riggs, a self-described chauvinist pig who would tell any newspaper or television crew that would listen that he was going to "put [King] and all the other women’s libbers back where they belong — in the kitchen and the bedroom”. At the other end, King, an outspoken feminist who had already boldly defied the U.S. Tennis Association when she, along with eight other female players, established their own tournament circuit in protest of unequal prize money. Even someone who hated tennis would watch the movie, purely in the hope of seeing King put Riggs in his place. Admittedly, Erskine and Hayes’ attempt to make the game an allegory for the entire feminist movement doesn’t always work. In reality, the match was just as much about marketing as it was discrimination. At a certain point it becomes clear that Riggs was less a hardcore misogynist than he was a shameless self-promoter, generating controversy for his own financial benefit (although that he was willing to exploit society’s sexism in order to do so makes him arguably just as bad). It’s a shame that Riggs, who died of cancer in 1995, wasn’t able to be interviewed. Still, the match’s legacy shouldn’t be understated. As a pointed closing title-card points out, tennis is, to this day, the only sport with equal cash prizes for both men’s and women’s events. There’s no denying that King played a part in that, with the film concluding with statements by current women’s champions — including Maria Sharapova and the Williams' sisters — about the influence that King had on them. Obviously she's an inspiring individual, and overall the doco does her justice.
Punch out of your full-time job for the day and cast your ballot in this cheeky public poll installation from American artist Steve Lambert. Having previously taken over public spaces across the United States and Europe — including a stint in New York City's Times Square — Capitalism Works for Me! True/False asks visitors to mull the pros and cons of capitalism and then answer a simple question. The installation will be set up at four public places over the duration of Melbourne Fringe. A live running tally will be displayed on Lambert's large LED scoreboard, tracking how we all feel about the system that runs...well, pretty much every aspect of our lives. CAPITALISM WORKS FOR ME! TRUE/FALSE LOCATIONS State Library of Victoria Forecourt — 1–5pm, September 13–15 Queen Victoria Market — 5–9pm, September 19 (at the Hawker 88 Night Market) Bourke Street Mall — 11am–3pm, September 20–22 Fringe Hub at Arts House — 4–8pm, September 27–29 Image: Bryony Jackson.
It's been three long years since Melbourne Fringe Festival hosted its last IRL instalment — and you can bet it's not holding back one scrap when it comes to its glorious return next month. In fact, from Thursday, October 6–Sunday, October 23, Fringe is celebrating its 40th anniversary with what's set to be its heftiest program yet. The independent arts festival will this year dish up over 450 events from talent both established and emerging, covering dazzling performances, participatory art, groundbreaking theatre, immersive creative experiences and everything in between. All speaking to the theme: 'It's About Time'. Fringe even has some brand new goodies up its sleeve this time around, including Runaway Festival Park — a new festival hub and pop-up art park at Queen Victoria Market with a program of comedy, cabaret, circus and drag performances headlined by Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett. Fringe-goers can also look forward to the return of an old favourite, as the Fringe Parade and Lygon Street Block Party descends on Carlton for a big, bold, inclusive shindig. Riffing on a long-running event that helped shape the festival's early years, the party will feature a colourful street parade, two outdoor stages, roving performers, and stacks of local eats and drinks. And popping up at the State Library Victoria is The Rest Is Up to You: Melbourne Fringe 1982-2062 — a major new, free exhibition and sound installation reflecting on Fringe's first 40 years, while also imagining its next 40. The rest of the program is packed with creative delights for all tastes; from a mesmerising contemporary dance installation in Docklands called Pendulum, to an all-night Meatloaf-themed communal karaoke session. Speaking to the impacts of climate change, Matthias Schack-Arnott's Groundswell takes the form of a giant percussive rain drum that passersby can 'play' by walking upon its surface. Meanwhile, Prahran Square plays host to a unique live music event, which sees unedited words from three local contemporary writers presented in four-part harmony by a mass choir. [caption id="attachment_823767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] YUMMY Deluxe, Melbourne Fringe Festival 2019, by Theresa Harrison[/caption] The return of the festival's First Nations program Deadly Fringe features everything from a group exhibition exploring Blak queer futurism, to an immersive event fusing music and talks that'll take you on a deep-dive into Fitzroy's Indigenous history. Fringe Focus Taiwan is set to present two envelope-pushing works from Taiwan's most innovative contemporary artists; while the long-running Fringe Furniture program is reborn as Design Fringe, featuring a month-long exhibition, talks and a 'designer in residence' program. Food-meets-art creatives Long Prawn will host a live yabby fishing — and eating — experience; free participatory public artwork Hexadeca will bring an installation of spinning musical bucket seats to Fed Square; and you can join in a four-hour line dance marathon at Coburg RSL. And of course, gracing stages throughout the festival will be a mega lineup of acts doing what they do best, including Geraldine Quinn, YUMMY, Jude Perl, Kween Kong (Drag Race Down Under), The Chaser's Andrew Hansen, Jordan Barr, Lou Wall and Sarah Ward. [caption id="attachment_867928" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Multiply', Melbourne Fringe 2020, credit Gregory Lorenzutti[/caption] 2022 Melbourne Fringe Festival runs from October 6–23 at venues across the city. For the full program and to book tickets, see the website. Top Image: Duncan Jacobs.
Every year, photographers across the country vie for attention in the CCP Salon awards. Started 25 years ago to help showcase and encourage Australian photographers, the awards are completely open to all, so you can expect a wide and varied array of exhibitors to turn out each year. This time around, they're handing out over $20,000 worth of prizes (so you can expect some fierce competition). Opening night will be hosted on Thursday, November 23 at the Centre for Contemporary Photography in Fitzroy, which was designed in 2005 by the iconic Sean Godsell. So the warm and inviting function space alone is worth a trip, not to mention the photographic talents set to show.
Victorians, it isn't quite roadmap time. Due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers, and a new realisation that those figures are going to keep going up, Premier Daniel Andrews didn't announce today, Wednesday, September 1, exactly how the state will gradually ease out of its current (and sixth) lockdown. But, he did reveal what'll be the first things to ease when they can, even if life isn't going to be returning to normal any time soon. Get ready to venture twice as far from home for exercise and to shop, and to spend a little longer out of the house when you're working up a sweat. They're two of the rules that'll change on or around Thursday, September 23, which is when the Victorian Government expects that 70 percent of the state's residents have had their first COVID-19 jab — which is the just-announced threshold for relaxing the current stay-at-home restrictions. "Over the past 72 hours, the advice from our public health team has been that we still had a promising chance to bring this under control and to bring cases down. We were charting our way out of this outbreak with easing at thresholds of lower cases," said the Premier in a statement. "Last night, with cases already in triple figures, too many mystery cases and too many people infectious out in the community, that advice changed." (120 people identified with the coronavirus in the 24 hours to midnight last night.) He continued: "with the number of positive cases this high, the speed at which this Delta variant is spreading and so many Victorians still to be vaccinated, our Chief Health Officer advises it is unlikely we will be able to bring our case numbers down... This is why Victoria's Chief Health Officer has declared that almost all of the current lockdown restrictions will remain in place until 70 percent of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine. This is estimated to be around 23 September." On the advice of the Chief Health Officer, Victoria's lockdown will be extended to slow the spread and keep Victorians safe. Due to the level of community transmission and number of unlinked cases, almost all restrictions will remain in place. pic.twitter.com/Gr3IG7N4b5 — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) September 1, 2021 When that target is met, the current five-kilometre radius will expand to ten kilometres. And, you'll get three hours a day to exercise. Outdoor personal training will be allowed, too, with up to two people plus the trainer — and outdoor communal gym equipment and skateparks will reopen. Also set to be permitted at this next phase: private inspections of unoccupied houses if you're buying, or your lease is ending, but only with one household attending at a time — and with the agent staying outdoors during the inspection. And, the state's construction workforce will also be allowed to increase to 50 percent, but only once 90 percent of their workers have had at least one jab. At entertainment venues to broadcast performances, up to five staff will be able to work onsite. More rules may also be eased at that date, the Premier said, noting that it'll obviously depend on the situation at the time. "I don't want to go through a list today. I don't have a list. We're going to work through those things carefully and if there are other things we can add to that list for the 23rd of September, we will," he said at today's press conference. "But also want to be really straight with people that it's not like two weeks after that there's going to be a whole lot of other things that can be added on, and two weeks after that another list of things that can be eased," Andrews continued. "These will be the settings that we all have to live with for a period of time until we reach not just first-dose vaccination thresholds, but second-dose vaccination thresholds as outlined in the National Cabinet plan — the 70-percent two-dose and 80-percent two-dose. That is the difficult but the unavoidable position that we find ourselves in." The Premier's comments fall in line with Australia's new 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July, that outlines the easing of different rules once those 70-percent and 80-percent fully vaxxed targets are reached. Victoria first went into this lockdown at the beginning of August — just nine days after the previous lockdown ended — and has seen the stay-at-home rules extended not once, not twice, but three times so far, and a nighttime curfew implemented as well. In regional Victoria, the rest of the state started this lockdown with Greater Melbourne, then was released early just a few days later, and then re-entered lockdown in the middle of August. And, it might see restrictions start to ease again earlier than in Melbourne. At present, regional Victorian remains under stay-at-home rules; however, the Premier advised that it's possible some lockdown rules may be able to loosen outside of Melbourne as early as next week — so, the week beginning Monday, September 6 — depending on case numbers. If that proves possible, further details will be announced next week. Melbourne will remain under the current lockdown rules until 70 percent of the state has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to be on or around Thursday, September 23. Rules in regional Victoria may ease earlier, however, and may happen as early as sometime in the week beginning Monday, September 6 — with further details to be announced if that proves the case. For more information about the rules in place at the moment, head to the Victorian Department of Health website.
With international travel expected to be off the cards until mid-2022, and Australians encouraged to spend their holiday dollars at home to help the country's tourism industry, the 2021–22 Federal Budget is committing a hefty amount of cash to roads, rail and infrastructure projects. Aiming to support the nation's economic recovery from the pandemic, and boost jobs in the process, the Budget allocates $15.2 billion over the next ten years as part of an overall $110 billion spend across the same period. The Great Western Highway between Katoomba to Lithgow ($2 billion), Victoria's Monash ($250 million) and Pakenham ($380 million) roads, and Queensland's Bruce Highway ($400 million) are just some of the stretches of road that'll receive upgrades. So will the Great Eastern Highway in Western Australia ($200 million), the North-South Corridor from Darlington to the Anzac Highway in South Australia ($2.6 billion), the Midland Highway in Tasmania ($113.4 million) and the Northern Territory National Highway ($150 million). Announced last night, on Tuesday, May 11, this year's Federal Budget commits $3.8 billion in new spending to New South Wales, $3.4 billion to Victoria, $2 billion to Queensland, $1.6 billion to WA, $3.4 billion to SA, $377.2 million to Tasmania, $401 million to the NT and $186.2 million to the Australian Capital Territory. If some of the above projects sound familiar, that's because part of the cash has been allocated to works currently underway — but as a new funding commitment. Also covered: the Princess Highway Corridor in Jervis Bay ($500 million), and the M5 ($87.5 million) and M12 motorways ($229.4) in NSW; the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal ($2 billion), as part of the national freight network; the third stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail ($126.6 million); and stage 2A of the Canberra Light Rail ($132.5 million). The Budget also includes $1 billion to extend the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to 2022–23 — which, as its name suggests, is all about supporting local councils to deliver local road and community infrastructure projects — as well as another $1 billion to continue the Road Safety Program into the same year. For more information about the 2021–22 Federal Budget, head to the government's website. Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
The minds behind the multi-layered delight that is the legendary Strawberry Watermelon Cake — which has lit up Instagram feeds across the world since its inception in Sydney over a decade ago — headed south last November, opening the doors to a Black Star Pastry pop-up in St Kilda. It closed, like many restaurants did, at the start of the pandemic, but now it's back — permanently. Making its home beneath Acland Street's Jackalope Pavilion — where the now-closed, hopefully-reopening-soon exhibition Rain Room is located — the team's first permanent Black Star Pastry outside of Sydney follows a successful 2017 pop-up in Carlton, as well as plenty of outings at Melbourne's Night Noodle Markets over the years. The new pop-up store is serving up a selection of Black Star smash hits, the bill headlined, of course, by that Strawberry Watermelon Cake. Sporting layers of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream and watermelon, this little beauty sells around one million slices annually across the brand's four Sydney stores and was even dubbed the "world's most Instagrammed cake" by the New York Times. Other favourites making the journey south include the Pistachio Lemon Zen Cake — another layered sensation featuring pistachio ganache, white chocolate mousse, lemon curd and crunchy pistachio dacquoise — and the Raspberry Lychee Cake, which fuses chocolate biscuit, raspberry marshmallow and vanilla cream. Also on the lineup: custard flans, croissants, a vegan chocolate popcorn cake, a Dragon Cake (made with thinly sliced dragonfruit and jelly ripples) and a Japanese Forest Cake, which has matcha moss, dark chocolate bark and whole confit ume (plums). The sweet stuff is complemented by St Ali coffee and a contemporary, minimalist store space, featuring neon signage by UK artist Tracey Emin proclaiming "you loved me like a distant star". And, in a win for those who don't like waiting — or don't like heading out in the current climate — customers can also pre-order a range of cakes online and skip the queues with express pick-up. Those cakes are for all types of celebrations, too, ranging from four to 45 portions (but do keep in mind the current restrictions on gatherings). For the moment, the cafe will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays, but hopes to add on additional days in spring. Find Black Start Pastry at 2C Acland Street, St Kilda from Saturday, July 4. It'll be open from 9am–4pm Saturday–Sunday.
The audience waits in the cavernous dark of the Meat Market theatre, while portentous music plays and spotlights rake the stage. Madonna Arms is coming. The music builds. The audience wait. The music keeps building. The audience keep waiting. This goes on for a while. It goes on so long it becomes funny, then even longer until it stops being funny, then keeps going until it becomes funny again. Whatever is about to start, there is no way it can justify this much buildup. Which is of course the gag. From the very beginning Madonna Arms embodies the overblown but hollow hype of modern pop culture. Performed by experimental feminist theatre company I’m Trying To Kiss You, the show is a chaotic satire. Three performers — Zoey Dawson, Anna McCarthy and Ella Harvey — work together like a well-oiled machine to turn out oddball scenarios playing with media representations of gender. Surrounded by screens which, courtesy of an on-stage green screen, show them against digital backdrops, the energetic trio create scenes that seem to come from a media hyper-reality: a reality TV show that appears to be shot on a space station, a film clip portraying a medieval battle march, and an alien invasion action movie. The structure is essentially that of a sketch show, with some callbacks but no underlying narrative connecting the sequences. Narrative is not remotely necessary, in fact the lack of it is central to the show. Madonna Arms is a portrayal of style without substance, the grandiose presentation of trivia, hyperbolic charade and false empowerment. The overall effect is like flipping through late night cable television in a foreign country. It's never quite fully comprehensible, it's frequently furiously odd but it is endlessly fascinating nonetheless. I don’t know if what I’m watching is a hot mess or sheer magnificence. It's probably a bit of both. One thing that does get a bit much is all the talk about sex, of which there is an awful lot. While it's clearly the intent of the show to satirise a media obsession with sex, there’s only so much talk about orifices, penises and bodily fluids you can listen to before it gets tiresome. The show works best when the performers are simply having fun and playing the satire at fever pitch. When it falters is when it's self consciously trying to be controversial or in-your-face. While not everything this show throws at the wall sticks, it is nonetheless quite an experience to watch it all being thrown. There is a determined shake-your-fist-at-the-mainstream spunk to it all that makes it strangely irresistible. Saturated in pop culture references, crass for the sheer love of being crass, at once outrageously silly and charged with impassioned politics — this is exactly the kind of thing young performers should be doing with their time. Going to see it and feeling equal parts baffled, amused, affronted and inspired is exactly what you should be doing with yours. This show is running as part of Next Wave 2014. For more events at the festival, check out our top ten picks.
UPDATE, December 20, 2021: Happiest Season is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Heading home for the holidays and stepping into a sea of interpersonal dramas is a familiar on-screen set-up, as a new movie every Christmas or so reminds us. By now, then, we all know the formula. Adult children make the pilgrimage to their parents' place, rivalries and animosities flare up, secrets are spilled, chaos ensues and, by the end of the film's running time, everyone has learned something. Happiest Season fits the template perfectly. With the merriest time of the year in full swing, the Caldwells converge on the Pennsylvanian family home, with their celebrations given an extra edge due to patriarch Ted's (Victor Garber, Dark Waters) mayoral campaign. His fastidious wife Tipper (Mary Steenburgen, The Book Club) insists on snapping every moment for his Instagram feed, all as stern eldest daughter Sloane (Alison Brie, GLOW) arrives with her husband (Burl Moseley, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), two children (Asiyih and Anis N'Dobe) and plenty of unspoken tension in tow; zany middle sister and aspiring fantasy writer Jane (Mary Holland, Between Two Ferns: The Movie) is largely ignored; and Pittsburgh-based political journalist Harper (Mackenzie Davis, Irresistible) returns with the girlfriend, Abby (Kristen Stewart, Charlie's Angels), that none of her relatives know about because she hasn't come out to them yet. If someone other than The Faculty, Girl, Interrupted, Veep and The Handmaid's Tale actor-turned-filmmaker Clea DuVall had made Happiest Season, the above paragraph would accurately reflect the feature's character hierarchy — because Sloane would take centre stage, and Harper and Abby would hover around the narrative's edges. But DuVall did make Happiest Season and, with co-writer Holland, she flips the movie's focus, even while still sticking with a well-worn general premise. Accordingly, this festive flick resembles a comfy sweater that often gets a wear, but seems welcomely different on this particular occasion. As Aussie queer teen rom-com Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) also demonstrated this year, it shouldn't be so subversive to take an overused genre that's heavy on recognisable tropes, then strip away the engrained heteronormativity. But it is, in both high school-set romances and movies about meeting your partner's parents over eggnog. After filling the credits with details of the formative stages of Harper and Abby's relationship, the feature introduces them properly as they're touring local Christmas lights. The towering Harper is giddier than one might expect of someone of her age, but the calmer Abby isn't fussed about the season after losing her parents when she was a teenager. When the former asks the latter to come home with her for Christmas, though, Abby gets excited. She wants to pop the question anyway, and figures there's no time or place better to make the festive-loving Harper her fiancée — although her best friend John (Dan Levy, Schitt's Creek) points out that asking Harper's dad's permission beforehand is hardly a progressive step. It isn't until Happiest Season's central couple has almost reached the Caldwells' that Abby discovers Harper's subterfuge. Not only do Ted, Tipper and company not know that Harper is gay and in a relationship, but Abby is asked to pretend she's straight as well (yes, one gag literally places her in a closet, because of course that happens). In the broad strokes, the movie doesn't serve up any surprises. But like moving its focus to Harper and Abby, this Christmas rom-com is all about the details. Amid the sibling struggles, the re-emergence of old flames both male (Jake McDorman, What We Do in the Shadows) and female (Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation), and the always-hectic whirlwind that surrounds every seasonal family affair — and every attempt to run for political office, too — Happiest Season explores two crucial themes in a meaningful way. First, it unpacks the performative nature of human existence, where too often we're all trying to match other people's perceptions and expectations without consistently remaining true to ourselves. And, it also interrogates how coming out isn't a simple or straightforward act, even in seemingly loving circumstances. These are weighty ideas and, while Happiest Season is light and jovial overall, it doesn't sugarcoat its heavier moments. It doesn't devote all of its running time to them either, but DuVall and Holland's script finds a delicate balance — with the part played by Holland herself at first seeming to be the movie's most overtly exaggerated role for comedic effect, but eventually proving more thoughtful, for instance. It's easy to see how the screenwriting pair could've turned this into a different picture, with the initially tentative friendship that springs up between Abby and Plaza's Riley, and the commonalities they feel as women who've been pushed aside so Harper could maintain a lie, 100-percent begging for an entire movie of its own. But DuVall never forgets the task that she has clearly set herself: to make a queer meet-the-parents Christmas comedy. The film's warm-hued, Hallmark-style imagery never lets the audience overlook the fact that Happiest Season willingly sticks to a formula in order to update it, either. Also apparent is just how well Stewart and Davis anchor the movie's generic and more soulful elements alike. This shouldn't come as a surprise, with Stewart picking most of her post-Twilight roles astutely (see: Clouds of Sils Maria, Certain Women, Personal Shopper and Seberg), and Davis always a memorable addition to any cast. In their hands, their characters feel lived-in. So does Happiest Season's central relationship, especially as it navigates considerable ups and downs, including an ongoing series of questionable decisions by Harper. Steenburgen, Plaza, Levy, Brie, Garber — they're all reliably great, too, but it's likely this LGBTQIA+-friendly dose of merriment wouldn't have found the right mix of festive familiarity and emotional substance with other leads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_jjELPpKkk
Dark Mofo might be taking a breather in 2024, but Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will still be embracing summer at Mona Foma. The sunny counterpart to the Apple Isle's moody winter fest has locked in its 2024 return from Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 25 in nipaluna/Hobart and from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2 in Launceston. It has also dropped one helluva getaway-worthy lineup. [caption id="attachment_923130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andreas Neumann[/caption] Back in October, Queens of the Stone Age were revealed as the first act on Mona Foma's program for the year. They're joined by Courtney Barnett, TISM, Paul Kelly, Mogwai, Shonen Knife and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, for starters. If you don't know where to start, the quintessential Mona Foma experience is the Mona Sessions. On the evenings of Friday, February 23 to Sunday, February 25, you can catch live music from international artists on the sprawling museum lawns. Arrive on a camouflage ferry before exploring one of Australia's most innovative museums. Then, enjoy back-to-back performances by Scottish rockers Mogwai and Japanese band Shonen Knife, joined by fellow overseas talents Holy Fuck, Wednesday, Michael Rother + Friends (playing Neu! songs) and Lonnie Holley with Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements. Now that TISM are back playing live together, the Australian legends will bust out 'Greg! The Stop Sign!', 'Whatareya' and 'Ol' Man River' at Cataract Gorge. The Ron Hitler-Barassi-led band are part of a free one-day event at the stunning site during Mona Foma's Launceston weekend, as are Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. Head along and you'll also enjoy morning meditations to start the day and hear from Mulga Bore Hard Rock and FFLORA + Grace Chia. [caption id="attachment_926553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steve Cook[/caption] More on the music program: Darren Hanlon, Bree van Reyk and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra are teaming up; French Korean siblings Isaac et Nora will perform Latin-American songs they've learned by ear; and Barelona-based producer Filastine and Indonesian singer Nova will provide live tunes on a 70-tonne sailing ship to muse on the climate crisis. DJs will get spinning beneath James Turrell's Armana at Mona and artists will be hitting up the Frying Pan Studios to jam and record. Emeka Ogboh's contribution to the festival is another big highlight. In the immersive exhibit Boats, the Nigerian artist ponders migration in a sensory experience that boasts its own gin — made with native Tasmanian and West African botanicals — alongside snacks, conversation and a sound installation. [caption id="attachment_926554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wei-Tsan Liu[/caption] Also set to impress: Taiwanese artist Yahon Chang will be painting on a 20-by-15-metre canvas at Princes Wharf 1 with a human-sized brush in a performance that'll blend calligraphy, art, meditation, kung fu and tai chi. Other program standouts include the world premiere of Justin Shoulder's Anito; Dancenorth's latest production Wayfinder, which includes Hiromi Tango on design duties and music from Hiatus Kaiyote; the return of party venue Faux Mo at The Granada Tavern; and a Street Eats food and drink market pop-up with a lineup of musical guests. [caption id="attachment_784488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MONA/Jesse Hunniford, Robin Fox laser installation at the Albert Hall, Launceston, Mona Foma 2019[/caption] Nab your tickets now at the Mona Foma website. You can also book your getaway package through Concrete Playground Trips. Top images: Moshcam, Pooneh Ghana, Akira Shibata. All images courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.
Stand aside muggles, these are the big boys of magic. Billed as “the most spectacular magic show of all time,” The Illusionists is an over-the-top blockbuster that will command your complete attention. This is not just a show of card tricks and slight of hand, these tricks are larger than life, daring, inventive and truly magical. Hailing from the epicentre of grand magic shows, Las Vegas, each of these master illusionists specialise in their own type of magic. All the classic tricks are represented with levitation, mind reading, disappearance and even a touch of daggy dad-joke comedy. The show is brought to life with some dramatic lighting, tightly choreographed dances in crazy steampunk costumes and a live hip-hop/rock band playing on stage — this is a very slick operation and you won’t feel ashamed to let your inner child out. The Marilyn Manson of magic, Dan Sperry, shows off some bizarre, often shocking and macabre illusions and at one point even plays Russian roulette with broken glass and a member of the audience. Andrew Basso, the Italian escapologist, will have you gasping for air in a tension packed underwater Houdini escape. His performance is a highlight. Then, mad scientist, inventor and Colonel Sanders look-a-like Kevin James performs some breathtakingly elegant and astounding tricks that will leave you in awe as to how they are executed. The latter half of the show featuring Jeff Hobson, the comedy magician and Philip Escoffey, the mentalist (no, not that mentalist), run a touch long, but all is forgiven when the only female illusionist, Jinger Leigh and her partner in crime Mark Kalin pull off a spellbinding disappearance act. The Illusionists have sold out shows all over the world and they mean to do the same in Melbourne. The performance runs for a good two hours with intermission and though it is family friendly, you could easily make it an adults only night out with friends. Even though the over-the-top theatrics are a little gimmicky, you have to admit the show is very entertaining. Even the most cynical will be left puzzled, amazed and believing, if only a little, that magic might really exist.
