It's been just a few days since the Victorian government proposed new legislation in an attempt to even the playing field between taxis and ride share services. And now it looks like Sydney's ride-sharing industry could also see its own boost in competition, with Uber rival Taxify set to launch in the city by the end of the year. The Estonian company made headlines last month when licensing issues forced it to stop services in London just days after its UK launch. According to operators, Taxify's recent Paris launch saw it become the most downloaded app in France. Now with about 30 international cities under its belt, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Taxify is slated to hit Sydney streets by Christmas. The company is promising to charge drivers a 15 percent commission on fares, a figure that's much more attractive than the company's main competitor Uber, which currently takes around 20 to 25 percent from each fare. In theory, that could see Taxify offering cheaper rides and luring customers (and drivers) to jump ship from their usual ride-share service, though Uber's domination of the market since launching in 2012 has proven impossible to crack so far. As Morningstar analyst Gareth James told The Sydney Morning Herald, Taxify doesn't have an easy ride ahead. "To have a competitive advantage, you need to have a network effect whereby everyone uses your website," he said. "What will be difficult for new entrants is competing with Uber's network effect. Taxify might get some market share but they are going to have to spend a lot of money to do it." Pending success in the Sydney market, Taxify has its sights set on Melbourne and Brisbane in the near future. Taxify is set to launch in Sydney by the end of the year. For updates, check the company's Facebook page. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Taxify.
Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practicing your Usher slide glide. Because afull-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November as live party tour RnB Fridays returns for five mammoth shows. Descending on stadiums in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide between November 9 and 17 (not all on Fridays, mind you), the event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. Heading the bill is none other than singing, songwriting, dancing superstar Usher, in what will be his first Aussie shows since 2011. He'll be joined by hip hop queens Salt-N-Pepa, rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon, mononymous ladies Eve and Estelle, Grammy Award-winning trio Naughty By Nature, Fatman Scoop and 'Pony' Ginuwine. All of them. Together. In one show. Ticket prices are as momentous as the lineup, with each one starting at $109.90. If you fancy really splashing out, you can opt for $349.90 platinum package — it comes complete with a commemorative lanyard, express entry, front-row real estate and the chance to meet Usher himself. RnB Fridays Live at will hit Melbourne's (soon-to-be) Marvel Stadium on November 10, Brisbane Showgrounds on November 16 and Spotless Stadium in Sydney on November 17. Pre-sale tickets are up for grabs from Tuesday, August 15, with general admission on sale from August 20. Image: Mushroom Creative House.
The Grand Dame of Swanston Street, the State Library Victoria, is officially bursting into its next era of life, with the first stages of its hefty redevelopment today unveiled to the public. At the halfway point of the building's $88.1 million revamp, visitors will now find two new reading rooms, a dedicated events space complete with huge production kitchen and space for 220, and a new lounge off Russell Street. There's a new Readings bookstore that eclipses the original library outpost, as well as brand new cafe Guild, helmed by the team at Almond Milk Co. This little gem will be serving seasonal salads and sandwiches, Sensory Lab espresso and 'coffee day passes' that'll get you a whole day's supply of filter coffee when you madly need to meet a deadline. Part of the new shared space also boasts a 29-metre-long original work by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith, which is bound to provide some sure-fire inspiration for the various working happening within. A new entrance to the building has been opened on La Trobe Street, while the historic Russell Street entrance, closed for more than a decade, has made its triumphant return complete with a lounge and welcome area. The famed site, which was also home to the Melbourne Museum from 1906–1997 and the NGV from 1999–2002, has been in operation for 162 years. Heading up the transformation are Australasian firm Architectus and Scandinavia's Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The library's Swanston Street entrance and ground floor are currently closed to the public while they're given their own makeover, and are expected to reopen by spring 2019. Images: Patrick Rodriguez.
Ah, piracy. The youthful and agile foe to a government of middle-aged men with dial-up internet and longstanding Foxtel subscriptions. Copyright in the digital age has been an absolute nightmare for artists and legislators alike in the past decade (and a godsend for broke students with a healthy addiction to HBO). Though we all agree in principle that filmmakers and producers should get paid for the work they create, the shift to digital modes of delivery and a dispersed audience has made the process of distribution and regulation completely untenable. It's widely acknowledged as a global problem with no easy answer. But hey, that won't stop the federal government giving it a go. Last week saw widespread reports of potential movement on the issue spearheaded by Attorney-General and Arts Minister George Brandis. Outlining two proposals to be considered by the federal cabinet, Brandis set his sights on the users themselves as well as the torrent sites responsible for making this content available. As the news dropped on a Monday — otherwise known across the country as 'the day for downloading Game of Thrones' — this posed a potential problem for Australian pirates. Take heed of the warning or call the bluff? Since then, there's been no further news on the potential reforms. The proposed measures originally outlined in the ALRC report of Copyright and the Digital Economy have since gone through the wringer of online cynics and tech nerds — and come up wanting. Everyone watching the latest episode of Game of Thrones breathed a giant sigh of relief. In light of all this, we've done a bit of research and compiled for you a handy user's guide: five things you can expect from the Government's so-called piracy crackdown. A few angry letters The first of George Brandis's proposed measures was the creation of a three-strikes policy. In theory, this would involve internet service providers tracking the addresses of those using torrenting sites and issuing warning letters to Australian pirates. Upon receiving their third correspondence, users would be faced with potential litigation, fines and possible termination of their accounts. In reality, this is a textbook scare tactic. Known as the 'graduated response system', this policy has already been implemented in France, the UK, New Zealand and South Korea and has seen only very limited success. Since the law passed in 2009, just one French user has been penalised — 15 days without internet and a fine of €600. It has since been repealed in favour of legislation that instead penalises those profiting commercially off the piracy. In New Zealand the law still stands, though it has proven incredibly expensive to enforce and is commonly referred to as 'Skynet'. If or when this system is implemented in Australia we can expect similar problems with enforcement. As much as I like the idea of Tony Abbott and George Brandis spearheading a militant letter writing campaign with personalised stationery and blood red frowny face stamps, it's hardly a solution to the problem. Politicians yelling about The Pirate Bay The other proposal Brandis raised was the filtering of torrenting sites such as The Pirate Bay. In what is tantamount to the cursed internet filter of 2011, ISPs would be obliged to block Australian users from accessing sites that enable such illegal activity. On one level this seems like a feasible idea. Though it raises recurrent concerns around internet freedom and the bounds of free access, it outwardly seems like a good plan to stop the downloading. Here's the problem: it would never ever work. Anyone who thinks otherwise probably still uses Internet Explorer, has a Hotmail account with an embarrassing alias thought up as a teenager, and is confused why their MSN Messenger is no longer working. It's dumb. Just really, really bad. The very nature of peer-to-peer file sharing means it's near impossible to shut down. With no centralised node to attack, individual users can pop up and share copyrighted content on any platform at any time. Even if The Pirate Bay was blocked, smaller sites would rise up and take its place. It's like trying to rid your apartment of ants by attacking the colony only to realise they're actually also all over your kitchen and snuggled in your bed, obnoxiously writhing around on your face and body. Also they can never die. It won't work. Add to this the fact that a lot of Australian pirates already have location-blocking or VPN software installed on their computers. The ISP block wouldn't be able to pinpoint the user's location and The Pirate Bay would be ready and available anyway. Politicians will moan and gripe about it for awhile in an effort to look tough and scare off some casual users, but really it will do nothing in the fight against the unkillable ants on their face. A few thousand outraged Facebook statuses Of course, this all seems pretty scary to the untrained eye. People hear that Tony Abbott's coming after their Monday night Game of Thrones and they're bound to freak out. Add to that the paranoia that grows when they hear the government is blocking their internet access and ordering ISPs to watch their online activity — there'll be a clicktivism campaign that blows Kony right out of the water. In fact, The Pirate Party — who else? — are already on it. Their Change.org petition to the Australian Senate already has over 5,000 signatures and understandably takes a strong stance against Brandis's proposals. The petition declares its condemnation of laws against online piracy because they are "ineffective", "expensive", and "a serious invasion of privacy". It asks that the Senate not allow the proposed legislation to pass and put any future legislation regarding digital rights to committee, ensuring expert opinions can be considered. When translated to the Facebook dialect of that high school friend you've been meaning to delete, that amounts to: "WTF what even? As if they can look at our computers. That's fkd." Have fun with that. A fight from your ISP The most trying part of the proposed piracy crackdown is that it would have to be controlled and enforced by your ISP. And as a company that makes money off your downloads and your loyalty, why would they ever want to punish you? Not only would the restrictions harm their business, they would also come with an enormous administrative cost. If this is to happen resources must be devoted into tracking online activity, contacting individual users and then issuing punishments. Then, if the ultimate punishment is loss of connection, they lose your valued business too. Regardless, both the government and international production companies claim ISPs need to start taking responsibility for their part in online piracy — providing the platform on which it takes place. From 2008–2010 iiNet battled a mammoth law suit from 34 production houses including Village Roadshow, Universal, Disney, Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks. In a landmark decision, it was ruled that the ISP was not liable for the actions of its users. In the USA and Canada, ISPs have also gone as far as protecting their users' identities when faced with individual litigation. While a recent court ruling ordered a stop to this practice, pirates will find it comforting to know your ISP has your back. They definitely don't support piracy, but they're sure as hell not going to police it. Access to timely legal content at a fair price Loljks. Though everyone pretty much knows this is the correct answer, no one's committing to making it happen. Cheaper downloads from iTunes and streaming services such as Spotify have helped ease the burden in the music industry, but the Australian alternatives for film and television are next to naught. If you want to see Game of Thrones before spoilers flood in from overseas, you better dig deep for that $85 monthly Foxtel bill. Australians are paying more for their entertainment across the board and the lack of competition from new sources only works to drive up prices further. A government inquiry last year discovered that when compared to an industry average, we're actually paying 16 percent more for eBooks, 52 percent more for music and 82 percent more for games. It's no wonder we're all turning to piracy. However, we're definitely still willing to pay for timely, legal content. All we ask is a fair price. American services such as Netflix and Hulu are even seeing big influxes of Australian customers who are willing to circumvent the geo-blocking software in order to set up accounts. It's a legal grey area with no standing precedent, but with how-to guides already published by Junkee, Gizmodo and thousands of blogs, it's quickly becoming common practice. Local alternatives like Foxtel's Presto and Quickflix are trying to crack the market — but as they offer half the content at double the price, it's hardly a fair fight. So, when all's said and done, the piracy crackdown has little likelihood of changing matters. Little can be done about the offences until a new system emerges that better combats the realities of the digital economy — Australia needs innovation before it jumps to legislation. For now, as the trumped up bickering and outraged finger wagging gets ready to hit the nation; George Brandis can take some advice from an unlikely source. In the words of millions of teenage boys' Myspace pages from 2004: "Don't hate the player, hate the game."
When the beginning of 2023 rolls around, Australian and New Zealand fans of a certain former boy band star-turned-Coachella headliner will be heading in one direction: to your nearest stadium to see Harry Styles finally bring his latest tour Down Under. Just days after he wowed crowds in California and online with his first Coachella set — sequinned jumpsuit, Shania Twain duets and all — the ex-One Direction member turned solo music superstar has locked in February and March 2023 dates in Perth, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Auckland. Venue-wise, the Grammy Award-winning, Dunkirk and Eternals co-starring talent is going big — so you'll be singing along to 'Watermelon Sugar', 'As It Was', 'Adore You' and 'Sign of the Times' at arenas. And, attendees will also be listening to UK duo Wet Leg, who've scored the supporting slot. Styles was originally headed our way in November 2020; however, we all know how that panned out and why those shows didn't eventuate. That delay will mean that he won't just have two albums to play, but three, with Styles' third solo studio Harry's House set to release in May 2022. If you're keen for tickets, they'll go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, April 27, with times varying per city. Or, if you had tickets last time, there's a past purchaser window from Thursday, April 21–Sunday, April 24, plus My Ticketmaster and Live Nation pre-sales from Tuesday, April 26. HARRY STYLES LOVE ON TOUR 2023 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES: Monday, February 20 – HBF Park, Perth Friday, February 24 – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday, February 28 – Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast Friday, March 3 – Accor Stadium, Sydney Tuesday, March 7 – Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Harry Styles will tour Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2022. For further information or to buy tickets, head to the Live Nation website. Top image: Erin McCormack via Flickr.
Location is everything when watching horror films — your darkened lounge room, a huge screen in the oldest cinema you can find, a drive-in surrounded by creepy trees, or a movie campout dedicated to all things scary are all great examples. But while they'd all do the job, they're not even in the same league as the newest film fest coming to the US in 2017, which will be held in the creepy-as-all-hell hotel from The Shining. It's called the Overlook Film Festival, and as Stanley Kubrick and Stephen King fans could probably have guessed, it has ties to hotel-based, Jack Nicholson-starring horror effort that is The Shining. Big ties — huge ties. The festival will be held in Oregon's Timberline Lodge, which is where the exterior shots for Kubrick's 1980 cinema adaption of King's 1977 novel were filmed. We hope you have to grab an axe, chop down a door, and yell "here's Johnny" to get in. In news exciting enough for you to talk to your local friendly ghost bartender about, the enormous, unsettling-looking building that has haunted many a movie-based dream will play host to four days of experiential events, new and classic genre film screenings and interactive game-like activities between April 27-30, 2017. You probably shouldn't expect that amazing orange, red and brown carpet or red elevator doors opening to a sea of blood as neither are part of the Timberline Lodge's design — but, hey, we don't know all of the Shining-themed tricks the fest's organisers have up their sleeves. It's not the first time a Kubrick-focused horror movie celebration has taken place in the States, with the Stanley Film Festival running from 2013 to 2o15 in a Colorado hotel that inspired King to write his book. The folks behind that are actually putting together the Overlook Film Festival, so you know it is in good fans. Just be warned: if you take a typewriter with you, you might start typing out "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" over and over again. And we're not saying that you will see a photo of yourself in the hotel ballroom from decades earlier while you're there — but we're not saying you won't, either. Via Variety.
The full 2023 Splendour in the Grass lineup isn't here just yet, but the festival's only announced headliner so far is planning a decent stay Down Under around her trip to Byron Bay. Whether you know that you can't make it to the annual fest or you're just keen to see the 'Tempo', 'Juice', 'Truth Hurts' and 'Rumors' singer more than once, Lizzo has just announced four arena shows in Australia and New Zealand this winter. Here's some news that's as good as hell: Lizzo will play Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland in July, with dates both before and after her Splendour stint. Given that she's set to take to the Qudos Bank Arena stage in the Harbour City on Sunday, July 23, she clearly won't be doing the same in Byron the same night — so, if you're headed to North Byron Bay Parklands, you'll be seeing the songwriter, singer and flautist (and Grammy- and Emmy-winner, too) on either the Friday or Saturday. Back to the solo show: it's tied to Lizzo's 2022 album Special, including, of course, Grammy Record of the Year-winning single 'About Damn Time'. But attendees can expect to hear hits from 2019's CUZ I LOVE YOU as well — and an overall set filled with dance-ready beats. Joining Lizzo on all shows as a special guest is Tkay Maidza, which means two must-see talents for the price of one. [caption id="attachment_750739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Gilford[/caption] While a Lizzo tour is always a welcome announcement, fans in Brisbane will note the usual Splendour setup — that is, when someone plays the fest and does their own gigs around it, Brissie is considered close enough to Byron to not warrant a separate stop. And if you're somewhere other than Auckland in Aotearoa, you'll need to head there as that's her only NZ concert. LIZZO — THE SPECIAL TOUR 2023: Friday, July 14 — RAC Arena, Perth Monday, July 17 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, July 23 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Lizzo will tour Australia and New Zealand in July 2023. The American Express presale runs from 11am Friday, March 24–11am Tuesday, March 28, followed by the Live Nation presale from 12pm Tuesday, March 28–10am Wednesday, March 29 — and general sales from 11am Wednesday, March 29 — with all times local. For further details, head to the tour website.
What would Salvador Dali's melting clocks look like if they were replaced by eggs? Or Yayoi Kusama's dots with circles of tomato sauce? Forget however your local cafe plates up smashed avo — designer Kyle Bean, photographer Aaron Tilley and food stylist Lucy-Ruth Hathaway's Artisan Brunch photo series turns everyone's favourite mid-morning meal into art. Created for an issue of Kinfolk magazine, the trio gives a quintet of iconic artworks the food-focused makeover no one ever realised they needed until now. Here, bacon, sausages and toast hang from strings in the style of Cornelia Parker, and a pancake feast becomes an Alexander Calder-esque mobile. And then there's the the savvy switching of a sea predator for the green fruit supposedly slaying all of our finances — aka Damien Hirst's formaldehyde-suspended shark swapped with half an avocado. https://www.instagram.com/p/BUe9tIxhgwc/?taken-by=kylejbean&hl=en Yes, they're playing with their food just like their mums probably told them not to, and yes, these famous works never looked tastier. Bean and company's pieces might make you look at art and brunch in a whole new way — or, they might just make you hungry. Via Design Boom. Images: Kyle Bean
If you've ever been caught at a tram stop without a way to top-up your Myki, just wait until the Victorian Government launches its second 'Mobile Myki' trial. If successful, it might mean you can ditch your card altogether and — instead of walking an inconvenient distance to a ticketing machine or just risking the fine — use an app to manage your Myki. So how does it work? The technology uses a custom-built app that integrates seamlessly with existing Myki card readers and ticket barriers, for travel on trams, trains and buses across the state. If it gets the tick of approval, passengers will soon be able to purchase a Mykie, check their Myki balance, top up their account on the go, and touch-on and off, all using their phone instead of a physical card. This second, larger trial follows an industry-only trial in May last year. And, this time round, you can register to test out the new digital ticketing system. The Victoria Government is seeking 4000 public transport-using Melburnians to test out the new world-first technology. The trial will run until the end of March and those interested in testing it out can sign-up now. The bad news for iPhone owners is that the trial is only available for Android users. There's no word yet as to whether the Mobile Myki app will be available on all devices — both Android and iPhones — if the trial is successful. [caption id="attachment_706052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Myki reader, Beau Giles via Flickr.[/caption] Victoria is one of the first spots in the world to trial mobile ticketing technology across multiple transport modes on an entire public transport network, without incorporating any new infrastructure or equipment. The initial announcement came just a couple of months after Transport for NSW enabled contactless card payments on Sydney's Opal system for the first time. To register your interest to be part of the Mobile Myki trial, head to the Public Transport Victoria website. Image: Josie Withers, Visit Victoria.
After shining a spotlight on films that engage with social justice and human rights issues for the past decade, the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival has announced yet another packed lineup of topical titles for 2017. Screening in Melbourne from May 4 to 18 before touring a selection of highlights to Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart, HRAFF's tenth anniversary program boasts 32 features, 31 shorts, four forums and eight events in the festival's arts-focused component. HRAFF 2017 will open with The Opposition, the debut effort from Australian filmmaker Hollie Fifer — and a film tackling content so controversial that legal disputes and injunctions have attempted to block its release. Also screening at the Sydney Film Festival after its HRAFF berth, the documentary steps through the struggles of Papua New Guinea's Paga Hill community. In 2012, their homes were bulldozed by developers to make way for a luxury resort, sparking a battle of David vs Goliath proportions. Highlights from the rest of the program include closing night's Quest, which heads to HRAFF from Sundance to chronicle the efforts of the Rainey family to create a musical sanctuary for their North Philadelphia community, as well as the world premiere of the Australian-made, Manilla-set documentary Happyland, about street artist Kaff-eine and her team's attempts to turn slums into something creative. Elsewhere, Nowhere to Hide takes a paramedic's-eye view of Iraq, An Insignificant Man follows the politician becoming known as "the Bernie Sanders of India", Plastic China tells the tale of the recycling workshop workers and their families that literally live in mountains of plastic, and Tempestad goes on a road trip to explore the victimisation of women in Mexico. For those after a piece of gripping fictional filmmaking, War Book delves into British civil servants practising crisis protocol for a fictional nuclear attack on Mumbai. HRAFF also gives audiences the chance to catch up with other festival standouts that have already done the rounds, such as Berlinale's 2016 Golden Bear winner Fire at Sea, Cannes Film Festival's 2015 Palme d'Or recipient Dheepan, and the crowd-pleasing, Afghan rapper-focused Sonita. Going local, Australia's freshly minted best foreign language Oscar nominee Tanna, rousing documentary Zach's Ceremony and magical realist fable Satellite Boy also feature. With arts also part of the program, attendees can hear discover the experiences and knowledge of Koorie Elders, hear accounts from people detained while trying to seek asylum in Australia, and view portraits of the persecuted Rohingya people in Western Myanmar. The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival screens at Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image from May 4 to 18, Sydney's Dendy Newtown from May 23 to 27, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks from June 1 to 3. For more information, check out their website. Image: Zach's Ceremony.
All across Australia, accommodation is popping up in unlikely places. There's the glamping set-up on top of a Melbourne CBD shopping complex, and — for the more low-brow traveller — a tent pitched on some dude's balcony for $90 a week. And now, in a more architecturally-sound and downright genius move, the Doma Group have erected their newest hotel on top of a four-level carpark. The site, which is located in the Parliament House suburb of Barton, was designed to accommodate 489 car parks for Canberra commuters. But rather than just being a place to house cars, Doma thought it would be an ideal spot to house humans as well. Working with Redgen Mathieson Architects, they've made clever use of the space and created 120 rooms over the fifth and sixth levels of the structure. There are also two very slick common areas, which have great views over Parliament House and Canberra, and might just be an ideal spot to run into a pollie or two. The hotel is another addition to Canberra's boutique accommodation selection, which includes the East Hotel and the much-lauded HotelHotel. Rooms start from $119 a night — and yes, fluffy robes are included. Little National Hotel is located at 21 National Circuit, Barton, Canberra. Find out more here.
We know. We've all done it. Home alone with a block of cheddar, a few scraps of brie and a lone Kraft Single. It all seemed so promising. When your mum/housemate/significant other returned, though, the truth became apparent. You'd made a cheese quagmire in your microwave, hadn't you? Hadn't you. Fortunately, the guys behind PappaRich, the ST Group, are now getting set to help you realise all of your cheese dreams without the weird kitchen smell three weeks later — they're bringing Malaysian chain Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart to Australia for the first time. With multiple stores in Kuala Lumpur and other areas of the country, the cheese tart connoisseurs will expand to open not one, but five Australian stores by the end of the year — four in Melbourne and one in Sydney. Their namesake is the cornerstone of their offering: a savoury-sweet three-cheese situation encased in a shortcrust shell, designed to be eaten either hot or cold. The cheese, while made with local produce, is based on the distinct taste and texture of the dairy products of Hokkaido. The Japanese island is known for their dairy — it produces half of Japan's total milk and a huge 90 percent of their natural cheese — and HBCT have worked tirelessly to replicate it. Malaysia has gone nuts for it; people have been queuing out the door to get their hands on one (or 12). If the popularity of Sydney's Uncle Tetsu Japanese cheesecakes is anything to go by, punters might do the same here too. For those of you interested in more than just shovelling ludicrous amounts of cheese and pastry down, the tarts themselves will apparently be "displayed like precious gems, much like an elegant high-end jewellery shop". We're waiting for a self-serve option that makes you feel like you're committing a diamond heist. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart will launch from 11.30am on Saturday, December 10 at Melbourne Central, and December 17 at QV Melbourne, with Chadstone and Box Hill, as well as Sydney's World Square on dates TBC. For more info and to look out for an opening date, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Spontaneity and Gelato Messina's special desserts don't usually go hand in hand. Normally when the ice cream chain drops a limited-edition dish, you need to order it days or even weeks in advance, then collect it at an allocated time. And, that was indeed the case with its new honey joy version of its bake-at-home sticky scroll, which was announced earlier this week. The key word: was. Messina baked too many, so now you can also nab one across the weekend of Friday, September 22–Sunday, September 24. This brand, nostalgia and limited-edition desserts go together quite nicely. The cult-favourite ice creamery not only loves making one-off specials in general — it adores whipping up delights based on the dishes you loved as a kid. Scrolls — or snails, as Messina calls them — are no strangers to the brand's range. Neither are honey joy treats, after it made a honey joy cookie pie in 2022. But combining the two is indeed a new development. Yes, it'll take you all the way back to your tuckshop days, and ensure that you can skip your next cereal breakfast. So, what exactly is a honey joy sticky snail? It's a scroll-like dish that's made to feed several people — four-to-six is Messina's recommendation — as filled with vanilla crème pâtissière. On top, you'll find honey joy clusters and honey caramel. And to go with it, because Messina is all about frosty desserts, is cereal milk gelato. This is another of the chain's Frankenstein's monster-style indulgences — and the entire pack includes the snail and a one-litre tub of gelato. If you're keen to get yourself a piece, you can order online to collect in store over the weekend, get it brought to your door via Uber Eats or try your luck by heading into your nearest Messina in person. Apparently the scroll serves four-to-six people, but whether that proves true or not is up to you. You can order Gelato Messina's honey joy stick snail packs online to collect in store over the weekend of Friday, September 22–Sunday, September 24, get it brought to your door via Uber Eats or try your luck by heading into your nearest Messina in person.
Here's a lesson that no one in horror movies and television shows ever seems to learn: don't mess around with the dead. Whether they're zombies or vampires, or ghosts haunting various abodes, or spirits possessing people or dolls, little good ever seems to come of this. But if folks did heed this advice, we wouldn't have anywhere near as many scary flicks to watch — including the next big eerie film heading to cinemas from A24. The independent film and TV company has found its latest frightfest Down Under: Talk to Me, which stems from Adelaide-born twins Danny and Michael Philippou. They're also known as RackaRacka, which you might know from the YouTube channel, and this is their feature debut. A word of warning: if you're not a horror person — and, generally, you either are or you aren't — even the just-dropped trailer isn't for you. Based on a concept by Bluey producer Daley Pearson, Talk to Me's premise is horror 101, but it never feels like that for a second in the first sneak peek. This nerve-shredder is all about conjuring up spirits using an embalmed hand — because what else would you use a mummified appendage for? It starts as a game between friends, another scary-movie staple, then opens the door to the spirit world. Starring Sophie Wilde (The Portable Door), Miranda Otto (Wellmania), Zoe Terakes (Nine Perfect Strangers), Otis Dhanji (June Again), Chris Alosio (Millie Lies Low) and Alexandra Jensen (Joe vs Carole), Talk to Me enjoyed its world premiere at the 2022 Adelaide Film Festival, and has kept doing the rounds from there. Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, Overlook: it's scared them all since. General cinemagoers in Australia and New Zealand will get the chance to get spooked out themselves come July 27. The film's soundtrack is a drawcard, too, including New Zealand hip-hop collective SWIDIT — plus tracks from Lucianblomkamp, IJAE, Sia, Takara, ONEFOUR and The Kid Laroi. Composer Cornel Wilczek (Clickbait) takes care of the score. And yes, A24 has a mighty fine track record with on-screen nightmares, including The Witch, Hereditary, Midsommar, In Fabric, X, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Pearl, putting Talk to Me in immensely impressive company. Check out the trailer for Talk to Me below: Talk to Me opens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on July 27, 2023.
A new year, a new swirl of rumours about new Apple updates and features. Basically, it's business as usual in 2017 so far. If you like sitting in darkened rooms to watch movies — and actually watching them, not just paying to use the latest big screen flick as a backdrop while you have a text message convo, check Facebook, scroll through Instagram pics of cute dogs, book a holiday, send an email, take a selfie or a sneaky pic of the film, swipe through Tindr, play Angry Birds or live tweet the movie in question — then the technology behemoth's reported new option isn't just another routine addition. It's an abomination. Behold 'theatre mode'. Or, start weeping over the fact that humanity has regressed to a state where we can't even last two hours without using the electronic devices we're all always glued to every other second of the day. As first tweeted by Melbourne's Sonny Dickson — who is known to be quite the prolific and accurate leaker of tidbits and updates from the company Steve Jobs built — Apple's new iOS 10.3 could allow you to select an option that's kind of like airplane mode for cinema-goers. You'd expect that theatre mode will mute all calls and sounds, and we can only guess that it will also dim the iPhone's screen in a new way that is supposedly less bright, glaring and intrusive to others who, you know, are happily watching a film. https://twitter.com/SonnyDickson/status/814931454828412929 Those in favour of the proposed new feature point out the fact that if people are going to use their phones in theatres anyway (and we all know that plenty do), then at least this will try to minimise the disruptive effect it has on everyone around them. Sure, that's one way of looking at it. The other is that Apple is normalising a type of behaviour some folks indulge in at the cost of everyone else's enjoyment. Seriously, we all love our phones, but two hours isn't that long. And wouldn't we all rather just soak in what we're watching, rather than half-view, half do a million other things? Indeed, there's a reason that the Alamo Drafthouse's anti-phone and talk PSAs have garnered worldwide attention, and not just because they're usually hilarious and have enlisted a heap of celebrities to help out: most movie-goers want to watch the film they've paid for without the distraction of the person next to them pawing at their iPhone during the flick. And let's face it, no matter how supposedly wondrous the new Apple feature is, dimming that aggravating neighbourly phone glow, if you're sitting even vaguely near someone engaged with their phone, you're undeniably still going to notice it. Some cinemas have already tried to head in the opposite direction, like American chain AMC, who revealed that they were open to hosting 'texting sessions' in April last year, only to backtrack after quite the predictable backlash. The idea of specific sections for phone-using patrons has also been floated. Sadly, each idea brings us closer to a time like this: when using your iPhone while you're in a theatre is perfectly acceptable. In case you're wondering, that list of in-cinema behaviour that we outlined at the beginning of this piece — they're just some of the antics that this writer has witnessed during a movie. If the phones most of the population own start actively encouraging their use while watching films in cinemas, expect more to follow. And we're not on board. Ed's note: Sarah Ward is one of Concrete Playground's senior film writers and weekend editor. Read her current reviews here, here and here because she watches the whole damn movie.
It wasn't that long ago that sleeping somewhere other than your own home meant two things: camping in a flimsy tent, or cosying up in a hotel. Thanks to glamping, the lines between the two are blurring — and the list of places you can stay is expanding in tandem. The latest? A helicopter. First things first: no, the aircraft won't take flight while you're sleeping in it. I'm sure we can all agree that's actually for the best. Instead, the decommissioned Royal Navy ZA127 Sea King has been converted into luxury accommodation on Mains Farm in Thornhill, Stirling in Scotland, ready to sleep five. While Helicopter Glamping's vessel looks exactly as you'd expect on the outside, the inside features sleeping areas, a kitchenette and a lounge in what used to be the cockpit. You'll also find a sun dome, glazed patio doors that lead out onto a deck, and a bathroom where the sonar station used to be. And, if you can stay there without exclaiming "get to the chopper" over and over, well done. Via Travel + Leisure. Image: Helicopter Glamping.
Last week, NASA announced that it would start rocketing into space from Australia. This week, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration has revealed plans to allow tourists to not only soar beyond the earth, but spend time on the International Space Station. If you've ever wanted to hang out in an artificial satellite that's orbiting the planet — and you have spare piles of cash secreted away — your dreams might just be about to come true. Possibly commencing as early as 2020, private astronauts will be able to spend up to 30 days on the ISS, with two tourists allowed onboard at any one time. But before you go getting too excited, it'll come at a cost, obviously. Visitors will need to pay US$11,250 a day for use of life support and bathroom facilities, plus an extra $22,500 per day for food, air and medical supplies — and also fork out for the presumably ultra-expensive trip to actually get there. NASA won't be running an off-planet bed-and-breakfast, unsurprisingly, or a space public transport system. Rather, the move comes as part of a broader approach, with the ISS opening to commercial ventures in general — including private tourist outfits. The latter will be able to arrange the privately funded, dedicated commercial spaceflights for eager visitors, using NASA-developed US spacecraft. They'll also be responsible for flight crews, as well as ensuring that private astronauts meet the necessary medical and training requirements. https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1137000745922957313 Overall, NASA's statement talks of accelerating "a thriving commercial economy in low-earth orbit" — with businesses able to operate out of the station. While more than 50 companies are already involved with the ISS, their work is currently restricted to research and development; however that'll no longer be the case. Expect to keep hearing more about the agency's commercial efforts, given that there's another aim in store as well: landing the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024.
Speedsters of Australia, it's time to don your best red cap, slide into a pair of overalls and jump behind the wheel. If you want to take part in Mushroom Racing, the outfit isn't optional — if that's not your style, you could pick a green hat or a dinosaur costume instead. Not content with zipping through the streets of Tokyo and causing quite a stir, a real-life version of Mario Kart is headed to Australia. At yet-to-be-disclosed dates and sites in Sydney and Melbourne, participants will dress up as their favourite character, get cosy in a go-kart, race till their heart's content and collect stars to win prizes. While Tokyo's MariCar lets racers zoom along the city's actual roadways — yes, really — we find it hard to believe that's what'll happen here. And, we're certain that throwing shells or bananas at your opponents won't be allowed either. Sure, that's all well and fun when you're mashing buttons and trying not to fall off the Rainbow Road while you're playing one of Nintendo's many console versions (or counting down the days until the first Mario Kart smartphone game is released), but it's definitely not cool in real life. If you're keen, you can sign up to receive further information when it comes to hand. Organisers are calling it "the rally of a lifetime", and while that's definitely overstating the significance of driving around pretending you're Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Wario or whichever other character you like, you know you're eager to give the novelty a go. And, let's face it, it's not quite as ridiculous as human bowling. Mushroom Racing is coing to Sydney and Melbourne in 2018. Tickets will be limited — register on the Mushroom Racing website for further updates.
It was only a matter of time before Australia's penchant for themed brunches spawned an all-out, fairytale-inspired breakfast feast. And you'll have the chance to partake — and channel your inner Ariel, Mulan or, even, Simba — when a huge (unofficial) Disney-themed bottomless brunch and sing-along party rocks into town for the first time ever. There's no word yet on where or when this shindig‚ dubbed The Magical Brunch, is going down, but we do know that it's heading to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and costumes are definitely encouraged, so you'd best start hunting for your best Elsa gown or Cruella de Vil two-tone wig. Prince, princesses and singing candelabras will sit down to an afternoon brunch feast "served fairytale-style" — we're hoping for something similar to Belle's 'Be Our Guest' feast in Beauty and the Beast — along with two hours of unlimited Champagne, beer or mimosas. Word is there'll be themed entertainment and a Cinderella-worthy dance floor for post-brunch twirling, too. Best dust off the DVD collection and start singing, and dancing, to those classic tunes. Tickets are apparently limited, so head over to the Magical Brunch website and sign up now for the chance to be involved.
Since Disney got its lightsabers out again with Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, a galaxy far, far away has rarely been far from screens. That includes on streaming, where the force has proven particularly strong across three seasons of The Mandalorian, 2021–22's The Book of Boba Fett, and also 2022's Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor. The next Star Wars show on its way: Ahsoka, which will give warrior, outcast, rebel and Jedi her own series from August. Rosario Dawson (Clerks III) returns as the limited series' titular figure, after playing the part in both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. If you're new to the character, she was Anakin Skywalker's padawan before he became Darth Vader — and, here, she's an ex-Jedi Knight who is determined to battle a threat to the post-Empire galaxy. Her latest exploits will hit Disney+ from Wednesday, August 23. Ahsoka follows animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the TV series it spawned, too, plus fellow animated show Star Wars Rebels — because yes, this franchise about a galaxy far, far away will keep spreading far and wide in this one. From the latter series, Star Wars aficionados will spot rebel crew member Hera Syndulla and former bounty hunter Sabine Wren. Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)) plays the former in Ahsoka, while Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Guns Akimbo) steps into the latter's shoes. Also among the familiar characters: fellow Jedi padawan Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels, with Eman Esfandi (King Richard) doing the live-action honours — and Grand Admiral Thrawn, too, as played by Lars Mikkelsen (The Kingdom). Ahoska's cast includes Ray Stevenson (RRR) and Ivanna Sakhno (The Reunion), plus David Tennant (Good Omens). Also, reports have been bubbling for years about Hayden Christensen returning as Anakin, as he did in Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is Disney+'s first series focused on a female Jedi; indeed, as a character, Ahoska has long been one of the few women among the franchise's Jedi ranks, dating back to 2008. Off-screen, The Mandalorian writer/director/executive producer Dave Filoni writes and executive produces Ahoska, with Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck also doing the latter — all seasoned Star Wars veterans. Check out the first teaser trailer for Ahsoka below: Ahsoka will stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, August 23. Images: ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Virtual reality — everybody's doing it, and hoping that everyone else will follow in their footsteps. To be precise, the majority of companies in the technology and entertainment fields are trying it out to see what sticks, and endeavouring to discover which interactive, immersive worlds consumers are keen to play in. Add IMAX to the list of organisations moving into the VR space via a number of new initiatives designed to take your screen viewing to another dimension. Not content with their existing giant, high-resolution efforts, earlier in 2016 they announced that they're setting up virtual reality centres around the world, and partnering with Google to develop cinema-grade VR cameras. Now, they're financing at least 25 new interactive virtual reality content experiences. For viewers, that not only means that you'll soon be able to head to a series of physical spaces dedicated to showing VR short films, but you'll also be able to see, feel, move and venture into more high-quality virtual reality offerings. The first IMAX virtual reality centres are due to launch in Los Angeles and Manchester by the end of the year, complete with pod-like viewing stations, with more planned in China, Japan, the Middle East, and Western Europe. As for the stuff you'll be feasting your eyes and ears upon, it'll focus on event-style productions made in conjunction with film studios, filmmakers and game publishers, will be developed over the next three years, and will be made available at IMAX as well as other VR platforms. Like every other development in the virtual reality realm, such as concerts, venue tours, department stores, video calls and travel fly-overs, it's really a "watch this space" kind of deal as IMAX works out what works best, and audiences figure out what they actually want to do with the technology. If the first ventures are successful, they plan to roll out the concept globally, including at cinemas, shopping centres and tourist destinations. Fingers crossed that their Australian venues — including their rebuilt Sydney site, which is expected to open 2019 — are included. Via IMAX.
Forget subway tunnels and highway billboards. The latest canvas for the modern artist is that big blue expanse above us. Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang has made like God and conjured his very own rainbow out of colourful smoke bombs in a daytime fireworks display. The stunt required 8000 shells and 2 months of planning, only to be detonated within minutes. With an impressive resume including the fireworks show that opened the Beijing Olympics, Cai's "daytime fireworks" marked the opening of his exhibition at the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, Qatar. Spattering the sky with clouds of dreamy pastels as well as inky flock-like forms, the unsuspecting passer-by would be forgiven for running for cover with arms flailing beneath an apparent actualization of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. It's easy to see why Cai had lovers of design raving about his ingenuity. And the show's set-up created a spectacle in its own right, providing viewers with a greater appreciation of the intricate timing and elaborate engineering required to paint the sky. Still, the magic of night time fireworks that seemingly materialise out of thin air is lost in the harsh sunlight that exposes the mechanics behind the colourful explosions. So here's hoping this wizard of pyrotechnics doesn't give up his night job.
It seems that everywhere you look nowadays there's somewhere selling frozen yoghurt. This is excellent news for summer, because frogurt is delicious. Exceptionally tasty, however, is new kid on the block Gojé, who are doling out the treats in Yarraville with their 100% natural yoghurt take on the fro-yo trend. Gojé owners saw a big gap in the market for authentic and naturally-made frozen yoghurt after driving around Melbourne and finding that all was not exactly as it should be. Because while many stores claim to sell all-natural frozen yoghurt, many major retailers are actually making their frozen yoghurt by using powders, derivatives or blends. The process of diluting does not result a ratio of yoghurt above 60%, due to the mixture needing to be liquid to process through the machine. And for Gojé, this short-cut method wasn't enough, so they went back to basics: 100% natural cultured yoghurt. This is small batch yoghurt, made from scratch and cultured for up to 17 hours. Luckily for you — and after much experimentation — they've come up with a whole range of flavours using all-natural sugars like panela and agave, and only a handful of natural ingredients. Some of their yoghurts are even up to 99.8% fat free (and in case you were wondering, they're currently experimenting with stevia for a low-calorie version). Priced at a very reasonable $3 per 100g, their current offerings include green tea, cacao and mango, two vegan options – vanilla and cinnamon (made using cold-pressed almond milk) and coconut, which is made with coconut cream — as well as the original recipe. Then, you can choose from some awesome toppings like pear and rhubarb compote, house-made oat crumble, banana bread, house-made organic raspberry coulis and chocolate brownie from Spotswood's Candied Bakery. Frogurt is enjoying some time in the sun thanks to it being touted as a healthy treat — so why not get some that's actually just nothing but real yoghurt? A tub from Gojé is full of cultures and all the good stuff, so you can feel virtuous and healthy while you treat yourself this summer. But then again, if you want to load your cup with a whole heap of chocolate brownie and slather it in chocolate syrup, that's fine too. Gojé aren’t judging.
Travel isn't just about spending some time in a different patch of turf, escaping work and earning a reprieve from your usual routine. It ticks all those boxes, but it's really about seeing the world in all of its glory. In other words, it's an experience. And, after 2020's year of staying home and mostly just experiencing our own four walls, you can be forgiven for hankering for a holiday that'll truly make you realise that you're somewhere instantly and overwhelmingly special. Travel guide Lonely Planet has put together a lineup of places that'll achieve that exact aim, which it has dubbed its Ultimate Travel List. Announcing its second edition, the publication has some great news for Aussies eager for a getaway, too — especially given international travel bans are still in place — with the Northern Territory's Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park coming in third out of a whopping 500 locations. The only Australian spot in the top ten, the 348-metre-tall Uluru received ample praise from the publication, which compared the eye-catching monolith's appearance to "a ship on fire in a desert sea". Crucially, the towering rock formation hasn't been singled out on the list, but rather the entire park around it has been recognised. Seeing Uluru isn't something that anyone forgets, of course, but there's plenty more to do in the region — with taking tours with park rangers to see sacred waterholes, spotting the onsite wildlife and visiting the park's cultural centre to learn about the area's Indigenous Australian history and significance, and learn from the local Aṉangu people, all mentioned as well. What's not mentioned is the below Field of Light, which is located at the base of Uluru and definitely worth a visit while you're there. [caption id="attachment_773730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Field of Light by Tourism Australia[/caption] In earning third spot, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park moved up 30 places from its 2019 ranking, when it came in at number 33. It sits behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan, which nabbed the top placing, while the Galápagos Islands ranked second. Also in the top five: the Okavango River in Botswana, plus the USA's Yellowstone National Park. As for the rest of the top ten, it includes Lake Bled in Slovenia; Iguazú Falls, which mark the boundary between Argentina and Brazil; Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, aka the world's biggest salt lake; and Nepal's Annapurna massif. In the entire 500-location list, a huge 200 entries differed from last year. Accordingly, both close to home and overseas, you now have some new travel inspiration and then some. At present, the Northern Territory's borders are open to Australians, without quarantine, unless you're travelling from an 'active coronavirus hotspot' — which currently covers all of Victoria. Until Friday, October 9, it also included the Greater Sydney area; however, that's set to be removed today. You can check out Lonely Planet's full Ultimate Travel List via its website. Top image: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by Tourism Australia
Cruising is a classic way to holiday. The stress-free system has you forgo most responsibilities in favour of fun, be it a two-week romp through the Pacific Islands or a midweek run up or down the Australian coastline, there's a leg of voyage suitable to any traveller. In the case of this ocean-bound writer, it was the latter, and I was in for an unfortunate surprise. Waking on day three of a five-day voyage on the Pacific Adventure to the sight of Moreton Island just out of reach, the passengers were informed that the small transfer boats would be unable to ferry us to the island due to rough seas. Would you believe the same thing happened on the last Moreton Island cruise I was on mere months earlier? I think that makes me uniquely qualified to answer this next question. What do you do on a cruise with no destination? Plan Ahead When Packing No matter how fine-tuned and considered your itinerary, the universe is unlikely to obey your wishes for the whole trip. When it comes to the weather, you should naturally be planning ahead. A good book is a must, plus headphones, a portable charger, sunglasses, a lanyard to carry around your cruise card and, probably most importantly, sea sickness medication. If the weather is bad enough for a shore visit to be cancelled, it means there's likely a large swell on the water. Everyone handles motion sickness differently, so a simple travel calm ginger might cut it, but if you need something stronger, the onboard medical centre stocks plenty of the good stuff. Make Use of the Onboard Itinerary The serious advantage of cruising is the fact that it's just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. In the case of a Moreton Island cruise from Sydney, you're scheduled for two full days at sea on either side of the shore stop. On our cruise, that became three full days at sea. Our itinerary adapted in a flash, with a fresh day of activities available to replace our cancelled stop by the time we'd finished breakfast. Exact activities vary on a ship-by-ship basis but almost all vessels share some similarities: pools, gyms, spas, theatres, arcades and lounges. You can choose to spend your time however you'd like, be it a visit to the spa, catching a comedy show or theatre act, or kicking back on the outer decks. Every night while you're at dinner, a new itinerary is left in your room for the following day. On board the Pacific Adventure, we kept our sea days busy with shopping and reading mostly. One evening was spent with In Pour Taste, a comedy show crossed with a wine tasting, helmed by Melbourne comedy duo Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh. The following day saw us hit the spa and the Byron Beach Club. Then on the final day, we took a cocktail mixing class and watched the wildly raucous Blanc De Blanc Uncorked cabaret show after dinner. Dine Differently Every Day You're massively spoiled for choice with dining while onboard a cruise ship. Buffet dining is typically the easiest choice for breakfast, with no extra cost and a great variety of dishes on offer. Come lunchtime, there are several options. The Pacific Adventure includes Luke's Burger Bar, which serves up the finest surf shack-style feeds you can get at sea. When day rolls into night, cruise ships open up multiple venues for dinner. In the case of Pacific Adventure, Waterfront Restaurant is a reliable go-to and Angelo's offers a fine-dining spin, as does Luke's Bar and Grill (the sibling of the burger bar, both created by restaurateur Luke Mangan). [caption id="attachment_967826" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alec Jones[/caption] For more specific cuisines, there's a great mix of Italian dishes available at P&O Trattoria, or you can enjoy high-end Asian eats at Dragon Lady. Plus, since this is almost like a floating resort, you can always opt to stay in your room and order room service instead. Pacific Adventure is also home to 13 bars and nightclubs — from easily accessible spots like the Adventure Hotel (think quintessential Aussie pub but floating) to more out-of-the-way attractions like the onboard speakeasy The Bonded Store and Altitude Nightclub, where you can get a drink and have a boogie at the highest point on the whole vessel. Don't let naysayers dissuade you. A cruise with no destination is entirely survivable. Take it from us. Check any cynicism at the door (or gangplank, in this case), and you'll have a great time. In early 2025 P&O's Pacific Adventure, along with Pacific Encounter, will be integrating into the Carnival Fleet, becoming Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. While sailing under new names both ships will continue to offer the same great holiday experience. Voyages from now until 2026 are available to book via pocruises.com.au. Concrete Playground was invited on the Sydney to Tangalooma cruise by the P&O Group. Images courtesy of the P&O Group.
The weather's still hot, which means we're still smack-bang in the middle of 'Summer Swiping Season'. There are first dates (born from Bumble, Tinder or just the old-fashioned way) happening all around the place. Plus with resulting second and third dates, chances are (if you're in the dating game) you may be in need of a 'thing to do' or two. Drinks? Been there; done that. Movies? Opinions can divide a date, plus it doesn't really permit much 'getting to know you' time. Dinner? A trusty standby but surely you can do better. Think outside your normal square — and outside in general — and give something a crack that uses the great outdoors as inspiration. With our mates at Hahn, we've put together a list that'll put a couple of beaut ideas up your sleeve for your next potential Tinder match — just make sure you give them a heads up to dress weather appropriately or slip, slap, slop. HORSE RIDING NEAR THE CITY Take a trot on the wilder side and give a trail ride a go — sign up for a day of hanging out with a majestic four-legged friend. Though it may not be quite as romantic and sun-drenched as it is in the movies, horseriding is still a) fun and b) a surprisingly great workout — full marks for adventure and action. Just make sure you and your date are both wearing riding appropriate pants (no short shorts here) and shoes, and remember that novice trail rides are generally chaperoned by an experienced rider. If you're trying to have a conversation about feelings, it might be third wheeled. Maybe wait until you're back at the stables to bust out the "I love you" for the first time, just in case. Where? Glenworth Valley, NSW; Gunnamatta Trail Rides, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria; Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland. Discover even more spots for horse riding in Sydney and Brisbane. A PICNIC IN A SECRET SPOT So you've painstakingly prepared the most extravagant picnic feast of all time, packed a six pack and headed to your local park, only to lay out your blanket, unpack your fancy eats and find yourself constantly rescuing bits of your picnic from the scores of dogs and/or small children in your vicinity. Picnics are 100% better when they're private, so for the next al fresco dining date situation you get yourself in, why not head to some quieter venues, sans the small people or furry animals. There are plenty of lovely parks and gardens just crying out for people to sit around in them, making love eyes at each other and saying "isn't this just perfect?" as they have a bite of brie. Where? Arthur McElhone Reserve, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney; George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke, Melbourne; Fig Tree Pocket River Reserve, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. GLAMPING IN A UNIQUE SPOT Camping is all well and good until it's been three days since your last shower, you forgot to pack enough undies and socks and you're starting to feel more than a bit uncomfortable (and not very romantic). Change all that by going on a glamping adventure. Think less sweaty conditions and more proper beds to lounge in — plus a tent that you don't have to set up yourself. Take a date along to an unusual spot for added lush points — try Cockatoo Island or Murphy's Creek for something a little different. Hot showers and toiletries are included (and a claw foot bath at Murphy's Creek) so it might even be a step up from your bathroom at home instead of back to basics. BYO holiday reading and variety of meats and bevvies to arrange in the provided barbecues and eskies. Where? Cockatoo Island Glamping, Cockatoo Island, Sydney; Phillip Island Glamping, Phillip Island, Victoria; Murphy's Creek Hideaway, Toowoomba, QLD. Find more spots to go glamping in Melbourne and Sydney. TRAPEZE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS Running away and joining the circus is definitely the ultimate romantic act, but it's a bit hectic for a first or second date, and there are real-world responsibilities to think about like your job and your pot plants. Your back up option is to head to an outdoors trapeze class — they're run in Melbourne over the summer, and Sydney and Brisbane at most times — and feel like a free bird flying in the wind for an hour. Hopefully, your date won't have a fear of heights, but if it helps, classes are run by professional coaches and have all the bells and whistles to keep you safe, i.e,. nets and harnesses. Plus, living dangerously is pretty sexy. Where? Circus Arts, Sydney and Brisbane locations; Fly Factory, Blackburn, Victoria (outdoor classes in Mornington). [caption id="attachment_656745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James.[/caption] ROWING ON THE WATER There's something to be said about a slow cruise around a body of water on a warm day, following the current, letting it gently tug you along. Pack a picnic lunch, a lifejacket and hire a rowboat or a kayak and hit your nearest river. Melbourne and Sydney have a variety of rowboat options for use in their waters, while Brisbane is more of a flashy kayak type of place. Just remember that rowing a boat around all day takes a fair bit of arm-power and it's probably harder than Hugh Grant makes it look in Bridget Jones Diary. Fairfield Boathouse in Melbourne also does a ripper Devonshire Tea if you want to amp up your date to past centuries in England levels — BYO parasol. Where? Audley Boatshed, Audley, Sydney; Fairfield Boathouse, Fairfield, Melbourne; Kayak Hire Brisbane, Scarborough, QLD. Start planning how you'll take your next date up a notch, with a Hahn in hand.
Now that daylight saving has come to an end, there’s no denying that winter is on its way. And with it an array of unwelcome bugs. In our efforts to stay healthy, we'll usually juggle some combination of sensible vaccine, stare-attracting surgical mask and eating All the Oranges. But how's this for a practical (and fashionable) solution? A team of US-based entrepreneurs has come up with Scough, "the germ and pollution filtering scarf". The Scough looks straight off the boutique rack but features antimicrobial technology, direct from the US Ministry of Defence’s section for chemical warfare. You do have to wear the scarf over your nose and mouth to stave off infection though, so you'd better hope the Wild West look is 'in'. It’s the flu sufferer's ultimate in revenge. Just pull the scarf up around your face and it fights the flu for you. Activated carbon — demonstrating a high level of microporosity (one gram covers a surface area of 500 square metres plus) — traps viruses before killing them unawares. Simultaneously, a silver ion-impregnated filtration system dismantles the complex structure of bacteria, turning them into nothing but harmless, powerless specks. There’s a Scough design to match your daily outfit, from super soft plaid cashmere to chequered flannel, herringbone, paisley and faux fur. There's even a Scough with its own inbuilt moustache. Prices start at US$39 and for every scarf purchased the company donates a life-saving vaccine to a child via shotatlife.org. So you'll feel better in more ways than one. Via Springwise.
Drive-in meets rooftop at Melbourne's newest outdoor cinema, opening in Dockland's Harbour Town precinct on Boxing Day. The latest addition to the seemingly endless list of open-air screens around town (not that we're complaining, mind you), punters at The Backlot Rooftop Drive-In will enjoy new release films and 360-degree views of the city without ever having to get out of their car. Operated by the same team behind Backlot Studios, a private cinema and event space in Southbank, this modern-day drive-in will boast two separate screens, with each lot able to accommodate up to 65 vehicles. Tickets start at $50 per car — so depending on how many mates you can squish into the backseat and/or boot, this could prove to be a bit of a bargain. There'll also be a separate 'blue-deck' seating area, for movie-lovers who don't own their own car. Tickets for this section will be sold at $15 per head. The Backlot Rooftop is yet to reveal which movies they'll be showing, although we reckon you can expect blockbusters and plenty of them. Star Wars under the stars, for example, feels like it's probably a given. There'll also be pop-up takeaway stalls on site, as well as a candy bar stocked with all the usual suspects including choc tops and freshly popped popcorn. Speaking to The Age, co-founder Tony Ianiro confirmed that the cinema would operate "seven days a week, all-year round," and said they were also scoping out potential sites in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Look for The Backlot Rooftop Drive-In at 90 Waterfront Way from December 26. For more information, and the full program once it drops, visit www.backlotrooftop.com.au.
There's going to be another murder in the building. That's the only way to interpret the news that Only Murders in the Building, the murder-mystery comedy series that's been a delight not once but twice now, is officially coming back for a third season. Clearly, New York City's deadliest fictional apartment block will strike again — and residents turned true-crime podcasters Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die) will have something else to chat about. Is there a more chaotic place to live in NYC at the moment, at least on the small screen? It doesn't appear so. As for exactly who'll be killed this time, and what the Arconia complex's resident sleuths have to say about it, that hasn't yet been revealed. (Neither has whether season three of Only Murders in the Building will indeed revolve around another murder in the building — but hey, the expected answer is right there in the show's title.) If you're still yet to experience the series' charms, it follows the odd trio of Charles-Haden, Oliver and the much-younger Mabel after they bond over two things: listening to a Serial-style podcast hosted by the show's own version of Sarah Koenig, aka Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, Girls5eva); and a death in their luxe abode. Of course, they did what everyone that's jumped on the true-crime bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way, as well as one of 2021's best small-screen newcomers. Now, in the show's second go-around, which is currently streaming week-to-week Down Under via Star on Disney+, Charles-Haden, Oliver and Mabel have another death to investigate. This time, it's someone they're all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions keep pointing in their direction. Again, no further details about season three have been revealed as yet — sorry, armchair detectives — including when it'll return. Considering that there was less than a year between seasons one and two, though, cross your fingers that the show keeps up the same schedule. Similarly yet to be announced: which high-profile names will join the wonderful Martin, Short and Gomez in the next batch of episodes. Both Sting and Amy Schumer have played themselves so far — and Cara Delevingne (Carnival Row) also pops up. Until more information about season three is unveiled, check out the trailer for Only Murders in the Building season two below: Only Murders in the Building's second season is streaming Down Under via Star on Disney+. Read our full review. You can also read our full review of the show's first season, too. Images: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.
When spring hits in the northern hemisphere, so does one of Japan's most famous annual periods: cherry blossom season. Trees start blooming with pastel pink flowers, and tourists start flocking to the Asian country. While there's no shortage of things to do in Japan, or bright and colourful attractions for that matter, there's nothing more disappointing than popping something on your holiday itinerary, looking forward to it for weeks or months, and then not being able to cross it off. And that's often a very real issue for folks hoping to immerse themselves in cherry blossom season. Nature, like the rest of life, doesn't always stick to a schedule. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has been doing its part with regular forecasts, which are updated frequently. Covering more than a thousand locations across the country — spanning from Hokkaido to Kagoshima — it tracks when the blossoms are expected to start to flowering, as well as when they should reach full bloom. But for those eager to take their planning to the next level, JMC has also released the Sakura Navi app, which updates flowering dates, sends notifications to users about their chosen spots, and helps you find the best viewing places in your vicinity. Running since 2016, the app costs 360 yen, or approximately AU$4.60. And while travelling overseas can spark a new app free-for-all, if you're visiting Japan during between March–May and you have your heart set on stepping into a pink floral wonderland, it'll help ensure you don't miss out on a blooming good time. Based on current forecasts — the sixth for this year — cherry blossoms are expected in Tokyo between March 21–29 and Osaka between March 25 and April 1, then move further north until May. And if you're wondering about the service's accuracy, it also highlights a deviation period for each location. At present, it notes that flowers might start blooming up to seven days before their predicated date, or a maximum of two days afterwards. For further cherry blossom forecasts, and more information about Sakura Navi, visit the JMC website.
In Zola, the swooshes and whistles have it: when a character utters a line of dialogue taken directly from the movie's famous 148-tweet source material, filmmaker Janicza Bravo pairs it with the right noise. That's one way that the second-time filmmaker tackles the formidable task that is adapting a lengthy social media thread into a feature. And she wasn't working with any old tweetstorm; when Aziah 'Zola' King let her fingers do the talking back in October 2015, it trended under the hashtag #TheStory. Charting a gal-pal getaway to Florida that swerved from exotic dancing to sex trafficking, crime and violence, King's Twitter thread had social media users hanging on its every word. Six years later, it remains an iconic piece of internet history — King deleted it swiftly, but nothing ever truly disappears in the online world. The challenge for Bravo in turning those posts into Zola: remaining true not only to King's rollercoaster ride of a tale, but also to the entire reason that everyone knows about it. Cue those telltale sounds, which keep Zola's origins firmly in viewers' minds. Cue a big swerve away from text on-screen, too, because a story this wild deserves an in-the-moment approach that plastering a phone screen across the big screen just can't evoke. And, cue a brilliant urination scene that instantly tells the world everything it needs to about the titular Detroit waitress (played by Taylour Paige, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) and the fellow dancer, named Stefani here (Riley Keough, The Lodge), who invites her on the road trip to end all road trips. When it debuted at Sundance in 2020, Zola became one of the buzziest premieres of the festival. Due to the pandemic, it has taken more than 18 months for the movie to make it to Australian cinemas, but its candy-hued, neon-lit, dreamy-meets-dazzling glow hasn't dimmed. With Zola now showing locally, we chatted to Bravo about those tweets, getting the gig over James Franco and, yes, that glorious pissing scene. "YOU WANNA HEAR A STORY? IT'S KIND OF LONG, BUT IT'S FULL OF SUSPENSE." One tweet, 22 words, one helluva impact: that's how King's Twitter thread started. Its first two sentences couldn't set the scene better: "You wanna hear a story about how me and this bitch fell out? It's kind of long, but it's full of suspense." Bravo didn't read those words as they were tweeted but, when she did, she knew that she had to turn them into a film. "At this point, I hadn't even made a first movie, but I've decided this will be my second movie — and I'm glad I was right," she explains. "I'm not Twitter and I wasn't on Twitter — lucky me. It's just not for me. I think it's super valuable and there's a lot of deliciousness that I've gotten from that space, but overall it's not a vibe for me," Bravo notes. "So I read it on Twitter at the end of that day. It was up for about 24 hours before she deleted it. I didn't get to participate in the live experience, meaning I didn't get to see her writing and responding and the sort of subtweet thing that happens inside of it or the reposts. I didn't get to see all that. But I got to sit with it right after, and it was radical. I knew right away that it was going to be my second movie." THE TWEETSTORM THAT HAD HOLLYWOOD TALKING When a Twitter thread gets this much attention, everyone wants in. Bravo wasn't originally the only filmmaker inspired to bring King's story to the screen — didn't originally get the job. "I go after it right then. I'm nodding when I'm reading it, and I'm sending it to both my agent and my manager and saying that I want this," she says. "I don't know how Twitter IP works, but I really want to make this. They get back to me three days later and say there is a Rolling Stone article, and then there's her life rights, and that's an entry point into being able to have access to the story." "And so I go 'yes, put me in!'. To which they reply that of the five people going after it, three of them are studios and two of them are independently wealthy. And I was like, 'well, I have no cash, so I'm not making the shortlist'. Clearly, that isn't the end of the story. "I find out a year later, though, that Killer Films — that I'd made Lemon [Bravo's first feature] and a short film with — were one of the producers were on it. And, James Franco was directing it," Bravo advises. "So I just wrote them and was like, 'hey' — because I understand how things work, and sometimes a director is no longer on a project. I was like 'if for some reason James is not directing this, remember me, think of me'. Then I found out in the spring of 2017 from an actress who was friendly with him that he was no longer directing it, so I reached out to my reps again and was like 'I want this'. And then I got it." THE BIG QUESTION: HOW TO ADAPT 148 TWEETS INTO A MOVIE? Peppered with emojis and all-caps, King's tweets don't simply describe a wild ride — they take readers on one. Bringing them to the screen put Bravo in uncharted territory but, writing Zola's script with playwright Jeremy O Harris, she didn't see it that way. "A lot of people did. My producers did. It was like, 'how do you adapt this?'," she explains. "But I'm a child of theatre, and I saw it as adapting a long poem. It was adapting a short story. It was adapting a sonnet and making a whole world out of it." "And this, for me, I felt it had so much more in some ways. I printed the tweets, cut them out, put them into a first act, a second act, a third act… and not only was there the outline, but the dialogue was in the outline," Bravo notes. "For me. it felt pretty seamless." "I think the thing that becomes curious, that allowed myself some room to explore, is okay, so there's a road trip to Detroit to Florida, from home to Florida, that is a 19–20-hour drive. That's only one tweet. Now does that become one scene, or three scenes, or five scenes, and how do you tell the story of that drive? Multiple tweets can be in a scene, or some can just be standalone, or one can be five — and figuring out the math on that, that's a part of writing, that's part of drafting." ADDING DETAIL — AND THAT KILLER BATHROOM SCENE As evocative as #TheStory is to read — as gripping and addictive, too — it didn't cover everything that Bravo envisaged for the film. Enter the bathroom scene. "I would happily talk about it forever. It's one of my favourites in the film," Bravo says. "When I was auditioning for the movie, I had come to the table with a handful of things I wanted to try that were not in the film. And then when it came to writing, once I get it and I'm writing with Jeremy, one of our first assignments is what are the five things you definitely want to make sure arrive in this script, and what are these three ideas outside of the world that you want to bring to this?" "And for me, one of those ideas, I just really want this piss scene. I've been thinking about wanting to put something like this in my work for a while. And this is a film about this love story between these two women — this seduction that happens between these two women — how they fall in love and out of love, and I couldn't recall being able to have a window into a character like this without there being a good deal of dialogue to tell me who they were. So I had this idea about a bathroom scene in which you got to see the interior of each of those characters," Bravo explains. "The audience can always go back to that as to who is reliable or not reliable — or who's hydrated or not hydrated, basically. It's meant to be so much about who they are. How they treat themselves in the bathroom is how they move through the world. And I know it seems kind of small, but I thought it did that." Zola is now screening in Australian cinemas. Read our full review. Images: A24 Films.
The country's most stylish hospitality venues have taken out top honours at the annual Eat Drink Design Awards, confirming that our award-winning food and drink scene is about much more than just Insta-worthy eats and cracking cocktails. The awards, which celebrate the best-designed cafés, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, retail spaces and pop-ups from across Australia and New Zealand, saw New South Wales win especially big in 2017. Among the state's haul, Foolscap Studio's work on Noma Australia was awarded Best Installation Design, George Livissianis' The Dolphin Hotel scooped the title of Best Bar Design and Potts Point's long-standing Fratelli Paradiso scored itself a spot in the Eat Drink Design Awards' Hall Of Fame. Suburban and regional gems were the big winners in Victoria, with Hoppers Crossing café Morris & Heath beating out its inner-city counterparts for the title of Best Cafe Design, and the Mornington Peninsula's Jackalope Hotel awarded Best Identity Design. South Australia's Viet Next Door, designed by Genesin Studio, took out the award for Best Restaurant Design. Each year, the awards celebrate the best hospitality design across venues that have opened in the past 18 months, as judged by a team of hospitality and design industry leaders. For the full list of winners, jump over to the Eat Drink Design Awards website.
"Nobody likes you when you're 23," blink-182 once told the world, but that sentiment doesn't apply to long-running music events that take over Brisbane every year. When BIGSOUND reaches that very number in 2024, there'll be plenty to like and downright love. The festival has already dropped a heap of names on its conference lineup, including Kelis and Amyl and The Sniffers frontwoman Amy Taylor, and now it has revealed a batch of 70 acts that'll be getting the River City's venues echoing. Between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, attendees are in for not one but two Peking Duk experiences, with Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles — the former as Keli Holiday, the latter as Y.O.G.A. — making their solo BIGSOUND debuts. Alex the Astronaut, Gretta Ray and Sly Withers are also on the bill, as are dust, Dear Seattle, Stand Atlantic, PEPTALK, total tommy and Noah Dillon. The list goes on from there, including Australian First Nations talent Maanyung, Ray Dimakarri Dixon and Kiwat Kennell, plus New Zealand's NO CIGAR, Dick Move, Paige, Park RD, Reiki Ruawai and DARTZ. [caption id="attachment_907796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] BIGSOUND Music Programmers Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne have had the job of whittled down their picks from more than 1200 applicants. "We are blown away by the calibre of artists that applied this year, and we've discovered so many amazing new artists in the process," they advised. If you're keen to see the results of the pair's curatorial efforts but can't stretch your budget, BIGSOUND is offering two cost-of-living crisis-friendly ticketing options this year: $25 one-night Music Festival tickets if you're under 25 years of age, and also $75 three-night Music Festival tickets if you purchase before Wednesday, July 31. [caption id="attachment_851424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] BIGSOUND's latest 2024 announcement adds to a roster of names that also spans London-based DJ, artist manager and Butterz co-founder Elijah among the speakers — and Korda Marshall, who started his record label career in 1983 making coffee and scouting talent at RCA. Casper Mills from independent record label 4AD will also share wisdom and experiences, as will Naomie Abergel, fka Mark Johns, plus AEG/Goldenvoice Concerts Vice President Elliott Lefko. Performance-wise, the event's commitment to showcasing impressive acts, artists and bands usually sees more than 150 talents hit its stages at 20-plus River City venues. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know that this entails filling as many Brisbane spaces as possible with musos, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent the country has to offer. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_907800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] BIGSOUND 2024 Artist Lineup: AKA Lui Alex the Astronaut Austin Mackay Belle Haven breathe. Cap Carter Charlie Pittman Charlotte Le Lievre Cooper Smith DARTZ Dear Seattle Dick Move DoloRRes dust Erik Sanders Flow Kobra Fool Nelson FRIDAY* Front Row Garage Sale Georgia Mooney Gretta Ray Hellcat Speedracer Homegrown Trio Hudson Rose ISHAN Jerome Blazé Juice Webster Julian Munyard JUNO Keli Holiday Kiwat Kennell Lotte Gallagher LUPO.THEBOY Maanyung Mac The Knife MARVELL Matahara Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields Mau Power Medhanit MUDRAT NO CIGAR Noah Dillon Paige Park RD PEPTALK Playlunch Prink R.em.edy Ray Dimakarri Dixon Reiki Ruawai Rowena Wise SAME PAINS Sesame Girl Sex Mask Sly Withers Sonic Reducer Squid the Kid Stand Atlantic Stocker sunbleached The Belair Lip Bombs The Velvet club This New Light total tommy Vetta Borne Vinnie Brigante Wade Forster Y.O.G.A BIGSOUND 2024 will take place between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website. Top image: Dave Kan.
The National Geographic publishes images of animals all the time, but the ones photographed for their Photo Ark project are a little different. Led by Nat Geo photographer Joel Sartore, Photo Ark aims to document every living species currently living in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries around the world. As well as acting as an archive of biodiversity, Photo Ark is also a travelling exhibition — and it will be coming to Melbourne Zoo for three months from July 1. It's a huge project, and one that Sartore has been working on for a decade now. So far the photographer has visited 250 institutions in 40 countries and captured images of over 6000 species. Many of the animals photographed — including the orange-bellied parrot above — live at Melbourne Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary, which is the reason why this exhibition is coming to our shores. Having travelled around zoos in the US, this will be the first time the works will be seen in the southern hemisphere. Many of the animals featured are critically threatened or endangered, and Photo Ark aims to bring attention to these species and urge humans to help protect these animals for future generations. While Melbourne Zoo is the only confirmed Australian stop for the exhibition, additional venues may be announced at a later date. The National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition will be on display at Melbourne Zoo from July 1 to October 1. Entry to the exhibition is included in the zoo admission price. For more information, visit the website. Image: Orange-bellied parrot shot at Healesville Sanctuary by Joel Sartore.
Wool&Prince, the team that brought us 'The Better Button-Down' shirt, which you can wear for 100 days straight without washing, is back. This time, they're tackling the humble T-shirt. They've come up with a 100 percent wool garment that's odour-resistant, offers 'natural climate control' and is super-soft. To get it on the market in a way that maximises quality and minimises prices, though, they need to submit a US$35,000 initial factory order. So they're looking for help via Kickstarter. The Wool&Prince crew spent eight months investigating and experimenting with hundreds of fabrics, trying T-shirt styles and testing out various fits. The rigorous research process involved putting the three final prototypes through stressful situations, including a 20,000km road trip across 45 US states, a 23-day cycling and camping trip in Alaska, a messy week at Oktoberfest, Germany and an extended feel test/vox pop with New Yorkers. In the end, they decided on 16.5 superfine micron Merino wool. Its extreme sweat-absorption capacity prevents the odour created by the breakdown of sweat via bacteria. Plus it's both naturally insulating and naturally breathable, meaning that the wearer is kept warm in cold weather yet cool in hot weather. The Wear-More, Wash-Less T-Shirt is currently available in crew-neck and v-neck styles, and in two different colours: black and heather-grey. If the stretch goals are reached, the repertoire will extend to include a polo and the palette to include bright navy and red. According to Wool&Prince, the fit is neither too baggy nor too tight, being akin to the T-shirts sold at American Apparel. Fifteen days remain in the Wear-More, Wash-Less campaign. Of the US$35,000 goal, just over US$26,000 has been pledged by 225 backers (as of 14 January). US$58 buys you one T-shirt, US$108 buys two, US$158 buys three and US$208 buys four.
Two years after stressing out Joaquin Phoenix in Beau Is Afraid, Ari Aster has more tension and chaos in store for the Oscar-winning actor in Eddington, the writer/director's next film. The pair reunite for a trip back to 2020, to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the movie's eponymous New Mexico location as it attempts to cope with the abrupt change to life as its citizens know it. Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) portrays the small town's sheriff — and, like almost everyone at the time, he's not adverse to whiling away his hours doomscrolling, as the feature's just-dropped first trailer illustrates. What awaits Sheriff Joe Cross as he flicks through social media? Clips of himself, of the charismatic Vernon Jefferson Peak (Austin Butler, The Bikeriders) preaching, of Joe's wife Louise (Emma Stone, Kinds of Kindness) contradicting one of his announcements, of Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us) running for re-election and more. "If you value your life, you should think twice because the people at Eddington like guns," says Phoenix utters as Joe early in the debut trailer. "Your pain is not a coincidence. You are not a coincidence. We are not a coincidence," advises Butler as Peak in the clip that the sheriff scrolls to next. The storyline: putting Joe and the mayor on a collision course, which unsurprisingly causes ripples throughout Eddington, in a tale that's set to see townsfolk clash in a period that we all know couldn't have been more heightened and stressful. Aster is back cultivating unease, then, as he did so expertly in Hereditary in 2018, then Midsommar in 2019, then Beau Is Afraid in 2023. Alongside Phoenix, Butler, Stone and Pascal, the acclaimed filmmaker has enlisted Luke Grimes (Yellowstone), Deirdre O'Connell (The Penguin) and Micheal Ward (Empire of Light) to help among his cast. Eddington is premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, screening in the prestigious event's official competition, before hitting US cinemas in July — but doesn't yet have a Down Under release date. Check out the trailer for Eddington below: Eddington releases in US cinemas on Friday, July 18, 2025 — we'll update you with an Australian release date when one is announced.
Sorry, everywhere else in Australia — there's really no place quite like Brisbane, what with it being one of the world's top ten foodie destinations to watch and all. It boasts sunshine and warmth almost all-year round. The Queensland capital is overflowing with great things to eat, drink and do. And finally, Brissie has all the charm of the big smoke while still remaining in close proximity to beaches, islands, mountains and bushwalks. Actually, Brisbane has another trick up its sleeves: it's highly affordable. While Sydney and Melbourne keep moving up the various indexes that rank the world's most expensive cities, Brissie remains comfortable further down the list. That's great news for budgeters, meaning that it's possible to spend an ace weekend up north on the cheap. With some help from Brisbane City YHA, we've mapped out exactly how and where you should spend your time on a trip to Brisbane — without crying about the state of your bank balance. STAY If you're staying in Brisbane, you want to feel like you're staying in Brisbane. And the best way to do that is with a gorgeous view of the Brisbane River. Usually, that's a pricey affair, but bunk down at the Brisbane City YHA, and you'll get just that for a reasonable rate. Plus, you'll be within easy walking distance of the snaking waterway, too. In fact, by the time you wander down to the banks yourself, expect to be mighty familiar with the river, particularly if you've spent a few hours on YHA's rooftop. While hanging out in the pool and having a few drinks up there, you'll have one of the best views in the city. There are inbuilt binoculars onsite as well, so you can really make the most of it. In addition to splashing or lazing around outside, you can play X-Box, pinball and air hockey in the games room, or get comfy in front of the communal big screen TVs. Note: Sundays are all about movies. On Friday nights, it's pub crawl and barbecue time, where you'll eat a grilled feast then have four beers at four bars for just $10 in total. Food-wise, you can also make your own meals in the top-floor kitchen, or opt for a bite and a beverage at the ground-floor cafe. When you're not doing all of that, rest up in cosy rooms with private ensuite bathrooms. In other words, it's far removed from your usual hostel experience. [caption id="attachment_671300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events QLD.[/caption] DO There are two parts to every excellent Brisbane trip: exploring the local sights and venturing a little further afield. Whether you dedicate a day to each or mix and match things up, you certainly won't be bored or lacking something to do. For roaming the city, hopping onto the City Hopper ferry is a smart, scenic and free way to not only get to plenty of places but to also see Brisbane from the water while you're at it. Jump off at South Bank to wander through the parklands, get your culture fix at the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Museum, climb the Kangaroo Point cliffs or take to the river by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Disembark at Eagle Street Pier to mosey through the CBD, picnic at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, and if you're walking back towards North Quay, don't forget to see Australia's only permanent outdoor Yayoi Kusama artwork — one of Brisbane's best-kept secrets. Another option is to head to Stanley Street for a leisurely stroll around New Farm. No visit to Brissie is complete without fish and chips in New Farm Park, a free comedy show at Brisbane Powerhouse on a Friday night and a venture along the riverwalk. For feasting your eyes on more than the inner city sights, book in a day trip. There's no shortage of options, although spending a day on either Stradbroke or Moreton islands is the best way to soak in southeast Queensland's natural splendour. On Straddie, you'll want to snorkel at South Gorge, see the sun set at Adder Rock and complete the 1.5-kilometre Point Lookout trail — three things that even locals never tire of. The island also has a beachfront YHA if you decide you're having too much fun to return to the mainland. On Moreton, kayaking through shipwrecks, swimming in the blue lagoon and tobogganing across the sand dunes should be the first things on your agenda. If the time is right — from June to November — you can also enjoy a spot of whale watching. Back on the mainland, if you're still keen on revelling in the great outdoors, then go climb a mountain. In Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha and Mt Gravatt both boast sky-high lookouts. Bushwalk around the base of both mountains, and even see a small waterfall at the former. You'll also find gorgeous treks and plenty of rushing water if you head down towards the Gold Coast hinterland, although you might need to include car hire in your budget. Still, a trip to the glow worm caves at the Natural Bridge is well and truly worth it. EAT AND DRINK All of the above activities are bound to make you work up an appetite but don't worry, you won't stay hungry for long in this town. No matter what your stomach is craving, we recommend a trip to Brisbane's new foodie precinct at King Street at Bowen Hills. Here, you'll find everything from Street Fighter-themed burgers, to an array of food trucks at the inner-city's first permanent food truck park, to free mini loaded fries, dagwood dogs and chicken wings over German beers each afternoon at The Bavarian Beerhaus. To take advantage of the latter, make sure you head by between 4–6pm. If browsing and snacking is your idea of a great meal, then a trip to Hamilton's Eat Street Markets is also a must — and it's open from 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon on Sundays. Entry is $3, and inside you'll find something for every price range, including cheese, oysters, doughnuts, Japanese pizza, crepes and noodles. The Boundary Street Markets in West End also offers another budget-friendly option, or you could just wander around the suburb and see which of its eateries take your fancy. Our tip: start at Fish Lane and keep walking until your stomach makes the choice for you (and prepare to make multiple pitstops). [caption id="attachment_619623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Newstead Brewing Co.[/caption] Brisbane doesn't just deliver on the culinary front, but on the beverage front, too. Prepare to go brewery hopping. There's more than XXXX on offer — although the Milton brewery tour is a local favourite, and includes beer tasting at the end of it. Still in the inner-west, you can visit Newstead Brewing Co and Aether Brewing, plus Brisbane Brewing Co, Ballistic Brewing Co's new second home and Catchment Brewing Co all in West End. Find your way across the other side of the CBD where Green Beacon Brewing awaits, as does its share plates and pizzas. Next trip to Brisbane, stay in the thick of it all at Brisbane City YHA. Rooms start at a mere $27 per night for a shared room or $70 for private rooms. All rooms are provided with linens, lockers and air conditioning, with the option to upgrade to in-room wifi. Plus, if you book between now and September, YHA is offering an exclusive 20 percent off stays for Concrete Playground readers, valid until September 30 — just use the code SAVE20 at checkout.
For many, the rise in cost of living has made fancy dinners out a thing of the past — or at least a thing on hold, until things improve. Pinchy's, the CBD's pink paean to lobster rolls, has decided to offer a helping hand. Throughout autumn and winter, the eatery is bringing you affordable seafood specials every night of the week. Head in on Monday for all-you-can-eat mussels and chips for $30, or on Tuesday for half-price tacos packed with your choice of king crab, tuna, fish, or spicy chicken. Come Wednesday, you'll be chowing down on half-price lobster rolls, before returning on Thursday for more lobster in the form of linguine at 25 bucks a plate. Between 4–7pm on Friday, there'll be half-price oysters, wine and cocktails soundtracked by DJs, while Saturday is dedicated to surf 'n' turf. That means half-price wagyu and lobster burgers, alongside half-price cocktails. Finally, if you want to put cooking firmly off the agenda on a Sunday, swing by for half-price fish and chips. Pinchy's regulars will know that whichever night you go and whatever you order, the servings will be generous and the seafood fresh and tasty.
Rejoice, fans of excellent television, fried food and pop culture-themed pop-ups alike — Los Pollos Hermanos is coming to Sydney. Ever since the TV-viewing world was first introduced to Gus Fring's fast food chain, every fried chicken fiend has been hankering for a piece of their juicy poultry. Yes, we all know that it's a fictional chicken empire in a television show, but Breaking Bad was just that damn addictive. With Los Pollos Hermanos' head honcho once again crossing paths with Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) and Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) in the third season of ace Breaking Bad prequel spin-off Better Call Saul, subscription streaming video provider Stan is making everyone's dreams come true with two days of chicken goodness. The pop-up will take over Potts Point's Thirsty Bird for lunch and dinner on April 11 and 12 — and it that's not that's not exciting enough, good ol' poultry-cooking, drug baron Gustavo himself, aka actor Giancarlo Esposito, will be there. Is everything to your satisfaction? It's the event we've all been waiting for since the idea that Los Pollos Hermanos could actually become a real-life restaurant first came up, and it's timed to coincide with Better Call Saul's season three premiere on April 11. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their very best Better Call Saul-themed outfit, so expect to see plenty of pretend dodgy lawyers around. No word yet if anything blue will be on the menu. Find the Los Pollos Hermanos pop-up at Thirsty Bird, Shop 3, 2-14 Bayswater Road, Potts Point from 11.30am-3.00pm and 5.00pm-8.30pm on April 11 and 12. For more information, check out the event Facebook page. Image: Robert Trachtenberg/AMC/Sony Pictures Television. Copyright: © 2017 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Across two seasons in 2016 and 2018, Fleabag was the only dramedy that mattered. If you weren't watching Phoebe Waller-Bridge's smash hit, you were hearing all about it from everyone you knew. If you were watching it, you were then rewatching it — and, of course, telling all of your friends. But before it was a hit TV series, Fleabag was a one-woman theatre show. That history behind Phoebe Waller-Bridge's award-winning series isn't new news, of course. As the television version of Fleabag kept picking up accolades — a BAFTA for Best Female Performance in a Comedy for its writer/creator/star; Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series; Best Actress and Best Television Series Golden Globes; and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series among them — that past was well-known. But if you haven't seen the OG stage production, a recorded version of that stunning performance is coming back to the big screen Down Under. The story remains the same, charting an incredibly relatable tale of trying to balance work, life, love and the like. When it was playing theatres from 2013–2019 after premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Fleabag was just as applauded. And, as plenty of hit UK productions are, it was filmed by NT Live, then beamed into cinemas. It's that recording that's heading to picture palaces across Australia again from July 13, complete with Waller-Bridge stepping through the story of Fleabag's titular character. Captured at London's Wyndham's Theatre, it initially started doing the rounds for filmgoers in 2019. Indeed, that debut silver-screen stint broke box-office records. If you're unfamiliar with the TV show, let alone the theatre production before it, Fleabag's existence is perhaps best described as chaotic. Friends, family, job interviews, keeping a guinea pig-themed cafe afloat — they're just the beginning. The idea behind it came at one of Waller-Bridge's pal's storytelling nights, as a challenge to create a character for a ten-minute slot. Timing-wise, Fleabag returns to the big screen just a couple of weeks after Waller-Bridge gets adventurous with Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Check out the trailer for NT Live's Fleabag encore season below: Fleabag returns to Australian cinemas from July 13, 2023. Images: Matt Humphrey.
It's official: Melbourne hospo snobbery is totally justified. Fitzroy favourite Industry Beans and Brunswick bar Howler have taken out top awards at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London this week. The former took out the gong for Best UK & International Cafe and the latter has been called the prettiest bar space in Australia and the Pacific. Score. Praised for its clever industrial fitout and overall good vibes, Industry Beans beat seven other shortlisted cafes to take home the award. And here's the kicker: it wasn't even the only local cafe in the running. Up against competition from cafes in Germany, China, Greece and the UK, the good lookin' roasters pipped Richmond's Top Paddock at the post. Architect Matt Rawlins told Good Food the design was inspired by Melbourne's laneway culture. And, with its high ceilings and industrial warehouse feel, this is a concept which has been executed well. Like many local cafes, it also utilises an open plan design to make the entire process of roasting visible to everyone throughout the space. Look how ridiculously good looking it is, just look at it! Howler sat alongside some stunning venues in the International category too. With its dynamic use of space and gorgeous raw timber panelling, the Brunswick bar and performance space was ruled as the best design in the Pacific region. Looking over the other winners, the award seems extra special as a rare win for bars which also operate as live music venues. Maybe it's time to ditch that scungy dive bar you frequent and step things up a notch? Via Good Food.
Thanks to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, everyone in Australia will forever remember where they were at two specific moments: when the Matildas beat France in a stunning penalty shootout, and when Sam Kerr kicked the goal of a lifetime in the semi-final loss to England. The Sunshine State doesn't just want the team's feats at football's ultimate competition to live on in our hearts and minds, however, or via footage of the games. Rather, Brisbane will commemorate the Australian national women's soccer team's achievements physically, with the Queensland Government announcing that it will build a Matildas statue. That epic match against France was played at the River City's Suncorp Stadium, as was the Matildas' 3–2 loss to Nigeria in the group stage and 2–0 third-place playoff defeat by Sweden. Accordingly, that'll be the site of the new monument to Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso, Steph Catley, Katrina Gorry, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and their teammates, as a permanent reminder of their history-making World Cup campaign. No Australian soccer team has made it as far into the coveted contest as the Matildas did in 2023 — not the Matildas themselves in the past, and not the Socceroos, either. Indeed, it's no wonder that their games kept smashing ratings records, with the England match now the country's most-watched TV program since 2001, and also likely ever. Exactly what the statue will look like will be left to Football Australia to decide, with the Queensland Government advising that it'll work with the sporting body "on the design and recognition of the team to ensure the statue depicts the success of the Matildas now and into the future". And as for when it'll be unveiled, that hasn't been revealed. But when it does grace the Milton stadium, it'll add both female and football representation to a site that currently features statues of rugby league stars Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer, Mal Meninga and Allan Langer, plus rugby union's John Eales. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CommBank Matildas (@matildas) "The Matildas have created history. Not only has their performance set new benchmarks for sport, they have captured our hearts and inspired a nation," said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, announcing the statue. "As a FIFA Legacy Ambassador I am so proud of our Matildas. They are role models who will inspire thousands of girls to pick up a football and play the game. It's only fitting that we recognise all they have achieved with a permanent tribute." Until the statue becomes a reality, you can spend more time celebrating the Matildas via documentary Matildas: The World at Our Feet. Brisbane's new statue at Suncorp Stadium celebrating the Matildas' 2023 Women's World Cup efforts doesn't yet have an installation and unveiling date — we'll update you when further details are announced. Top image: LittleBlinky via Wikimedia Commons.
For this month's dose of retro entertainment, boogie on over to The Night Cat this Friday night for the Fitzroy Roller Jam, presented by legendary Melbourne event organisers the Foreign Brothers. If the last year's sold-out jam hosted by these guys is anything to go by, this will be one hell of a party. With a lineup featuring the likes of Au Dré, DJ Manchild and MzRizk (as well as a band that's yet to be announced), your old-school skating moves will be sufficiently soundtracked well into the wee hours of the morning. You can BYO skates or hire a pair on the night. If you're not the most confident skater, make sure you take some friends who are going to pick you up off the floor. Image: Gianna Rizzo/Foreign Brothers.
If you just can't wait to spend more time in the photorealistic version of The Lion King's world, here comes a film about the lion that's king of the Pride Lands before Simba gets the job. Mufasa: The Lion King is again styled to look like reality, not animation — and, set to arrive in cinemas Down Under in December 2024, it gives 2019's The Lion King, a remake of the 90s animated hit, a prequel. It also just dropped its first teaser trailer. Call it the circle of cinema. Call it the movie that was always bound to happen once technology was rolled out to bring this beloved franchise back to the screen with visuals that make its animals appear as if they've walked out of a documentary (well, almost, as the last film demonstrated). Donald Glover (Mr & Mrs Smith), Beyoncé, Seth Rogen (Dumb Money), Billy Eichner (Bros) and John Kani (Murder Mystery 2) are all back from the past flick, reprising their roles as Simba, Nala, Pumbaa, Timon and Rafiki. But as the feature's moniker makes plain, this isn't any of those characters' tales. Mufasa, aka Simba's father, sits at the centre of a picture directed by Moonlight Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins. The movie is presented as a story told by Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa to Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, who is voiced by Blue Ivy Carter. So goes a narrative about an orphaned cub who is taken in by a lion with royal blood, then set on a path that leads to the events of The Lion King. Among the voice cast, Aaron Pierre (Foe) does the honours as Mufasa. Kelvin Harrison Jr is Taka (Chevalier), the lion prince who takes Mufasa in like a brother. Tiffany Boone (Hunters), Mads Mikkelsen (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Thandiwe Newton (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget), Lennie James (Genius), Anika Noni Rose (Pantheon), Keith David (Rick and Morty), Kagiso Lediga (The Umbrella Men) and Preston Nyman (A Small Light) also lend their vocals to the flick. As well as Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King boasts another huge off-screen name, with Hamilton great Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the movie's tunes. "Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I'm humbled and proud to be a part of it," said Miranda. "It's been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa's story to life, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this film in theatres." Check out the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King below: Mufasa: The Lion King releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Images: courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
It's no secret that Victorians love a cold beer and some finely crafted spirits. But some might assume you need to head to the Big Smoke to taste the best of the best. In reality, though, many of the state's must-see breweries and distilleries can be found dotted throughout the Victorian countryside. And there's no better time to be visiting the countryside than when the autumnal colours are on show. From seasonal ale specials to award-winning gins made from native botanicals, warm yourself this season with some of the state's best independent tipples. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which places to cruise through. You could let your tastebuds lead you, but we've also picked out seven outstanding regional spots that are perfect for a trip this autumn. ST ANDREWS BEACH BREWERY As recently as 2014, the site of St Andrews Beach Brewery was home to horse trainer Lee Freedman and his cohort of race-winners. Nowadays, the place is almost unrecognisable offering a beautifully designed brewery and beer garden, while the nearby 1200-metre racetrack has also been taken over by St Andrews' 8000 apple and pear cider trees. On entering, you'll immediately notice a wide-open garden flanked by revamped stables that have become a great spot for a friendly drink with pals. Situated in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula at Fingal, and within touching distance of the ocean, everything here is brewed onsite with strong aromas and subtle bitterness in mind — we recommend sampling the autumnal red IPA release: a smooth, malty brew perfect for setting you into the season. 160 Sandy Road, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula BELLARINE DISTILLERY The first distillery to set up shop on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria's southwest, Bellarine Distillery and its cellar door, The Whiskery, has become a popular destination for those in search of a fine, locally made gin. Previously a chicken farm for more than sixty years, the original farm shed has been refurbished into an elegant space with wooden fittings and a comfortable terrace surrounded by gardens. Relax outdoors and take in the autumnal sights and smells, but if it's just a bit too chilly, head inside. There's a fireplace to help warm you on the outside as you warm your inside with the house gin. Named Teddy & The Fox, it's a zingy citrus blend that's rich in juniper, coriander, orange, lemon myrtle, orris root and star anise. Make sure to bring a bottle home to enjoy on its own or use in G&Ts, garnished with orange or lemon and rosemary to bring out the gin's citrus notes. 2102–2120 Portarlington Road, Drysdale BASS AND FLINDERS DISTILLERY Having spent nine years in Red Hill, in December 2018, the Bass and Flinders Distillery decided it was time to move onto bigger and better things. Now based in nearby Dromana, the distillery's passion for artisanal spirit-making has seen it become one of the Mornington Peninsula's must-visit watering holes. Featuring a large outdoor garden for those bright autumn days, there's also a private mezzanine where you can take part in a range of gin-based masterclasses. Despite its fresh modern space, Bass and Flinders remain devotees to tradition. Instead of combining botanicals with a standard base spirit like many other distilleries, the distillery uses its own spirit distilled from grapes as a base. This touch of finesse forms the foundation of the entire gin, brandy and liqueur range, while the native botanicals used are carefully sourced from around Australia. Combine these factors together, and you have yourself an unmissable experience. 40 Collins Road, Dromana REED & CO. DISTILLERY Situated high in the alpine hills of Bright, three hours northeast of Melbourne, Reed & Co. Distillery is one of those spots where you'll be welcomed with open arms. Founded by professional chefs Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed, the distillery utilises traditional methods and exceptional botanicals to produce a well-balanced flagship product, Remedy Gin. Here, you'll find Remedy used in a variety of vibrant cocktails, while the restaurant uses a custom-built solid fuel oven and grill to whip up dishes using local ingredients, like Harrietville trout fillet with creme fraiche, lightly cured and smoked duck breast with apple and yuzu and Flinders Island saltbush lamb rib with mountain pepper leaf and lemon. Everything on the menu is seasonal, but for now, you'll find the aforementioned dishes plus snacks that pair very well with booze, including barbecue octopus with caper mayo, locally made rye bread with seaweed butter and dried beef with mountain pepper. Located in the centre of town, Reed & Co is a charming spot to enjoy a lunchtime session before heading out into Greater Bright and exploring the picturesque autumnal countryside. 15 Wills Street, Bright BRIDGE ROAD BREWERS Located along Beechworth's historic main drag, Bridge Road Brewers has become one of the most popular spots for visitors stopping by the former gold rush town. Make tracks for the northeast township to see the changing leaves, and make sure to add this brewery to your list. Here, you'll find more than 20 beers on tap, including an ever0chaing selection of seasonal brews. For autumn, the first out of the gate is the Posse Autumn Hazy red ale, the brewery's take on a NEIPA; then there's the Celtic Red irish red ale and the chocolaty Robust Porter from the core range to warm up to; and at this year's High Country Hops Festival, the brewery will release two wet hop beers: The Harvest Fresh Hop and Mikkeller Dark Harvest. 50 Ford Street, Beechworth OTWAY ESTATE WINERY & BREWERY Sweeping views, a sprawling vineyard and a top-notch brewery to boot — that just about covers everything we want from a visit to the Otway Ranges. The Otway Estate Winery & Brewery offers all that and more, having established a longstanding reputation that's built on producing excellent wine, beer and food. The estate features 28 rolling acres, much of which are occupied by the winery's range of premium chardonnay, semillon, sauvignon and pinot grapes. So, if you prefer your drinks to come with a picturesque landscape, then this farmstead two hours from Melbourne is the place to visit — especially as the grape vines begin to turn gold. Take in the full glory of the area's autumnal sights on a scenic hike or two in nearby Colac. Or if you're after something more relaxing, warm up at one of the winery's three cottages onsite featuring sunken spa baths, fireplaces and views over the vines. 10 Hoveys Road, Barongarook KILDERKIN DISTILLERY In recent years, Ballarat has become recognised as a hub of high-quality regional craft beers and distilleries — and Kilderkin Distillery is one of its finest examples. When Kilderkin was opened by Scott Wilson-Browne and Chris Pratt (no, not that Chris Pratt), it was the first distillery to open in the region since the 1930s, when Victoria's only whisky distillery, Warrenheip Distillery, closed up shop. While you'll have to wait until later this year (or early 2020) to get your first taste of its barrel-aged whisky, there is a small but thoughtful selection of tipples primed and ready to pour, including two signature gin varieties — Scoundrel and Larrikin. Sharing its cellar door with the Red Duck Brewery, also owned by Wilson-Browne, there's a host of tasting flights, beer paddles and cheese platters to help warm you from the inside out. 11A Michaels Drive, Alfredton, Ballarat For more autumnal places, spaces and events in regional Victoria, visit Your Happy Space. Top image: Reed and Co.
Your latest excuse to book a holiday is here, and your next reason to enjoy a getaway in Australia's Red Centre as well. As it does regularly throughout each year, Webjet has launched a new sale on flights to the Northern Territory — and they're going cheap. How cheap? From $18 one-way. Until 11.59pm AEDT on Saturday, June 24, the travel site has fares to Uluru on offer for $18 from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, and for $21 from Sydney. It's also doing Adelaide to Alice Springs routes for $80, with each sale fare being discounted by a huge $175. [caption id="attachment_905927" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT and The Salty Travellers[/caption] Of course, those $18 and $21 prices are just the starting point, so you mightn't score such a cheap flight depending on which day you're planning to travel, and also where you're jetting off from — but there are still some mighty affordable prices available. The sale covers trips to Uluru and Alice Springs, for travel from now — yes, right now — through to Thursday, November 30 this year. Fancy a winter jaunt to the middle of the country? Making spring plans already? Always had the NT on your bucket list? Whichever fits, you can tick them off now. [caption id="attachment_905930" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT and Sean Scott[/caption] One key caveat: the discounted prices are available for inbound flights only, so you won't receive the same discount to come home. Wondering what to do once you get there? Uluru's incredible Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro remains a permanent recommendation, while Munro's just-opened Light-Towers at Kings Canyon and nightly drone show Wintjiri Wiru are must-see newcomers. You can also check out our guide to visiting the Red Centre, and our deep dives into Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa. [caption id="attachment_905929" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT and Tourism Australia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_905931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT and Sean Scott[/caption] [caption id="attachment_905932" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Getty Images for Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia[/caption] Webjet's Red Centre sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Saturday, June 24. Top image: Tourism NT, Salty Travellers. Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that flights started at $15, Sydney flights from $20 and Adelaide-to-Alice Springs fights from $70; however, Webjet has changed these prices to $18, $21 and $80. This story has been amended to reflect that change. 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.
Last year the Victorian Government shared some pretty big plans for the National Gallery of Victoria and its surrounds. As part of a major redevelopment of the Southbank arts precinct, it committed over $200 million to building a brand new contemporary art gallery (to be known as the NGV Contemporary) alongside the creation of new public space and upgrades to existing facilities. Now, the first designs for the new-look precinct have been revealed — and they include a new elevated park. Local architecture firm Hassell, along with New York-based practice SO-IL, has scored the contract for the mammoth job with its lofty designs that include 18,000 square metres of renewed public space. The most exciting part of the designs, though, is the inclusion of a new elevated park. While we don't know exactly where it will be erected, we do know that it — and the whole precinct — will be filled with gardens courtesy of the horticulturalists that greened up London's Barbican Centre. [caption id="attachment_671246" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A render of what the precinct might look like when complete.[/caption] On top of that, there will be new pedestrian crossings leading in and out of the area, presumably making the NGV and Arts Centre more accessible from Southbank and the north side of the Yarra, rather than just via St Kilda Road. This, along with the new Metro Tunnel, which will see a new station open at the Domain Interchange, and the current revitalisation of Southbank Boulevard will make for a very different Southbank in a few years. Hopefully one that's buzzing with people at all times of the day, and encourages more Melburnians to visit the 20-plus galleries and theatres in the area. The State Government will invest $208 million for the first two years of the project. This allows for the NGV to start planning and raise philanthropic funds to pay for the rest of the gallery which, when completed, will be the biggest contemporary art gallery in the country. Premier Daniel Andrews has called the redevelopment a "once-in-a-generation" project, and thinks it will be a "game-changer" for the city. Construction on the Melbourne Arts Precinct revitalisation will begin soon, and a completion date is still TBC.
Maybe you're still planning your winter getaway. Perhaps you're already thinking about spring holidays. Or, you could just be keen to grasp any excuse to take a vacation. Whichever fits, as long as you're eager to spend your next break somewhere in Australia — which still gives you a heap of options — then Jetstar has the sale for you. On offer: domestic fares from $35, which spans trips from Sydney to Byron Bay. The rest of the prices are still cheap, however, and the list of destinations is sizeable. The Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, the Whitsunday Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston and Uluru are all covered, and all the usual capitals as well, with prices and routes varying depending on the departure point. Dubbed Jetstar's mates' rates sale, this batch of discounted fares includes $62 flights from Sydney to Melbourne, and $110 fares from the Harbour City to Cairns. From Victoria, prices kick off at $39 to Tasmania, and also cover $141 legs to Margaret River. Brisbanites can go to Mackay for $65 and Darwin for $106, too. From Adelaide, deals include $49 to Melbourne and $101 to the Sunshine Coast, while Perth's options start at $149 to Brisbane — and that's just the beginning of the sale's fares. You will need to be happy to head away from July 23–September 20 or October 11–December 12, though. Dates for sale flights also vary depending on the departure and arrival points. There are a few rules, as is always the case. All sale fares are one-way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. Jetstar's mate's rates sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday, June 20 — or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. 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.
