There's something novel about soaking in a tub with no wall in front of you, no roof above you, and no worries if anyone will spoil the moment (or see you naked). It's romantic, relaxing, and the unfamiliar nature of bathing outdoors can be, lets face it, kind of exciting. This is especially true when your bath is paired with a glass of red and the knowledge that there's a roaring fire waiting for you inside the architecturally designed house you've found yourself in. So, to make your outdoor-bath dreams a reality, we've rounded up the most enviable houses in Australia that have particularly unique outdoor-bathing scenarios. Whether you fancy relaxing in a private Japanese bathhouse, a rustic metal tub perched on a farm's timber deck, or want to stargaze from a spa-bath in a mountain cave, we've got you covered. Read on for our top stays with next-level outdoor baths across Australia. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Glamping Sites in New Zealand The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Liptrap Loft, Walkerville, Victoria This design-minded house combines Japanese architecture with rustic charm — it boasts a one-of-a-kind sunken indoor-outdoor Japanese bath in a traditional bathhouse that opens up to views of the surrounding property. From $406 a night, sleeps six. Wensley, Wensleydale, Victoria Built from recycled oregon and ironbark, this bespoke timber, architectural shed-like house is a bath-lovers paradise, with a deep indoor bath inside amongst the immaculately styled interiors, and a rustic metal bath on the wrap-around timber deck, perfect for cooling off on balmy evenings. From $995 a night, sleeps ten. Soul Wood Luxury Coast Cabin, Termeil, New South Wales Wake up to views of the bushland from this wooden tiny house. The dreamy outdoor bathtub is surrounded by tall native trees that will have you feeling completely immersed in the natural surroundings. From $300 a night, sleeps two. Woodlands Retreat, Porongurup, Western Australia Not a bath per-se, but the views this jacuzzi boasts earned itself an honourable mention. Just imagine sipping champagne with your pals and looking out over that deck submerged in steaming bubbly water, then slipping on a fluffy maroon robe to finish off the night — yes, please. From $438 a night, sleeps four. Stargazer, Beechmont, Queensland This property is enviable in every way, including a secluded location, cohesive architectural design, and a wood fire pizza oven for your entertaining needs. To top it all off, the uniquely positioned bath looks over the far-reaching countryside, taking your R&R weekend to the next level. From $278 a night, sleeps six. Secluded Studio, Byron Bay, New South Wales A designer retreat for two, complete with a glass-walled bathroom, secluded garden terrace and roomy outdoor tub to wash the salt off from a day spent in the sun and surf — it's a true hidden oasis, just minutes from the beach. From $400 a night, sleeps two. Boutique Retreat, Suffolk Park, New South Wales A cheery self-contained, beautifully styled apartment that's sure to win you over with its plush linens, palm-filled courtyard and massive pink stone outdoor tub for some quality soaking, drinking and reading. From $275 a night, sleeps two. The Enchanted Cave, Bilpin, New South Wales An actual clifftop cave, this unique couples' retreat is like something plucked from a storybook. Relax while enjoying dreamy views across the treetops from the large glass doors that open out from a deep spa bath. From $1140 a night, sleeps two. Seven Sisters Escarpment Views, Medlow Bath, New South Wales Tandem baths anyone? This mountaintop cottage feels worlds away from reality, especially when taking in the views from one of two gorgeous outdoor bathtubs. Be sure to cook dinner from the bush garden and cozy up in front of the wood fire on cooler nights. From $340 a night, sleeps four. Kestrel Nest Ecohut, Mount Adrahm New South Wales Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, this eco-hut is nestled above a rocky mountain stream on the edge of rolling farmland and a conservation area. It features an outdoor bathtub, a fireplace and firepit, and a charming mix of timber and tiled interiors. From $460 a night, sleeps four. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
When one door closes, another one opens. And, in the case of Melbourne institution Brunetti, that door is bigger and better than ever before. Forced out of its longstanding Collins Street cafe due to works on Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel, the Italian cafe has landed itself new and improved digs, opening a sprawling venue connecting Flinders Lane and Collins Street. It's a fresh look for an old favourite — the 300-seater boasting a smart, contemporary fit-out, as imagined by the team at Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Think, brass accents, sleek marble and a 15.5-metre-high mural of an Italian town square. The food offering has entered a new era too, with executive chef Simon Moss (ex-Entrecote) plating up full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to complement Brunetti's mind-blowing array of signature cakes and pastries. Dishes like spaghetti carbonara with cured egg yolk, and vitello tonnato bruschetta are served up on tableware crafted by local artist Glen Tebble, while pizzas get the proper Italian treatment, wood-fired in a Marana Forni oven suspended from the ceiling. There's also a Campari bar, dedicated to the classic Italian Spritz, sections for deli goods and takeaway wines, and an espresso bar where waistcoated baristas are working with an exclusive Lavazza coffee blend. Food images: Gareth Sobey.
Say what you want about Melbourne's hyped-up cafe culture, but some things just work. And sometimes they work really well — at least, that's the case of Proud Mary in Collingwood. Even though it opened way, way back in 2009, Proud Mary still continually has to manage customer lines out the front — even on weekdays. Since then, many cafes have opened (and closed), but this Collingwood fixture still stands tall and proud. Perhaps it's the coffee it roasts, which comes from all around the world, or maybe it's the solid cafe menu. Most likely, it's the stellar combination of the two. You don't become a Melbourne institution for nothing. From the Proud Mary menu, look for classic dishes such as free-range eggs on sourdough cooked your way or Proud's porridge with early grey creme and blackberries. More adventurous options include ricotta hotcakes with peached rhubarb, yoghurt, pistachio, and cardamom crumble; a cauliflower and burghul salad with buckwheat, feta, pomegranate and blackened onion; or a meatball sub with sugo and herbed garlic butter. There's a rotating selection of sandwiches and pastries, too, making sure there's something for everyone stopping by Proud Mary's. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
You could spend a weekend in Broken Hill doing nothing but gazing at the sky. In autumn, huge cloud formations battle against the sun all day long, and, come evening, you've never seen so many stars. Perhaps it's this, along with the striking red earth of the surrounding desert, that attracts so many artists to this 18,000-person outback town, about 1200 kilometres west of Sydney and 850 kilometres north of Melbourne. Between gallery visits you can wander among grand 19th century architecture, have a yarn in proper country pubs (you'll be getting burgers, not sliders, 'round 'ere) and head underground to experience some legendary history, from mining to illicit two-up. Plus, there's a museum dedicated to Mad Max 2. Hit the road. [caption id="attachment_580402" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Simon Yeo via Flickr[/caption] SEE AND DO Let's start with the art. 90 minutes before sundown, drive to the 180-hectare Living Desert Reserve. On a hilltop affording 360-degree views, there's a dozen sculptures created by artists from all over the world, and strategically positioned to catch the sun's dying rays. The nearby 1.5-kilometre cultural trail features epic Sturt's Desert Pea displays and Indigenous story poles. Back in town, immerse yourself in the world's biggest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist (Ando's 100-metre x 12-metre landscape), swing by Pro Hart Gallery and ramble around the many spaces of the high-ceilinged Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. To get the lowdown on the area's history, join a Silver City Sights and Heritage Tour. In a comfy, air-conditioned bus, you'll cover 50 kilometres and over 100 years — from BHP's first mining of silver and lead in 1885 (BHP, by the way, stands for Broken Hill Proprietary) to the 2001 building of the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, which commemorates more than 800 miners killed on the job. [caption id="attachment_575825" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jasmine Crittenden[/caption] Mining is still a dangerous business, but it was way more terrifying in the 1880s. Get acquainted with its historical extremes at the Day Dream Mine, 33 kilometres northwest of Broken Hill. Back then, workers did it so tough for so little, their bosses handed out opium to ease the pain — presumably cheaper than paying sick leave — and when the drugs wore off, horehound beer was the next refuge, often sending drinkers blind for a day or two (hence the phrase 'blind drunk'). You'll hear these and other tales while squeezing through tunnels 30 metres underground. Recover with scones and tea in the homestead. [caption id="attachment_582402" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Amanda Slater via Flickr[/caption] Another 15 or so kilometres west, the outback proper begins at Silverton. Home to just over 600 people, this tiny town peaked in the 1890s when silver was found nearby, and is now an arty enclave, where donkeys roam wild and days end best with a beer at the famous Silverton Hotel. Among its crowded walls — which are hung with guitars, trumpets, Akubras and empty stubbies — you'll find souvenirs from the many film crews to have passed through, from Wake In Fright (1970) to Mad Max 2 (1981) to Razorback (1984). Delve deeper into movie history at the Mad Max 2 Museum. Opened by obsessive collector Adrian Bennett in 2010, this shed is crammed with behind-the-scenes photos, costumes and vehicles, including the original gyrocopter and interceptor. When you're max-ed out, meander around Silverton, visiting The Horizon Gallery, the John Dynan Art Gallery and the Silverton Gaol Museum, before driving four kilometres north to Mundi Mundi Plains to watch the sun set over what looks like the edge of the world. EAT AND DRINK In most of Broken Hill's pubs and restaurants, you can count on hearty, meat-heavy cooking — mammoth-sized feeds that reward a long day of hard yakka. At The Palace Hotel — where Mitzi, Felicia and Bernadette stopped over during The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert — dig into crispy-skinned, grilled Atlantic salmon with dill, creamy garlic sauce, mash, veg and a splash of Chardonnay. If you're dining on a Friday, hang around afterwards for a game of two-up — The Palace is the only place in Australia where it's legal all year-long. Before 1984, you would've dropped into Broken Hill's illicit two-up school, held behind a green door on Crystal Lane. Two blocks away is the majestic, heritage-listed Astra. This swish hotel, built in the 1890s, has eight suites and a big, shady verandah. Downstairs, relax over a cocktail in the Red Lush Lounge or slide into a cosy, high-backed chair in Trinders restaurant for a modern Australian feast, like their signature surf 'n' turf: fillet steak topped with king prawns, grilled banana, hollandaise and seasonal veggies. There are a few cafes bringing more contemporary fare to the outback. Get your single origin coffee fix at health-minded, family-owned The Silly Goat on the main drag. Among the sunflowers, burnt orange feature walls and timber tables, you'll also find their "turmeric elixir", cold-pressed juices, house-baked treats and inner-city-style mains, like the haloumi burger with mushies, beetroot relish and aioli. A few blocks to the northwest, outside the GP Super Clinic, is The Caff, opened by local couple Summa and Nathan Rayner in February 2014. The fun fit-out was a 100 percent DIY job, from the blue tartan seats ripped straight out of a school bus to the recycled wooden tables. Every dish on the menu is made from scratch. Try just-baked waffles packed with zucchini and corn and stacked with chilli con carne and guacamole, a gourmet pie or some bread and butter pudding-style French toast. And just south of the town centre, there's Bells Milk Bar. This isn't one of those trendy, ironic, retro-themed places — it's the real thing. It's been open since the 1930s and the decor dates to the 1950s. The syrups, cordials and ice cream are all made in-house in small batches, according to secret recipes. Choose from over 40 milkshake flavours or 16 spiders, slip into a booth in the back room and crank some Bill Haley and The Comets on the juke box. STAY For oodles of space and light, a king-size bed, a spa and a separate lounge area — including your own mini-kitchen — check into the Red Earth Motel. The spick-and-span interiors are inspired by the desert. Think luxe white linen dotted with earthy-patterned pillows and lounge chairs in reds and ochres. If you're travelling in a group, book into a two- or three-bedroom apartment. The shaded swimming pool lets you cool off after a busy day of sun and adventures. Meanwhile, you can sleep under an original artwork at Ibis Styles. Owned by locals Michael and Dana Farcich for 27 years, these lodgings were known as the Mine Host Motel before being acquired by Accor in the mid-2000s. 42 two-toned rooms stretch across two storeys, encircling a central pool. There's also an on-site restaurant, the glass-walled, green-and-purple-lit S-Que, where country dishes are given fancy touches. The steak, for example, is a 450-gram, chargrilled Tomahawk behemoth, with kipfler potato chips, rosemary salt, house coleslaw and portobello mushroom sauce. You probably won't need to eat again until you're at the other end of the drive home. Jasmine Crittenden travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Top image: Simon Yeo via Flickr.
It might highlight the best in TV as well as film, but there's nothing small about the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards, or the festival that's sprung up around it. In 2024, in tandem with its move to the Gold Coast, the accolades unveiled a multi-day program of talks, events and screenings around the ceremony, all celebrating Aussie movies and shows, plus the talent behind them. In 2025, AACTA Festival is returning — for a longer run and with a bigger program. 2024's four-day, 70-plus-event lineup has been eclipsed by 2025's five-day bill with more than 100 events. HOTA, Home of the Arts is AACTA Festival's base again. The dates for your diary: Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9 for the fest, and Friday, February 7 for the main awards ceremony. The bulk of the movies and TV shows nominated for this year's AACTAs won't be announced until Saturday, December 7, which means that more AACTA Festival lineup details will arrive afterwards; however, the program revealed so far is already impressive. One big highlight: getting the Working Dog team, aka Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh and Rob Sitch, together for an in-conversation session that's bound to touch upon everything from The Castle, Frontline, Thank God You're Here and Utopia to The Dish, The Hollowmen and Have You Been Paying Attention?. The Dish will also be on the screening program, and the Working Dog team will receive the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award. Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune and is highly tipped for another one for Dune: Part Two, is another big-name inclusion, chatting about his Hollywood work. Also in the same category: John Seale, who took home an Academy Award for The English Patient, and was nominated for Witness, Rain Man, Cold Mountain and Mad Max: Fury Road. Attendees can also look forward to authors Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland returning from 2024's lineup, chatting about Boy Swallows Universe and The Lost Flowers of Alice on the small screen, respectively; a dive into the Heartbreak High soundtrack; a panel on queer storytelling with RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon and Deadloch's Nina Oyama; and a session with First Nations filmmakers. Australia's contribution to the horror genre, tunes from the How to Make Gravy movie performed live, Dani Im's Eurovision experience, a Taylor Swift symposium: they're part of AACTA Festival as well. And if you're keen to watch movies, Gettin' Square followup Spit will enjoy its Queensland premiere, complete with star David Wenham (Fake) chatting about the feature's journey; Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will make its Australian debut, at Movie World, of course; and upcoming action film Homeward with Nathan Phillips (Kid Snow) and Jake Ryan (Territory) will take viewers behind the scenes. "AACTA Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that connects and celebrates our entire screen industry. With over 100 events led by our industry's best, it is a truly transformative experience for anyone passionate about the screen industry, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore career pathways and connect with some of the brightest minds in film and television," said AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella about 2025's lineup. "This year, we're especially excited to shine a spotlight on the resurgence of music in screen storytelling. With an incredible program of events featuring world-class composers, songwriters and music supervisors, we're not just celebrating the artistry of soundtracks and scores; we're also providing invaluable development opportunities for aspiring creatives to learn, network and advance their careers. AACTA Festival is where inspiration meets opportunity, and we can't wait to see the next generation of Australian screen talent emerge." [caption id="attachment_955328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix © 2023[/caption] AACTA Festival will run from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast. For further details, head to the fest's website.
The eye and the brain are incredibly powerful organs through which humans receive and process a large proportion of their sensory information. What we see every second of everyday helps shapes our understanding of almost every aspect of our lives. And our brains develop certain expectations about objects based on a long history of experience. However, sometimes optical illusions can challenge our pre-conceived ideas of structures and confound both our eyes and brains. Through clever deceptive techniques, artists and architects can create buildings that elude our basic understanding of how constructions are made and what they include. Here are nine bewildering optical illusions sure to confuse and amaze and challenge your conceptions of architecture. Warped Building This apartment building is your average apartment block...with a twist. A fairly large, warped twist. The unique structure is situated in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, and has picturesque views overlooking the River Vitara. El Grifo Magico Appearing to defy gravity and perform some magical feat, this 'floating tap' seems to be pouring an endless supply of water from its vantage point of mid-air suspension. Even though a magician should never reveal their secrets (and stop reading now if you would like the magic to remain), it has been revealed that a pipe hidden by the water actually holds the structure up. Upside Down House Spider-man? Gravity-defying shoes? Talented acrobats? No, it's another awe-inspiring architectural design that tricks and boggles the mind. This unorthodox house has everything upside down and back to front - literally. Trompe-l'eoil Ever after looking at this image several times, it is still impossible to fathom the appearance of this melting building, closer resembling a time warp than an apartment block. In actual fact, this image actually depicts a painting, but even then it succeeds in confounding the brain.The image uses the french art technique of tromp-l'eoil, which attempts to make 2D images appear like 3D optical illusions that really exist. One-walled House History has taught us to understand a house as a building comprising of at least four walls, a roof and a door. However, in Odessa, Ukraine, they have challenges this perception by creating a disconcerting house, which from the front appears orthodox, but when viewed from the side reveals only a single walled-building. Cafe Wall Illusion In 1979 a cafe was erected in Bristol, England, with a perplexing exterior that confused and bemused, and which continues to do so into the present day. A variant of the Münsterberg shifted chessboard illusion, this tessellating pattern uses light and alternating bricks of black and white to make the parallel and even lines appear to be sloped. All the line are actually horizontal and all the levels of the building perfectly equal in size. Bâtiment Another building which seems to flout all logical laws of gravity is the artist Leandro Ehrlich's mirrored art installation for the 'In Perceptions' exhibition in Paris. Whilst people appear to be casually hanging from 3-storey balconies or chilling whilst suspended horizontally to the wall, this trickery is actually a result of a mirrored painting of a building on the ground. 3D Lichtenstein House The top image gives the impression of a quaint and colourful little house that would be fitting within the setting of a fairytale story. The second picture, however, reveals its highly deceptive nature. Cleverly using only two walls placed at specific angles, when viewed at from a particular viewpoint, this house appears to be a complete 4-walled building. Sinking House Another sneaky illusion using angles, the top picture of this house depicts a building seemingly falling into the depths of the Earth. Yet when righted, the correct angle of the house demonstrates a perfectly average home located on the slope of a hill.
The city has scored itself a bumper new year-round floating bar, with Yarra Botanica making its permanent home atop the Yarra River beside Sandridge Bridge. The brainchild of Australian Venue Co (Fargo & Co, State of Grace, Kewpie, The Smith), the two-storey pontoon bar and eatery is much more than just a pretty face and multimillion-dollar drinking destination. Yarra Botanica has made it a mission to champion Victorian produce and booze, its entire drinks list sourced from within the state and a good 90 percent of the food menu following suit. The bar boasts space for almost 700 across two open levels, decked out with planter boxes, herb gardens and climbing vines amongst the oversized umbrellas and lattice pergolas. That bountiful locally-focused drinks offering boasts plenty of exciting sips no matter your booze preference. A 12-strong tap list runs from Stomping Ground's Big Sky park ale ($11.50–15) to the Hawkers I Go Sour ($10.50–14), while Moon Dog and Wolf of the Willows headline the seltzer selection. A carefully curated vino lineup tours the state's leading wine regions, while botanically-charged cocktails and spritzes hero native ingredients, as well as makers like Grainshaker and Brogan's Way. Try a ginger and mango spritz made with lemon myrtle ($18 glass, $54 carafe), or opt for a wattleseed-infused espresso martini ($23). The matching menu is primed for snacking and sharing, starring smalls like crispy mushrooms with koji mayo ($17), savoury doughnuts stuffed with rainbow trout and caviar ($9), and a pork terrine with wattle crackers ($22). Sourdough pizzas ($24–29) showcase local ingredients like Murray cod belly and Warrigal greens pesto and there's a trio of loaded grazing boards to order by the metre ($55–69).
Huge news: Darlinghurst is set to become home to Soho House Sydney, Australia's first outpost for the ultra-exclusive membership club. The much-hyped global brand already has locations across the world from Berlin to Miami, and is now in the process of transforming a building on the corner of Crown and Foley Street above Shady Pines Saloon, with ambitious plans in the works to completely reshape the space. The five-storey development is currently subject to City of Sydney approval, but is set to feature a variety of spaces both indoor and outdoor that are designed to facilitate social gatherings, including multiple restaurants and bars across the various levels. Plans submitted to the city council also show a proposed gym, cabaret facilities, and a rooftop terrace and pool. The plans also reveal anticipated changes to the facade, replacing the building's fairly rundown exterior with a simple, sleek and modern cream and brown design in line with other Soho Houses around the world. Soho House is working with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (The Old Clare Hotel, Bondi Pavilion) in creating the proposed design. "It's possibly one of the worst-kept secrets, but we're so excited to confirm that we will be opening a Soho House in Sydney in the future," says Soho House Membership Director Dominique Bellas. [caption id="attachment_900975" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tonkin Zulaikha Greer architects[/caption] "While we don't have more details to share at this time, we continue to grow our Cities Without Houses community in Australia and are looking forward to bringing our members a week-long Soho House experience for Sydney's first South by Southwest." As Bellas stated, the Soho House Sydney announcement comes as the internationally renowned brand hits Australia for SXSW Sydney — taking over The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale. The dreamy accommodation, pub and rooftop bar is being treated to a Soho House transformation for the eight-day festival. Soho House and Cities Without Houses members — whether they be travelling Down Under for the festival, or local jetsetters and creatives — will be treated to daily programming and events designed to be reminiscent of what you'd experience at Soho Houses around the world. Included in the events will be a performance curated by Secret Sounds, a one-night-only dinner from British chef Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks, Rocker), an art installation from Paul Davies and an industry event with the not-for-profit Women In Music Australia. If you want to join the Soho House community in preparation for the inaugural Australian outpost to open, you can apply for a Cities Without Houses membership, which will grant you access to the brand's SXSW Sydney takeover of The Old Clare. [caption id="attachment_706208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Rooftop[/caption] Australia's first-ever Soho House was originally set to open on Domain Road in Melbourne's South Yarra, but developers were forced to ditch plans at the direction of VCAT after strong opposition from local councils and a residents' group. The Darlinghurst building earmarked for Soho House Sydney has a storied history, taking many forms over the years including Bolot's Embassy Dancing Academy between 1924–30, the Playbox Theatre and Stanley Twig's auction house in the 1930s and, most recently, housing several retail tenants throughout the 2000s including an espresso bar, convenience store and a nail salon. Now boasting over 40 houses across the globe, Soho House first opened in London in 1995 as a private members club for clientele in the creative sphere. It has since spread throughout Europe and North America, opening restaurants, cinemas, workspaces, spas and bedrooms alongside the traditional clubs. From New York to Istanbul, exclusivity is a common global denominator. [caption id="attachment_613704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darren Robertson and Cameron Northway[/caption] Soho House Sydney is set to open at 256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst — we'll update you with an opening date when one is announced. Top image: Soho House Sydney render by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
The team behind the famed Wax Museum Records shop that once sat in Campbell Arcade below Flinders Street Station has opened a hidden live music venue right down the road from their old spot. Head beneath Selina Hotel, just one door down from Degraves Street, to find a crew of Melbourne music lovers curating a set of live gigs every night of the week. Like the old record store, Wax Music Lounge aims to champion Melbourne's diverse underground music scene — this time through hosting gigs rather than selling vinyl. Drop by on a whim and you might come across big acts, DJs or virtuosos who come from all kinds of musical backgrounds. Sometimes, the vibe will be slow and moody. Other nights, you'll be up on the dance floor till early the next morning. It's a mixed bag in all the best ways. But, as founded by Wax Museum Records' Guy Roseby and Tim Bartold, Wax Lounge Bar isn't just a live music venue. It also holds up as an excellent drinking den in its own right. Behind the bar, the team is pouring Australian lo-fi natural wines, craft beers and signature cocktails dreamt up by bartender Pita Dixon (Joe Taylor, ex-Toff in Town). It even has a small kitchen pumping out pizzas and empanadas, so you don't have to venture up to Flinders Street for eats. Either grab a seat by the stage or head to the pool table at the back of the bar to have a chill night out with great tunes simply being your background music. Every part of Wax Music Lounge is lit up with a low red glow of light, courtesy of lighting designers James Hebbs and Grace Darling, while the rest of the 175-person space falls into that industrial vintage aesthetic. The basement's concrete walls and floor remain, paired with a few old rugs, some wooden tables and long leather benches. It's not all glam and luxurious like so many other Melbourne CBD bars. It's a live gig space at its core. And it's primed to host a heap of late-night parties with underground musicians and music lovers.
Saint Dreux, a Japanese-inspired coffee and katsu sando bar in Melbourne's CBD, exudes Japanese minimalism. With a concise menu of five sandwiches, castella cakes, pastries and Tokyo's Onibus coffee served in a modern monochromatic fit-out, it's the kind of place that could even spark joy for Marie Kondo. The sandos are cut with laser precision, as are the varying castella (Japanese sponge cakes), packaging is simple and even the ceramics are polished to perfection. Inspired by the vending machines and convenience stores of Japan, the Saint Dreux team, who is also behind Slater Street Bench and 580 Bench, wanted to make the humble katsu sandwich a hero here in Melbourne. "You could get them from vending machines, trains and restaurants. They're absolutely everywhere [and] we became obsessed…" said co-owner Joshua Crasti, who owns Saint Dreux and Bench along with Nick Chen, Frankie Tan and Claye Tobin. While, traditionally, katsu sandos are made with soft (crustless) white bread, cabbage, sweet tonkatsu sauce, kewpie mayo and panko-crumbed pork, the Saint Dreux team has widened the range to include wagyu beef, ebi (prawn), tori (chicken), tamago (egg) and the classic tonkatsu with Kurobuta Berkshire pork. Think white bread sandwiches must equal cheap? Think again. While most of the sandos sit around the $15 mark, the wagyu version will set you back a whole $28 — which might just make it Melbourne's most expensive sandwich. Despite this — or because of it — the sandwiches are selling out pretty early most days, so we suggest swinging by early if you want to snag House-made castella cakes are also available in original, black sesame, matcha and hōjicha (Japanese green tea) flavours, as well as croissants and an assortment of pastries by local Bakemono Bakers. Saint Dreux is the latest vendor to join St Collins Lane's contemporary food hub and sits neatly amongst a range of pan-Asian fare including Sushi Boto (where sushi is delivered to you via boat instead of train), Poke Workshop and Think Asia as well as a couple of espresso bars. Images: Bekon Media. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Melbourne for 2023
It's always a bit trippy when a blast from your past comes slinking back into your present. And we suspect there'll be plenty of those feelings emerging with the news that the one-time home of The Saint has scored a hefty makeover and entered a new chapter. It's been reborn as multi-level wining and dining hot spot, Saint Hotel. An icon of St Kilda's Fitzroy Street that for many conjures memories of late nights and sweaty dance floors, the building is being steered in a completely fresh direction by its new owners — a small crew of local hospitality veterans led by General Manager Mrinal Beekarry (The Atlantic). Also among those at the helm are father-and-son duo James D and James M Field (construction company Field Group), who've joined forces with architects Telha Clarke to overhaul the grand space. Not only has it been refreshed from top to toe, but also smartly sectioned into a collection of signature venues promising something for all kinds of punters. [caption id="attachment_894969" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharyn Cairns[/caption] On the Ground Floor, Saint Bar has made its home in that prominent corner spot, delivering a light-filled front bar and restaurant with a smart-casual edge. It's all lofty ceilings and chic heritage touches; a place where you can kick back with tap brews and cocktails while tucking into prawn katsu sandos, wagyu burgers and grilled flatbread with whipped flathead roe. Next to this, beneath the famed atrium, you'll find Saint Dining — a modern Australian fine diner helmed by Executive Chef Gary Lai (The Atlantic, Amber Hong Kong), with a menu fuelled by the kitchen's Josper charcoal grill. Here, steak fiends particularly are in for a treat, with a slew of premium cuts on offer alongside seafood options like Apollo Bay crayfish and fish done with a nori beurre blanc. Skewers might come laden with harissa octopus, or chicken oysters finished with an egg yolk emulsion and crispy skin. [caption id="attachment_894956" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Snacks run to the likes of smoked duck leg croquettes and wagyu tartare sided with mustard creme fraiche, while larger plates include a crayfish mafaldine pasta, grilled quail with radicchio and peach, and a broad bean tart. Venture upstairs and into the sophisticated drinking destination that is Bar 54, where light beams in from a central atrium, a terrace overlooks the iconic St Kilda palm trees, and marble tabletops and mustard-hued banquettes set the scene. This one's your day-to-night go-to for cocktails and produce-led drinking snacks. [caption id="attachment_894955" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] There's lots more to come, too. Slated to open on the first floor by mid-April is listening lounge and cocktail haunt Stella's, where you'll find inventive specialty sips by Bouvardia's Roy Das Neves, a custom Pitt & Giblin sound system, and DJs soundtracking the vibes every Thursday and Friday. Incoming later in the year is ground-floor wine cellar and bottle shop, The Vault. Here, you'll be able to select from a vast array of vino to take away, or to enjoy there at the stone tasting table, perhaps paired with snacks from next door. [caption id="attachment_894968" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharyn Cairns[/caption] [caption id="attachment_894958" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] [caption id="attachment_894963" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Find Saint Hotel at 54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Saint Bar and Dining is open Wednesday–Sunday, from 12pm until late, while Bar 54 is open Friday and Saturday from 6pm until late. Top images: Sharyn Cairns and Griffin Simm
It’s no secret that Melbourne’s street art scene is becoming one of the most prominent in the world. This top five collection is a shout out to the ladies whose work is whimsical, eye catching, and utterly awesome. Miso One of Australia’s leading ladies in street art, Miso made a name for herself with her distinct style of imagery. Her drawn works have been displayed on the streets and in art galleries around the world, and she shares a studio with her partner and fellow street artist Ghostpatrol. Her work often depicts pensive women and cityscapes. Miso also often uses a subdued colour palette with intricate patterns or cut-out details. She is about to have an exhibition in October at Blackwoods Gallery, which you can check out here. Vexta Vexta is another big name in street art, who is also displaying her insane talent on streets and galleries all over the globe. Often her work will include neon-coloured diamonds and triangles that often depict motion (a trail of colourful sparks behind flying people) or emotion (tears descending from a skulls empty eye sockets). Recurrent imagery includes mutated creatures, flying nymphlike people, skulls, and skeletons making out with each other. Ultimately it is the vibrancy of her work that is her trademark. Chase the neon rainbow to her current exhibition — a group show at MARS Gallery called Psychedelic Daze. Baby Guerilla If you’ve seen paste-ups of people flying around the Brunswick/Footscray area, chances are you have come across a piece by Baby Guerilla. These black and white illustrations are soaring all over Melbourne, with images of people either holding onto each others arms or ankles as they float above passers by. Baby Guerilla’s work is reminiscent of the children in Peter Pan who fly off to Neverland, giving the viewer a sense of adventure and whimsy. We had a chat to Baby Guerilla a while ago if you’re keen to know more. Kaff-eine If you like your street art vibrant, a bit child like, but also slightly morbid at the same time, then Kaff-eine is your girl. One of Kaff-eine’s most reoccurring images is of semi or completely naked women with dear skulls as heads and hoofs for feet. Also keep an eye out for her drawings and paintings of bunny kids, horses/deers/unicorns, and other mythical creatures. You can find Kaff-eine’s work anywhere from abandoned buildings to children’s books, and she is currently preparing to embark on her first international painting trip. Be Free Be Free’s images of young girls captures an innocence that makes her work instantly recognisable around Melbourne. The girls are often playing with, or surrounded by, playing cards either stuck to the walls or the ground around them. Sometimes they are adorned with colourful paint splatters, other times a red scarf or red stripy socks add a splash of colour. Either way they’re cute, feminine, liberating and lovely to stumble upon. Honorable mentions This list is barely scratching the surface of talented female street artists Melbourne has to offer. We recommend checking out the work of Klara, Suki, Precious Little, Doctor, Fresh Chop, and Shi Buffalo if you want to see more!
UK-born Michael Lambie (ex-Stokehouse, Circa, The Prince and Taxi Kitchen) has been a big player in Melbourne's restaurant scene ever since he landed here back in the late 90s. He's worked at some of the city's top restaurants and even co-founded Lucy Liu — before selling it in 2020 and running off to Queensland for a short break. But now he has returned and is ready to take on the CBD with a new venture: Juni. Opening on Thursday, November 28, you can now drop by Juni to find a menu full of contemporary twists on Southeast Asian fare — designed by both Lambie and Head Chef Hendri Budiman (ex-Coda). The menu is built around the concept of 'Fire and Spice', so you can expect all kinds of heat. Kick things off with snacks like the seared tuna tataki with ginger and wasabi dressing; half-shell scallops with spicy tom yum brown butter; crayfish dumplings with ginger and green onion, and togarashi-spiced cauliflower with sesame and tofu and walnut furikake. You've then got more substantial dishes like Juni's dry-aged Chinese duck with cucumber, pickled daikon, spicy hoi sin and pancakes; steamed barramundi fillets with black beans, ginger flower and leeks; and vegan Japanese pumpkin and eggplant red curry with lychee and hot mint. The full menu is available across the main dining room, front bar and mezzanine-level events space — although the bar is expected to have more of a sip-and-snack feel (for after-work or pre-theatre sessions). And when it comes to the sipping side of things, you can expect a playful cocktail menu, a decent wine list, and an all-important sake selection. Carlton-based studio Techne has designed the 140-person venue, which features a bright colour palette that blends bold reds and pinks with soft green and maroon hues. Glass, metal and concrete finishes are also used throughout, softened by a smattering of cushioned leather banquettes. Lambie shared, "I'm thrilled to be back cooking in Melbourne – it's become my hometown – and I've wanted to open up a restaurant here again for a long time." You'll find Juni at 136 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, open every day of the week from 12pm–late. For more details, you can check out the venue's website. Images: Dylan Kindermann.
At some point in the near future, this might be the question: what can't you book via Airbnb? The platform began as a way for travellers to spend a night in everyday homes instead of hotels, but it has long moved past simply letting folks stay in each other's houses. Its latest evolution: hanging out with celebrities, getting you locking in services such as personal chefs and trainers, and also everything from ramen-making sessions and playing beach volleyball with an Olympian to worshipping pastry with an expert and exploring Notre Dame's restoration. If none of this sounds like a huge surprise, that's because Airbnb has been levelling up simply enjoying a night in someone else's pad for a while now. Think: special listings for the Up house, Prince's Purple Rain abode, the Beetlejuice house, Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton. It has also offered up the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay, among others. [caption id="attachment_1004284" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrienne Raquel[/caption] This time, the platform is grouping its expanded range into three categories: services, experiences and originals. The first is meant to add to wherever you're staying, and the second is all about making the most of your getaway destination with experts and locals. As for the third, that's where the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Sabrina Carpenter come in. With services, Airbnb has launched ten categories in 260 cities, aiming to cover hotel-style amenities such as gym access and spa treatments. Also on the list: personalised photography sessions, massages, haircuts and blow dries, makeup, manicures and pedicures, full catering and yoga. The platform is engaging providers with an average of ten years of experience, such as chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and other award-winners. [caption id="attachment_1004285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saeka Shimada[/caption] Among the experiences, options are on offer in 650 cities, with each designed to give you an authentic taste of wherever you're heading — sometimes literally. Michelin-recognised Japanese chef Saburo Ishigōka is taking care of the ramen, for instance, while architect Axelle Ponsonnet will give you the scoop on Notre Dame and stylist Jamie Mizrahi will help refresh your wardrobe. You can also travel through Andean landscapes and sacred Inca sites on horseback with an expert in Andean culture, and do some Lucha libre training with a professional luchador. Fancy playing tourist in your own town with these experiences? You'll be able to. Keen to gather the gang? Later in 2025, you'll also be able to see who else is heading along on an experience before you book. [caption id="attachment_1004286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daehan Chae[/caption] As for the new Airbnb Originals, selections named so far include hanging out on the Short n' Sweet tour set with Sabrina Carpenter, creating an anime alter-ego with Megan Thee Stallion, hitting Rio's Leblon Beach to play volleyball with Carol Solberg, throwing a spiral and tucking into barbecue with Patrick Mahomes, celebrating all things SEVENTEEN in Seoul and getting cooking with The French Bastards' Raphaelle Elbaz. "Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two-billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay," said Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, announcing its newest additions. "With the launch of services and experiences, we're changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb." [caption id="attachment_1004287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paz Olivares-Droguett[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dani Pujalte[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sela Shiloni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peden + Munk[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Damien Maloney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jackie Beale[/caption] For more information about Airbnb's latest additions, and to make bookings, head to the Airbnb website. Top image: Adrienne Raquel. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Galleon have been doing Bloody Marys in St Kilda since before you were old enough to have a hangover. The Mary here can be found straight-up or with a little bit of variety, and while The Galleon do breakfast exceptionally well, they're no slouch in the drinks area, neither. You can order the standard Mary with Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and lemon, or if you're feeling adventurous you can sample the Spanish Mary, which has an olive theme, the Evil Mary with extra chilli and Tabasco, or the Smoking Mary, which is laced with chipotle sauce and bacon salt. You can also 86 your veg intake with the Muscle Mary, which boasts a veritable garden patch of pickle, radish and carrot. The drinks are all between $12.50 and $14.50, and when you combine excellent food and drinks with their chilled atmosphere and well-worn chairs and decor, you might just start to feel better.
This review is based on the Belvoir run of Stories I Want to Tell You in Person in April 2013. As a piece of stand-up comedy, Stories I want to Tell You in Person is faultless; rich, hilarious and warm. But considering Lally Katz is one of Australia's best playwrights, it is slightly odd that she's doing stand-up in one of Australia's best theatres, about the fact that Belvoir never staged the play they commissioned her to write, ostensibly because Simon Stone was too busy to direct it. No matter how charismatic her performance, at the end of the day I was frustrated that we weren't watching the play she wrote instead. Katz arrives on stage in front of a glittery gold curtain designed by Ralph Myers, and she is thrilled to be there. She bursts through with aggressive enthusiasm and promptly finds her place on stage on top of a mark saying 'Stand Here'. She tells us a bit about herself — she grew up in the US and then moved to Canberra, hence her interesting accent. What follows is a farrago of stories about psychics, love, her subconscious and a commission from Belvoir to write a play about the Global Financial Crisis. She strikes a handsome balance between the sincerity of her beliefs in magic and acknowledging how ridiculous they are. Her accents are accurate and she wisely opts out of doing a Pakistani accent as she admits she is incapable of it. Her karaoke rendition of 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' will make you cry if you have the remotest sense of pitch. She admits she is tone deaf and belts it out anyway. The joy of the piece is Katz's famous Apocalypse Bear, who appears in many of her plays and is a kind of theatre mascot. As a piece of entertainment, it is idiosyncratic, good, clean fun. As a piece of programming, it appears narcissistic and short-sighted. The work does not show Belvoir in the best light, making the company look unsupportive of new work. Gifted as she is at stand-up comedy, her skills and talent as a playwright have been wasted. I look forward to seeing her GFC play on the main stage soon.
Kewpie (formerly Bimbo) officially closed its doors for good in 2024, with locals sadly bidding farewell to the site's legendary cheap pizzas and late-night parties. Fortunately, the site wasn't empty for long, as a new group of owners moved in to quickly gut the space and transform it back into the Punters Club — a pub and live music venue that previously occupied the building throughout the 90s. The new Punters Club isn't an exact replica, but more of an homage. Local musicians will once again take centre stage here, with a stacked lineup of DJs and bands always on the cards. Food, on the other hand, is a significantly more elevated and playful affair. Head Chef Dylan Marshall is running the kitchen here, plating up classic pub fare with an Aussie twist. Get your tuna tartare served with a bag of Smith's Salt & Vinegar Chips, kangaroo schnittys with mashed potatoes and pepper sauce and a fillet of fish with brown butter and capers. South Melbourne market dim sims even make an appearance on the menu alongside a Lune croissant bread and butter pudding served with Pidapipo pistachio gelato. It doesn't get more local than that. Pair this all with tap wines (sold by the glass or in half-litre carafes), the venue's own draught beer, a selection of local and international brews, and classic cocktails. The team behind the bar says the renovation was a "labour of love," sourcing artwork, a pool table, vintage lighting, dart boards, an old-school jukebox and memorabilia from all over Melbourne to start a new era for the legendary venue. Let's just wait and see if it lives up to its former glory.
The clue is in the name with this one — The Arborist is a dining room designed and built around a Fraxinus excelsior ash tree. Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, this beautiful Little Malop Street spot is perfect for date night, after-work drinks or even a cheeky afternoon drink and nibble at the ice-green marble bar. The menu, overseen by head chef Michael Welsh, features modern Australian fare with Middle Eastern-inspired twists — think grilled zucchini salad with freekeh, seeds, herbs and parmesan custard, or baked cheesecake drizzled with tahini caramel and topped with peanut brittle, while the drinks program features an international wine list, and a solid selection of bottled and tap beer.
If you've seen A New Zealand Food Story then you'll already know the backstory behind new downtown restaurant Ahi. The eight-part online series follows acclaimed chef Ben Bayly and his team as they set out to discover what local cuisine is all about and where our produce comes from. It sees him enter rough Fiordland waters to harvest paua and crayfish, stalk deer through the Avon Valley, join a hook-to-plate fishing expedition in Foveaux Straight, and munch an absolutely enormous fig in Marlborough. The end goal is to create a truly unique New Zealand restaurant for the 28 March deadline. Five months later, in this year from hell, it's finally here. Ahi, translating from te reo Māori to 'fire', opened its doors for the first time on 31 August inside the new Commercial Bay precinct. Inside, Bayly and co-founder Chris Martin expand on the concept of fire with an open hearth in the kitchen. The 120-seat, hyperlocal space also features a woven oak ceiling to represent traditional Māori kete baskets, handmade plates from a West Auckland potter and an abundance of native timber which was salvaged by Bayly during the course of construction. Bayly says that Ahi's menu has been devised as a "culinary representation of what it means to be home, celebrating the diversity of the New Zealanders who bring produce to our tables." From whenua and moana, the land and the sea, diners can enjoy oysters by way of Waiheke Island, buffalo cheese from Whangaripo, speared butterfish from Cook Straight and cauliflower from Pukekohe. Snack items include tahr tartare with wild garlic and fermented hot sauce, hāngī pāua with kahawai, sour cream and kawakawa, and an interpretation of the 'Trumpet' made with buffalo ice cream and chocolate from Auckland's Miann. The larger courses complete the nationwide food tour. There's Fiordland crayfish soup with kūmara and saffron ravioli, Gisborne butternut with toasted harakeke flax and māhoe shoots, and 'Boil-up Toast' made with Berkshire pork, watercress and egg. From A New Zealand Food Story comes Bayly's wild-shot fallow deer in loin and cheek form, while the half crayfish you may have seen being charcoaled on the rugged Fiordland coast now comes with green onion and ginger sauce and lemon-sorrel salad. The restaurant comes complete with picturesque views out over the Waitematā Harbour — something which Bayly says is essential so diners know that they are in Aotearoa. Find Ahi on the second floor of the Commercial Bay precinct at 7 Queen Street. It's open 11.30am til late, seven days a week. Images: Manja Wachsmuth.
Keeping a beef-slinging diner running, transforming it into an upscale fine-diner, launching that new restaurant to the world: that's The Bear story so far. In the first, second and third seasons of hit series, those challenges awaited Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw), plus his colleagues and his loved ones, including fellow chef Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2) and the Berzatto family's lifelong pal Richie Jerimovich Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Hold Your Breath). Next, in season four, keeping the show's namesake fine-diner in business is the focus. There's even a literal countdown clock ticking down to the eatery's possible demise in its fourth run, as the just-dropped trailer for the series features. "That clock is telling you how much money we have left," Cicero (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), The Bear's key investor, advises in the sneak peek. "When that shows zero, this restaurant needs to cease operations". Accordingly, "chaos and turmoil" are still being plated up in this award-winning favourite, so much so that they're specifically mentioned by Syd. "It's hard and it's brutal, and that's what makes it special," notes Carmy. Also part of the trailer: reviews calling out concerns about the restaurant's consistency, new menus, ample food shots, advice not to hide from things, the return of Carmy's mother (Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl), and everyone from Carmy's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen) to eatery staff Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Shell), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, Cat Person), Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Unprisoned) and Fak (IRL chef Matty Matheson) dealing with the pressure in their own ways. As announced earlier in May, The Bear returns in June 2025 for prime winter binge-viewing. The date for your diary: Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Australia and New Zealand. As in past years, season four will drop its entire season — ten episodes this time — in one hefty helping. The fourth season of the series has been in locked in since before season three even aired and, while throwing new challenges at its characters, is set to continue to raise a perennial question along the way: what should you cling to when you're chasing greatness, and in life in general? If you need more details about The Bear to date, its debut season jumped into the mayhem when Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, The Accountant 2) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two and three, Carmy worked to turn the space into an upmarket addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty crew. Check out the trailer for The Bear season four below: The Bear season four will stream via Disney+ in Australia from Thursday, June 26, 2025. Read our reviews of seasons one, two and three. Images: FX / Disney+.
You're likely going to want to touch everything in Muku and no one would blame you. This humble Ripponlea store stocks all kinds of natural products that look and feel lovely — think soft linen cushions and warm cashmere scarves. Since opening in 2008 with a focus on organic clothing and toys for babies and kids, the boutique expanded to cover women's fashion and homewares, taking over the space next door to create twin stores covering all ages. Where possible, the Muku team aims to champion fair trade and eco-friendly products, handmade by local artists, encouraging its customers to embrace a natural and organic lifestyle. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
As spring brings a breath of fresh air, South Yarra's Bar Carolina enters a fresh new chapter under the ownership of renowned Melbourne chef and restaurateur Karen Martini. This latest venture marks Martini and partner Michael Sapountsis' first independent foray since 2020. The change in ownership came about naturally through conversations between outgoing owner Joe Mammone and Martini. Martini notes that "Joe did such an amazing job, and this feels like a natural progression." While the classic fit-out by Chris Connell will remain mostly unchanged, the kitchen has seen major upgrades, amplifying its capacity. The all-day dining offering will be built around Karen Martini's signature exploration of both northern and southern Italian cuisine. Kick off long lunches and leisurely dinners with cicchetti, small snacks and plates such as stuffed and crumbed olives and pizza fritta with vinegar salt and whipped cod roe. Antipasti like focaccia with brown butter mayo and anchovies, and beef carpaccio will follow, before diners move on to house-made pastas such as tagliarini with blue swimmer crab, and Josper-grilled proteins. "This particular pocket of South Yarra is iconic," Martini says. "I'm excited to add to the vibrancy of the street and to share our hospitality along with great food and wine. Hopefully, it feels like a very personal expression of our love of Italian food and culture." Bar Carolina will reopen under Martini's leadership on Thursday, September 18. The buzzy rooftop bar, Tetto di Carolina, will reopen in time for summer with a new snack menu and summery seasonal cocktails. Images: Chege Mbuthi. Bar Carolina will commence trading Tuesday through Sunday from lunch until late. If you're looking for more, check out the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne.
St. Cloud may sit on a dilapidated part of Burwood Road, but with neon pink graffiti wall art and an industrial-style outdoor deck, it's by no means a difficult task to find. And it's lucky that it isn't, as this particular culinary cloud boasts some of the best contemporary Vietnamese food in Melbourne's east. Inside, it's all old-school rustic dark timber, raw concrete, plants and low-hanging lightbulbs. The rooftop garden (available for private functions) features a vast amount of greenery and pale, summery timber. Add these two spaces together, and St Cloud is one of the finest looking eating houses in the east. The venue comes from trio James Klapanis (owner of Toorak's Quaff), Franky Pham (who's worked in Vietnam for two years) and Shaunn Anderson (ex-Feast of Merit). In its past life, it was a furniture store, meaning that everything from infrastructure to the brickwork and painting needed to be redone — and everyone was involved. "We're all very hands-on people. We all helped out painting walls — even though we probably made more of a mess for the painter than anything," Pham jokes. "We know every nook and cranny of this place." The menu at the Eating House is split between between lightning fast lunch meals and share-style dinner plates. It's a mix of bright, bold dishes and quieter meals that may not stay in your memory for long, so if it's your first visit, snag a friendly waitress to point you in the right direction. The banh khot, or mini Vietnamese pancakes ($12-20), are a biting combination of turmeric and coconut with spring onion oil, herbs and nuoc mam (a salty-sweet Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce). For something heartier, their caramel pork belly with soft egg, pickled chilli, spring onion, black pepper and crackling ($38) is a surefire stomach satisfier. However, if you're swinging by for lunch, pair a delectably light and well-seasoned Vietnamese slaw ($8) with some charred grass-fed beef, lemongrass, honey and sesame ($8) for a fresh feed. St Cloud's warm space means that, whether you're running on a 30-minute lunch break at the bar or are in need of a table for ten, you'll be well looked after — and well fed. Images: Kate Shanasy
Reward yourself this autumn at Lillian Brasserie, with its new unlimited oyster special. Running every Tuesday to Sunday between 12pm–3pm, this Chris Lucas favourite is serving up bottomless salty molluscs for a bargain $44 per person. Slurp your way into the weekend by digging into as many Pacific oysters as you can handle, all freshly shucked to order. After you've treated yourself to some of the ocean's finest, you can look towards one of Lillian's daily specials, all spiked with European influences and priced at an easy $29.50. There's a confit duck leg with bacon, lentils and crispy kale, or a lighter option that pairs pumpkin, zucchini and ricotta with linguine. A classic sirloin steak sandwich marries smoked cheddar, tomato, bearnaise and beetroot slaw, while a smoked trout salad is elevated with a herb emulsion, potatoes and radish. Lillian sits alongside Society, at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne.
They say not to judge something based on its age, and this Melbourne institution is proving just that. Melbourne's oldest licensed pub, The Duke of Wellington, has been entertaining locals for more than 160 years. Having unveiled a new rooftop bar earlier this year, the two-story venue combines sweeping city views with modern yet comforting pub-style meals — making it an ideal spot to get together with friends for a hearty meal and drinks. The food menu adds to the casual vibe with burgers, poké bowls and share-style snack food — think Lygon Street-style lasagne croquettes, charcuterie plates and smoky eggplant dip with flatbread. And in a win for late-night snackers, the kitchen will be open until late. The booze program is packed with a range of tap beers, wines and crafty seasonal cocktails. Among them, you'll find the Spellbound Smash — made with bourbon, orange bitters, blackberries, sage and thyme — and a spiced tequila and coffee number dubbed Café ala Mexicana. There's also group-friendly booths, plus six big-screen TVs for when a sports-watching session's on the cards. Images: Brook James
The Swiss Alps has an impressive one. Canada's famed Whistler Bowl does as well. And now New South Wales' Kosciuszko National Park has just scored a spectacular suspension bridge, too. Head to this just-opened spot in the Snowy Mountains and you'll be walking across a record-breaking structure, in fact — because it takes the crown as Australia's highest suspension bridge. How high? Located between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in the Snowies, the new bridge sits a whopping 1627 metres above sea level. It's included in a new nine-kilometre track in the national park, and will eventually be part of the 55-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk — which is opening in stages, with this marking the second leg. "The Snowies Alpine Walk is putting New South Wales on the map for multi-day hikes, and it'll be a must-do walk for anyone who loves Tasmania's Cradle Mountain Overland Track" said NSW Minister for Environment James Griffin, announcing the bridge's opening. "In fact, I reckon it'll be a strong competitor with the Overland," the Minister continued. Make the trek and you'll not only be moseying across the highest suspension bridge in the country — you'll be taking in the stunning scenery, including the alpine and sub-alpine landscapes that are unique to the Snowy Mountains region. Showcasing that terrain and its natural features, and helping cement the Snowies as a must-visit tourist destination, is understandably a key aim of the $17 million in funding that's been put towards the Snowies Alpine Walk by the NSW Government Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program. At the federal level, an extra $10 million has come from the Australian Government's Regional Recovery Partnerships program, which is targeted at the fourth stage of the trail. Just when the third and fourth legs will open hasn't been revealed, but the third will span from Charlotte Pass through to Perisher, and the last from Perisher to Bullocks Flat. For more information about the Snowies Alpine Walk, and the new bridge between Guthega and Charlotte Pass, head to the National Parks and Wildlife Services website. Images: Boen Ferguson / Department of Planning and Environment.
Criss-crossing between top-notch wineries and stellar beachfronts, countless trips down the Bellarine Peninsula have culminated with a visit to the Queenscliff Brewhouse. Now, this local favourite since 1879 is ready for a new chapter. Having fallen on hard times, the venue entered administration in 2024 before hospitality giant Australian Venue Co stepped in and took up the tenancy. After an extensive renovation, this historic spot has a new name — The Bellarine Hotel. Set to reopen in the spring, this hub will soon be in full swing. With fresh interiors shaping a charming coastal pub, warm timber finishes and ocean-inspired hues make for a cosy experience. Meanwhile, footy fans can rally around the revamped sports bar, where new screens give every tackle and goal slightly more oomph. Whether you're a local or stepping off the ferry, you'll relish the easygoing pub atmosphere inside and out. When the sun is shining, expect the beer garden to thrive. Featuring native landscaping, large umbrellas for some much-needed shade, and a brand-new kids' play area, it's a relaxed spot to kick back during a long lunch or enjoy quality family time just a short stroll from the waterfront. And the menu? The reimagined Bellarine Hotel will serve pub food made for the coast, where fresh local produce elevates a host of time-tested favourites. From classic fish and chips to stacked parmas, burgers and tasty snacks, this laidback cuisine will make for the ideal pairing with the sea breeze. "We can't wait to give this local legend a new lease on life, with a fresh look but the same great pub spirit," says venue manager Mitch Kovacic. Those familiar with the Queenscliff Brewhouse will be happy to know that the on-site distillery, inspired by the Bellarine Peninsula, isn't going anywhere either. Here, the tight-knit team behind the Queenscliff Distillery produces a top-notch selection of gins, vodka and even strawberry liquor, headlined by fruit grown in nearby Wallington. Under the new owners, the distillery will keep pumping, with in-house tasting experiences and small plates still on the agenda. "The pub will be all about celebrating local, from the menu's produce to featuring local music acts and supporting the community's school and sporting clubs," says Kovacic. "And, for anyone looking for somewhere to celebrate, we are now taking function enquiries for the upcoming sunny season." The Bellarine Hotel is expected to reopen in spring at 2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff. Head to the website for more information.
The city might be all fun and games, but the concrete jungle can be draining at times. It's well and truly time to get out and get immersed in nature. And, what better way to appreciate our sprawling rainforests and charming bushlands than by perching yourself up in a tree? These stunning treehouse properties will provide you with a secluded wilderness stay, placed high above the surrounding landscape with all the luxuries of a five-star retreat. Book a stay deep in the Blue Mountains, nestled above the Yarra Valley or a stone's throw away from the Great Barrier Reef. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia The Best Australian Stays with Outdoor Baths The Best Australian Islands to Visit Anytime of the Year Coolgarra Bush House, Queensland This hand-built recycled timber treehouse sits in picturesque Springbrook, less than an hour southwest of the Gold Coast. The three-bedroom stay will provide you with a secluded nature retreat surrounded by towering trees filled with fauna including king parrots. Cook up a feast on the barbecue and sit out on the deck to enjoy the warm Queensland air. From $475 a night, sleeps six. Butchers Creek Treehouse, Queensland Head north towards Cairns and you'll find this secluded stay surrounded by endless flora and fauna. Here you can head out to explore the nine-kilometres of walking trails and discover the rainforest, mountain scenery and waterfalls of the area. The house is fitted out with everything you need to cook a feast after a tough day hiking or plenty of space to kick back and relax if you don't feel like venturing out. From $538 a night, sleeps two. The River Room, New South Wales Designed by architect and Order of Australia recipient Richard LePlastrier, this north-coast NSW treehouse is split into three sections. Here in the River Room you'll wake to the view of a lush rainforest. Wander down to the Never Never creek for summer swims or head out on a hike through the surrounding national parks. When it comes to dinner, local towns like Bellingen have plenty of great eats on offer. From $300 a night, sleeps three. Tarzali Treehouse, Queensland This secluded cabin sits among the canopy of the trees surrounded by 100 acres of rainforest in the Cairns Highlands. The owners aim to make your stay as environmentally sustainable as possible, combining the feel of a luxury retreat and an eco rainforest stay. The two-bedroom home sleeps up to six, making it ideal for a group getaway up north. From $444 a night, sleeps six. Mountain Tiny House, Victoria Combine multiple unique stays into one with this tiny house perched among the trees on a mountain. Wake up to views of the redwood trees and the sounds of the area's wildlife which includes kookaburras, lyrebirds, wallabies and the local wombat if you're lucky. While this house is quaint, it's still fitted out with a full kitchen, a coffee machine, a TV and a fire pit. From $215 a night, sleeps two. Strawbale Cottage, New South Wales This affordable Blue Mountains treehouse is ideal for a short getaway for couples or small families. The open plan design, exposed wooden pillars and surrounding bushland give the property playful treehouse energy. Curl up in front of the fire during the colder months or bask in the sun out on the deck. From $150 a night, sleeps three. Bodhi Treehouse, New South Wales Located just outside Byron Bay, this three-storey treehouse sits on 17 acres of subtropical rainforest and lush gardens. The bedroom is perched above the rainforest, meaning you'll wake to a view of the sprawling green landscape. With multiple balconies, a spacious interior and lounge chairs out front, you can choose a different part of the house to relax every couple of hours and never run out of new serine spots to soak in nature and disconnect from the world. From $275, sleeps two. Rocks and River Glamping Experience, New South Wales Drive north-west of Sydney for a little over an hour and you'll come across this secluded tent hidden in the trees. Nestled among the trees alongside a river, this next-level glamping stay is all about immersing yourself in nature. On the property you'll find a luxe bedroom with an indoor fireplace, a patio with views of the valley and an outdoor bamboo shower. From $190 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse Denmark, Western Australia If you're looking for a nature-heavy stay near Perth, this treehouse stay at the southmost point of WA is propped between two karri trees and surrounded by wilderness and huge granite boulders. Inside, the furniture plays into the surrounding boulders with a grey and charcoal colour pallet. Climb the ladder to recline in the reading nook/bedroom perched above the living room or soak in the bathtub as you look over the surrounding bushland. From $250 a night, sleeps four. Bombah Point Eco Cottages, New South Wales Get lost in a 100-acre wildlife reserve when you book this property just north of Newcastle. The spacious house lends itself to couples and families looking to stretch out and relax while on holiday with a large living room and kitchen, plus a pool out back. Explore the surrounding land or water with bike and kayak hire available. From $390 a night, sleeps five. Top image: Tarzali Treehouse. All images courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
What's set to feature synth-heavy tunes, a big blender, plus Tony Armstrong and Courtney Act chatting Australian audiences through one of the huge music events of every year? In 2025, that's how the Eurovision Song Contest will play out. Another May is in full swing, which means that another round of acts are taking to the stage to compete for Europop glory. Flying the flag for Australia at the 69th Eurovision: Go-Jo with the song 'Milkshake Man'. The place: Basel in Switzerland, thanks to Nemo winning Eurovision 2024 with 'The Code'. And the dates for your diary: Wednesday, May 14–Sunday, May 18 Down Under. The event's 2025 semi finals take place at 5am Australian time on Wednesday, May 14 and Friday, May 16, with Go-Jo featuring in the second. Then, this year's winner will be crowned on Sunday, May 18. To watch along from home, you'll be heading to SBS and SBS on Demand — which is where Armstrong and Act come in. As announced back in April, the pair are fronting the Aussie commentary team this year, with the ex-AFL footballer-turned-TV presenter (Eat the Invaders) teaming up with the Australian Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race alum to guide audiences through the full 2025 Eurovision experience. Act was part of the 2024 coverage, too, as SBS's backstage Eurovision correspondent. Go-Jo, aka Marty Zambotto, was named in February as Australia's latest entrant. While you might've been among the folks helping his single 'Mrs. Hollywood' notch up 60-million digital streams and one-billion views, he's performing 'Milkshake Man' at Eurovision. Enter that big blender for the Manjimup-raised, now Sydney-based performer, another former footballer (in the West Australian Football League), who was the ninth most-streamed Australian artist in the world in 2023. "The Milkshake Man's purpose is to inspire people to embrace the loudest and proudest version of themselves, and I can't think of a better place to share that message than the Eurovision stage. It's an absolute dream come true to represent such a beautiful and diverse nation, and I've never been more excited to share my art and vision with the incredible Eurovision fans around the world," said Go-Jo when he was announced at 2025's Aussie competitor. And that blender? It's part of Go-Jo's staging, and measures four metres in height — with Australia going big, literally, to mark ten years since first competing in Eurovision when Guy Sebastian entered the 2015 contest with 'Tonight Again'. [caption id="attachment_1003691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Henley[/caption] For newcomers, Eurovision started back in 1956 as a competition between a mere seven nations. Now, nearing seven decades later, it's a glitter-strewn and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Thirty-seven countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere are competing in 2025 — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their queues. When Go-Jo performs his track in the semi final, he'll be up against performers from Ireland, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Finland, Montenegro, Latvia, Armenia, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Czechia, Luxembourg, Israel and Serbia. If he then makes his way through to the grand final, he'll be one of only 21 acts making the cut,. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Switzerland are automatically guaranteed spots. You have choices if you're keen to watch — depending on whether you want tear yourself out of bed before it's light. If you want to view the proceedings live, you can from 5am on the relevant days. Streaming replays will also be available mid-morning. Or, if you can somehow manage to avoid the internet and social media, both semis and the grand final will also screen in primetime across Friday–Sunday. Can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour? It's worth remembering that Australians can indeed vote for Eurovision, but only until around 18 minutes after the last song is performed in each live semi-final broadcast and about 40 minutes after the last track ends in the grand final. Voting is open to everyone in all finals — whether you're from a country participating in that final or not — and the artists who get through from the two semi finals to the grand final will be solely chosen by the audience at home. Still remaining the same: the rule that says Australians can't actually vote for Go-Jo, because no one can vote for the country they represent. [caption id="attachment_1003694" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Wilson[/caption] "I'm so excited to jump into the world of Eurovision with the one and only Courtney Act, who has already taken me under her wing. I'm definitely not envious of her brilliance and my jealousy won't make it on screen I promise. Eurovision holds such a special place in so many hearts around the world. I look forward to being a part of the spectacle along with Courtney," said Armstrong when his Eurovision hosting gig for SBS in 2025 was announced. "I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy Eurovision last year — and this year I'm back, now with everyone's favourite IT man Tony Armstrong (who I can confirm is just as delightful and dashing in real life as you'd expect). I'll be offering my commentary expertise on every costume reveal, key change, wind machine and pyro moment I know Switzerland will deliver. Tony's already taught me a thing or two about team sport energy, and I'll be returning the favour with a crash course in camp," added Act. Eurovision 2025 Broadcasts Live broadcasts: Semi final one: 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 14 on SBS and SBS on Demand Semi final two: 5am AEST on Friday, May 16 on SBS and SBS on Demand — featuring Go-Jo Grand final: 5am AEST on Sunday, May 18 on SBS and SBS on Demand Streaming replays: Semi final one: from 8.30am AEST on Wednesday, May 14 on SBS on Demand Semi final two: from 8.30am AEST on Friday, May 16 on SBS on Demand — featuring Go-Jo Grand final: from 10.30am AEST on Sunday, May 18 on SBS on Demand Prime-time TV 'access all areas' broadcasts: Semi final one: 7.30pm AEST on Friday, May 16 on SBS Semi final two: 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, May 17 on SBS — featuring Go-Jo Grand final: 7.30pm AEST on Sunday, May 18 on SBS SBS' Eurovision 2025 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 14–Sunday, May 18. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website — and for more information about Eurovision, head to the event's website. Eurovision rehearsal images: Alma Bengtsson / Sarah Louise Bennett / Corinne Cumming.
Long considered Australia's go-to whale-watching spot, Queensland's Hervey Bay is now the world's first whale heritage site, too. Located a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane, the Fraser Coast city was bestowed the prestigious honours at this year's World Whale Conference, which was held in coastal locale over the past week — receiving the accreditation not only due to its considerable whale population across the second half of each year, but thanks to its respectful and responsible embrace of the animals throughout the community. Established by the World Cetacean Alliance, the Whale Heritage Site scheme aims to recognise places that "preserve cetacean species and their habitats". More broadly, the initiative is designed to promote the globe's most responsible whale and dolphin-watching destinations; help protect marine habitats by supporting local communities, especially when it comes to sustainable practices; and assist the development of spots that depend on the sea, particularly by encouraging folks to appreciate the significance of whales in the area. If you've ever headed north to spy the majestic creatures — or even just for a holiday — it's impossible to spend time in Hervey Bay without being reminded of its whale-focused eco-tourism industry. From July to November each year, humpback whales head up from Antarctica, using the site to rest and socialise on the way to their breeding grounds in the Whitsundays. Then, towards the end of the season, they pass by again on the 5000-kilometre journey back down south — which is when whale-watchers can see mother whales spending time teaching their young calves in the local waters. Naturally, there's no shortage of whale-watching tours in the area. Visitors can also head to the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere, which, as well as featuring a 12-metre-high whale sculpture and a full-sized reproduction of a whale skeleton, explores and celebrates humpback whales and their place in the region. And, each July and August, the city also hosts the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival. Already quite the tourist drawcard, the new WHS accreditation is expected to attract more visitors, unsurprisingly. Nearly 60,000 people went whale-watching in the region last year, Fraser Coast Tourism general manager Martin Simons told the ABC. While Hervey Bay earned the first whale heritage site slot, it's not the only spot to receive the nod, with The Bluff in Durban in South Africa named the second WHS site. Other locations under consideration include Vancouver Island North in Canada, Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand, Mosaic Jurubatiba in Brazil and Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Images: Mark Seabury via Visit Fraser Coast.
If someone were to mention pre-fabricated housing, most people would probably conjure up images of dingy, ugly and generic box-like houses inferior to standard homes. However, recent prefab homes have taken a leap forward in terms of sustainability, practicality and comfort. The eco-friendly materials which make up the pods or modules of prefab houses are constructed in factories and can be configured in various ways to allow the buyer to add some creative flair to their housing style. Standard prefab houses are a great way to save money and time when building a house, and ensuring it is highly sustainable, yet imagine if they were tiny prefab houses. Small prefabricated houses are an incredibly effective use of space, help with the increasingly pertinent issue of urban sprawl and housing density, and are also easily transportable and even less costly in terms of both time and money. Here are ten of the most sustainable, imaginative and simply bewildering tiny prefab houses that will be sure to convert you in your thinking about the buildings of the future. Tiny House Number Two This portable house is Kent Griswold's second self-built house with tiny proportions. This 8.2 x 16.2 foot wide house manages to fit in five wooden windows, a pitch and steel roof, walls reinforced with hurricane straps and foam insulation. This little goldmine would be perfectly suitable as a beachside cottage, a guest house or even just a house for tiny living. Gifford Box Bungalow This majestic snow retreat is 99 square feet of luxury with endless interior design options. Complete with porch and even a loft area at the top, the box bungalow is the ultimate in effective use of space whilst ensuring comfort is still a high priority. The house is available from Tumbleweed Tiny House company, which was founded in 1997 by Jay Shafer. Shafer is dedicated to crafting high-quality and inventive small houses which have minimal impacts on the environments and are conducive to a slower, more relaxed style of living. The XS House This tiny construction is the smallest green house available in Jay Schafer's range and comes from the 'House to Go' series, meaning it can easily be transported and towed anywhere. The XS stands for extra small and extra space-efficient because with only 11 feet in length and 7 feet in width, this house manages to somehow fit in a living room, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. If you're planning to go caravaning across the countryside, why not just go 'housing' instead, because if built yourself this little beauty will only set you back $16,000. Weehouse Don't be fooled by the deceptive name, because this modern house offers much more than just a place t0 urinate. This construction by Alchemy Architects is spacious living in a non-spacious area at its best, and at an incredibly affordable price: the cost works out to be only $125 per square foot. The interior features IKEA cabinetry and kitchenware and floor to ceiling Anderson windows, making this off-grid living unique yet nevertheless comfortable. Solo 36 Bunkie This eco-friendly pine wood home is a trendy and creative design from Sustain Minihome. Complete with bar, sleeping loft, living room, bathroom and kitchen, you wouldn't know once inside the solo 36 bunkie that it's only 36 feet by 12 feet. As long as you have level ground, this prefab home can situated virtually anywhere, say on a rocky cliff overlooking the stunning Lake Rosseau in Canada. Micro Compact Home A team of researchers and designers from London and the Technical University of Munich have really abided by the lore of less is more with their development of the m-ch. This tiny construction is designed for students, businessmen and sportsmen who require short stay living. The m-ch uses compact living methods as used in aircrafts, yachts and cars to create a 266cm cubed space that conveniently fits in two double beds, shower and toilet, a fold-out table, kitchen and storage space - what more could you want? Ideabox's Minibox Minibox is 200SF of ecological and simple living. These versatile homes can be whatever you want them to be - a studio, backyard feature or a micro-home. Despite the small space, these prefab houses have been designed so effectively that you won't have to make any compromises on comfort. And these efficient, green houses come at only $42,500, making them within most individual's or family's home buying budget. kitHAUS' K4 This stylish little wooden structure is the perfect option for those looking to live tiny, and in style. Kithaus offers a range of modern and revolutionary prefab homes, which are all made from patented lightweight M.H.S construction systems. The creation of their homes, such as this K4, takes only days and can be done almost anywhere because of the lightweight properties - a wilderness retreat made easy. Fish Camp Katrina Cottages produces quaint and dainty little cottages, which are tiny, versatile and easily transportable. This Fish Camp styled house was designed by Steve Mouzon and is a mere 170 square feet. With it's effective use of space this cottage is not only cute to look at but also highly practical, incorporating a porch, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom into the small space. Max's Cabin Max had his 10ft x 20tf cabin built last year by Birky's Better Built Barns as his holiday and meditation retreat 25 miles north of his home in Washington State. The construction added up to about $10,500, which isn't bad for an off the grid, self-sufficient house set with all the necessities required for tiny living.
Back in 2021, McDonald's marked a massive milestone: 50 years since the fast food chain first started serving burgs in Australia. To celebrate, it splashed its golden arches all around the place, including on Macca's PJs. And, while that sleepwear was a limited-edition range, McDonald's has teamed up with Peter Alexander on a new line for 2023. Obviously, you'll be lovin' them. Once again, this collection features burgers, fries, golden arches, the chain's red and yellow colour scheme, and its famous figures such as Ronald, Grimace, Birdie and the Hamburglar. Do people wearing burger-covered pyjamas dream of Big Macs? That's the question you can now put to the test — again. You can clearly expect a big dose of nostalgia as well and, thanks to Ronald and company's presence, to have a fierce hankering for happy meals. Given that McDonald's opened here in the 70s, there's a huge retro feel to the entire range. If, while wearing them, you wake up and start watching cartoons, that's understandable. Thirty-seven different items arrive on Wednesday, June 14 at Peter Alexander stores and via the sleepwear brand's website until stocks last — including PJ pants and sweaters for men and women, various matching sets, and even Macca's sleepwear for dogs. That range includes a Big Mac tee, a smiling Grimace jumper and slippers embedded with the golden arches, as well as patchwork-style sets and a Macca's doggy jumper. The new McDonald's x Peter Alexander sleepwear collection goes on sale from Wednesday, June 14 via Peter Alexander stores and the sleepwear brand's website.
When the director and lead of one of 2021's best Norwegian films — and best movies from anywhere that year — joined forces again, of course the Scandinavian Film Festival needed to get the resulting picture on its program. Accordingly, Sentimental Value from The Worst Person in the World filmmaker Joachim Trier, once more starring Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent), is one of the big highlights at 2025's Australian showcase of cinema from the Nordic region. Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) also feature, and the results won this year's Cannes Grand Prix (the award below the Palme d'Or). At the Scandinavian Film Festival, Sentimental Value is getting the centrepiece treatment. Movies from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are always in the drawcard at this Aussie fest — so a Norwegian spy drama to kick things off in 2025, then an Icelandic black comedy to wrap things up, are both on the itinerary. This year's national tour starts on Friday, July 11 in both Melbourne and Ballarat, with Scandinavian Film Festival's opening nights staggered as it then heads to Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Byron Bay and Ballina on various dates, wrapping up countrywide on Wednesday, August 13. Launching the fest: Number 24, the latest from The Burning Sea and The Quake director John Andreas Andersen, recounting a true espionage tale from World War II. The aptly named Grand Finale comes in at the other end, spinning a Reykjavik-set story about a struggling chamber orchestra's efforts to endure. Alongside Sentimental Value, Quisling: The Final Days is another of the festival's big-name titles, this time from The King's Choice and Utoya: July 22's Erik Poppe, with the trial of its controversial namesake head of state the film's focus. Cannes favourites, blasts from the past, laughter-inducing fare: they're all on the lineup, then. Add watching Björk's daughter in her first feature role, multiple dates with Danish actor Trine Dyrholm (The Girl with the Needle) and celebrating the 25th anniversary of a Swedish romantic-comedy to the list, too. The first comes courtesy of The Mountain, a coming-of-age and road-trip flick starring Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney. Dyrholm pops up in both the healthcare-centric Second Victims and the David Dencik (Other People's Money)-co-starring Beginnings. And Jalla! Jalla! is marking its quarter-century milestone. Audiences keen to spend Australia's winter feasting their eyes on colder climes from the other side of the world can also look forward to the Faroe Islands-set The Last Paradise on Earth and heading into an Icelandic seafood restaurant with Odd Fish. Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Riders of Justice) leads Way Home, about a Danish father endeavouring to save his loved ones. With heist effort The Quiet Ones, Denmark's biggest-ever robbery makes its way to the screen. Finnish relationship dramedy Sudden Bursts of Emotions, the nation's great Heikki Kinnunen playing 'The Grump' in Long Good Thursday, three siblings returning to the house they grew up in in Everything Must Go, the couch-surfing antics of Live a Little, the beer-brewing sisters of 100 Litres of Gold, My Father's Daughter's focus on a Sámi teenager: add them to your Scandinavian Film Festival list as well. Scandinavian Film Festival 2025 Dates Friday, July 11–Sunday, August 3 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre, Melbourne Friday, July 11–Sunday, August 3 — Palace Regent Cinema, Ballarat Wednesday, July 16–Sunday, August 10 — Palace Electric, Canberra Thursday, July 17–Sunday, August 10 — Palace Norton St, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, July 23–Wednesday, August 13 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, July 23–Thursday, August 14 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Wednesday, July 24–Wednesday, August 13 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square, Perth Wednesday, July 24–Wednesday, August 13 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina The Scandinavian Film Festival tours Australia in July and August 2025. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
A word so nice they named it thrice. Melbourne's CBD has a wicked pizza joint that's kicking it NY-style with 18-inch pies and pizza by the slice. Pizza Pizza Pizza opened their doors back in 2016, selling slices for small change. While these certainly don't compare to the $1 kind of New York City, they're pretty fair prices for the Aussie market and much bigger slices than we're generally used to. Pizza toppings range from classics like margherita and pepperoni to a decadent mushroom and truffle oil that you certainly wouldn't find at your corner NY pizza shop. You'll also find a triple cheese (that's parmesan, mozzarella and boccocini for ya) and Aussie favourite Hawaiian on the menu. The concept is a brilliant scheme — but we must admit, we were a bit sceptical at first. Doing it NYC-style is always tricky; if you've ever been to The Big Apple, you know that no other pizza quite lives up and claiming that yours can is a dangerous game. Now that we've tried it though (many many many times), we can say with real New York grit—they've hit a homer, Yankee style! We also have to say that they do have the lingo down, and for once the 18-inch pie size — though they're calling it "supersized" — is just right for NYC standards.
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — but the show's final season is coming first. Before the weather turns cold again in the southern hemisphere, fans of the epic HBO series will be able to discover how the popular series wraps up, with the eighth and final season hitting the small screen at 11am on Monday, April 15. That's next week, friends. Prepare the snacks. And with the final season, will come the death of many more cherished characters. As George RR Martin has shown us, over and over and over again, no one is safe from his murderous pen (or keyboard) — any character's death is fair game. The list of deaths in the first seven seasons is long — longer than even Arya Stark's list — and the fallen are being commemorated in an eerie new Game of Thrones cemetery, which has popped up in Sydney. Yes, right here in Australia. Two mausoleums and many, intricately designed, gravestones have been spread across 2000 square metres of Sydney's sprawling Centennial Park by Foxtel, ahead of next week's series premiere. And each is inscribed with the names of who lays inside. There are the fallen Starks: Eddard, Benjen and Rickon; the Baratheons (or should we say Lannisters): King Tommen, Joffrey and Robert; and the Stark direwolves: Shaggy Dog, slain by Smalljon Umber in S06E09, and Summer, mauled by wights in S06E05. [caption id="attachment_716483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hodor's grave.[/caption] We'll never forget who else died in that latter episode — 'The Door' — either: Hodor. He has his own gravestone, as do other series favourites: Khal Drogo, the Sand Snakes and Oberyn Martell. Some of the more disliked characters are also remembered here, including Tywin Lannister, Walder Frey and Ramsay Bolton — whose grave is, fittingly, surrounded by barbed wire. Visitors to the cemetery, dubbed the Grave of Thrones, can download a map of the graves and listen to an eerie audio tour of the cemetery. [caption id="attachment_716488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Joffrey Baratheon's grave.[/caption] With the final season promising a huge final battle between the living and the White Walkers, we think this cemetery, which features hands and animals emerging from the graves, may also be ominously hinting to something else: we're going to see the return of many favourite fallen characters — as wights. In the offical trailer, dropped last month, you see Arya running through the halls of Winterfell — could she be running from something, newly reanimated, in the crypts? Then, there's this Crypts of Winterfell teaser. We'll let you continue speculating for yourselves, but expect one helluvan emotional Walking Dead-style murdering-of-fallen-friends battle to go down this season. Prepare many boxes of tissues. In the meantime, we suggest you jump on one of those electric Lime E Bikes and head on down to the cemetery in Centennial Park — you'll find it on Grand Drive near the kids' bike path. Maybe you'll find other hints scattered throughout, too. If you're not in Sydney, we suggest you carefully look through the images above, and the rest of the cemetery online here. Find Foxtel's Grave of Thrones at Fearnley Grounds, Centennial Park, NSW. It's open from 7am–6pm from Friday, April 12 till Sunday, April 14. Game of Thrones Season 8 premieres at 11am on Monday, April 15 on Foxtel.
Even under normal circumstances, heading to the UK to see a theatre show isn't in most folks' budgets — which is why, for years now, Britain's National Theatre has beamed its performances into cinemas around the world via a series called NT Live. At the moment, with venues closed across the globe, the latter is obviously on hiatus. Enter a new initiative: National Theatre at Home. As the name makes plain, National Theatre is making its previously recorded productions available to viewers at home — so you can now get cosy on your lounge, put your feet up and pretend you're at the theatre. Shows will stream for free via NT's YouTube channel, with a different performance available each week. Each production will launch on a Friday morning, Australian and New Zealand time, then be available to stream for seven days. It all kicks off with Richard Bean's One Man, Two Guvnors starring James Corden, who won a Tony Award for his performance in the production's 2012 Broadway run. Catch it from 5am AEST on Friday, April 3 (7pm UK time on Thursday, April 2). Then, head back on April 10 for Sally Cookson's stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, journey to Bryony Lavery's version of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island on April 17 and enjoy William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on April 24. On May 1, one of National Theatre's biggest and best shows will drop: its stripped-back version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as directed by Trainspotting and Yesterday's Danny Boyle, and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. When the production was performed live back in 2011, Cumberbatch and Miller swapped roles each night, alternating between playing Victor Frankenstein and his revived creation — and both versions are hitting the NT's YouTube Channel. After that, on May 7, comes more Shakespeare: Antony & Cleopatra, featuring Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo as the fated titular couple. Then, when May 14 rolls around, viewers can check out a never-bef0re-seen archival recording of Inua Ellam's Barber Shop Chronicles. Fans of classic American plays and fantastic actors can look forward to A Streetcar Named Desire from May 21 — with none other than Gillian Anderson as Blanche DuBois, alongside Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby. On May 28, James Graham's This House will hit YouTube, while June 4 sees Tom Hiddleston join forces with the Bard for a performance of Coriolanus. Keep an eye on the National Theatre at Home website, too, because more productions are likely to be added afterwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh9_EdHDsV4 Top images: A Streetcar Named Desire, Johan Persson. Frankenstein, 2011, photo by Catherine Ashmore. Jane Eyre, 2015, Manuel Harlan. One Man, Two Guvnors by Bean, Author - Richard Bean, Director - Nicholas Hytner, Designer - Mark Thompson, Lighting - Mark Henderson, The National Theatre, 2011, Credit: Johan Persson. Updated May 9.
Right on the foreshore of Elwood Beach, Elwood Bathers has one of the best beachfront spots in Melbourne. The venue is open from breakfast until dinner each day — so you can pop in whether it's for a post-swim coffee or a sit-down meal. With classic beachside fare — think fish and chips and fried calamari — and hearty mains including burgers, lamb rump and steaks. Plus, there are a few vegan and gluten-free options, including the cherry tomato pappardelle. Formerly home to seafood restaurant Sails on the Bay for two decades, the renovated venue boasts ocean views that can be enjoyed while tucking into your meal or simply sipping on a glass of wine from the extensive drinks list.
With its crisp pastry shell and hot, tasty filling, it's not too hard to see why the humble pie is a dead-set favourite Melbourne winter treat. And now, it's got a brand new home, in Footscray's small but mighty Pie Thief. This little spot is the work of Bar Josephine owner Aaron Donato — along with friend and regular, chef Scott Blomfield (Supernormal, Mighty Boy) — who have set out to create their own solution to Melbourne's lack of good urban pie shops. The duo have taken over the space next door to Bar Josephine, added a healthy dose of colour and cheer, and are now fuelling pie obsessions all over the west. The menu is heavy on the nostalgia, too, promising to fill you up, please your taste buds and give you a few warm and fuzzies in the process. Boosting the throwback feels, the pair also stirs hot and cold Milos and slices trays of creamy vanilla slice. Thanks to Blomfield's background, the food is created using a restaurant approach, so expect top-notch ingredients and a bit of technique to the buttery pastry and crafty fillings. The pie menu features six core creations, including a steak and cheese, a Thai red chicken curry and a classic egg and bacon number that you can match with Code Black coffees. The lasagne pie — yes, a pie filled with cheesy lasagne — is already a big hit. It boasts rich bolognese, creamy béchamel and even a piece of lasagne sheet. A Pie of the Week option rotates through clever creations like nacho, and cauliflower cheese, and there's a solid vegan option in the pumpkin and tofu cheddar combination. Oh, and they haven't forgotten about the sausage rolls, either – here, you'll find an old-school pork and fennel, along with one inspired by the humble chicken parma.
As your parents undoubtedly used to tell you, all you really need is the great outdoors and your own two legs to amuse yourself. And being able to bring your dog along doesn't hurt either. Now that the weather is warming up, it's time for you and your pooch to get back to the outside world. To help you get started, we've compiled this list of camping, hiking and swimming spots in Victoria to journey to with your pup. We bet your doggo has been missing being in nature even more than you have. So plan your holiday, hop in the car and tell your doggo it's W-A-L-K time. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Victoria The Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Camping: Horseshoe Lagoon On the banks of the Goulburn River between Trawool and Kerrisdale, Horseshoe Lagoon is as much of a go-to for water-based activities as it is for settling down for a long weekend of relaxed camping. A flora and fauna reserve, the lagoon is home to many a fine feathered (and furred) friend — so go gently with your doggo. Get ready to see the full shebang of Australiana fauna, including kangaroos, koalas and wombats — and if you're lucky, you may even spot a platypus. Camping is dog-friendly and free along eight kilometres of the bank, with no bookings required. Camping: Johanna Beach Three hours southwest of Melbourne, the campsite at Johanna Beach in the Otways is a triple threat; it has plenty of walks, it's not too busy and it has a beaut surf beach to boot. Off Old Coach Road and set among the dunes, the site only has 25 spots for people to set up camp, so there will never be too many people at one time. But make sure you book in advance book in advance to avoid any disappointment. There are non-flush toilets in the area, but fires are not allowed and you'll need to BYO drinking water, so this is for human and furry campers who are prepped for a more rugged experience. But the stellar views and the sound of the ocean to wake you in the morning make this trek well worth it. [caption id="attachment_669768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takver via Flickr[/caption] Camping: Hepburn Regional Park Sitting in Victoria's northwest around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Hepburn Regional Park is a top-notch camping option near the city. Surrounded by picturesque place names like Porcupine Ridge, Wombat Hill and Musk Vale, the Daylesford region already beckons to you on the page. Plus there's the additional draw-card of the spectacular scenery, including natural mineral springs, an extinct volcanic crater and relics from the gold rush set among the bush. During the day, enjoy a walk or two with your pup on-lead. In the evening, settle in by the provided fire pits at the Lalgamhttps://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/travel-leisure/eleven-of-the-best-places-to-stay-along-the-great-ocean-roadbook (Mount Franklin) Reserve campsite with your doggo by your side. Swimming: Fossil Beach The Mornington Peninsula offers heaps of scenic beaches easily accessible in an hour or so from Melbourne — and Fossil Beach should be at the top of your list. It's lovely, dog-friendly and educational; the rocky beach gets its name from all of the fossils found on its shores. Dating back over ten million years, these Australian sea-life fossils were first discovered in the 1800s, but you can still find plenty to this day. Along with the relics of past aquatic flora and fauna, plenty of present-day wildlife visits the shore, including the yellow wattlebird. Whether you're a rock lover or nature fan — and perhaps keen for a little dip — stroll along the shore and see what you and your clever pooch might dig up while they're off-leash. Swimming: Lilydale Lake It isn't just beaches that have the goods when it comes to finding a swimming hole that suits both humans and their fur babies. Don't forget about Victoria's many lakes, and in particular, Lilydale Lake. In the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the lake reflects the type of green beauty that can still be found in spades out in Melbourne's hilly east. The man-made body of water is perfect for walking around — it spans 28 hectares, with an additional ten kilometres of shared trails surrounding the area too. Though the lake may not the best of the best for people-swimming, your dog will be roaring for a dip along with the other pooches. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the barbecue area and be sure to bring along snacks for your pup. [caption id="attachment_703431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] Swimming: Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest If you've been hankering for something a little special, it might be time to make the pilgrimage to Briagolong State Forest. Three hours east of the CBD, Blue Pool in Briagolong is worth any distance of travel, and it's a great stop during a coastal road trip or weekend getaway. Here, the water is as clear as glass and tends to stay relatively warm all year round. You and your pooch are sure to have a splendid time frolicking and splashing about all day. Plus, there are several nice walk options around the peaceful billabong surroundings, as well as a campsite nearby, which was recently upgraded with fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. There's no reason not to make a whole weekend of it. Be sure to come prepared with sandals or water shoes to help you reach the water, as the terrain is very rocky. [caption id="attachment_716099" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] Swimming: Fishermans Beach, Torquay Torquay has become a hugely popular day trip destination, filling up with surfers, casual swimmers and general beachgoers every weekend throughout summer. Dog owners also frolic here, heading to the town's Fishermans Beach which has a huge off-leash area. Let your pup run free on the sands and swim in the sea before popping the leash back on and heading to one of the brilliant seaside cafes and bars on The Esplanade. If you're keen to spend a few days here, be sure to check out our guide to the best places to stay in Torquay — plenty are located right near Fishermans Beach. Hiking: Kurth Kiln Regional Park Set in the Dandenong Ranges, Kurth Kiln Regional Park in Gembrook is mostly known for its kiln, used in WWII to make charcoal. It's also home to a water wheel, lots of ferns and the occasional koala. Popular with a whole range of active sorts — hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers — it's a particularly good day trip spot for you and your dog to take. The lush park has a number of walks, varying in length and difficulty, as well as some more Aussie animals such as sugar gliders, wombats, swamp wallabies and the aforementioned koala if you're lucky. There'll be lots of fun new smells for your dog to discover, so just make sure they're on a lead. Hiking: You Yangs Regional Park The peaks of the You Yangs mountain range can be seen from quite a distance, protruding from the otherwise flat landscape surrounding them. So, set your sights on the mountains and head southeast. The regional park that makes up part of the area is ideal for hikes and shorter walks, as well as rock climbing for the especially adventurous. Plus there are barbecues and picnic areas dotted throughout to keep you refreshed and truckin' along. For those looking to get their legs burning, climb up to Flinders Peak and have a baby Simba moment with your pooch as you survey everything the light touches. Or for something less intensive, take the longer, undulating Branding Yard Walk. Just make sure you bring enough water for both you and your furry pal. Hiking: Macedon Regional Park The Macedon Ranges are a hallmark of Victoria's native forestry, and the region's fame is in part due to the mysterious Hanging Rock — plus the immense natural beauty (and many wineries) found nearby. The Macedon Regional Park boasts a hefty 2380 hectares and is chockablock with hiking trails that make up the 30-kilometre Macedon Ranges Walking Trail. With a variety of activities, the Macedon Ranges prove to be a destination, rather than a one-day pit stop. Two of the best dog-friendly hike options are the Camels Hump to Picnic Ground walk — which includes a walk over Macedon's highest peak — and a 2.5-kilometre trot around Sanatorium Lake.
No stranger to novel hospo concepts, Collingwood welcomes Bar Local Drop to the neighbourhood, serving everything from limited and rare drops to barbecue spatchcock, fresh pasta specials, and an impressive selection of over 500 bottles to stock your home cellar. The bar was founded by Jagdev Singh and his wife, Emily Prunty, the founders of The Local Drop, a respected wine business covering retail, events, and bespoke cellars. They chose Collingwood, specifically the design-forward space at 116 Rokeby Street, curated by Studio Y and recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects, to set up their bricks-and-mortar offering. While there is a deep and serious focus on all things wine, Bar Local Drop is also prioritising food. Head Chef Damon McIvor (of Wally's and Waxflower) brings more than 15-years' worth of industry experience to the kitchen. His Euro-leaning menu champions local growers, including Somerset Farm, Natoora and Day's Walk Farm. Seasonally changing menus may include tapioca fritti with anchovies, cured swordfish with pickled mussels, smoked lamb tartare with hash browns, and Hapuka with fennel and beurre blanc. Pop in midweek to catch the lunchtime specials that include barbecue spatch cock (served half or whole) with fries and chicken jus, or rotating pasta dishes for just $20. The star of the show, the wine, is left in the ultra-experienced hands of Pierrick Gorrichon, who not only served as the Sommelier at Gimlet but also worked at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Check out The Black Book, the bar's handwritten reserve list showcasing limited and rare wines. Here's the kicker: once a bottle is gone, it's simply crossed off the page, so don't snooze on trying these special drops. Images: Supplied.
December is here, and we're sure the sound of jingling bells is well and truly lodged in your head — but if your TV isn't screening an endless festive movie marathon, is it really Christmas? This portion of year isn't just the prime period for gift-giving, lots of eating, and spending quality time with your nearest and dearest, but also for watching and rewatching all those flicks that make you feel merry. Or, if you're hardly the jolly type, to get a dose of Christmas with some offbeat, action-packed and/or darkly comic picks. Just what makes a Christmas film has been hotly debated. Some folks, like Last Christmas director Paul Feig, rightly believe that Die Hard counts. Others stick firmly to movies that weave in the season in a more overt way. Whichever category you fall into, and however you feel about the season, we have a list of suggestions for your Yuletide viewing pleasure. Pour yourself some eggnog, get cosy on your couch and start streaming. Home Alone (and Its Sequels) In 2021, a brand new Home Alone movie arrived to demand your attention. Yes, the 90s classic was remade — by Disney+, and with Jojo Rabbit's Archie Yates, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Ellie Kemper and Deadpool & Wolverine's Rob Delaney among the cast. Nostalgia might draw you to it, but the Mouse House's streaming platform is already serving up classic Home Alone delights, with the 1990 original, 1992's Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and 1997's Home Alone 3 all available (and also 2002's Home Alone 4, if you're a completist). Naturally, the original is the one that calls everyone's names whenever they're feeling festive. It was the highest-grossing live-action comedy at the US box office for more than two decades for a very good reason. Watch as Macaulay Culkin (Entergalactic) puts in a star-making performance, Joe Pesci (Bupkis) and Daniel Stern (For All Mankind) play bumbling burglars, and plenty of inventive booby traps get in the way. Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, Home Alone 3, Home Alone 4 and Home Sweet Home Alone stream via Disney+. Happiest Season Forget Twilight. Yes, it's the film franchise that Kristen Stewart (Love Lies Bleeding) is best known for, but her resume spans much further than sparkly vampires. And, courtesy of Happiest Season, it includes a festive rom-com that gives its well-worn genre a much-needed queer focus. Stewart plays Abby, the girlfriend of Harper (Mackenzie Davis, Speak No Evil). The former usually hates Christmas, but she's willing to give the usual trimmings a go for the latter. Alas, it turns out that Harper hasn't come out to her family, which cause more a few complications over the holidays. From the get-go, it's easy to see where the film is headed, but Happiest Season willingly sticks to a formula in order to update it. And, 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. Happiest Season streams via Binge. Read our full review. The Nightmare Before Christmas More than a quarter-century ago, filmmakers Tim Burton (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) and Henry Selick (Wendell & Wild) served up one of the most-enchanting holiday films to hit the big screen — and one that doubles as both Halloween and Christmas viewing. It's Burton's name that everyone remembers; however, a pre-Coraline Selick is actually in the director's chair on The Nightmare Before Christmas, which charms with both its offbeat story and its gorgeous stop-motion animation. Burton came up with the narrative though, because Jack Skellington only could've originated from the Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands filmmaker's brain. Imaginative, original and engaging (even as it nods to Dr Seuss a few times), it still remains a festive treat for all ages. The Nightmare Before Christmas streams via Disney+. The Holdovers Melancholy, cantankerousness, angst, hurt and snow all blanket Barton Academy in Alexander Payne's (Nebraska) The Holdovers. It's Christmas 1970 in New England in this thoughtful story that's given room to breathe and build, but festive cheer is in short supply among the students and staff that give the movie its moniker. Soon, there's just three folks left behind: Angus Tully (debutant Dominic Sessa), whose mother wants more time alone with his new stepdad; curmudgeonly professor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti, Billions), who's being punished for failing the son of a wealthy donor, but would be hanging around campus anyway; and grieving cook Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Only Murders in the Building, and an Oscar-winner for her work here), who is weathering her first Christmas after losing her son — a Barton alum — in the Vietnam War. The Holdovers streams via Netflix and Binge. Read our full review. Last Christmas Some Christmas movies — many festive movies, let's be honest — get the usual carols stuck in your head. Fancy a little George Michael whirling around your brain instead? That's what's on offer with Last Christmas, for obvious reasons. Just read the title and you'll already be humming the appropriate tune. This recent festive rom-com is both extremely likeable and very predictable. In other words, it's perfectly suitable feel-good Christmas in July viewing. The cast, which includes Emilia Clarke (Secret Invasion), Henry Golding (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) and Emma Thompson (Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical) are all an absolute delight, Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, A Simple Favour) directs with a light touch, and the George Michael hits just keep coming. Last Christmas streams via Netflix, Stan, Prime Video and Paramount+. Read our full review, and our interview with Paul Feig. It's a Wonderful Life It's been 78 years since Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life first warmed hearts, and started to become a festive tradition. The ultimate 'what if?' tale, the five-time Oscar nominee is also a shining example of a movie that didn't do well at the box office originally but has more than made up for it since. Featuring a pitch-perfect performance from the great James Stewart as the downtrodden George Bailey, the film's charms are many. It's sweet, optimistic but still willing to look at grim realities. That's what happens when Bailey has bleak thoughts one Christmas Eve, and contemplates ending it all, before a guardian angel shows him what life would've been like in his home town of Bedford Falls without him. It's a Wonderful Life streams via Stan. Eyes Wide Shut It isn't by accident that Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's last complete film and one of the masterful director's absolute best, takes place during the holidays. The late, great filmmaker plunges into a fraying marriage at a time of year that's either blissful or fraught in relationships, or seesaws between the two, with then real-life couple Nicole Kidman (The Perfect Couple) and Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One) as his leads. And, in the process, he has plenty to say about the institutions, traditions and expectations that society tells us will bring contentment — the wealth and romantic ideals that fall into the same categories, too — and the gaping chasm between those glossy notions and reality. When it hit cinemas, Eyes Wide Shut was marketed as an erotic thriller — 'twas the 90s — but despite the sex, masquerades and relationship games, that's only one layer of the feature. Following Bill (Cruise) and Alice (Kidman) Hartford as they navigate the festive period, complete with indulgent parties and strung-up lights aplenty, this probing film has zero cheer for Christmas' shiny facade, or the annual promise that forced jolliness will make anyone's lives better. Eyes Wide Shut streams via iTunes. How to Make Gravy Normally when it comes to watching Christmas movies, you can pick whichever day in December takes your fancy and press play. But How to Make Gravy is best watched on December 21, because that's the date that's been known as Gravy Day since 1996 thanks to Paul Kelly's classic tune 'How to Make Gravy'. Yes, this is a movie adaptation of the song, with musician Meg Washington and writer/director Nick Waterman behind it. And yes, it spins a story around the many characters that Kelly names in his track. The Royal Hotel co-stars Daniel Henshall (RFDS) and Hugo Weaving (Slow Horses) feature as Joe and Noel. The first hails from the tune — he's the prisoner who writes to his brother Dan (Brenton Thwaites, Titans) to kick things off — while Noel, a new addition to the tale, is a veteran inmate that he crosses paths with inside. With a cast that also spans Kate Mulvany (The Clearing), Damon Herriman (Better Man), Kieran Darcy-Smith (Mr Inbetween) and Kym Gyngell (The Artful Dodger), plus Titane's Agathe Rousselle in her first English-language film, How to Make Gravy charts the events that lead to Joe being away from his family come festive season, how they're coping without him and the underlying factors that he needs to face to spend next Christmas at home. How to Make Gravy streams via Binge. Read our interview with Daniel Henshall and Hugo Weaving. The Muppet Christmas Carol It's time to play the music, light the lights and see Charles Dickens' classic play out in felt — and with Michael Caine (The Great Escaper) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Any Muppets movie is ace seasonal viewing because they're all so warmhearted, but The Muppet Christmas Carol was obviously made for the merriest time of year. The movie follows Dickens's tale, with the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge given a change of perspective by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Here, however, Jim Henson's beloved creations join in, with Kermit the Frog playing clerk Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Gonzo narrating the story as Dickens (with help from Rizzo the Rat), Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. Other Muppets show up, because of course they do. The Muppet Christmas Carol streams via Disney+. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale Calling all festive horror fans — and fans of deadpan comedy. You'll get a bit of both with Finnish thriller Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, because sometimes, that's just what the season needs. Taking inspiration from the Joulupukki, a pagan and folkloric figure that's helped shape Santa Claus-centric stories, this creative film starts as all sinister tales do: with the unearthing of something eerie and perhaps best left forgotten. Here, after a British research team disturbs an ancient burial mound, the local reindeer become the first casualties. Twisted and off-kilter, eager to play with mythology and unafraid of gruesome imagery, this is the kind of Christmas flick that doesn't come around very often — all from Jalmari Helander, the filmmaker behind 2023's underseen Sisu. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale streams via iTunes and Prime Video. Tangerine Before writer/director Sean Baker gave the world 2024 Palme d'Or-winner Anora, plus The Florida Project and Red Rocket before that — each among the best movies of their year — he spent Christmas Eve with two transgender sex workers as one learns that her boyfriend and pimp has been unfaithful. Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) is fresh from a 28-day stint in jail when she teams up with her best pal Alexandra (Mya Taylor, High Tide) to chase down her other half Chester (James Ransone, The Black Phone). While getting revenge on cheating spouses isn't a new topic on film, Tangerine is its own raw and delightful effort. Baker also shot the Los Angeles-set feature solely on iPhones, which proves quite the technical feat, and doesn't stop it from being visually inventive again and again. Tangerine streams via iTunes. Christmess "Happy holidays" might be two of the most-used words each and every December, but this time of year isn't jolly for everyone. With the gripping and affecting Christmess, writer/director Heath Davis (Broke, Book Week and Locusts) stares clear-eyed at the haunting regrets, aching loneliness and complicated family dynamics that are part of the festive season for many — and has his characters chat about the best Christmas movies, too. Fresh-out-of-rehab actor Chris Flint (Steve Le Marquand, The Twelve) is at this Australian dramedy's centre, as he tries to get his life back on track — a job playing a shopping-centre Santa included — while living in a halfway house with his sponsor Nick (Darren Gilshenan, Colin From Accounts) and fellow recovering alcoholic Joy (musician Hannah Joy). Christmess streams via Binge. Nutcrackers After a few years spent making horror movies — and building upon genre classics at that, thanks to Halloween, Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends and The Exorcist: Believer — filmmaker David Gordon Green has swapped scares for heartwarming seasonal hijinks. Consider that one of his latest feature's big returns. Opening the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival before making its way to streaming, Nutcrackers also gets Ben Stiller back in front of the camera (although he can be forgiven for his time behind the scenes given that he's been busy directing Severance). Long-term Stiller fans should spot echoes of Reality Bites, which he helmed as well as co-starred in, in his Nutcrackers character Mike Maxwell. Looking the corporate part and devoted to his job, he's not fond of the idea of shaking up his routine — or jeopardising his career advancement prospects. Then tragedy strikes, leaving him to find new guardians for his four rambunctious nephews who definitely don't want to go into foster care, and also have a creative take on classic ballet The Nutcracker that they're eager to stage. Nutcrackers streams via Disney+. White Reindeer If your attitude towards Christmas is 'bah humbug' or something similarly grinchy, then White Reindeer might just be the festive film for you. It starts with the festive season approaching, and with real estate agent Suzanne Barrington (Anna Margaret Hollyman, Sister Aimee) happy with her weatherman husband Jeff (Nathan Williams, Younger) — and super excited about the most wonderful time of the year. Then, tragedy strikes, and Zach Clark's (The Becomers) black comedy leans firmly into its genre. Tackling dark subjects, as well as the fact that Christmas isn't all presents, big hugs and glittering lights for everyone, this is a very funny, savvy and astute movie. It's also purposefully awkward, and remains a great example of low-budget indie filmmaking no matter the time of year. White Reindeer streams via YouTube Movies. Carol Carol falls into the category of films that, purely because they're set at the right time of year, automatically qualify as Christmas movies (see also: a few other flicks on this list). If that's the excuse you need to revisit Todd Haynes' (May December) aching romantic drama, then that's completely fine. Any excuse will do, really. The more eyeballs soaking in this sumptuous tale of forbidden love either for the first time or the hundredth, the better. Starring Rooney Mara (Women Talking) as a shopgirl who falls for Cate Blanchett's (Disclaimer) titular character, and based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, the 50s-set drama fills the screen with emotion as the two women confront their feelings. Haynes' resume isn't short on highlights (Velvet Goldmine and Far From Heaven, for example), but might be his crowning achievement. Carol streams via ABC iView. Read our full review. Batman Returns Why so seasonal? No, the Joker doesn't say that in Batman Returns. In fact, that villain isn't even the Dark Knight's nemesis in this 1992 film. The sentiment still fits, though. Given the amount of times that Batman has graced cinemas, one of those movies was always going to be appropriate Christmas viewing — and Tim Burton's (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) second stint unpacking Bruce Wayne's alter ego, plus Michael Keaton's (also Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) second round of playing the titular character, is 100-percent that movie. Christmas provides the backdrop for Oswald Cobblepot (Danny DeVito, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Selina Kyle's (Michelle Pfeiffer, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) antics — aka The Penguin and Catwoman — in this sequel to 1989's Batman, and lights up Gotham City as its namesake endeavours to save the day. Again, there's never any shortage of Dark Knight flicks to choose from, including two more follow-ups in the 80s and 90s franchise, Christopher Nolan's trilogy, Ben Affleck in the cape and cowl and 2022's Robert Pattinson-starring The Batman, but 'tis the season for this one. Batman Returns streams via Binge. Elf Will Ferrell (The Boys) plays an elf. It sounds like the idea for a Saturday Night Live sketch, really. To the joy of Christmas-themed film fans everywhere, that's not the case with Elf — and even though it was written with Jim Carrey (Sonic the Hedgehog 3) in mind, and even though he went seasonal again with Spirited in 2022, this festive comedy ranks alongside Anchorman as one of the movies that Ferrell will always be remembered for. He's both amusing and endearing as Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves who only realises that he's not like everyone else he knows when he grows up. It's a basic fish-out-of-water setup, but showered with humour, heart and festive goodwill. Also, long before he directed Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the photorealistic version of The Lion King, this is what actor-turned-filmmaker Jon Favreau served up. Elf streams via Binge and Stan. Gremlins Fun fact for Breaking Bad fans: Jonathan Banks, aka Mike Ehrmantraut, plays a deputy in Gremlins. He's not the star of the show, though, and nor are any of the movie's humans. No, that honour goes to its furry creatures that definitely shouldn't be exposed to water or sunlight, or fed after midnight. That's the warning that Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton, King Cobra) receives when he buys an unusual gift for his teenage son Billy (Zach Galligan, Midnight Peepshow) from a Chinatown store and, as Joe Dante's (Nightmare Cinema) upbeat, anarchic comedy demonstrates, it's advice that should be heeded. Another trusty tidbit that's worth remembering: no matter how old you are, watching Gremlins will make you want a mogwai for yourself. Gremlins streams via Binge. Black Christmas A fun, feisty remake with a female perspective and a refreshing sense of sisterhood, Black Christmas is a college-set slasher flick for the #MeToo era. The latter gets thrown around a helluva lot, but with this updated version of a 1974 cult movie, writer/director Sophia Takal (Always Shine) firmly leans into the term. Indeed, Black Christmas circa 2019 lives and breathes its #MeToo mindset, particularly in its story and characters. In this Imogen Poots (Outer Range)-led, Cary Elwes (Knuckles)-costarring effort, a masked predator stalks women as the festive season swings into gear, specifically targeting sorority sisters at a stately university. There's a mounting body count, but these gals aren't merely a parade of powerless, disposable victims. Black Christmas streams via Netflix. Read our full review. Die Hard Yippee ki-yay, fans of both action and seasonal hijinks (and of Bruce Willis crawling around in vents trying to fight off terrorists, too). It's time to follow in the footsteps of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Jake Peralta and love Die Hard unconditionally, because — by virtue of being set on Christmas Eve — this is a Christmas-appropriate film. The story, if you somehow don't know it, involves NYPD cop John McClane (Willis, Assassin), a Los Angeles building attacked by the nefarious Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman, Eye in the Sky) and plenty of explosive antics. We know, we know, Rickman also features in that other, more overtly festive-themed favourite, aka Love Actually, but there's nothing quite like a couple of hours spent at Nakatomi Plaza. Die Hard streams via Disney+. In Bruges Before The Banshees of Inisherin, filmmaker Martin McDonagh teamed up with actors Colin Farrell (The Penguin) and Brendan Gleeson (Joker: Folie à Deux) on another darkly comic gem. In Bruges is writer/director McDonagh's first feature, in fact, and what a stunning debut it is, diving into hitmen chaos in Belgium over the Christmas period. McDonagh's whip-smart script only mentions the time of year a few times, but its titular setting is lit up for the occasion. Farrell's Ray is hardly thrilled, though; "For two weeks? In fucking Bruges? In a room like this? With you? No way," is his response to being holed up and hiding out with his mentor Ken (Gleeson) at the behest of their handler Harry (Ralph Fiennes, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar). Blackly comedic amusement springs from their predicament, and so does mayhem, melancholy and even hope. In Bruges streams via Netflix and Stan. That Christmas Richard Curtis is getting festive again. The screenwriter behind Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and the first two Bridget Jones movies — and a big driver of Hugh Grant's (Heretic) early career, clearly — will forever be associated with the jolliest part of the calendar thanks to Love Actually. Now he's added That Christmas to his resume, and a clip of his past end-of-year flick that everyone knows and has thoughts about even features in this animated all-ages-friendly affair. That Christmas springs from the page, from Curtis' books That Christmas, The Empty Stocking and Snow Day with illustrator Rebecca Cobb. On-screen, he's intertwined those tales, with Simon Hunter (A Tale Dark & Grimm) directing, Peter Souter (Married Single Other) co-scripting, and the film's account of home-alone kids both lonely and mischievous featuring voicework by Bill Nighy (The Wild Robot), Brian Cox (The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim) and more. That Christmas streams via Netflix. Bad Santa The sequel didn't stuff anyone's stocking full of laughs, sadly, but the original Bad Santa is a masterclass in seasonal misanthropy and utterly inappropriate humour. Now two decades since Billy Bob Thornton (Landman) first popped on the red suit to play the world's most begrudging Father Christmas — actually a professional thief that uses his gig as a department-store Santa as a cover to case the place — he's still one of the most memorable festive figures there is. Everything that can go wrong does for Thornton's character Willie, and every boundary that director Terry Zwigoff (Art School Confidential) and writers Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Jungle Cruise) can test gets pushed as well. Grinches, this comedy understands your Yuletide disdain and milks it — and finds hilarious uses for a sack full of the festive film genre's cliches, child sidekicks and all. Bad Santa streams via Prime Video. Scrooged Every Christmas, real or otherwise could use a dose of Bill Murray (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) — even when he's hardly brimming with festive cheer. So, back in 1988, Scrooged delivered just that in a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol. Murray plays arrogant, selfish TV executive Frank Cross. He doesn't share the same name as Charles Dickens' famous grouch, but he's just as lacking in feel-good spirit. Everyone knows how the broad story goes, with ghosts of Christmas past, present and future popping up to teach this cynical crank the error of his ways. When Murray is involved, though — and when he's also leading a sing-along — even what seems like the umpteenth adaptation of a well-known story doesn't feel routine. Scrooged streams via Binge. Carry-On What if Die Hard met TV series Hijack, but starring Taron Egerton (Tetris) and Jason Bateman (Air), and with Non-Stop director Jaume Collet-Serra on helming duties? That's Carry-On, 2024's addition to the festive thriller subgenre. Egerton plays a Los Angeles TSA officer with a newly pregnant girlfriend (Sofia Carson, Purple Hearts) and therefore fresh motivation to ask his boss (Dean Norris, Law & Order: Organised Crime) for a promotion, who's given a chance to show he's worthy of climbing the airport's corporate ladder on Christmas Eve. Baggage scanning duties await, then, as a test — but a trial of a different kind swiftly arrives. Via a voice speaking to him through an earpiece, Carry-On's protagonist is soon being told to let a particular piece of luggage through or face deadly consequences. Bateman is a treat playing firmly against type, in what proves a well-cast picture all round. And while it's easy to see where the story is going, the writing remains smart and the setpieces are lively. Carry-On streams via Netflix.
It's long been a go-to both for live comedy and international beers. But now, the four-level Exhibition Street site formerly home to the European Bier Cafe is stepping things up a notch. It's set to score a top-to-toe multimillion-dollar revamp, reopening in autumn 2023 under the new moniker Morris House. With extensive renovations already under way, the building is being reborn as a 550-capacity venue at the hands of Australian Venue Co (State of Grace, Harlow, BrewDog Pentridge), complete with an NYC-inspired comedy club in the basement, plus upper restaurant and bar spaces. Expect a sprawling 180-person rooftop as the crowning glory, too. As for the new name, it's a nod to the site's original incarnation, which dates back to 1924. An exterior paint job is set to refresh the building's facade, while brand-new interiors are the work of local studio Red Design Group. The neon-lit subterranean level will play host to a hefty program of comedy performances and events, while the dining space above is getting a lighter, fresher aesthetic to match a brand-new menu of refined pub classics and share plates. Up on the first floor, you'll find a bar, entertainment space and terrace, serving up a live music program as well as offering space for private events. And the leafy rooftop bar crowns it all, decked out in neutral tones and features to protect punters from Melbourne's unpredictable weather. In a few months time, this'll be your spot for modern cocktails and shared platters overlooking the city. [caption id="attachment_680499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The European Bier Cafe, by Giulia Morlando[/caption] Morris House will open at 114-122 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, in autumn 2023. We'll share more details as they drop.
Cashed-up visitors to the Gold Coast will soon have a new upmarket place to stay, and the southeast Queensland getaway destination will score some more bragging rights in the process. In 2027, the Glitter Strip is already set to welcome the first Aussie outpost from luxury brand St Regis. Now, in the same year, it'll become home to Marriott International's debut Luxury Collection resort on the country's mainland as well. The Marriott International hotel chain is behind St Regis, too, plus The Ritz-Carlton, which will open its third Aussie location on the Gold Coast in 2026. Accordingly, it's set to be a huge few years for the brand Down Under, adding the Marina Mirage Gold Coast to its existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast in the city. If your bank balance allows, your future holiday plans will also benefit. Boasting 110 spots to slumber around the globe, The Luxury Collection made its local premiere with The Tasman in Hobart back in 2021, and also spans everywhere from the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Prince de Galles in Paris to the Suiran in Kyoto. The Gold Coast's addition to the list will feature 122 rooms as part of the new precinct planned for the site of the existing Marina Mirage on The Spit, transforming Seaworld Drive. As part of their stay, guests can get excited about hanging out at the rooftop bar and pool, eating a meal at the signature restaurant and chasing bliss at the day spa. There'll also be a jacuzzi, wellness and beauty centre, garden, and function and event spaces. Exactly what each will entail — menu items, cuisine styles, relaxing treatments and the like — hasn't yet been revealed. Marriott International Inc is working with Makris Group on the Marina Mirage Gold Coast, with the family-owned company owning the site since 2013. The full resort-style overhaul of the Marina Mirage will also include a new marina, restaurants and shops, and both villas and residences. "The reimagination of the iconic Marina Mirage precinct presents an inspiring opportunity to expand our luxury footprint on the Gold Coast — a market we know very well, after more than 35 years' experience operating the city's two leading resorts under our JW Marriott and Sheraton brands," said Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International. "The destination's resilience during and post-pandemic has been remarkable, and we are very confident that proven demand for high-quality hotel experiences will be a strong foundation for the success of our first Luxury Collection property on mainland Australia." Find the Marina Mirage Gold Coast on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach from sometime in 2027 — keep an eye on the Marriott International website for further details in the interim.
Preaching the 'comfort food to share' angle, Ripponlea Food & Wine may be underselling itself a little. Breakfast panna cotta (vanilla bean yoghurt with summer berries and a toffee nut wedge — for breakfast!), kataifi king prawns with apple slaw and chipotle aioli and the tuna tartare (with spiced avocado and gazpacho, no less) are all good examples of this new cafe, restaurant and wine bar doing much more than what's traditionally considered 'comfort food'. Breakfast starts with the birds at 7am and sits in that perfectly balanced space between basic and fancy-pants. If the Staple Store gluten free Bircher muesli with poached pear and walnut crumble ($10.50) doesn't tempt you, you might prefer the potato rosti with smashed avocado, maple glazed bacon and poached eggs ($16). Later in the day the short-but-punchy cocktail menu comes out, as does the well-considered wine list, which includes a full-flavoured Te Mata Gamay Noir red served chilled ($43 bottle) — perfect for a bright autumn evening. Mei's Fury cocktail has also created quite a buzz, but it is not for the faint-hearted (and features house-infused jalapeno tequila). The lunch/dinner menu features flavours that span the continents. The wasabi squid, wagyu burger with fries and chipotle dip and potato and rosemary salt flatbread sit on the same page in harmony, while a Cherry Ripe ice cream sandwich ($14.90) for dessert brings it all back home. The space feels intimate without being squeezy, and the decor is modern rustic (if there can be such a contradiction). Exposed brick, communal tables and large windows with beautiful gold lettering makes this place feel sophisticated, yet down-to-earth and extremely inviting. It's the sort of place you imagine could fit within the New York scene — if the location opposite Ripponlea station and its leafy surrounds wasn't a key part of RF&W's overall success. It's still early days, but the signs are good. Welcoming and attentive staff, comprehensive menu options and well executed food and drinks make RF&W worth a visit, even if you have to cross town to get there. But let me guess — I had you convinced at breakfast panna cotta?
Summer might feel like it's flown by in a blink, but you've still got a chance to make the last of these balmy days count. Especially if you nab yourself a spot at one of Rosetta's upcoming Sicilian long lunches. On Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26, the Southbank Italian restaurant invites you to soak up some rays on the openair terrace while digging into a seafood-heavy four-course feast, basking in the bright flavours of Sicily. Book a table between 12–2.30pm and settle in over the likes of Port Lincoln prawn crudo, garlicky clam spaghetti served with house-made focaccia, coral trout with capers and cherry truss tomatoes, ricotta-filled cannoli and fruity sorbeti. Coming in at $179, the lunch includes a different Sicilian-inspired cocktail paired with each course — just in case you needed any more of an excuse to kick back and really unwind. Expect sips like a white negroni, the Sprezzatura Spritz and a Positano-style martini.
Men's grooming has quietly grown into a dedicated, if niche, market, with specialty stores like NOAH Barber and Pickings and Parry leading the way. Launched online in November, Societe Men has arrived on the scene with ambitious plans. Taking cues from beauty empires like Mecca and Sephora, the new kid on the block wants to become a playground for men's grooming essentials. "Men have lacked a space that actually feels considered," said Societe Men founder Max Donne. "We took inspiration from the world's leading female beauty retailers — the theatre, the service, the curation — and asked why men didn't have the same experience." While brick-and-mortar is still in the works, the online edit already spans 22 labels from around the world, including two hitting Australian shores for the first time exclusively through Societe Men. One of them is Bravo Sierra, a New York-based body care line known for its military-tested formulas, and the other is Micky Day, a Kiwi hair care brand built on natural ingredients and local craftsmanship. The thoughtful curation mixes everyday essentials and standout finds. Find local heroes such as Patricks and Barberian on the shelves, or treat yourself (or someone else) to little luxuries like aerospace-grade Henson razors, Marvis toothpastes and combs from Kent Brushes. You can shop the Societe Men's range on the website now. If you're in the mood for a shopping spree, check out the best independent boutiques in Melbourne in 2025. Images: supplied.
It was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Succession's Sarah Snook, it became the talk of London's West End, and also earned its one and only performer a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her efforts. It's been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Borderlands) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. And, now it's heading to Broadway. Sydney Theatre Company's version of The Picture of Dorian Gray keeps doing huge things — and its latest jump to the most-famous stage district there is will also keep Snook at its centre. She's making her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, with the production hitting New York from March 2025. When STC's take on The Picture of Dorian Gray premiered in 2020 — and then also played theatres in Melbourne and Adelaide — it didn't just give Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece a fresh spin; it turned it into a brand-new stage sensation. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. It's the work of writer/director Kip Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which Broadway patrons now get to experience. "It was a singular privilege to bring The Picture of Dorian Gray to life in London and I am thrilled we will be able to share this astonishing production with audiences in New York," said Sarah Snook about the news. "From Oscar Wilde's timeless words to the masterful reinterpretation Kip Williams has created, this tale of virtue, corruption, vanity and repercussion is an electrifying journey for me as much as for the audiences, and I am filled with anticipation as we continue on this ambitious creative endeavour." "I was so humbled by the response from audiences in London to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I could not be more thrilled to be bringing this work to Broadway. It has been extraordinary to witness the way Oscar Wilde's story continues to resonate with people today," added Williams. "I am so excited for audiences in New York to experience our show and to see the tour-de-force performance Sarah Snook gives in bringing to life the many characters in this new adaptation of Wilde's remarkable story." Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The Picture of Dorian Gray will play Broadway in New York from March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
Creating a list of the very best Thai restaurants in Melbourne is no easy task. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to places that serve up the perfect green curry, pad thai and tom yum soup. But while us Aussies love these classic dishes, each of Melbourne's best Thai restaurants serves up stacks of other local delicacies that must be ordered — either keeping traditional dishes as authentic as possible or totally reinventing them for a new audience. Of course, you can head to any of these joints for your old favourite, but we always suggest changing things up. Go off-piste, asking the server for recommendations or simply close your eyes and pick something totally random. Let fate decide. Whatever option you choose, you're not going to be disappointed by the food, drinks and service at the eight best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Pho in Melbourne The Best Hot Pots in Melbourne The Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The future is now — or at least the future of hot pot, if Bourke Street's YX Hot Pot has anything to say about it. The first Melbourne venture for Sydney hospo outfit TS Group (whose stable includes the Harbour City's hatted French-Japanese fine-diner, Oborozuki), this neon-soaked venue transports traditional Sichuan hot pot to a vibrant cyberpunk setting. Designed by a top Chinese F&B interior studio, YX Hot Pot channels the high-energy street markets of Chongqing, with reflective ceilings, mythology-inspired murals, neon signage and futuristic finishes. The result is a venue that looks like Blade Runner crossed with a Chengdu night market. The dramatically lit space can seat 125 guests for large-format hot pot, while a ten-seat private dining room welcomes smaller groups and solo diners keen on YX's signature single-serve hot pot. With a kitchen team led by expert chefs from Sichuan province — the birthplace of Chinese hot pot — YX Hot Pot displays a staunch commitment to regional authenticity. The menu features ten soup bases made daily in-house using traditional Sichuan techniques, with ingredients like hand-selected Sichuan peppercorns sourced from centuries-old trees in Hanyuan and a three-chilli, 13-spice broth refined over 127 rounds of testing. From there, you can choose from over 100 à la carte ingredients to tailor your hot pot experience. Highlights include M9 wagyu and premium seafood, but you'll also find many of the usual suspects ready for swirling through your broth. You can level up with cooked entrees and share plates — or go all in with a mini keg of beer, complete with tap, delivered to your table.
