Brunswick’s one-day fiesta has returned once more to celebrate the culture and community surrounding the good people of Moreland. A cheeky 800 meters of Sydney Road, between Union Street and Victoria Street, will be taken over for the day to make room for the best in local music, dance, food, and craft stalls. Moreland’s strong migrant history and its current influx of creative residents makes this part of Melbourne an exciting, expressive and multicultural pocket of the city. There will be over nine separate music stages and venues open throughout the day to host the musical festivities. Acts like Empat Lima, Horns of Leroy, Byron and the Gypsy Cats and Manglewurzle are just a few of the musical gems performing on the day. For those looking to see a bit of movement as well as music, we recommend Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, Westside Circus and Real Hot Bitches. Sydney Road Street Party is part of Brunswick Music Festival, which is on from March 1 to 15.
Some of the biggest names in Australian comedy are coming together in Melbourne for a one-off benefit gig in support of a worthy cause. Tripod, Anne Edmonds, Cal Wilson and Lawrence Mooney are just a few of the comedians who'll front the stage at Howler in Brunswick on the evening of Sunday November 29, with proceeds going to the aid of asylum seeker children currently being held in detention. Described by event organisers as "a funny fundraiser for an unfunny cause," the show is being facilitated by charity group ChilOut, an organisation dedicated to the protection of minors detained in Australian immigration facilities. In addition to those already mentioned, the comic lineup will include Greg Fleet, Josh Earl, Dave O'Neil, Dave Thornton, Tom Gleeson, Geraldine Hickey, Luke McGregor, Denise Scott and Harley Breen, plus a number of other guests who have yet to be announced. Tickets to the gig come to $43.50 per person, including booking fee. "ChilOut is a small, community organisation running on the smell of an oily rag but doing heaps through education, advocacy and lobbying to raise public awareness of the plight of asylum-seeking children held in immigration detention facilities by the Australian Government," said a statement that accompanied the gig's announcement. "ChilOut is not-for-profit and relies on generous donations to act on behalf of the almost 200 children currently imprisoned in environments that undermine and threaten their mental and physical safety and well-being every day that they’re there. Nobody wants to see these children go through this. Please come along and help us help them." To grab your ticket to Stand Up for ChilOut, head on over to Moshtix. And to learn more about the work being done by ChilOut, visit their website.
If you've ever wanted to get your hands on any of Frank Green's popular products, here's your chance to score some for free. To celebrate the recent launch of the brand's new three-in-one insulated iced coffee cup with a straw, Frank Green has teamed up with Melbourne coffee brand Industry Beans to sling some freebies. For one day only, Industry Beans will give away a limited amount of free Frank Green coffee cups with every iced coffee purchase. In Melbourne, head into Industry Beans' Fitzroy cafe on Friday, February 9 from 7am to grab your very own Frank Green iced coffee cup — which is available in a range of colours, from the pearly white cloud to pastels like mint gelato and lilac haze. But be sure to get in quick as stocks are limited. The reusable cup provides a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic cups, which a classic iced coffee usually comes in. And, it also offers up solutions to pesky problems that iced coffee fanatics know all too well. Frank Green's iced coffee cups contain a double-wall vacuum insulation feature to prevent condensation and guarantee that your drink will stay cool by maintaining the ice for up to 12 hours, as well as a splash-proof lid and a stainless steel straw. Plus, you can ensure that your barista never spells your name incorrectly, as the cups are monogrammable. In extra brownie points for versatility, too, it can double as a stubbie holder or cocktail glass.
After bringing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban back to the big screen with a live orchestra soundtrack, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is giving the fourth film in the franchise the same movie-and-music showcase. Across five sessions between August 15–18, the Sydney Opera House will come to life with the sights and sounds of the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament and the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, because JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a theatre — or a concert hall. This time around, viewers can expect something a little different. While the event will run as usual, it's the score itself that'll stand out. After doing the honours on the first three HP flicks, veteran composer John Williams stood aside for the fourth film, with two-time Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle (Hamlet, Sense and Sensibility) in charge of whipping up a wondrous wizarding soundtrack. Tickets for the Sydney shows are now on sale — and if you're a Melburnian or Brisbanite muggle keen to catch the next film in the series, watch this space (or, to be exact, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra websites) . Although screenings haven't been announced in Melbourne or Brisbane yet, they're bound to follow, complete with live scores by each city's symphony orchestra. In fact, that's exactly what has happened with the first three movies to date. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert teams up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House from 15–18 August 2018. For more information, head to the SSO website.
Moosejaw, an online shop that sells outdoor recreational apparel, has created the X-Ray Catalog App, available at their website. Once the app is downloaded, the user holds their smartphone over photos of models sporting ski parkas and other fairly unsexy items, only to see the app 'strip' them through the use of augmented reality technology, revealing what they are wearing underneath their clothes. It's true that a lot more people (probably men) are suddenly going to be a lot more interested in this catalogue. If you wanted to look at soft porn in a public place or avoid embarrassment when your mum finds your stash under the bed - she'll just think you really love camping - this technology might just hold the answer. Or maybe it's about giving people the chance to feel as if they have superhero skills. Either way, if you see people reading the catalogue on the train with a little too much interest, you can either tsk them or give them a knowing wink, depending on whether you think this is creepy or brilliant.
HECS debt getting you down? Desperate to brush up on Marxian Class Analysis Theory, Astrobiology and Space Exploration or even Roman Architecture? Featuring classes from top universities, Open Culture lets you learn about nearly every topic imaginable from schools like Harvard and Berkeley, without racking up Ivy League levels of debt. Sure, you won't get a pretty certificate but you will get a brighter mind, which is arguably just as shiny. Free online access to top notch classes is an emerging trend, with other sites like Lecture Fox and iTunes U opening up the possibilities of education and learning. [Via Trend Hunter]
Get a little taste of Thailand in Federation Square this Sunday, with the return of the annual Thai Culture and Food Festival. Now in its twelve year, this annual event celebrates the best of traditional and contemporary Thai culture, through a mix of activities, performances and some of the best Thai green curry you've ever had. This year's festival program includes an array of live entertainment, from music to martial arts. There'll be a Buddhist drum ceremony on Fed Square's main stage, exhibition kickboxing matches at Deakin Edge, and hours of live music at the Singha Beer Garden down by the Yarra. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai massage, lest the exertion of the day become too much for you. Catering, meanwhile, comes courtesy of some of the best Thai chefs in Melbourne; with more than 15 different restaurants operating stalls throughout the day. There's even going to be a cooking demonstration, hosted by TV Chef Duncan Robertson from Duncan's Thai Kitchen. It's enough to have you booking an airfare immediately. Here's last year's trailer, to give you an idea:
A Twitter-famous writer with a bestseller to her name and plenty of online fame, Arabella (Michaela Coel) has a deadline. Overnight, she needs to finish the first draft of her second book or her publishers won't be happy. But when her mates suggest that she comes out for a couple of drinks, the London-based scribe quickly acquiesces. The next morning, though, she doesn't feel okay — and it isn't just a hangover, with Arabella slowly realising that she has been the victim of sexual assault. It's best to take I May Destroy You's title literally from the get-go — in reference to how this show will make you feel, that is. Turning a traumatic experience into blistering television, the 12-part series is easily 2020's best, and it is definitely a phenomenal effort from creator/writer/co-director/star Coel. Watching Arabella come to terms with what's happened to her, and to regain her sense of self, isn't easy viewing — but it's absolutely must-see TV.
Melbourne Fashion Week is back, and this year's instalment promises a week brimming with style, flair and a pinch of the unexpected. From Monday, October 23 to Sunday, October 29, the heart of Melbourne is set to pulse with the vibrant rhythm of 300 designers and retailers. There will be 100 events in both classic venues as well as some rather interesting settings, including the rooftop pool deck at Le Méridien and some abandoned industrial garages. This year's MFW theme, For Curious Hearts, is all about giving a nod to the unsung heroes backstage. The mavericks, the designers, the people who make the industry tick — both emerging and established. This year is for championing sustainability, inclusivity, and everything that makes Australia's fashion scene so vivaciously diverse. Speaking of sustainability, MFW is carbon neutral certified, with $1 from each ticket going to carbon offset efforts. So, while you enjoy the city's fashion fiesta, you're also doing your part to stave off the climate apocalypse. Fun! The MFW runway spectacle is set to grace various venues across the city, from transformed industrial locales to the majestic Regent Theatre. Spotlighting the event are names like Jason Grech, Bec + Bridge, Ngali, Blanca Studios, Leo Lin, Aje, J'Aton, Oroton, Mariam Seddiq, and Arnsdorf, among others. The crowd-favourite fashion capsules are back in full swing, revealing the craftsmanship of over 70 local creators. To add to the fun, there will be complimentary runway pop-ups, including at the newly launched MFW spots at Emporium and QV. For those keen on learning more about the industry, Creative Victoria is hosting the MFW Conversations program. The series, graced by iconic fashion editor Janice Breen Burns, delves into topics like circular fashion and the role of tech in the industry. Students will also get their moment in the limelight with the Student Collections Runway, crowning the MFW Student Award winner on October 27. So, if you're a fashion lover (or just keen on soaking up the vibes), grab your tickets, and we'll see you on the runway. Head to Visit Melbourne for the full rundown and to check out what else is happening in Melbourne this spring.
Prefer a sophisticated sort of Sunday session to basic brews at the pub? Well, you're in luck because Poodle Bar & Bistro is here to elevate your weekend with a fresh edition of its ever-popular bottomless brunch. The Fitzroy eatery will be serving up the goods once again this Sunday, July 3. Across one of two sittings (11.30am and 2pm), you'll tuck into a parade of swanky brunch plates courtesy of legendary chef Josh Fry — think, house-made chicken liver parfait, delicate vol au vents crowned with Yarra Valley caviar, roast lamb rump with shallot jus, and a silky fig leaf panna cotta. While you feast, the drinks will be flowing just as easily — and with just as much style. Your $85 ticket pairs those eats with two hours of bottomless bevs, from bubbly and bellinis, to white wine spritzes and blood orange seltzers. [caption id="attachment_774766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Poodle Bar & Bistro[/caption]
The CBD is in for a huge one this weekend as it comes alive with the annual buzz that is Shop the City. The City of Melbourne's jam-packed weekend of giveaways, gigs and retail offers is back to fill your shopping bags from this Friday, May 5–Sunday, May 7. Much of the action will be going down at the event's pop-up hub in Bourke Street Mall. We're talking live performances from acts like sequinned icons The Huxleys, and giveaways courtesy of brands including Go-To, Remedy Drinks and Funday Natural Sweets. There'll also be a wall of lockers stocked with prizes for anyone who drops by and flashes a shopping receipt from a purchase made across the weekend. Other inner-city precincts like Emporium, QV, Flinders Street Station and Collins Place will be slinging freebies of their own — hit the online map and track them down to nab products and vouchers from Aesop, Chatime, Bread Club and more. In between hunting down giveaways and complimentary goodies, you'll find a hefty lineup of exclusive retail discounts and offers to shop across the three days. That includes generous deals from spots like Whisky & Alement, Mecca Cosmetica, Glue Store and Nike, plus Sunglass Hut, David Jones, Superdry and others. Images: Danielle Castano
Swedish furniture giant IKEA has been creating stylish storage solutions for our personal possessions for decades. As part of their latest marketing strategy, they've released a digital version of the Expedit shelving range to restore order to computer files. Hungarian advertising agency Laboratory Ideas developed the concept, saying "We prepared a useful, design-conscious and cost-effective way - true to IKEA's values - to organize and store your stuff even in your second home, your computer." One of my pet hates is that PCs don't allow for folder customisation. At least on Mac you can colour-code and highlight, though it's limited to seven shades. With its icon set of boxes, drawers and shelving in a range of colours and designs, IKEA's e-Folder set lets you say goodbye to stock-standard folders and furnish your computer so it feels like home. Download the set from IKEA online stores in Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, check out the installation instructions in English and get tidy! [Via NotCot]
2019 is shaping up to be a mighty big year for Elton John. Biopic Rocketman launches into cinemas in May, starring Kingsman's Taron Egerton as the singer and covering his wild 70s antics. The live-action version of The Lion King hits screens come July, featuring the musician's iconic tunes from the original, as well as new songs. And to cap it all off, the star himself is headed our way at the end of the year for a huge farewell tour. Bringing his 300-stop Farewell Yellow Brick Road shows to Australia and New Zealand between November 2019 and February 2020, John has announced 18 concerts across more than two months — including gigs in capital cities, a number of regional dates, and shows at A Day on the Green. More concerts, including shows in north Queensland, will be announced later this year. He kicked off the extensive tour last September, embarking on a three-year global goodbye trip. When it comes to an end, he'll retire from touring after five decades on the road. If that all sounds rather massive, that's John's career in a nutshell. He's played more than 4000 shows across his career, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time thanks to the 1997 version of 'Candle in the Wind'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVBCG6ThDk Fans can expect to feel the love through all of his hits, including 'Rocket Man', 'Tiny Dancer' 'Bennie and the Jets', 'Crocodile Rock', 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting' — especially the latter, you'd expect, on his six Saturday shows. The concerts will also feature never-before-seen images and videos show from John's 50-year career, which'll be displayed throughout the show, as well as a new tour wardrobe designed by Gucci. ELTON JOHN 'FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD' 2019 TOUR DATES Perth — Saturday, November 30, 2019 and Sunday, December 1, 2019 at HBF Park Adelaide — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Botanic Park Melbourne — Tuesday, December 10, 2019 and Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Rod Laver Arena Brisbane — Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney — Saturday, December 21, 2019 and Monday, December 23, 2019 at ICC Sydney Theatre, plus Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Qudos Bank Arena Hunter Valley — Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Hope Estate Mount Cotton — Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Sirromet Wines Bathurst — Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at Carrington Park Woodend — Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Hanging Rock Rutherglen — Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at All Saints Estate Yarra Valley — Friday, January 31, 2020 at Rochford Wines Dunedin — Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Forsyth Barr Stadium Hawke's Bay — Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Mission Estate Winery Auckland — Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Mt Smart Stadium Tickets for Elton John's Australian capital city and New Zealand shows are available from 9am (local time) on Thursday, February 14, 2019, with all other concerts available from 9am (local time) on Friday, February 15, 2019. Visit oznz.eltonjohn.com for further details, as well as information about pre-sales. Image: Ben Gibson.
Millions of Aussies flock to Sydney's sparkling shores each year — and, now that the borders are open, it's time to book your great escape to the city. But often, it seems, not many make it past the main attractions. That's why we're here to help. If you're considering a trip to the Harbour City, there's plenty to add to your itinerary beyond the usual highlight reel of CBD sights. Once you've made the pilgrimage to our cultural institutions and culinary heavyweights, make tracks to the neighbourhood watering holes, independent shops and small galleries locals love. We've joined forces with Destination NSW to show you how. Live like a local and uncover the hidden gems that make Sydney's inner city suburbs worth a visit. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_652518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grounds of Alexandria, Destination NSW[/caption] WHERE TO BRUNCH You've probably been to: Visitors are known to flock to the beloved Grounds of Alexandria (as well as its city outpost, The Grounds of the City) and the well-known Bills establishments in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Bondi — and we don't blame them. Besides being the perfect spot for your next Instagram photo, The Grounds of Alexandria offers a cafe, restaurant, bar, bakery, patisserie, coffee roastery, florist and markets to explore. And at Bills, it almost goes without saying that those corn fritters, creamy scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes are huge drawcards. But when you're ready to try something new (and avoid the queues), join the locals for the morning meal. [caption id="attachment_708584" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reuben Hills[/caption] Next, you should go to: Nestled in the leafy streets of Surry Hills (and just a ten-minute walk northeast from Central Station), Reuben Hills delivers South American-inspired eats and house-roasted specialty coffee. Its soft-baked eggs with ranchero and kale are made to warm bellies and the chorizo brekkie roll is possibly the best spin on a classic B&E sanga you'll find in the city. Or, head slightly further out to Redfern Station, walk five minutes down Eveleigh Street, and you'll find Henry Lee's, a charming courtyard cafe with an ever-changing menu of local produce. Don't miss Henry's Dream toast with avocado, pesto, heirloom tomato, pomegranate molasses and a poached egg, and make sure to nab a batch brew made with locally roasted beans from The Little Marionette. [caption id="attachment_785522" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindy Lee 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things', 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop', MCA. Image credit: Anna Kucera[/caption] WHERE TO SEE ART You've probably been to: The Art Gallery of NSW brings together centuries of international and local talent to create one of the world's most beautiful art museums, while the Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates the work of modern artists from Australia and abroad. With rotating exhibitions, there's always something new to discover on a return trip, but if you're looking for something off the beaten track, read on. [caption id="attachment_770817" align="alignnone" width="2000"] White Rabbit 'And Now', Kimberley Low[/caption] Next, you should go to: On the hunt for something one-of-a-kind? Meet Firstdraft, Woolloomooloo's premier space for emerging and experimental art. Expect to be challenged and inspired here by ambitious art making. Next up is Chippendale's Galerie Pompom, a venue as playful as its name suggests. Stop by and explore mixed-media works from young and emerging Sydney- and Melbourne-based artists. Then from there, you can go on a gallery crawl of sorts to surrounding art spaces, including Nanda\Hobbs, Harrington Street Gallery, Goodspace Gallery at The Lord Gladstone pub and, of course, White Rabbit Gallery. [caption id="attachment_721571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] WHERE TO DINE You've probably been to: When on the hunt for an indulgent feast in the inner city, the Sydney Opera House sails prove a popular destination. Bennelong offers a dining experience as unique as the building it sits within, with views across the harbour and a fine-dining menu from celebrated chef Peter Gilmore. Then there's Surry Hills' queue-inviting Thai eatery, Chin Chin. Its trademark neon glow, loud music and industrial design make it a go-to for visiting food lovers. But if you've tried these big names, this is your chance to explore Sydney's neighbourhood gems — and we've got a lot. [caption id="attachment_784794" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sunshine Inn, Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Next, you should go to: First and foremost, head to cosy Italian eatery Kindred in Darlington for a homely feed. It's as inviting as Nonna's kitchen, featuring house-made pasta, bread and cultured butter and it serves almost exclusively organic, bio-dynamic or natural wines. For a memorable feast in vibrant surroundings, make tracks to Surry Hills' rule-breaking Indian restaurant Don't Tell Aunty. Opt for chef Jessi Singh's set menu for $65 per person, and you'll get to try almost all the curries on the menu with the thali (curry platter). And, to really indulge in local flavours, head to The Sunshine Inn, Redfern's new restaurant and cocktail bar from the Golden Gully crew. Alongside a drinks list packed with nearby producers — including Yulli's Brews, Batch Brewing Co and Mr Black — it serves a selection of all-vegetarian, seasonal snacks. [caption id="attachment_637643" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frankie's, Katje Ford[/caption] WHERE TO DRINK You've probably been to: The laneways of Sydney's CBD are a goldmine for a post-dinner tipple. Revellers will be well acquainted with late-night, rocker joint Frankie's Pizza. It's part dive bar, part New York-style pizza parlour, part blast from the past in 80s metal form. Then, of course, there's The Baxter Inn, the underground bar known for its 800-plus whisky offering, endless bowls of free pretzels and speakeasy vibe. But as great as Frankie's and The Baxter Inn are, they're just the tip of the small bar iceberg. [caption id="attachment_725315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arcadia Liquors, Kitti Gould[/caption] Next, you should go to: Down the road, you'll find one of the CBD's best courtyard bars, Since I Left You — which just so happens to hold one of the first small bar licenses ever issued in the city. Sip a hard lemonade, dig into a cheeseburger toastie and catch one of the many live gigs the bar hosts. Plus, every Saturday it offers beats, bottomless cocktails and themed brunches. A little further out in Redfern, you'll find neighbourhood stalwart Arcadia Liquors. Sample a selection of Sydney-brewed beers or sip a martini made with local gin. Continue on to Newtown, in the direction of Corridor. The name of this joint says it all — it's a slim, cosy bar with a rooftop area that offers an ace happy hour where you can sip $7 pints of local brews and $14 cocktails. [caption id="attachment_725960" align="alignnone" width="1920"] State Theatre[/caption] WHERE TO CATCH A SHOW You've probably been to: Seeing a show at Sydney Opera House is a bucket-list item. With shows ranging from cabaret and comedy to symphony and ballet — and everything in between — it's easy to find something to pique your interests. Beyond the iconic sails, you'll find Haymarket's historic Capitol Theatre, which often hosts world-class musicals, ballet and opera, as well as the heritage-listed State Theatre, which brings film, theatre and music performances to the masses. But, that's just the start of what Sydney has to offer. [caption id="attachment_637702" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Venue 505, Katje Ford[/caption] Next, you should go to: Live music comes alive at inner west gem Venue 505. Brimming with talented musicians, this spot plays host to excellent live jazz, roots, reggae, funk, instrumental and vocal entertainment Monday to Saturday — and often for free or less than $50. Down the road, the historic Vanguard has a full program showcasing local and international talents from a mixed bag of genres, including rock, soul, blues and tribute bands. When it comes to theatre, Griffin Theatre Company offers a celebration of local playwrights and actors. Stop by to see the next Cate Blanchett or David Wenham take the stage (both of whom started their careers with this iconic company). [caption id="attachment_739630" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Strand Arcade, Destination NSW[/caption] WHERE TO SHOP You've probably been to: You've probably roamed the ornate halls of the historic Queen Victoria Building, boasting 170 boutiques plus several drinking and dining options — including a spot dedicated entirely to champagne. And you've probably wandered through The Strand Arcade, with its high-end fashions. The heritage Victorian building is the place to go for something fancy and bespoke (like a hat steamed and fitted to your head) or for a swish meal at Pendolino, the decadent Italian restaurant on level four. But outside of these dazzling arcades, you'll get to experience the boutiques and purveyors the locals frequent. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lunatiques, Kitti Gould[/caption] Next, you should go to: Venture out of the CBD and head to one of the many shopping streets around the inner city suburbs. Antique lovers will adore Mascot's vintage warehouse, Lunatiques. Brimming with pre-loved furniture, art, clothes and more, this is a destination for collectors and interiors aficionados alike. Trendsetters, head to picturesque Paddington and make a beeline for Di Nuovo, which offers racks of hand-picked, secondhand pieces from local and overseas high-end labels. And if you're looking for a good read for your trip, pay a visit to Glebe's Gleebooks to track down new and secondhand books. The bookshop has been a local favourite for over 40 years. You can also stop by neighbouring Sappho's, another secondhand bookshop with many hard-to-find or out-of-print titles, plus a cafe-bar in the courtyard out the back. Make your great escape to Sydney now and traverse it like a local. Discover more around the city here. Top image: Since I Left You
In Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis inspires empowerment through her strength, power and resilience. Inspired by these qualities, two Melbourne makers have collaborated to create To Artemis, a debut clothing collection that embodies them and promotes feminine strength and confidence. Created by Zoë Bastin and Adrienne Grech, the soon-to-launch label brings a fresh perspective to Melbourne fashion. The pair come from vastly different working backgrounds; Zoë is a practising artist who's currently completing her PhD in Fine Art, while Adrienne is a neuroscience PhD student investigating cognition in schizophrenia. This unique combination has resulted in clever, elegant design and a tonal colour palette that will slide easily into any wardrobe. The pieces are also practical — they've been designed to be easy to wear no matter where the day takes you, whether you're creating, studying, dancing or exploring. The team behind To Artemis wanted to provide comfortable, versatile styles that promote confidence with feminine agency in mind. The collection spans linen wrap dresses, skirts and pants, a shibori-dyed silk skirt, linen tops and a transparent glitter acrylic tote bag. "We want to provide well-fitting clothing to fit diverse bodies to play and create in. For us, this means comfortable, adjustable and versatile garments," says Zoë. "So anyone who wants to wear us, can. There are lots of options to suit different tastes." The two designers aim to fill a gap in the local fashion market. "I saw a lot of small labels popping up that tried to make clothing ethically, or that handmade garments here in Melbourne or tried to promote inclusivity with fits," she explains. "But none that did all these things at once." To Artemis stock sizes XS to XL — but if those measurements don't fit, you can contact the girls to work out a custom fit. All are made in Melbourne. To Artemis officially launches on March 28, and they're taking a limited pre-order until March 18 — you can view the catalogue and ordering details here. For more information, follow them on Instagram.
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Como and The Astor as well as cinemas around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. There's a lot to see, but find our picks of the five must-see films at this year's Greek Film Festival below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE7zzOXR3A CHEVALIER One of our very favourite films of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Chevalier offers of deadpan critique on male insecurity. Directed by Attenberg's Athina Rachel Tsangari, who also co-wrote the screenplay with regular Lanthimos collaborator Efthymis Filippouk, the film is about six men on a yacht as they compete to determine who is "the best in general". How quickly can you solve a Rubik's cube? How good are you at household chores? Everything — and we mean everything — becomes fodder for their ridiculous contest, in a film that is both hilarious and profoundly sad. In addition to sessions at this year's Greek Film Festival, Chevalier is screening in Melbourne at ACMI until October 20. Read our full review here. SUNTAN Where Chevalier offers a cringingly funny look into the middle-aged male psyche, Suntan provides a more sinister view of a similar subject. Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor who takes a job as a GP on a small Greek island, only to fall hard for a beautiful young tourist. But infatuation soon gives way to misanthropic obsession, as director Argyris Papadimitropoulos leads viewers down a path they may not wish to tread. The sun-soaked cinematography belies the darkness at the heart of this picture, which proves an uncomfortably compelling watch. A LIFE OF ITS OWN As the Australian medical community continues to debate the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, Greek-Australian journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos delves into the controversial subject for herself. Inspired by her encounter with cancer sufferer Dan Haslam, who used cannabis to relieve his excruciating pain, A Life Of Its Own: The Truth About Medical Marijuana explores the social and political factors that shape legislation around the drug, while chronicling groundbreaking research that could make a world of difference. Kapalos will be on hand for public Q&As following screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. SMAC Critically acclaimed in its native Greece, Elias Demetriou's SMAC won the audience awards at both the Athens Outview Film Festival and Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, and shapes up as essential viewing at this year's GFF. Evangelia Andreadaki stars as Eleni, a middle-aged lesbian woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis. In order to quell her fears of dying alone, Eleni invites a homeless man to live with her, leading to an unlikely friendship. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a pack of tissues. BENEATH THE OLIVE TREE Inspired by secret journals written by imprisoned female political dissidents during the Greek Civil War between 1946 and 1949, Beneath the Olive Tree is described in the GFF program as "an exposé of courage, ideals, forgiveness, healing, and the important role our past plays in our present and future". Using a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviewers and motion capture animation, young New York-based documentarian Stavroula Toska recounts the remarkable stories of incredible women accused of crimes they didn't commit. The Greek Film Festival will run at Palace Como and The Astor from Wednesday, October 12 until Sunday, October 23. For the full program, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au.
Soon, in North Sydney, smokers mightn't just have to stub out their cigarettes in public areas — rather, puffing away in the entire central business district could be banned. At a meeting this week, the North Sydney Council moved to create a smoke-free CBD, prohibiting smoking in all public spaces within the North Sydney local government area. The motion received the unanimous support of attending councillors, with determining community support listed as the next step in the meeting minutes. North Sydney, Sydney's second largest CBD, already boasts a number of smoke-free zones at Brett Whiteley Place and Elizabeth Plaza. Both are self-regulated, which is how the council proposes that the new CBD-wide ban would work — and with participating restaurants, bars and cafes placing council-produced and -providers stickers in their windows to help raise awareness. "Council's creation of self-regulated, no smoking zones has been well received by the community and I believe a push to expand this policy would be widely welcomed," North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson states in the minutes. The mayor advised the ABC that fines won't be issued for those who flout the ban — and if locals supported the smoke-free plan, it could be in place by Christmas or early 2019. And, Gibson told the Sydney Morning Herald, the eventual aim is to make the entirety of North Sydney's shared public spaces smoke-free, including streets, plazas, parks and outdoor seating. Throughout New South Wales more broadly, smoking in enclosed areas of licensed premises has been illegal since 2007, while lighting up in outdoor spaces such as public transport stops and stations, the entrances to public buildings, around children's playgrounds and near spectators at sporting facilities has been banned since 2012. In 2015, the state prohibited smoking in outdoor dining areas as well, including on on footpaths outside licensed cafes and pubs. And, since September 2016, Pitt Street Mall Place in the Sydney CBD has been smoke-free. Queensland outlawed smoking in outdoor dining areas in 2006, while Victoria followed suit in 2017. And both Brisbane and Melbourne have designated smoke-free areas in their CBDs — either through state-wide restrictions on smoking in outdoor pedestrian malls, or through specific smoke-free sites. Hobart also has a number of designated smoke-free sites.
One lavish estate. A reunion filled with dysfunctional relatives. The sudden death of the family patriarch. Combine them all together, and you have a good ol' fashioned murder mystery — as well as the plot for Rian Johnson's latest star-studded film, Knives Out. The fifth feature from the writer/director, as well as his first since 2017's Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, Knives Out steps into quite the chaotic situation. Just after his 85th birthday, crime novelist Harlan Thrombin (Christopher Plummer) is found dead, all while his manor happens to be filled with both family members and staff. Eager to discover just what's behind the old man's demise, Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is soon on the case. Yes, Agatha Christie would be proud. And, like all of her famous whodunnits, Knives Out's sleuth has plenty of suspects. Indeed, the list of potential culprits is jam-packed with familiar faces, including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon and LaKeith Stanfield, as well as 13 Reasons Why's Katherine Langford, IT: Chapter Two's Jaeden Martell and Blade Runner 2049's Ana de Armas. Basically, think Cluedo come to life, filled with high-profile talent, and packaged with both twists and laughs. Johnson's love of on-screen puzzles was well-established in both Brick and Looper, so the filmmaker seems like he's in his element. Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw6L1mu-Nss Knives Out releases in Australian cinemas on November 28.
When HBO managed to get the cast of Friends back on the same couch and chatting to camera about their time on the hit sitcom, the US cable network clearly found itself a new niche. That'd be big reunion specials that reteam the stars of beloved pop culture favourites to talk about their experiences — so it's going down the same route with the Harry Potter franchise. If you've been chanting "accio more Harry Potter" to yourself for the past decade since the eight-film series wrapped up, it seems that your wishes have finally come true. Like the Friends special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts won't feature anyone in-character — but, if you're a fan, spending more time with the movies' stars still promises to be magical. There'd be no point going ahead if Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson weren't all involved, so they're definitely on the lineup. So is filmmaker Chris Columbus, who directed the franchise's first two movies. Joining them is a huge list of other actors from across the movie series' history, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman and Tom Felton, plus James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart. You'll spot some missing names — Maggie Smith and Robert Pattinson, for instance, to name just two — but clearly there'll be a whole lot of HP cast members reminiscing about their time in the wizarding world. As the special's name makes plain, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is popping up to celebrate 20 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first reached cinemas back in 2001. That said, whether you're a muggle, a wannabe wizard and witch, or someone who spent far too much of their childhood reading the books and watching the flicks, you'll actually be checking out the new special in 2022. In the US, it'll stream on January 1 on HBO Max. Viewing options Down Under haven't yet been revealed, so there's something to start trying to summon sooner rather than later. Check out the teaser trailer for the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special below: HBO's Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special will be available to stream in the US on January 1, 2022 — we'll update you with viewing details Down Under when they're announced.
First it was the Cheese Festival, then the Sausage Fest, and now Prahran Market is completing the holy trio of meats, cheese and chocolate with — you guessed it — a chocolate festival. The Wicked Chocolate Festival will be held at Prahran Market on Saturday, May 7. As well as on-stage talks about the stuff, a kitchen where you can see how it's made and tasting events, Melbourne's finest will be pulling out their best chocolate creations at the Pop-Up Chocolate Precinct. This will include — are you ready for this? — chocolate doughnuts from Doughboys, chocolate cookie sandwiches by Butterbing, Nutella pizzas from A25 Pizzeria, as well as treats from Burch & Purchese, Bibelot, Fritz Gelato and Pana Chocolate. There'll be everything from hot chocolate to cold chocolate (read: ice cream), and rich chocolate mousse to raw vegan Snickers bars. The market is known for their decidedly delicious events, and this one is set to be just as epic and coma-inducing — especially if you enter the chocolate eating competition. More details to come on how you can enter that one, but we suggest you start practicing with a some blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milk and a few rounds of The Chocolate Game. Fingers crossed you roll a few sixes. The Wicked Chocolate will be held at Prahran Market on Saturday, May 7 from 10.30am. For more info, visit their website.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from researching Super Discount, it’s that ‘intellectual disability’ is hardly an appropriate term, because this crew seems far cleverer than I. Spawned from Geelong’s internationally acclaimed Back to Back Theatre Company (makers of the 2012 Helpmann and Green Room Award-winning play Ganesh Versus the Third Reich), Bruce Gladwin’s Super Discount will be wowing Sydney and Melbourne audiences this spring. In accordance with Back to Back’s longstanding tradition, Super Discount was written through improvisation by six actors — all but one suffering from a perceived intellectual disability — alongside Gladwin. Originally a collaboration with artist Tim Sharp, Super Discount recently underwent a name change when creative differences arose. What’s left is a production that gives voice to those who might normally be ignored and allows for diversity in their representation, “questioning how audiences read representations of disability” and stereotypical perceptions. “The general consensus in contemporary societies is that if you’re disabled it would be very inappropriate to make you [your character] evil," says Gladwin. "And really, evil is a capacity that we all have — to be evil is to be human. You know, if you can’t play evil because you’ve got a disability, you’re actually saying you’re something other than human.” If you’ve never known the disabled experience, Super Discount will clue you in. This time around the company has stripped away the scenography, leaving behind only the actors raw and exposed. "[They’re holding] what is a very detailed narrative in their hands onstage and all they have is their skill as actors," says Gladwin. "There’s nothing for them to hide behind and there’s always an element around disability that involves essentially a kind of voyeurism. In a way the actors are asking you to look at them and look only at them.” But Gladwin insists that this production is joyous, because ultimately, he says, “the piece is empowering”. Under the guise of superheroes, the performers — including Mark Deans, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring, Scott Price, Brian Tilley and David Woods — are talking some universal stuff. I mean, in spite of our perfectly staged and photoshopped Facebook pictures, even those of us fighting crime are flawed. “Iron Man has a weak heart," says Gladwin. "Thor is lame and walks on a walking stick as Doctor Donald Blake; Rogue in X-Men can’t touch anyone without killing them. Through some form of flaw or disability or mutation they [superheroes] exist as outsiders in society ... They are flawed and human despite the fact that they also have some sort of incredible superpower or access to some sort of incredible, empowering technology.” Super Discount is equal parts humorous and poignant, so expect to be “confronted, brought to tears and brought to joyous laughter” all at the same time. Maybe rewrite the dictionary's definition of 'disability' while you're at it. You can join the ensemble at the Malthouse Theatre November 13 to December 1 for something that packs more than a little ka-pow.
Melburnians will have a rare chance to experience a white Christmas right here in their own backyard, when the Queen Victoria Market plays host to the city's first-ever summer outdoor ice-skating rink. Keeping us cool through the normally balmy stretch of December 1 to 24, the Air Canada pop-up will transform the Market's historic sheds into a festive, wintery wonderland, to celebrate the airline's new non-stop Melbourne to Vancouver route. The rink will host hourly skating sessions, with all the kit available to hire, from skates and helmets to knee pads. What's more, the fun continues off the ice, with a plethora of tasty rink-side offerings. Think fairy floss, buttery popcorn, maple syrup ice cream from Market stalwart Geloso Gelateria, and of course, plenty of poutine — Canada's famed dish of French fries, cheese curds and gravy. The Air Canada Ice Rink will open market days (Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays), as well as Wednesday nights to coincide with the Summer Night Market season.
Located on 15 tranquil, rolling bushland hectares in the heart of Fingal, this modern wellness sanctuary has been years in the making. And Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is a certified stunner; from the majestic main spa building with its grand curves, to the thermal baths nestled throughout the grounds. If bathing is on the agenda, you'll find 31 idyllic pools, each one built for a different purpose and carefully integrated into its own immediate landscape, right down to the choice of native flora surrounding it. Forming a trail down the hill known as The Hemisphere, they range from the secluded to the more social; with everything from botanical-infused baths to icy plunge pools. One might feel like you're stepping into an Ancient Roman bath, while another envelops you with high walls carving out your own private view of the skies above. A steam room and sauna sit up here, too. Back down in the main building, the onsite spa is a serene and oh-so-stylish escape, complete with 22 treatment rooms and a zen relaxation lounge where you can kick back on a daybed in that post-pamper glow. The spa offers a hefty range of facial and body treatments, built around both Vanessa Megan's award-winning Aussie-made nutraceutical products and Aika Wellness Ayurvedic skincare. There's also a Vichy shower, a steam room, and a dedicated manicure and pedicure suite. Only building on how good you're guaranteed to feel after a bathing session or massage here, is the onsite restaurant Thyme helmed by renowned chef Karen Martini. A lofty indoor-outdoor space overlooking the pools, it's an all-day affair, championing local produce via a menu filled with plates designed to both satisfy and nourish. Images: Chris-McConville
Residents of 88 Melbourne suburbs are being told to hold off on drinking their tap water today (unless it's boiled), after last night's storms caused electrical damage impacting some of the city's water supply. Yarra Valley Water, which is Melbourne's largest retail water utility, sounded the alert via Twitter this morning. "Some water may have entered our drinking water supply network that had not been treated to the usual standard," the company has warned. Power has since returned and it's addressed the initial issue, though some areas are still being supplied with water that's not been properly treated. https://twitter.com/YVWater/status/1299136129200017408 Until it resolves the problem, Yarra Valley Water is advising residents of the impacted suburbs to take precautions and bring any tap water to a rolling boil before using it to drink, brush teeth, make ice, or prepare food or baby formula. The company Tweeted that the risk of illness from drinking the water is low, but that people should see their doctor if they experience any gastro-type symptoms. It's expecting things to be fixed by this afternoon and says it will send out confirmation when the suburbs' tap water supply is back to normal quality. To make matters worse, Yarra Valley Water's website has been having some issues of its own today and has been down for part of the morning. But if you want to know which suburbs have been affected, here they are: Attwood Bayswater Bayswater North Blackburn Blackburn North Blackburn South Boronia Box Hill North Broadmeadows Bulleen Bundoora Burwood Burwood East Campbellfield Chirnside Park Coburg North Coldstream Coolaroo Craigieburn Croydon Croydon Hills Croydon North Croydon South Dallas Doncaster Doncaster East Donvale Doreen Eltham Epping Fawkner Forest Hill Glen Waverley Greensborough Greensborough Greenvale Heathmont Kalorama Kangaroo Ground Kilsyth Kilsyth South Kingsbury Lalor Lilydale Lower Plenty Meadow Heights Melbourne Airport Mernda Mill Park Mitcham Monbulk Mont Albert North Montmorency Montrose Mooroolbark Mount Dandenong Mount Evelyn Mount Waverley North Warrandyte Nunawading Olinda Park Orchards Plenty Research Reservoir Ringwood Ringwood East Ringwood North Roxburgh Park Silvan Somerton South Morang Templestowe Templestowe Lower The Basin Thomastown Vermont Vermont South Viewbank Wantirna Warrandyte Warrandyte South Warranwood Westmeadows Wollert Wonga Park Yallambie Yarrambat For updates on the water supply issue, keep an eye on Yarra Valley Water's Twitter account.
Unstoppable chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell, whose hospitality empire includes Cutler & Co., Cumulus Inc. and Ricky & Pinky, is embarking on yet another project. This summer, for ten magnificent days, he'll be taking over the Garden Restaurant at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), and transforming it into Supernormal Natsu, a spin-off of Supernormal, his modern Japanese restaurant in Flinders Lane. The pop-up is part of Triennial EXTRA, a 10-day, one-off festival, organised to celebrate the inaugural NGV Triennial, a free exhibition featuring the works of 100 artists from 32 nations, which opens on December 15. Triennial EXTRA and Supernormal Natsu will run from January 19 to 28. Every day, from midday, McConnell's team will be creating dishes inspired by natsu, which is Japanese for summer. Many of them will be emerging from a hibachi grill, to be positioned on the restaurant's terrace. And although the details of specific dishes are yet to be revealed, we can tell you to expect fresh meats and seafood, grilled to perfection, and accompanied by summery ingredients. The dessert menu will include an array of sweet hits based on shaved ice. In addition to Supernormal Natsu, Triennial EXTRA will bring a bunch of free immersive and experiential events to the NGV, covering art, music, dance, live performance, design, fashion and ideas. Images: Ben Swinnerton and Kristoffer Paulsen.
Haunting strains of bluegrass music flow through Belgium's tear-jerking entry to last year's Academy Awards. Such mournful melodies are a fitting accompaniment to the story, about two musicians whose marriage begins to crumble after their daughter succumbs to terminal cancer. Despite the miserable subject matter, writer-director Felix Van Groeningen manages to mostly strike the right chord, eschewing unchecked histrionics for honest, bittersweet emotion. Actors Johan Heldenbergh and Veerle Baetens have devastating chemistry as shell-shocked parents Didier and Elise. A banjo-playing cowboy and a music-loving tattoo-artist respectively, they're a free-spirited pair brought crashing down to earth by six-year-old Maybelle's unexpected diagnosis. In the film's opening scene, we seem them stranded helplessly by her hospital bed. We don't need the doctor to tell us the prognosis is grim. From there, Van Groeningen flashes back seven years, to Elise and Didier's first meeting. After bonding over Didier's love of American culture, the pair embarks on a whirlwind romance — only for Van Groeningen to abruptly bring us back to their heartrending present. Backwards and forwards we're torn, through courtship, pregnancy, marriage, parenthood, the onset of Maybelle's illness and the unimaginable pain of her passing. The non-linear structure only heightens the emotional maelstrom, as scenes of tenderness and love clash against anger, grief and resentment. A dying child is a tricky narrative device. Do it wrong and it seems cheap and exploitative. Do it right and you've still got a movie way too depressing for most people to want to watch. Where Broken Circle Breakdown succeeds is in focusing on Elise and Didier's relationship. Heldenbergh and Baetens are both phenomenally good, turning in performances that are both natural and on occasion frighteningly raw. Van Groeningen does overdo the melodrama at times, particularly towards the end of the film when viewers may begin to feel fatigued. To his credit, however, it never feels insincere or calculated. The same is true for some rather on-the-nose political commentary about stem-cell research and religion. It's preachy, sure, but the film's heart is in the right place. Ultimately, the earnestness with which it's delivered makes it a whole lot easier to swallow. But the best moments in the movie are undoubtedly the songs; a mix of classics and original compositions performed in key scenes by Didier, Elise and their band. In these moments in particular, Van Groeningen finds his harmony between beauty, sorrow and joy. https://youtube.com/watch?v=raaHRyBtIEo
When you think of the Big Apple, you can't help the image of a yellow taxi springing to mind. That's even if, like me, you've never been there. It's the brightest of American icons and it's about to get a Japanese makeover. Automaker Nissan has won the exclusive 10-year, US$1 billion contract to produce the city's fleet of 13,200 yellow taxis. Nissan's North American take on the NV200, a model already in use in Europe and Asia, won over finalist manufacturers Ford and Karsan, from Turkey. Previously, the taxis of New York City have been produced by Ford: Crown Victorias and hybrid Ford Escapes. These models will be phased out over a 3 to 5 year period to make way for Nissan's new model. [Via Jalopnik]
It's a wine store and tasting room, but not quite as you know it. Smith Street newcomer Glou is shaking up the game, exclusively serving wine on tap, both to sip in and take away. An envelope-pushing concept from Rahel Goldmann (IDES, Hell of the North) and Ron Davis (Samuel Pepys, Le Pont Wine Store), the venue's built on a strong commitment to sustainability, though that doesn't mean it's about to go skimping on quality. If the thought of tap wine left you unenthused before, prepare to have your perceptions shaken. Having spent a collective three decades working in upscale restaurants and wine stores across the world, Goldmann and Davis are keen to help revamp the local wine game, stirring positive changes and a shift to embracing more environmentally minded practices from end to end. Doing away with single-use wine bottles, Glou instead pours all of its drops from taps, using an environmentally friendly Key Kegs system. And, rather than limiting themselves to the small pool of winemakers already offering tap wines commercially, the owners are working directly with their favourite sustainably focused wineries to keg a curation of top-notch wines straight from the barrel. Expect the likes of the Barossa's Rasa Wines, Adelaide Hills legend Charlotte Dalton, and Victoria's own Ben Haines and Noisy Ritual. At the venue, you can get the wines poured into 500-millilitre, one-litre, or two-litre reusable takeaway bottles, just as you might with beer growlers. Bring back a vessel to refill again and again, or return it for a rebate. Otherwise, pull up a seat in the minimalist space designed by Berlin artist Matthias George Koerner and Melbourne's Timmy Bourke Design, and quaff a couple of glasses alongside tapas-style Japanese bites courtesy of nearby Mono-XO. There'll be a program of industry tastings, masterclasses and winemaking events, too. Not only is Glou creating less waste, it has also drastically reduced its carbon footprint by not having to transport all that extra weight in wine bottles. Which of course translates to more wallet-friendly prices for the customer. Wines by the glass are available for $8 a pop, while half-litres start at just ten bucks and you can score two full litres from a very reasonably $40. You can check out the full menu over here. Find Glou at 310 Smith Street, Collingwood. It's open 12–9pm Tuesday–Sunday.
If you're not already at work or uni, expect major delays heading into the city this morning. An electric fire at Flinders Street Station has caused major delays across the network, with ten lines affected. Those travelling on the Frankston, Werribee, Williamstown or Sandringham lines have been told to consider alternative forms of transport, while those travelling on most other lines should allow for extra travel time. You can check out the status of all lines below — accurate at time of publication, 9.25am. To check the updated status of your line, head to the Metro Trains website. Metro Trains is suggesting those travelling to and from South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Balaclava, Ripponlea and Elsternwick use the following alternative public transport options, instead — but to still expect delays, as the services will be experiencing higher-than normal demand. https://twitter.com/metrotrains/status/1108847688953417729 The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is currently on the scene attending to the fire. https://twitter.com/MFB_NEWS/status/1108850851752230912 Head to the Metro Trains website for live public transport updates, or, if you're at the station, keep an eye on the platform displays. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria.
If your new year's resolution involved dancing as often as possible, the pandemic has just delivered bad news. With Victoria's COVID-19 case numbers continuing to rise again, the state's government has just announced the return of a familiar restriction: the closing of all indoor dance floors in hospitality and entertainment venues. The Footloose-style change was announced by Health Minister Martin Foley today, Monday, January 10, at Victoria's daily COVID-19 press conference, and will come into effect from 11.59pm on Wednesday, January 12. The only exception to the rule: indoor dance floors at weddings, although folks are asked to relocate them outdoors if possible. Indoor hospitality and entertainment venues are still able to remain open, however — they just have to shut their dance floors. And, the current one person per two-square-metre density requirement that kicked in back on Thursday, January 6 remains in place and unchanged as well. Victoria's mask rules are still in effect as well, with the government making masks mandatory again indoors just before Christmas. The state is also strongly recommending that people work from home if possible, as it has been since late last year as well. Victoria currently has 161,065 active COVID-19 cases, including 34,808 new cases reported today, Monday, January 10. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: Jake Roden, Visit Victoria.
Melbourne's oldest licensed pub, The Duke of Wellington has been entertaining locals for more than 160 years. Built in 1850, the two-storey venue is positioned close to much-loved city hotspots such as the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and The Forum, making it an ideal spot to get together with friends for a hearty meal and drinks. As summer wraps up for another year and we get ready for autumn, the pub is launching some extra special food and drink offerings. Stepping outside your standard Melbourne pub fare, two meal deals kick off the new season — the first being a tasty cooked-to-order whole suckling pig. It's big enough to serve ten people and need to be ordered four days in advance — but you'll need that time to prepare your stomach for what's to come. Speaking of needing extra space — the Duke is also serving up an audacious four-kilogram meat pie ($75), which, if you've got what it takes to finish it by yourself in under 45 minutes, they'll let you have for free. To help all that meat and pastry go down, you're going to need a drink. And, luckily, there are specials for those, too. Every Thursday there'll be half-priced bottles of wine at the Level One bar, and $19 wine flights are available all the time. The flights comprise of three glasses of wine and showcase a different theme or region each month. March kicks off with three of Mornington Peninsula's finest — a white, a rosé and a red.
Ever wonder what goes on at the museum before it opens? Turns out it's less like Night at the Museum, and more like the inside of a yoga studio. That's because, from July 18, Melbourne Museum is opening its doors for a series of workout classes from 7.30–9am. Using the surrounding museum environment, exercise instructor and choreography assistant Jo Lloyd will be leading classes of 20 people through yoga, dance and aerobics. In an effort to use the museum space for more than just slow shuffling, BalletLab has developed this hour-long class for all fitness levels. A healthy breakfast is included in the $35 ticket too (if you like to be rewarded for all physical exercise — and rightly so). So you can start your day in Warrior II with the dinosaurs, climbing stairs like the insects in the Bug Lab, or stretching like the squids and sharks. Museum Moves will take place on July 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 from 7.30am. If you'd like to return after dark, the museum is also running a series of adults-only parties on Friday nights.
Melburnians are a particularly picky bunch when it comes to our brunching spots. We jump on new spots, praise old favourites and condemn any naive newcomers to the artform. So here's eight newish spots you might have yet to try, open in the last few months and serving up some seriously tasty brunches — from shrimp and corn grits to jalapeno cornbread, chia pudding topped with pomegranate seeds to black sticky rice with coconut granola. Wake up late and give 'em a go.
Melbourne, you seem to have gone steaking mad. Three Blue Ducks is doing Wednesday Steak Night (with three Black Angus cuts), Dolly at Le Meridien Melbourne is offering its signature take on steak frites at a budget-friendly price, and Bonny in Fitzroy still has $30 wagyu on the menu. Now, Windsor's Latin American restaurant Duke Lane wants to kick off your weekends with a hearty dose of protein. Every Friday, you can swap 35 bucks for a Porterhouse. On the side, you'll get your pick of pepper sauce or chimichurri and a generous serving of fries. Plus, a margarita of your choice — be it classic, coconut or spicy — is included. With all that on board, post-steak bar hopping in Windsor could be very tempting. Hit Tombo Den for sake martinis, Windsor Wine Room for your choice of 23 wines by the glass, and Chaco's for tequila galore.
Whether you've got a mum you'd like to spoil or you just want to treat your own damn self, Jayda's upcoming feasting series has you sorted. The CBD cocktail bar — and next-door sibling to Shane Delia's Maha — is dishing up high tea with a Middle Eastern twist. Held across two weekends (Saturday, May 6, Sunday, May 7, Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14) with three sittings each day (10am–12pm, 12.30–2.30pm, 3–5pm), it's a lavish riff on the classic high tea, filled with sweet and savoury delights. You'll sit down to bites like toasted lobster buns with zaatar mayo, tarama tarts paired with salmon caviar, harissa chicken sandwiches and Turkish beef dumplings with spiced yoghurt and foraged mushrooms. Sweet treats run to the likes of handmade chocolates and Turkish delight doughnuts, and there'll be a range of tea and French-press coffee to match, too. The high tea spread comes in at $135, which includes a glass of Louis Roederer champagne to kick things off. And if you're feeling fancy, you can add on free-flowing flutes of the bubbly for an extra $100 per person.
Scienceworks' new exhibition Beyond Perception takes a look at the unseen: gravitational waves, invisible light, and the sound and aerodynamics that all surround us. While it's technically designed for teenagers, you'll still find it fun if you're into the cool stuff that science Even more adult-friendly is the accompanying Party Beyond event that will happen on Friday, June 22. With Scienceworks open late and the event only open to those over the age of 18, attendees can get a hit of adult science along with their glass of adult drinks (suck it, kids). Food and drinks will be available to purchase, and you won't be mulling over whatever you've just learnt about invisible light in silence — performances by Pillow Pro, Biscotti and Future Fosil will be featured throughout the six exhibition spaces. Plus, DJ Anton Motorik will be spinning everything from Italo-disco to proto-techno between acts. Image: Museums Victoria/Benjamin Healley.
By now, the fact that almost every beloved TV show arises from the dead at some point is hardly new news. From Gossip Girl and Saved By the Bell to Twin Peaks and the upcoming Sex and the City small-screen sequel series, plenty of programs have been doing it. The next former hit set to make a comeback: Dexter. Yes, that means that television's mild-mannered blood-splatter expert by day, serial killer by night is returning — so if you didn't like how the original series wrapped up back in 2013, that's no longer the end of Dexter Morgan's (Michael C Hall, Shadowplay) story. Eight years have passed when Dexter: New Blood kicks off, just as they have for audiences. As the just-dropped first trailer for the revival demonstrates, Dexter is now living a quiet life in the small town of Iron Lake, New York, and trying to forgo his murderous urges. He's also going by the name Jim Lindsay, which nods to author Jeff Lindsay, who penned the series of novels the show was initially based on. But, as fans saw again and again in Dexter's original eight-season run, resisting picking up a knife isn't all that easy for the program's protagonist. In fact, the trailer features plenty of blades — and all within its namesake's vicinity. In the sneak peek — the first look we've been given of the upcoming ten-episode limited series — Dexter finds his old ways calling after his new hometown is rocked by unexpected events. US network Showtime, which'll air the series in the US, obviously wants to keep the bulk of the plot up its sleeves for now; however, Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Alano Miller (Sylvie's Love), Johnny Sequoyah (Believe), Jack Alcott (The Good Lord Bird) and Clancy Brown (Promising Young Woman) are all joining the cast. And, Jennifer Carpenter (Dragged Across Concrete) is set to return as Dexter's sister Debra, as is John Lithgow (Perry Mason) as the Trinity Killer — presumably in flashbacks, given the characters' fates in the OG series. Australian viewers will be able to check out Dexter: New Blood via new streaming platform Paramount+, which launches locally on Wednesday, August 11. The new show itself doesn't start airing in the US until Sunday, November 7, and just when it'll hit Down Under hasn't been announced — but fingers crossed that it'll be around the same time. Check out the Dexter: New Blood trailer below: Dexter: New Blood is set to stream in Australia via new streaming platform Paramount+, which will launch on Wednesday, August 11. The new series will start airing in the US from Sunday, November 7; however, an exact stream date for Australia hasn't been announced as yet — we'll update you when it is.
Few things can pull Melbourne diners quite like a kitchen manned by much-loved chef Tom Sarafian. The former Bar Saracen Head Chef has achieved cult status, lending his prowess with modern Middle Eastern flavours to countless sell-out guest chef series and kitchen residencies. And now, after a popular stint back in March, it's Cumulus Inc's turn to host once again. Sarafian returns to the Flinders Lane restaurant from Wednesday, August 3–Sunday, August 14, serving up a special dinner menu (Wednesday to Saturday), plus a barbecued Sunday lunch offering. By night, you'll enjoy a shared feast for $85 per person, starring dishes like kibbeh, Murray cod shish kebabs cooked over charcoal, barbecued lamb fatteh with tomato-braised chickpeas and tahini yoghurt, and a lemon, saffron and yoghurt cake. Add-ons might include Sarafian's famed hummus elevated with spanner crab and king prawns. Bookings are encouraged, though there'll be limited spots for walk-ins from 5pm each night. Then, on Sunday, August 7 and 14, lunch takes centre stage, with a sumptuous seafood spread clocking in at $120. Book a table to enjoy bites like anchovy tabbouleh, scallops with toum and sumac, seafood fougasse (a Provencal-style bread) and a sayadiyeh (a Lebanese fish and rice dish) done with Murray cod. The Cumulus Inc team will be heading up the matching drinks list, pouring wines from Armenia and Georgia, plus cocktails and an arak service. Images: Ben Moynihan
It's not often you get a group of designers competing to have their work set alight. But then again, being chosen as the creator of that iconic Temple — or, The Man — at Nevada's legendary Burning Man festival is a very unique sort of honour. This year, bragging rights go to Arthur Mamou-Mani from London's Mamou-Mani Architects, whose spiralled structure Galaxia beat out a swag of other entries to become the next edition of the festival's most famed installation. It was selected this week by the Burning Man Arts organisation. The Temple has been a Burning Man tradition since 2000, picking a different large-scale art work each year. Towering over the festival's centre in the temporary locale of Black Rock City, it's inscribed with personal messages from festival-goers and then ritually burned to the ground on the final day. Mamou-Mani's take on the project is an enormous, swirling design, made from twenty triangular timber trusses that form paths into the structure's centre, where there'll lie a huge 3D mandela. Word is, it's inspired by the fictional planet Gaia, from Isaac Asimov's Foundation's Edge series of sci-fi novels, with the architect saying it "celebrates hope in the unknown, stars, planets, black holes, the movement uniting us in swirling galaxies of dreams."
UPDATE, December 4, 2020: Mank is available to stream via Netflix. In 2010's The Social Network, David Fincher surveyed the story of an outsider and upstart who would become a business magnate, wield significant influence and have an immense impact upon the world. The applauded and astute film tells the tale of Mark Zuckerberg and of Facebook's development — but it's also the perfect precursor to Fincher's latest movie, Mank. This time around, the filmmaker focuses on a man who once spun a similar narrative. A drama critic turned screenwriter, Herman J Mankiewicz scored the gig of his lifetime when he was hired to pen Orson Welles' first feature, and he drew upon someone from his own life to do so. Citizen Kane is famous for many things, but its central character of Charles Foster Kane is also famously partially based on US media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who Mankiewicz knew personally. Accordingly, Mank sees Fincher step behind the scenes of an iconic movie that his own work has already paralleled — to ponder how fact influences fiction, how stories that blaze across screens silver and small respond to the world around them, and how one man's best-known achievement speaks volumes about both in a plethora of ways. Mank is a slice-of-life biopic about Mankiewicz's (Gary Oldman) time writing Citizen Kane's screenplay, as well as his career around it. It's catnip for the iconic feature's multitudes of fans, in fact. But it also peers at a bigger picture, because that's classic Fincher. The director chased killers in Seven, Zodiac, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Mindhunter, painting meticulous portraits of obsession each time. He unpacked the myths we make of our own existence in Fight Club and Gone Girl, and interrogated the societal perceptions such self-told tales play with and prey upon along the way. Naturally, with him at the helm, Mank was never going to simply serve up a straightforward snapshot of a Hollywood figure. That isn't Fincher's style, and it wouldn't suit Mankiewicz's story, either. When Mank introduces its eponymous scribe, it's 1940, and he's recovering from a car accident. In a cast and confined to bed due to a broken leg, he has been dispatched to a Mojave Desert ranch by Welles (Tom Burke, The Souvenir) and his colleague John Houseman (Sam Troughton, Chernobyl) — all so he can work his word-slinging mastery. As Mankiewicz toils, the movie wanders back to times, places and people that inspire his prose, especially from the decade prior. Dictating his text to British secretary Rita Alexander (Lily Collins), he draws upon his friendships with Hearst (Charles Dance, Game of Thrones) and the news baron's starlet mistress Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried) in particular. And yes, as anyone who has seen Citizen Kane will spot, Mank's nonlinear structure apes the script that Mankiewicz pens. Many of the latter film's glimmering black-and-white shots do as well, although you won't spot a sled called Rosebud here. The authorship of Citizen Kane has long been a point of controversy, with Mankiewicz agreeing not to take any credit, as Mank shows. (When the screenplay won the film's only Oscar, however, it was awarded to both Mankiewicz and Welles.) Fincher's movie doesn't actually scrutinise the matter too deeply. It recognises that Mankiewicz was frequently asked to work uncredited — he's known to have polished the script for The Wizard of Oz, for example — and sides with the idea that Citizen Kane's screenplay was largely his creation. Of far more interest to the film is the role that Mankiewicz held not just for Welles, but also throughout his time in such an ambitious, ruthless, ethically dubious and uncaring industry. As such, it's impossible not to notice how, with Houseman trying to keep Mankiewicz's notorious love for a drink under control, the scribe feels trapped by his task for Welles. In flashbacks, the way that Mankiewicz is expected to ply his alcohol-addled wit to entertain Hearst and MGM studio chief Lous B Mayer (Arliss Howard, True Blood) is similarly inescapable. And so, Mank posits, it's little wonder that Citizen Kane became an epic takedown of the type of man whose success depends upon enlisting others to do their bidding. In a script by Jack Fincher — father of David, who wrote the screenplay in the 90s before passing away in 2003 — Mank suggests other factors that made Mankiewicz the person he was, and that shaped Citizen Kane's script as well. Scenes of Mankiewicz and his co-workers spitting out whatever ideas came to mind while lapping up the Golden Age of Hollywood and its studio system show the writer at his most content. His response to the use of movie-making trickery to create a fake news campaign to sway a 1934 Californian election by Mayer and film producer Irving Thalberg (Ferdinand Kingsley, Doctor Who) show Mankiewicz at his most passionate about something other than booze and bon mots. Also evident: the abundant cynicism that helps him wade through Tinseltown's trappings, the melancholy shared with Davies, and his reliance upon his wife Sara (Tuppence Middleton, Downton Abbey). Combine all of the above, and a dense and detailed movie results. That's Fincher's wheelhouse, after all. Mank is also visually ravishing and textured, and tonally cutting and icy — which, along with weighty performances, are all Fincher hallmarks. But there's both depth and distance to Mank. Its shadowy monochrome images, as shot by Mindhunter alum Erik Messerschmidt, dance across the screen. The Jazz Age score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is just as delightful. Oldman's certain-to-be-Oscar-nominated portrayal demands attention, and Seyfried's luminous efforts prove the best kind of surprise. And yet this movie about a man observing and interrogating a particular world, made by someone doing exactly that, always feels like it should be more intimate and resonant. It peers in and pokes about, but it never wholly lures the audience in — and watching Oldman and Seyfried's rich scenes together, viewers will wish it did. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI&list=PLsRQmb9N_1G9EZgWWwmSyr_fS0nrjZOBA
There’s nothing the Oscars love more than an inspiring true story. Every year in the lead-up to Hollywood’s most self-congratulatory night, our theatres with filled with biographical dramas: handsome, well-acted and totally inoffensive. This year’s crop includes The Imitation Game, American Sniper and The Theory of Everything, all of which attempt to rouse us with their stories of courage in the face of adversity. And yes, sure, their protagonists are all white guys. But hey, at least Alan Turing was gay. Also on the list of this year’s would-be contenders is Unbroken, the sophomore directorial effort from one Angelina Jolie. The film is a wartime biopic (of course) about Olympic marathon runner and WWII bombardier Louie Zamperini, whose B-24 aircraft crashed down in the North Pacific and who spent the last two years of the conflict as a prisoner of war in Japan. The film is based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. With a title like that, it’s hardly surprising that the story leans towards hero worship. As depicted by Jolie and actor Jack O’Connell, Zamperini is less a man as he is a pillar of bravery and virtue; a genetically engineered combination of Jesse Owens and Captain America. Flashbacks to before the war come complete with stock-standard motivational quotes. “A moment of pain,” we’re told, “is worth a lifetime of glory.” I’m not trying to diminish Zamperini’s sacrifice. But while he may have been a hero, he’s not an interesting protagonist. Tales of wartime valour have been done to death, and frankly Unbroken brings nothing new to the table. Jolie portrays America’s enemies with about as much dimension as the Nazis in Hogan’s Heroes, although admittedly they’re not nearly as funny. The only Japanese character they bother naming is the sadistic Corporal Watanabe (played by musician Miyavi), whose cartoonish villainy prevents any exploration of the psychology behind wartime abuse. And yes, atrocities were committed in POW camps, and it’s important that we continue to remember that. At the same time, this story has already been covered. Instead, why not make a movie about the 100,000 Japanese Americans forced into prison camps by President Roosevelt? Where’s the film about the moral quandary behind dropping the atomic bomb? Hell, what about telling the story of Zamperini’s life after the war, when post-traumatic stress disorder drove him to alcoholism until he became a born-again motivation speaker? Those would be interesting stories. But I guess they’re not to Oscar’s tastes. Unbroken is by no means a terrible film. Jolie is a solid director, her cast does good work and the narrative – shallow and conventional as it is – isn’t necessarily unengaging. It is, however, disappointingly safe; the sort of adequate time killer you won’t necessarily regret seeing, assuming you remember seeing it at all.
An escape to New Zealand's Waiheke Island feels miles away from the bustle of central Auckland, though it's only a quick ferry ride from downtown. It's an island of varying landscape, with the turquoise-blue waters of the coast giving way to rolling green hills inland. This gives visitors endless options, too — from bushwalks and beaches to art galleries and, most notably, the plentiful wineries on offer. The whole island is easily explored by bus or bike, and trips from the vines of one winery to the next take only a traipse through the vineyard. You could spend a week here and still not hit all of the artisanal producers dotting the island. Join an art walking tour, try your hand at archery or distil your own bespoke gin, just to name a few things waiting for you on this wine island. Here's how to spend your days on Waiheke — what to taste, what to do and where to stay on the island. [caption id="attachment_663060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Apse.[/caption] DRINK Thanks to the microclimate on Waiheke, there are close to 30 wineries and cellar doors dotted around the island. Wine excursions are one of the most popular attractions, and cellar doors can be enjoyed both with a guide or by simply following your own nose on public transport. Perched on a hill and a 30-minute walk from the ferry terminal is Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant. With its stunning panoramic views, the spot has always been a popular location for proposals, weddings or special weekend visits via helicopter. Wine tastings are available from the cellar door seven days a week, where you'll be guided through four of the winery's varietals across 30 minutes. [caption id="attachment_642965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mudbrick.[/caption] Go deeper into the island, all the way to the far side, and you'll reach Man O' War. This picture-perfect winery is an excellent spot to while away an afternoon sampling flagship and single vineyard drops. When you've settled on your varietal of choice, find a spot on the grass and enjoy a casual game of lawn cricket with views across to the Coromandel Peninsula. If you're after something away from the tourist trail wineries of the island, head to Te Motu. Continue past big brother winery Stonyridge, and you'll be presented with a shed that has been transformed into a five-star restaurant where you can sample five aged red wines in the tasting room — drops that are not typically available by the glass. Other cellar doors worth checking out while you're roaming the island include Obsidian, Passage Rock, Tantalus Estate, Goldie Estate, Peacock Sky and Cable Bay. And for something entirely different, head to Rangihoua Estate for a lesson in olive oil tasting. [caption id="attachment_663061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Crawford.[/caption] EAT While the Island of Wine is its official moniker, Waiheke has an equal measure of exceptional restaurants. Casita Miro is a glasshouse-like structure located on a rolling, Spanish-influenced vineyard. Here, order one of their Spanish wines alongside the tapas and raciones sharing menu featuring fine Iberian meats and cheeses. You can also top off the meal with a good range of Spanish sherry. The outdoor area keeps the Spanish theme going, featuring an evolving mosaic inspired by Gaudi's infamous Parc Guell. [caption id="attachment_663048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Poderi Crisci.[/caption] Off the beaten track and on to another European country, you'll find award-winning Italian eatery Poderi Crisci. With a setting that welcomes comparisons to the Tuscan countryside, the restaurant-vineyard is owned by Antonio Crisci, the founding father of Auckland's famed metre-long pizzeria Toto's and Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza — a regular contender for the best Italian in Auckland. As well as a rustic a la carte menu, the restaurant is known for its Sunday long lunch. Set aside a good five hours for this one. [caption id="attachment_629210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Oyster Inn.[/caption] Just up from the ferry and with a large sun-soaked balcony, The Oyster Inn has a roadside allure that draws you upstairs even if you're not in the business of having lunch. A table outside is the quintessential dining position to take in views over Oneroa village and make the most of the seafood-led menu. Not feeling seafood? Down the road, Dragonfired serves up wood-fired street food from its small black trailer. Spending most of its time sitting in the car park by Little Oneroa Beach, the food truck keeps a bustling trade through summer and is widely thought of as the best takeaway spot on the island. The pizzas, calzones and pocket breads are best enjoyed right on the beach and with a bottle of island red, of course. Other eateries to add to the list include the ever-popular Island Gelato, Ringawera artisan bakery for fresh baked goods and the Te Mataku Bay Shop for freshly shucked local oysters. [caption id="attachment_663072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christian Nicolson: Barebottomland; photographed by Russell Street.[/caption] DO Adventurers, art lovers and foodies can equally feel at home on Waiheke. For a bit of everything, Wild on Waiheke offers an unusual combination of archery and clay bird shooting mixed with a vineyard and craft brewery — plus, a beanbag dotted-lawn, beer garden and regular live music to boot. On the artsy side of things, the ideal way to see it all is with the Waiheke Island Art Walk. The four-hour walk begins at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery in Oneroa and proceeds through artist collectives, galleries and studios, with the tour including an artisan glassmaker, shoemaker and goldsmith. For lunch, the tour makes a stop at the home and studio of artist Gabriella Lewenz, Church Bay Studio, which boasts stunning views over the bay. Finish off among nature with the walk back along the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve — just one of several walking tracks on offer throughout the island. After your epic culture walk, unwind back in town at the Waiheke Community Cinema. The 16-seat cinema consists of comfy couches rather than theatre seats and shows a mix of new and cult classic films. For a boozier way to relax, book into one of The Botanical Distillery's events that allows visitors to create their own botanical gin and handcrafted tonic, which will be distilled for you during the experience. [caption id="attachment_647794" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flamingo Pier.[/caption] If you're looking for an extra reason to visit, there are several events throughout the year worthy of a trip over. In February, nab a doubleheader by checking out Sculpture on the Gulf coastal art exhibition and attending the Flamingo Pier annual music festival — which only takes place in London and on Waiheke each year. Over Easter long weekend, there's the Waiheke Jazz Festival; in November you can participate in the Waiheke Walking Festival; and in December, Sculpt Oneroa kicks off its ten-week art display. [caption id="attachment_605870" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Fossil Bay Lodge.[/caption] STAY From boutique hotels to cottages, vineyard stays to glamping tents, there is an overwhelming number of accommodation options to choose from on Waiheke — and a lot of them exist at many of the places you'll be venturing to already. If you're after boutique vibes, The Oyster Inn also holds three hotel rooms along with its breezy restaurant. Plus, they offer complimentary pickup from the Matiatia ferry. For wine lovers, Mudbrick's cottages offer a luxurious stay within their rolling vineyard and cellar door. The charming, two-bedroom cottages include a kitchenette and washer-dryer, plus a private barbecue and even a private spa pool. An easy walk to Oneroa, it's an ideal stay for someone who wants access to both. Getting there may be the best part of all — you can take a helicopter that lands directly on the Mudbrick estate, with three 'heli-partners' to choose from. More rustic types should opt for Fossil Bay Lodge, which offers simple cottages along with a range of glamping tents for $100–$120 per night. You won't quite be roughing it, however — each tent includes a private ensuite with hot shower, queen-sized beds, wooden floors and even a phone battery pack, as well as share facilities like a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge area and free wifi. LET'S DO THIS, HOW DO I GET THERE? Flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand flies direct from all three cities and offers accessible fares. Once you arrive in Auckland, Waiheke Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown. Fullers ferries provide the most regular option, leaving about every 30 minutes, with a return adult ticket costing $38. Or, if you're looking for something a bit swankier and have the cash to spare, you can hop on an Auckland Seaplane and make the trip by sky instead of water, catching all of that breathtaking coast along the way ($400 return). Head over here to check out all of the options to reach the island. https://youtu.be/9hTMc9qm_1g Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away.
You've been putting in the hard yards at the office all week. It's been early starts and late nights, and you can't remember the last time you hit the gym. The days just never feel long enough. Winter is traditionally a season of hibernation, a time to say yes to staying in and hiding from the cold with a bowl of carbonara in hand. But one too many nights like this feels good for neither the body nor the mind. To get you moving and recover some of that energy, we've teamed up with M.J. Bale to put some boredom-busting activities at the top of your winter to-do list — and provided some suggestions of what to wear while you're out and about. Read on to stay active this winter and look great doing so. [caption id="attachment_721066" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Visit Melbourne.[/caption] GO FOR A BUSH WALK When the temperature dips below 18 degrees, the couch might feel like the only place to be. But trust us on this one. Hitting the trails for a day of fresh air and lush surrounds is an unbeatable way to get the blood pumping. Plus, the cooler months mean you can throw on tons of layers and still finish your hike with minimal sweat. Genius. Head to your nearest national park or scout out a lush coastal walk and enjoy some well-earned tech-free time in the great outdoors. Where: Strap on your walking shoes and try Sydney's Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Melbourne's Great Ocean Walk, Brisbane's Buhot Creek Circuit in Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Perth's Bells Rapids Walk Trail in Swan Valley. Wear: The water-resistant and breathable Flannery Gilet ($199.00) layered over natural fibres to crush the cold. [caption id="attachment_721067" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Pasta Emilia.[/caption] TAKE A COOKING CLASS Has the new season of MasterChef sparked your inner gastronomic fire? Then wave goodbye to microwave dinners and say hello to gourmet home-cooked feasts that'll blow your mates' socks off. By joining a cooking class, you can have an expert teach you elusive techniques, like how to fold the perfect ravioli or whip up a bowl of authentic baba ganoush. Plus, on top of learning the tricks of the trade, you'll meet some new faces and enjoy the fruits of your labour over a celebratory glass of vino. Now that's how all school days should end. Where: Get cooking at Pasta Emilia's hands-on pasta making workshop in Sydney, craft heart-warming Middle Eastern dishes at Free to Feed in Melbourne, master Vietnamese soups and noodles at Golden Pig in Brisbane and learn how to make Japanese bar snacks at Salt & Company in Perth. Wear: The Depp Stain Repellent Tee ($59.95), because you don't want to carry your culinary masterpieces home on your clothing. [caption id="attachment_721068" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Handsome & Co.[/caption] GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY AT A SHORT COURSE There's no better detox from sitting at a desk all day than making something with your hands. Combine that with the task of learning a new skill, and you're guaranteed to give your brain a healthy gear-shift. Maybe this is the year you finally give pottery a crack, learn how to make your own jewellery or nail the basics of welding. And you never know where your new skills could take you. Here's your chance to explore a passion project or side hustle that could one day see you ditch your nine-to-five job. Where: Let your creative juices flow at The Pottery Shed's Basic Throwing Class in Sydney, try Handsome & Co's Introduction to Furniture Making in Melbourne, learn to throw clay like a pro at The Ceramic House in Brisbane and make your own gourmet cheeses at The Cheese Maker in Perth. Wear: The Tortuga Denim Shirt ($129.95) puts you in something durable while you hone a new craft. [caption id="attachment_721114" align="alignnone" width="2048"] B. Lucky & Sons.[/caption] PLAN SOME FRIENDLY COMPETITION AMONG FRIENDS A night of booze, banter and tasty nosh is how most of us choose to catch up with our mates. But, who doesn't love some healthy competition? Shake up your social routine and test your skills with an evening of group-friendly novelty games. Plenty of venues across the country host mini golf, arcade games and everything in between. All you need to do is gather your mates, pick your arena and get playing. Where: Bring the crew together at Maniax Axe Throwing in Sydney, try your hand at mini golf and karaoke at Holey Moley in Melbourne, revisit classic arcade games at B. Lucky & Sons in Brisbane and race a mate in your own go-kart Grand Prix at Kart World in Perth. Wear: Keep things casual and warm in the Buchanan Merino V-Neck Knit ($149.95). [caption id="attachment_721113" align="alignnone" width="2016"] SportUp.[/caption] JOIN A SPORTS TEAM No, this won't be anything like your memories of high school gym classes. Signing up to a sports club as an adult means social matches and light-hearted fitness with celebratory drinks at the pub afterwards. Grab a few mates or co-workers, and join as a team or go it solo for a chance to expand your network. The best bit? Regular matches mean you'll be held accountable for turning up to that 6am training session (yes, even when it's dark and pouring outside). But at least you'll have the rest of your team suffering alongside in solidarity. Where: Find your fitness tribe with dodgeball at Urban Rec Sydney, shoot hoops at Social Sport in Melbourne, give indoor netball a crack at Sport Up in Brisbane and go for a spot of social badminton with Badminton Buddies in Perth. Wear: The Sports Bag ($99.95) gives you both handle and shoulder strap options. Discover more action-ready wear for winter on the M.J. Bale website.
No, you're not having a stroke. Although you might be after a few dozen cheeseburgers. Everyone's favourite LA fast food powerhouse In-N-Out Burger has secretly popped up in Melbourne today. Set up at 212 Little Collins Street, these total legends are pumping out hamburgers, regular cheeseburgers and double cheese until 3pm today. Get amongst the inevitable burger-crazed mosh. This is happening right now. This isn't the first time these sneaky sneaksters have done this either. Last year, In-N-Out popped up for a one-day appearance in Sydney and stock sold out in a frantic two hour free for all. This is your time to shine, Melbourne. Get into the city immediately. There's a reason this joint is frequented by celebrities and regularly called "heaven on earth". Admittedly, it has a lot to do with cheese fries. OMG. In-n-Out pop up in Melbourne! (Not my burger, apparently couldn't do grilled cheese???????) #innout #innoutmelbourne A photo posted by j_fosk (@j_fosk) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:15pm PST The In-N-Out burger pop up will close at 3pm November 6 or until they sell out. Move. Now.
Japan's skiing and snowboarding season is coming. Each year from December to March, people hit to the slopes in search of some of the lightest and deepest powder in the world. But you don't only come to these mountain ranges to speed down the pistes. The best of Japanese culture is at every turn up around these regions. Your après ski activities will include soaking in onsen spas, sushi tastings and omakase experiences as well as seeing local art, fashion and snow monkeys. Head to any of these resorts and mountaintop villages for the ultimate winter escape — or better yet book now. RUSUTSU You will find some of the deepest snow in the world up in Rusutsu. It's on Japan's northern island where most of the famous resorts are found, but it remains a bit less hectic than most — a big win for those who want a little more space on the slopes. As this is a quieter region, you won't find much nightlife here — those wanting to party should look elsewhere. Instead, this is for those who want to ski and ride hard during the day, and chill at night. This resort also boasts some of the most luxurious natural hot spring baths, so stay an extra day to soak your sore muscles and fully relax surrounded by stunning views. [caption id="attachment_876946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Delphine Ducaruge[/caption] HAKUBA This terrain is great for every kind of snow sport enthusiast. You'll find super steep runs, a series of jumps, tons of dry powder, half pipes, terrain parks and a few beginner pistes — whatever your snow-loving heart so desires. And if you really can't get enough mountain action, nighttime skiing is also an option at the Goryu Snow Resort. Hakuba is also close to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch these entertaining creatures hang out in hot thermal pools like furry little mountain kings. You can also find a whole series of onsen pools around here (which are thankfully monkey-free). Editor's tip: right now, you can book the ultimate Hakuba ski and snowboarding getaway here (including a 5-day Hakuba lift pass with full access to 9 mountains in the region). [caption id="attachment_876941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marek Okon[/caption] NISEKO Niseko has got to be the most popular ski resort in all of Japan. And this title brings both the good and the bad with it. First off, the good. Getting here is super easy thanks to the great transport connections and it's the most English-speaking-friendly place to ski and snowboard in Japan. The slopes are also immaculately maintained (made for skiers and snowboarders at all experience levels). But the increasing fame and popularity has, inevitably, brought crowds in huge numbers. And catering to Western travellers has meant the resort has lost some of its distinct Japanese culture and charm. Affordable accommodation is also challenging to come by — you'll need to book way in advance if you want to find a budget-friendly place to stay. If you do like to balance your mountain action during the day with proper partying after dark, the nightlife here is booming. Restaurants and bars will cater to most of your tastes — from udon shops to high-end dining and bars — and you can find parties taking place every night of the week. MADARAO Located just one hour out of Nagano City, Madarao is known for punching above its weight. It's a smaller resort but has a great reputation among those in the know. It's a battler. One of the most appealing features is that this resort actively encourages people going off-piste. It is banned at most skiing and snowboarding resorts in Japan, so Madarao is made for the true powder hounds. Another popular winter activity is snowmobiling in the Yakebitaiyama ski fields (known colloquially as ' Yakebi'). You'll feel like James Bond in a chase scene when cruising around on your own snowmobile. It' also one of the best ways to see the incredible scenery of area. From Madarao it's easy to head down into Nagano City and Toyama (known for having some of the best seafood in Japan). Trains will even take you into Tokyo in a few hours. Editor's tip: book a week-long skiing adventure up in Madarao and Hakuna here (including all transfers, accommodation and lift passes). [caption id="attachment_876944" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] KIRORO Kiroro is great for those wanting a really authentic Japanese skiing and snowboarding holiday. This smaller resort has huge snowfall but much smaller crowds throughout the season. This does mean that English speakers will need to crack open the phrase book to communicate with the locals — but that's what travelling abroad is all about. Immerse yourself in Japanese ski culture up here, hitting the many long runs and traversing the stunning backcountry. It's also really well designed for those who want to ski right down the pistes and directly up to the local restaurants, bars and hotels. The non-skiing options also offer up big wins for the family, if you're taking a whole crew. They have heaps of space dedicated to tubing and the equal parts fun and terrifying activity of snow zorbing (rolling around in a Snow Bubble Ball). [caption id="attachment_876945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] FURANO Furano is another of the more famous ski and snowboarding resorts in Japan but has retained much of its unique charm. You will get spectacular views, very reliable snowfall and huge variety of slopes. It's also caters really well to English-speaking travellers. And one of its best qualities is its proximity to the city of Furano. Take a 6km drive down the mountain to find locals and tourists kicking back at restaurants and bars, galleries and idyllic onsen spas. It's also a hugely popular region during spring and summer, when the rolling hills come alive with the colours of blooming lavender, poppies, lilies and sunflowers. This area is a nature-lover's paradise. [caption id="attachment_878190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] KAGURA This spot is mostly unknown to the international snow sport world — which is actually one of its biggest drawcards. Come here for really honest skiing without a bunch of egos tearing up the slopes at breakneck speed. It also has some of the best backcountry for exploring and experiencing a powder-filled wilderness. Take your time going off-piste here, feeling as if you're the only person on the mountain. Kagura is also a surprisingly budget-friendly to stay, with food and drinks priced quite a bit more affordably than other resorts in Japan. You'll also get more authentic dining experiences (they won't be changing their menus for Western pallets). But be prepared for super freezing temperatures as this resort is located at higher altitude. Pack your warmest ski gear and load up on the quality thermals when heading to Kagura. [caption id="attachment_876942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Su[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world. Top images: Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
The south side doesn't often get the chance to boast about cool, new happenings, but thanks to the enterprising minds behind TOASTA, Elsternwick will play host to a weekly convoy on food trucks aptly named The Southside Social. When TOASTA sandwich purveyor, Bec Feingold got word of a vacant block next to the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick, the cogs started turning. And the result is a space where south-siders can come and experience the enormous variety of food trucks that navigate our streets. Over the next six weeks, The Southside Social will have a rotating roster of trucks including the Brûlée Cart, Danger Dogs, Soul Kitchen Pizza, Nem N' Nem Vietnamese, Big Cook Little Cook Indian and, of course, TOASTA. And there's still more to come. In addition to the food, the team from Pink Lady Cider will be on the scene serving up beverages. Until now, Melbourne's food trucks rarely make it past South Melbourne. While typically associated with the north, provisions have been made to ensure The Southside Social is a little less rough 'n' tumble than the usual creepy side street of the north. Music, tables, chairs, ping pong, blankets and heaters are just some of the accoutrements that will make this a positively southside affair. Never has an empty block been so well utilised, creating what is essentially a glorified and constantly changing outdoor food court. We predict The Southside Social will be a welcome addition to the south of the river. The Southside Social will be rolling into Elsternwick Wednesday to Friday 5.30-9pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm onwards. Keep an eye on the TOASTA facebook page for locations and which trucks will be parking up.
The Ascot Lot really likes alliteration — and dogs. It has hosted days dedicated to gravy and greyhounds and Stomping Hounds and sours, and now it's opening its Ascot Vale food truck park to dachshunds and daiquiris. On Saturday, November 30, you'll be to pat many adorable sausage dogs while sipping on frozen strawberry daiquiris and frosé. Drinks will be going for $10 a pop, or you can make a solid investment of $45 and enjoy unlimited pours for a whole two hours. If you're doing the latter, you might want something to eat. Luckily, there'll be plenty of food — in the form of trucks from Burrito Bae, The Bearded Jaffle, The Pickle & The Patty, Taste of Cyprus and Dessert by Yiayia. And, for the short-legged (and long-legged) pooches, there'll be dog treats from Larrykin. Both Pupstyle and My Dachshund Online will be selling their wares from 12–5pm, too. Dachshunds & Daiquiris runs from 12–10pm.
