No matter who you are, the need for a nice, long holiday is real. And, while far-flung adventures on the Mediterranean may not be in your cards, you can find a wealth of sensational coastal destinations right here in your own backyard. The stretch of the Mornington Peninsula offers sandy beaches, untouched bushland and award-winning wineries, all less than two hours south of Melbourne's CBD. You can find luxury retreats peppered throughout the region, ranging from plush waterfront hideaways to peaceful farm escapes. Get into holiday mode and start scrolling for some of the most luxurious stays you can book on the Mornington Peninsula. Because if ever there was a time to treat yourself to a taste of the high life, it's now. Recommended reads: A 48-Hour Guide to the Mornington Peninsula The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Summer Day Trips From Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria Monterey Stud, Shoreham Set among rolling green hills, this designer farmhouse boasts both good looks and a tranquil setting. Plus, a stunning wraparound deck for sunset drinking sessions. Sleeps eight, from $900 a night. Barefoot, Blairgowrie A stylish holiday pad with a breezy indoor-outdoor flow, nestled right on the beach. This spacious beauty has loads of modern features and a solar-heated pool. Sleeps nine, from $775 a night. Bay Crest Manor, Mount Eliza Perched on top of the cul-de-sac of the Morning Peninsula, this manor resembling an ancient Greek temple boasts an unbeatable bay view. Watch the sun set in the infinity pool or take on your friends in life-sized lawn chess. Sleeps eight, from $1023 a night. Hart's Farm Retreat, Shoreham This smartly appointed farm stay makes for an idyllic couples' retreat, featuring high-end furnishings, a sun-drenched private deck and a magical outlook over olive groves and vineyards. Sleeps two, from $650 a night. Coastal Bush Retreat, St Andrews Beach Unwind in style at this quiet, leafy beach escape which boasts modern interiors, a chic coastal style and a roomy deck primed for sunset drinks. Sleeps four, from $250 a night. The Red Hill Barn, Main Ridge This charming barn has been reworked into a stylish couples' studio, featuring a bright, breezy fit-out and secluded setting in the heart of wine country. Sleeps two, from $470 a night. Crown Cove Villa, Safety Beach A luxury waterfront stunner with open-plan indoor-outdoor living that'll take your breath away. Enjoy the private jetty, dedicated dining room and spectacular heated pool. Sleeps 12, from $1590 a night. Coastal Luxe, St Andrews Beach Decked out in soothing natural tones, this designer beach pad is a dreamy home away from home. Spa, pool table and incredible outdoor living, all included. Sleeps 12, from $836 a night. Portsea Dairy, Portsea This lovingly restored farmhouse will win you over with its modern features, sun-drenched yard and spacious deck complete with an outdoor spa. Sleeps four, from $329 a night. Sunset Coastal Retreat, Mount Martha 180-degree views of Port Phillip Bay await you in this modern abode tucked away on Mount Martha. Enjoy the solar-heated pool, unwind in the spa, or take in the stunning city skyline from the expansive balcony. Sleeps nine, from $1219 a night. Images: Airbnb FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Melbourne scored its first Five Guys outpost back in 2022, with the cult-favourite US burger chain making Southbank its home. And now, on Monday, October 14, it's set to open its second Melbourne venue, bringing its famed burger combos to the CBD. Setting up shop at 228 Lonsdale Street, the new store will sit on the perimeter of the CBD's QV shopping centre, seat 68 burger lovers and — unsurprisingly — sport Five Guys' red-and-white colour scheme. On the menu: burgers, fries, hotdogs, sandwiches and shakes, aka Five Guys' usual range. If you're wondering why the brand has built up such a following across the world, the fact that its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic direction is one good reason. These burgs come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns, with your choice of free toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños). Five Guys also does bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese. It's simple and incredibly effective. Prefer hotdogs, sandwiches (in veggie, cheese or BLT varieties), hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes? They're all on the menu as well. Don't go thinking that the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Biscoff pieces to your design-your-own beverage. As anyone with allergies should note, though, Five Guys only cooks its fries in peanut oil. The popular chain already has more than 1900 stores to its name across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia since starting back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area — and has amassed quite the reputation in the process. Even given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. Consider yourself a die-hard Five Guys fan, and are keen to try some of the new venue's first burgers? Be sure to get down at (or before) 10.30am on Monday, October 14, to be one of the first 100 customers — for the Five Guys team is giving away a stack of limited-edition merchandise to the first 100 punters. Find Five Guys' second Melbourne store at QV Melbourne, 228 Lonsdale Street, from Monday, October 14 — open from 11am–10pm daily. For more details, you can visit the venue's website.
The Wizarding World is officially crossing the globe to visit fans in Australia, with the globally touring Harry Potter: The Exhibition announcing that it's coming later this year. Having welcomed over four million fans around the world already, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, alongside partners Imagine and Eventim Live, today announced that Sydney is next on the itinerary. Settling in to Sydney Olympic Park's Paddington Pavilion from Thursday, May 14, the immersive touring experience celebrates the world of Harry Potter and its expanded universe, bringing together elements from the eight original films, the Fantastic Beasts series, and the stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Designed as an interactive, behind-the-scenes journey through the wizarding world, the exhibition features authentic props, original costumes and detailed recreations of iconic locations from the franchise. Visitors will move through themed galleries inspired by Hogwarts and beyond, with installations dedicated to subjects such as Potions, Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Fans will also have the chance to take part in a series of interactive experiences, including digital wand activities, potion-making stations and a Patronus charm experience set within a Forbidden Forest environment. Among the exhibition's highlights is a first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, displayed in a Gringotts-inspired vault, alongside multimedia displays exploring the journey of the series from page to screen. A dedicated retail space will accompany the exhibition, offering exclusive merchandise including apparel, jewellery and treats such as Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer. Based on the best-selling novels by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter franchise remains one of the most successful entertainment properties globally, spanning blockbuster films, stage productions, games and a growing portfolio of location-based experiences. Warner Bros. Discovery is also developing a new HBO series based on the original book series. Tickets for the Sydney exhibition go on sale on Thursday, March 26, with a presale beginning Tuesday, March 24 for fans who sign up to the official waitlist. See here for details. Images: supplied This article first appeared on Variety Australia.
With its heritage-listed sandstone cottage building, melt-in-your-mouth duck dish, and connection to local farmers, Ennui in Haymarket has stood out from Sydney's food scene. Three hospitality friends, Thomas Bromwich, Peter Chan and Samuel Woods, originally envisioned Ennui as an intimate bar. It's now a two-storey restaurant with space to seat 100 guests and just celebrated its first birthday. [caption id="attachment_1026040" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "Bringing Ennui to life was no small task," says director and cook Samuel Woods. "Three years of heritage approvals, landlord negotiations, and months of construction tested our patience and resolve. Yet the effort has been worth it." Located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, opposite the Capitol Theatre, Ennui shares its interpretation of French cuisine in one of Sydney's most historic settings. In partnership with the business solution experts at Square, we spoke with Samuel to learn more about how they created a hospitality business that stands out from the crowd. From little things Samuel shares that Ennui began with a simple idea. "[We imagined] a small wine bar with food that spoke to our cultural backgrounds and connections with local farmers," Samuel tells Concrete Playground. "But when we were introduced to the Manse building, we knew this was something bigger." The cottage was built in 1846 and is one of the few buildings of its kind still standing in Sydney. Its historic, sandstone outer layer means the modern yet warm interiors stand out even more. [caption id="attachment_1026041" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] Keep it simple For Samuel, Peter and Thomas, their guiding principle to growing into one of Sydney's most popular new restaurants is simple: the guest comes first. "We want people to feel looked after, and we're always willing to be flexible in how we offer our service to make sure everyone feels welcome. That belief has shaped everything we do at Ennui." Restaurants and brands often focus on viral 'must-try' tactics to stand out in a crowded, algorithm-driven market. However, Samuel believes that the chase for uniqueness can undermine core values. [caption id="attachment_1026042" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "For us, consistency is more important than chasing uniqueness. Guests should feel confident that the dish they saw online, or the one a friend recommended, will arrive at the table exactly as expected." "We want people to come back weeks later and relive the same great experience. That dependability is what builds trust and ultimately, lasting relationships with our guests," Samuel shares. Signature dishes One tenet of Ennui's success was knowing they wanted a dish that defined the restaurant. For Samuel, Thomas and Peter, this was always duck. Focusing on a signature dish (done exquisitely) has helped the restaurant stand out from other French-inspired restaurants across the city. [caption id="attachment_1026043" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "I still remember dining at Monopole in Potts Point about ten years ago. The duck was unforgettable, and it stayed with me. From those early plans on paper to opening night, the idea of serving our own duck has been at the heart of the restaurant." Samuel credits this and word-of-mouth recommendations with helping to grow Ennui more than intentional marketing, proving that if you create an experience that people want to keep coming back to, they will. "It is one of the most important things in hospitality, to be hospitable." Learning and growing If you're new to the hospitality business, Samuel doesn't sugarcoat it — you're going to feel the heat. However, having a team of people in your corner can help to keep the dream alive. "We have been very lucky to have such a talented team of people around us, always pushing for new ways to drive business." He also credits Square's payment system as making the business side of the restaurant run more smoothly. "It's one less thing to worry about because I've got Square by my side." Samuel shares that muddling through and (sometimes) missing the mark can ultimately lead to business satisfaction."Some things have worked really well, and sometimes you try, but you miss the mark. Either way, we're happy with where we are now." From a history-rich building to collaboration and growth, it's clear that Ennui stands out from the Sydney food scene and keeps customers coming back for more. "What began as a dream between three friends who had worked together for years has grown into a restaurant that feels like home." Square empowers local businesses to thrive by making it easier to run, manage, and grow their operations. Find out how Square can help your business grow. Lead image: Ennui
Get your napkins pressed and your hand sanitiser primed because the mother of all finger food chains is at long last arriving in Australia. Wingstop has been running a US-based operation since the early 1990s, so it's been a long time coming to our neck of the woods, but this news will no doubt get mouths watering at the prospect of trying its titular wings on home turf. From little things, big things grow, so Wingstop is starting small with a single Sydney outpost. However, they won't stay small for long, with over 100 stores planned to open Australia-wide. If you can't wait to get your hands on it in your hometown, the inaugural opening is coming to Sydney's Kings Cross, with a special opening event pencilled in for Saturday, May 17. What's on the cards? Doors swing open at 11am and the first 500 diners to visit will get five free wings. Should you miss out on the initial offer, there will also be DJs keeping the energy high throughout the day, along with interactive experiences, games and giveaways. If you were lusting after the viral Maccas, ALDI or KFC merchandise drops that took over social media in 2023 and 2024, not to worry — Wingstop will be running its own merch giveaways on the day, the first of its kind in the country, so you can shove it into the faces of those who were lucky enough to get those aforementioned bucket hats and sweaters. At the end of the day, though, we're all here for the wings, so what's actually going to be on the menu? It's poultry aplenty, with classic and boneless wings and tenders available in packs ranging from three to 50. They're tossed with one of twelve sauces: Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Louisiana Rub, Spicy Korean Q, Mild, Hot Honey Rub, Cajun, OG, Mango Habanero and Atomic. Get them with a side of signature seasoned fries (with seven choices of seasoning), house-made cheese or ranch dips, or cajun-spiced corn. Add on a cold drink or even a chocolate brownie to help the wings go down. If you don't make it on the day, keep your eyes peeled for future in-store events or for where the next location will open. Wingstop's first Australian store will open on Saturday, May 17 at 1/111 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Visit the website for more information or to make an order.
When it opened 88 years ago at Milsons Point, Luna Park Sydney wasn't the world's first Luna Park, or even Australia's. But Harbour City residents and tourists alike have enjoyed its presence around multiple closures, reopenings and revamps ever since. Come December, the amusement park will unveil its latest reason to stop by and enjoy its attractions: Dream Circus, an immersive experience that's revamping the site's big top. If you've ever wanted to feel like you've walked into a movie, this is the Luna Park Sydney feature for you. Dream Circus will be filled with 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens, surround sound and lighting to immerse you in a Hollywood-style experience. It'll become Sydney's first permanent immersive-experience attraction, the venue advises — and a world-first type of attraction as well. Attendees can expect to enter a narrative journey, where characters and a spectacle that engages the senses will combine. The experience will take over the 3000-square-metre big top, with its sights filling a surface area of over 3500 square metres — and with Artists in Motion, TDC and Auditoria, who have ABBA Voyage, King Kong on Broadway, works at Vivid and Walking with Dinosaurs to their names, behind it. Luna Park Sydney expects people to flock to see the results when Dream Circus opens on Friday, December 22, just in time for the Christmas holidays, anticipating that 50,000 people will check it out over summer. The new attraction will help the site embrace the future, while still loving its status as an art-deco amusement park that dates back almost a century. "We are proud to build for Sydney one of the most technically advanced environments in the country. The result will be a venue without equal — capable of featuring the best immersive experiences, never-before-seen immersive live music and special events" said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "As a world-class amusement park, we need to be more than rides, and expanding our depth of offering through world-class immersive experiences will mean that Sydneysiders won't have to travel the globe to experience these incredible environments. We want to be a reliable, magical, and affordable destination for all generations of Sydneysiders and visitors to our city". Dream Circus launches at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, on Friday, December 22 — visit the park's website for more information and tickets.
When the sun dips below the skyline, Melbourne switches from chic boutiques and specialty coffee to a city that doesn't sleep. Despite the unpredictable-at-best weather, Melburnians still turn out for after-dark activities. Whether it's seeing a gig or grabbing a late-night feed, there's no shortage of things to do in Melbourne once the sun sets. This evening culture is one of the reasons why Melbourne has been crowned Australia's number one night-time hot spot. This is according to the Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and the amount of nightworkers boosting the economy after dark. Sydney's CBD came in second with a night-time Vibe Score of 74.3 to Melbourne's 82. Data from the Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, also found that the Victorian capital is dining out at restaurants more frequently than other cities after dark. Unsurprising. Whether you want to get out of the house more now that the weather is warming up, or are looking to impress an interstate mate, here's what to do in Melbourne after dark. [caption id="attachment_1031981" align="alignleft" width="1920"] AO Live[/caption] Catch a Gig or Game Melbourne, like most of Australia, truly comes alive in the summertime, especially after dark. From The Forum's endless stream of live music to Howler and Northcote Social Club's smaller venues up north, you can see both local and international acts all season long. Over at Melbourne Park, there are sports games including soccer, basketball and in January, world-class tennis at the Australian Open. AO Live is heading to Melbourne again this summer, so you can combine sport and culture under one roof. If you prefer to play games yourself, Holey Moley has two mini golf courses in the city: one at Crown Casino and one on Little Bourke Street. [caption id="attachment_722678" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Stalactites[/caption] Late-Night Bites According to the Visa Vibe Economy Report, dining out is Australia's most loved after-dark activity, with 76 percent of respondents venturing to their favourite restaurants for a post-work feed. Night markets were also high up on the list of preferred nighttime activities. In Melbourne, venues like Butchers Diner on Bourke Street and Pizza, Pizza, Pizza (also on Bourke Street) serve up greasy comfort food that still sticks to the city's high food standards. Pizza, Pizza, Pizza also offers a hidden bar behind the counter, where you can lose track of time and enjoy cocktails until late into the evening. Chinatown is a mecca for late-night eats. Wander up the street and take your pick of the most succulent dumplings and noodle dishes the city has to offer. Another 3am institution is Stalactites in the city, a respite for late-night workers and revellers. Keep your eyes peeled for Melbourne's buzzing night markets, including the Queen Victoria Market's summer edition, which runs from now until March 2026. [caption id="attachment_984535" align="alignleft" width="1920"] NGV[/caption] Culture After Dark Melbourne is a city of culture, even into the night. Every Friday night from December to April, the National Gallery of Victoria hosts NGV Friday Nights. Punters can wander the summer exhibition (this season features Westwood | Kawakubo) after dark, soaking in the culture and art under the cover of night. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and a canapé in the Great Hall before jumping on a tram to see where the night takes you. If you prefer your science and culture child-free, the Melbourne Museum hosts monthly after-hours adult entry on Friday nights. Enjoy the exhibits (without screaming children), take in a themed talk and toast to the weekend ahead. Looking for a date night option? Try the Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens. It's the perfect blend of chill and culture. Simply bring a picnic blanket and snacks, and you can watch a classic as the sun sets over the city. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2026 season. Down the road, Southbank's theatre district is a buzzy blend of music and theatre lovers, plus if you book your tickets early, you can often find good deals and soak up some premier culture. From 2am dumplings in Chinatown to catching the best in live music and culture, there's always an after-dark adventure to find in Melbourne. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: NGV Friday Nights
In 2020, Melbourne officially gained its new tallest building — and the tallest residential building in the whole Southern Hemisphere. Named Australia 108, the Southbank building features 100 storeys soaring 319 metres high, which is more than 20 metres above the city's previous tallest building, the 88-storey, 297.3-metre-tall Eureka Tower. It comes just under Gold Coast's 332.5-metre-tall Q1, though, which still holds the title of Australia's tallest building. Stretching high into the sky is just one of Australia 108's achievements, however. Letting residents swim in two of the highest infinity pools in the world is another — and those pools are now open. They're trapezoidal-shaped, and sit on level 70 of the building, which means they're located 212 metres above the ground. Both pools measure 18 metres in length and 5.3 metres in width at their widest point. They cantilever out over the street below by four metres, too. In the north pool, swimmers can peer out over Melbourne's skyline. In the south, expect to check out Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake and the Dandenong Ranges while you're splashing around. The pools form part of the building's two-storey Star Club, which is located in the protruding gold Starburst — a design feature that was inspired by the Commonwealth star on the Australian flag. The whole 2800-square-metre club is now open as well, complete with dining rooms, a theatre, two gyms and a vertical sky-garden. Star Club also includes lounges and meeting spaces, with developer World Class Global envisaging it as both a community hub and an option for folks working remotely. The company spearheaded the building alongside architects Fender Katsalidis, who also led the design of the Eureka Tower. If you're keen on a sky-high swim — or to check out the tower's sauna and steam room, gym, lap pool and golf simulator on its 11th level — it costs a pretty penny. Apartments are split into the Sky Rise Residences (up to level 67) and the luxury Cloud Residences (from level 72 and above) and, according to Realestate.com.au, the main penthouse sold for $25 million and a two-storey apartment on level 90-91 was on the market for a bargain $10 million. Australia 108 is located at 70 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank. For more information, head to the building's website.
Everyone's favourite Fitzroy plant-based pub, Green Man's Arms, is embracing winter by celebrating one of the season's finest offerings — truffles. On Saturday, July 12, the pub will serve up a one-off, five-course lunch packed with truffle decadence, alongside other moreish, plant-based ingredients. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or none of the above, the food here hits the spot, and you can expect nothing less from Chef Johnny Ly for the truffle lunch. Ly will dish up new and old creations, each with a truffle twist. Guests can expect faux gras canapés; seared king oysters with cauliflower white truffle emulsion and caviar; lion's mane short rib with truffle butter; and even a white truffle semifreddo complete with poached pear and puff pastry. To drink, there's an option to add beer or wine pairings — it is a pub, after all. If you can't make the lunch, the good news is that Green Man's Arms will also be serving truffle specials in addition to the regular à la carte menu throughout July and August. With limited spots, bookings for the Truffle Lunch at Green Man's Arms are expected to go fast. Head to the venue's website to book a spot. Images: Supplied.
After tackling South American fare with Greville Street's White Oaks Saloon and recreating the Southern Cali taphouse experience with Silverlake Social, the 2 Sons Group then started up its own mezcaleria in Prahran: Casa N.O.M. Bar y Restaurante. Sitting just across the road from its oldest sibling, this mezcaleria and restaurant is dishing up an authentic taste of Central and South America, with a focus on fine booze offerings from all across the regions. Here, a diverse lineup of mezcal reigns supreme, while strong collections of tequila, rum, pisco, aguardiente and cachaça showcase Latin America's broad-ranging spirits offering. You'll also spy an impressive rotation of imported craft beers and lots of unique in-house cocktails, like the El Resucitador — a blend of zesty citrus and sweet smoky flavours. The food menu is also replete with traditional Latin American flavours, kicking off with punchy snacks like loaded corn chilaquiles, and Spanish-style croquettes stuffed with pimento cheese, pulled pork and jalapenos. You've also got a stack of tacos, quesadillas, empanadas and arepas — made for mixing and matching to create your own Latin American feast. A playful frozen margarita pie and guava doughnuts round out the food offerings at Casa N.O.M. Bar y Restaurante, best paired with a sipping mezcal or pisco sour. Images: Griffin Simm.
With its hot-ticket pairing of bubbles and crustacean-stuffed rolls, Pinchy's has spawned a few popular pop-ups over the of years. But, thankfully, its latest venue is sticking around for a bit longer than usual. Pinchy's has just opened the doors to its new, very permanent digs — a snappy first-floor eatery and sun-drenched terrace perched above Bourke Street. The newly hatched Pinchy's Champagne and Lobster Bar comes decked out in a rainbow of candy pinks and loud neon, with 75 seats inside and room for another 60 out on the balcony. It's fun and playful, with pops of greenery and splashes of terrazzo, and a very suitable set-up for those balmy evenings to come. Executive Chef Pierre Khodja (Camus, Canvas, Terminus) is whipping up a menu where seafood reigns supreme. But it's not all about the signature lobster rolls, loaded with buttery lobster sourced from over in Alaska and Maine. You'll also find a tapas-style lineup of fat scallops served in the shell atop black risotto, crab tacos, salt cod sangas, prawn head rolls with sea urchin aioli and creamy snapper croquettes. Mussels are done in a rich chowder-style sauce, too, and stuffed calamari comes teamed with a tarragon dressing. There's also a handful of plant-based options, but if you're craving red meat, best venture elsewhere. Here, seafood's perfect match is a bubbly one — so you'll find plenty of fizz on the drinks list. A hefty champagne selection sits alongside brews from Colonial Brewing Co, Stomping Ground sours, three Adelaide Hills ciders and a spread of classic and champagne-based cocktails, such as the citrusy Thorny Bitch and a slightly salty twist on a negroni. Find Pinchy's Champagne and Lobster Bar at Level 1, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open 11.30am till 10pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Life is full of golden moments. An early-morning swim and sipping beers in the afternoon sunshine are some of our favourites. But what comes out on top for us is a long weekend. This April, we're being treated to two long weekends in a row. Luckily, we know a thing or two about making the most of our time out of office. Whether you're seeking luxury experiences in Victoria, a multi-day hike in the wilderness or an excuse to soak up the best of the harbour city, we've got your back. Our mates at Ferrero Rocher love a long weekend, too. So much so that the chocolate company has released a range of Easter treats including creamy hazelnut-filled Ferrero Collection Easter Eggs, an impressive Golden Easter Egg Gift Box and more (ideal for indulging in while on holiday if you ask us). To celebrate our mutual love of a long weekend, we've teamed up with the chocolate connoisseurs to give you a $1000 gift card to spend on a long weekend away. But it doesn't stop there. You'll also receive a stack of delicious chocolate from the Ferrero Rocher Easter range. Egg hunt anyone? If you miss out on the major prize, don't fret. We've also got 29 Ferrero Rocher chocolate prize packs up for grabs. The packs include one grand Ferrero Rocher, a boxed egg, three packs of Easter eggs and one dark chocolate grand Ferrero Rocher. To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less what your ultimate long weekend looks like. Want to nab one of these incredible prizes? To enter, fill out your details below. [competition]849038[/competition]
Inner-city Melbourne is now home to its first 'green' tram tracks, as over 4000 plants begin to bloom along a stretch of tramline down Southbank Boulevard. A carpet of native pig face and everlasting daisies were planted there as part of a $42 million project to give Melbourne's most densely populated suburb a 'green makeover'. The project will see an entire lane of Southbank Boulevard, along with adjoining Dodd Street, transformed into 2.5 hectares of open space featuring greenery, public art spaces and 1.2 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes connecting Domain Parklands to the Yarra River. Late last year, it was announced that the new public space on Dodd Street would cater for everything from street performances to farmers markets and medium-scale music festivals. It's the start of what the government hopes will be 12 MCG's, or 240,000 square metres, worth of new open spaces to be unveiled across the city over the next 15 years. The recent Southbank Boulevard works have included a major revamp of tram infrastructure and the addition of a new accessible tram stop, with blooms planted right through the middle of the tracks. Around 300 trees are also being planted, in an effort to create a year-round canopy for the residents in this booming, apartment-heavy corner of the city. [caption id="attachment_693362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The new-look Southbank Boulevard[/caption] During the Southbank Boulevard's makeover portions of Southbank Boulevard, Dodds Street and Sturt Street will be closed. You can stay up-to-date with what's open (and what's closed) at the City of Melbourne website. Work is also set to kick off this week on the City of Melbourne's new 5000-square-metre park next to the nearby Boyd Community Centre. The project will replace a 1960's school building with a family-friendly public space, complete with communal garden, improved bike and pedestrian access and lots of grassy areas. Southbank Boulevard's 'green makeover' is expected to be completed in 18 months.
This March, Melbourne's streets are set to transform as racing roars back into town. If you're already planning your social calendar around the event, the ultimate post-race after-party is happening at ultra-chic, high-energy basement bar Mr Mills. [caption id="attachment_1071880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Mills[/caption] For the uninitiated, Mr Mills (found under Hyde Melbourne Place) is one of Melbourne's classic laneway spots, and beloved by regulars for its late-night cocktails and DJ-curated tunes. For four nights, from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, the bar will transform into the epicentre of race week, with an expertly crafted music program and — in classic Mr Mills fashion — a crystal-inspired takeover by Chivas Regal CrystalGold. Chivas Regal CrystalGold is making its Australian in-venue debut this race week. The golden, oak-aged spirit is filtered to crystal clear and sold in a luxurious, bevelled bottle. Together, Chivas Regal CrystalGold is setting a new gold standard for race week nightlife, teaming up with Mr Mills to deliver performance and prestige in equal measure. [caption id="attachment_1074941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chivas Regal CrystalGold[/caption] You can try Chivas Regal CrystalGold included in the signature drink of the celebration: the red apple and macadamia old fashioned. Chivas CrystalGold, red apple, macadamia, pennyweight gold, and aromatic bitters work together to elevate the spirit's multitude of flavours. On Sunday, Mr Mills will be totally transformed when the event amps up for the final night. The laneway will be lined with performers and chess pieces to help you find the hidden entrance to the Grand Prix race-week hub. Inside, crystal-inspired light projections will transform the space and DJs — including Set Mo — will take over the dance floor. The event isn't ticketed, so wait times may apply. To find out more about Chivas Regal CrystalGold, visit the website. Lead image: Supplied
A disco ball spins in a courtyard toilet with kaleidoscopic squares dancing off the walls where Patti Smith stands, hand reaching for her shirt collar. In the bar, David Bowie looks down, quietly observing the musical jives from the decks below. The barkeeps and mistresses float about with ease, as dirty martinis are shaken, and wood-fired Lebanese pizzas delivered through a crack in the courtyard fence from neighbouring Mankoushe. Uncle Joe's is quite rightly, an easy add to your Lygon Street crawl. Take your date, take a mate, or take a visiting relative and show them what a nice, welcoming community you've found yourself in.
Hi Italy is a cosy hole-in-the-wall slinging out some of the best pizza Reservoir has ever seen. Head chef Lucio hails from the island of Sardinia and is passionate about all things Italian. The pizza is freshly made to order in their small wood-fired oven, ensuring every single base is perfectly charred and slightly crispy. Like all Italians, stingy is not a part of Lucio's vocabulary — expect generous amounts of Prosciutto di Parma (lovingly shaped into roses) and freshly grated parmesan cheese by the handful. Expect classics like the Mortadella with tomato, mozzarella, gorgonzola and mortadella ($22.50), along with new school favourites like the signature Hi Italy with mozzarella, Proscuitto di Parma, cherry tomatoes, parmesan and rocket ($25.50). Remember to book in advance, their dining area is intimate and tends to fill up quickly.
When it comes to Windsor's newest drinking, dining and entertainment hot-spot, there's roughly zero chance that any two visits will be the same. Instead, High Street newcomer Young Hearts is embracing a state of constant reinvention, championing an ever-evolving offering of eats, drinks, music and art. Taking over the space once home to Galah, it's the brainchild of Nic Coulter, the guy behind Neptune Food & Wine a couple of doors up. He's revived the second-floor site as a multi-faceted venue that's out to offer a choose-your-own-adventure experience, "designed for easy listening", as he describes it. If you're here to be entertained, you'll find plenty to sink your teeth into. The custom DJ booth is set to play host to a stacked rotation of selectors through the week, there'll be regular live gigs to catch and you'll have monthly Sunday day parties to add to your calendar, too. Meanwhile, Young Hearts' wall space will act as a gallery of sorts, hung with works by both up-and-coming and established Aussie artists for a roster of regular exhibitions. The drinks offering is a fuss-free, easygoing affair that's focused on celebrating quality local drops. Natural sips reign supreme on the wine list, the house Run Free Rosé is pouring on tap and the beer lineup currently heroes brews from the likes of Mismatch and Bodriggy. And if it's cocktails you're after, you'll find a handful of minimalist signatures being shaken up alongside the classics. In keeping with Young Hearts' penchant for change, the kitchen will operate via six-month residencies, hosting a diverse program of chefs both from interstate and closer to home. The culinary fun is kicking off with a pop-up by Chapel Street favourite Freddy's Pizza, which has departed from its usual offering and conjured up an exclusive new menu of Italian-inspired drinking food. It's a celebration of things you can enjoy with one hand while the other's occupied with a bev. Think, cacio e pepe croquettes, chicken cotoletta sandos, seafood fritto misto and mixed salumi plates. Freddy's famed pizza fritta (yep, that's deep-fried pizza morsels) also gets a look-in, while for dessert, you can have a go at a cocktail slushy spiked with Tommy's Booze — the team's own brand of limoncello. Find Young Hearts at 216 High Street, Windsor. It's open from 5pm–1am Thursday to Sunday. Images: Pete Dillon
It's a whole year since Moon Dog opened Wild West in Footscray – and, to celebrate, the venue's throwing a massive shindig: its Rootin' Tootin' First Birthday Party, to be precise. Get down there on Saturday, April 26, from 11.30am, for free drinks, live music and scrumptious food specials. To claim your cowboy shot gratis, you'll need to make your way to the bar on the hour and say "yee-haw". A total of 365 shots will be given away – one for each day that Moon Dog Wild West has been open. Hang around till 3pm for DJs who'll take over the rooftop, before vacating the stage for Elly McK & The Unbelievers. They'll be banging out a bunch of country-influenced covers and originals until 9.30pm, before the DJs return until 1am. Meanwhile, $1 chicken ribs and $30 buckets of beer or fizzes will be making the rounds. You're strongly encouraged to wear your cowboy or cowgirl hat with accompanying boots – and, of course, bring your finest line dancing moves. Entry is free but bookings are recommended over here.
In need a domestic getaway? How about a sojourn down south to Tasmania? Jetstar is back with another sale of flights for way, way less — this time teaming up with Tourism Tasmania and connecting Aussies in six major cities to Hobart and Launceston for as little as $45 one way. The sale is already underway and set to run until 11.59pm Monday, March 16, or until sold out. Melbournians can fly to Launceston from $45 and Hobart from $66, the cost of the average dinner these days, while Sydneysiders can book seats to Launceston from $55 and to Hobart from $73, or drive to Newcastle and fly to Hobart from $61. Coming from Brisbane? Launceston flights are from $96, Hobart from $112 — or head to Gold Coast airport to fly to Hobart from $105, and Adelaide to Hobart is just $87. The discounts are eligible for flights between Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, December 16. [caption id="attachment_1043520" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kunanyi (Mt Wellington), Hobart[/caption] There's more than enough to do in Tasmania during those months. In April, the Autumn Festival will see the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands transform into autumn colours and themed events, followed by TrailGrazer, a three-day festival celebrating the flavours and growers of northwest Tasmania. Late May and early June see Hobart celebrate its UNESCO-listed status as a city of literature and invite readers and writers to revel in the craft during the Island Readers and Writers Festival. Then in mid-June, Tasmania's legendary midwinter solstice festival, Dark Mofo, returns for another year of fiery, late-night hedonism to fight off the winter chill. [caption id="attachment_998155" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dark Mofo[/caption] In August, Tasmanian Whisky Week puts the island's award-winning distillery scene into the spotlight through tours, masterclasses and peeks behind the scenes of the (literal) Tassie spirit. Then later that month, the focus shifts to science via the Beaker Street Festival and its big discussions on even bigger ideas. And if you're holding off for a springtime trip, the Wynyard Tulip Festival blooms into a family-friendly celebration for one day only in October. The Jetstar Tasmania Sale is on now until 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, March 16, or until sold out. Visit the website to book your flights. Images: supplied
If you hit up a Melbourne restaurant and find ten wines offered by the glass, you're doing alright. If you get 20, you're in for a real treat. But Circl Wine House in Melbourne's CBD is doing what few hospo venues can by offering a whopping 150 drops by the glass and 1500 by the bottle. This is hugely important to the owners, who created this Melbourne wine bar to help foster a new culture around vino — one built around accessibility, inclusivity and discovery. One way to help people explore heaps of new and rare wines is to offer them by the glass. No need to worry about trying something new, only to find you hate it after spending hundreds of dollars on an entire bottle. But that's not the only way to help people sample hard-to-find drops. The Circl crew is taking it one step further by pouring one extremely rare wine each week. These drops are limited to 75ml per person, to ensure everyone gets a go. Spanning Australian and international vineyards, the selection will be highly curated, and feature the likes of Coche Dury, Roulot, DRC, and old vintages from top producers in Australia. Head Sommelier and Venue Manager Xavier Vigier shares, "At Circl, we really want to bring our guests wines they've never heard of before. There's a new market and audience in wine that we're very much conscious of." "We will challenge the status quo by offering rare and allocated wines by the glass to allow anyone the chance to try wines they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach. It also provides the chance to have a glass rather than committing to the full bottle." Wine is most certainly the star of the show at Circl, but food is far from neglected. Executive Chef Elias Salomonsson (ex-Scott Pickett Group and Vue Group) has created a Euro-centric menu of small and large dishes that are strongly influenced by his Scandinavian background. They are also pretty luxe bites. You can start off with Sydney Rock oysters and caviar service (if your budget allows), or opt for more complex bites like the smoked eel tart, goat's cheese eclair, arrowhead squid with nduja, morcilla and celeriac, and tuna crudo with Yarra Valley caviar (yes, you know it's a fancy spot when caviar is scattered all over the menu). And it makes a whole lot of sense when you consider the fact that Circl boasts one of the biggest champagne selections in Australia, with 135 bottles available at any time. You'll be sipping and snacking all this within newly designed digs, dreamt up by MARCH.STUDIO (Baker D. Chirico and Lucy Liu). Downstairs, you'll find the main dining room and bar, which features natural timber finishes and polished concrete floors. It's all kept quite minimalist, championing a less-is-more aesthetic. But the top spot to sit has got to be upstairs by the room-length glass-encased wine cellar. Watch on as the sommeliers move around this space, picking and choosing rare wines throughout the night.
Travelling in our own backyard is one of the most sustainable and planet-friendly options we can make when planning a well-deserved getaway. If you're starting to pencil in some strategic long weekends for the latter half of this year, here's one to consider: Port Douglas, a tropical paradise conveniently located just an hour's drive from Cairns. Nestled perfectly between the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, Port Douglas offers an alluring long weekend proposition for city travellers looking to put nature at the forefront of their next holiday. Port Douglas is home to a number of sustainable tours, accommodations, and opportunities for conscientious involvement, so here are five ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your next getaway. [caption id="attachment_913642" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy[/caption] CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Consider camping if you're looking to keep your holiday footprint low. Douglas Shire Council coordinates powered and unpowered camping grounds, along with a range of caravan sites. In order to protect the unique environment, overnight stays are only permitted at licensed caravan parks and camping grounds, so make sure to plan and book ahead. If you're looking for luxury accommodation, The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort boasts over two hectares of sparkling saltwater pools in Tropical North Queensland. Lagoons on-site include spots with sandy beaches, as well as serene private cabanas nestled on the waterfront. As part of your trip, all Sheraton guests are invited to participate in a conservation activity hosted by Marriott Bonvoy in partnership with Good Travel. The Four Mile Beach cleanup is hosted by a marine biologist, allowing travelers to meaningfully engage with the environment while giving back. [caption id="attachment_888046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas[/caption] BOOK WITH ECO-CERTIFIED OPERATORS If you are keen to venture further during your stay, there are a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable tour options you can book. Locally-run and eco-certified Back Country Bliss run swimmable tours through the Daintree Rainforest, which includes a snorkel and float tour of Mossman Gorge. As part of the Mossman Gorge Back Country Bliss tour, guests can experience a Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony with a Kuku Yalanji guide. Acknowledging and paying respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands you are visiting is a great way to show deep respect for the place you're visiting. The Kuku Yalanji People are the Traditional Owners of this land. [caption id="attachment_844375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sailaway Reef Cruises - Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] CHOOSE EXPERIENCES THAT GIVE BACK Sailaway is a family business running half-day and full-day charters to Great Barrier Reef, including the Low Isles and Mackay Coral Cay on the Outer Reef. The business holds an advanced eco-certification, meaning they're recognised for their work in conserving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. A qualified marine biologist attends cruises, so you can learn about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as the boats go out. The company also donates $20 from every ticket to its reforestation and carbon offsetting. [caption id="attachment_913718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] LOOK FOR GREENER TOUR OPTIONS If you want to experience Four Mile Beach from a different angle, adventures with a twist can be booked with locally-operated Port Douglas Segway Tours. Segways use electric power to recharge but produce zero emissions and are extremely energy efficient. Cruise along a trail which features the spectacular Four Mile Beach, rainforest paths and sandy flats. [caption id="attachment_913719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES There are lots of ways you can support First Nations communities and creators during your stay in Port Douglas. Booking tours and experiences with First Nations-owned or operated businesses, purchasing locally-created art and wares or attending a Welcome to Country are all meaningful ways you can pay respect to the Traditional Owners of this land. Concrete Playground travelled to Port Douglas as a guest of The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. If you want to extend your Queensland getaway, check out our curated Whitsundays packages on CP Trips which includes a four-day stay, snorkel and sail adventure with a day cruise. Top image: Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.
When Palace launched its 15-screen Pentridge Cinema in the revamped Coburg prison site back in 2020, it didn't just give Melburnians a new spot to see films indoors. Thanks to its pop-up outdoor setup, it also gifted the city another space to watch movies under the stars while the weather is warm. That sibling venue, aka Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, returns for its 2022–23 season from Thursday, December 15 with quite the lineup. Launching the program is what's set to be one of the biggest films of the year, even though it only opens in mid-December, with James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water screening alongside a trivia session and a best-dressed — read: blue-heavy — contest. It'll show for three nights in a row, in fact. but only the first one will feature the extra festivities. The season runs Sunday, March 26, with the lineup also including Golden Globe-nominated Irish comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, 1920s Hollywood-set Babylon and the certain-to-be-steamy Magic Mike's Last Dance. As we predicted before the cinema opened, this is clearly a great spot to watch prison flicks, with The Shawshank Redemption also on the new roster. Also either celebrating a theme or turning a night at the pictures into a party — or both — Moonage Daydream is screening on David Bowie's birthday, a session of Aliens includes sci-fi trivia, Titanic plays on Valentine's Day and the Isle of Dogs session is pet-friendly. Among the throwback titles, a heap are scoring best-dressed contests, plus more trivia. Start planning your outfits for Die Hard, Romeo + Juliet, Twilight, Grease, Clueless, Friday the 13th, Pulp Fiction, Scream, The Princess Bride, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Labyrinth now. Whatever you head along to see, you'll sit outside on a deck chair in the grassy courtyard, stare up at a big screen, soak in the summer evening air, and be surrounded by the precinct's 1850s-era walls. Palace will run a pop-up bar outdoors each night, selling snacks and drinks. You can also BYO picnic if you'd rather, but not booze.
If furniture could talk, the couch from Friends would have plenty to say. For a decade up until 2004, the orange-hued lounge played a pivotal part on everyone's favourite 90s sitcom, as Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe whiled away the hours in Central Perk, reclined upon the sofa's comfortable-looking cushions, drank copious amounts of coffee and nattered non-stop about their lives. As far as on-screen seats go, it's up there with the most famous. And, almost two decades since the show went off the air, it's coming to Australia. The Friends Experience is bringing that bright-coloured sofa Down Under, finally hitting our shores after stops in New York City, Long Beach, Detroit, Birmingham and Brussels. This isn't the actual couch that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer plonked their butts on for ten seasons, but it is a replica — as is much at The Friends Experience. That includes a version of Central Perk itself, as well as the fountain, Monica's kitchen, and Chandler and Joey's recliners. Why? Nostalgia and all those snaps everyone is going to take, obviously. Keen to sit where your TV besties once did (or on a settee that resembles the one they sat on, to be precise)? Then you can do just that from Friday, September 1 at The District Docklands in Melbourne, where The Friends Experience will make its Aussie debut. We can't promise that the sofa will always be empty, like it magically was whenever Monica, Rachel and the gang wanted to grab a caffeine hit, but you will be able to see and touch the replica either way. Yes, a version of the couch has done the rounds Down Under before, but that's not going to stop Friends diehards from heading along. Also, this is an official dive into the Friends world, complete not just with set recreations, but costumes and props, plus a gift shop filled with merchandise if you need a souvenir. There's no word yet if The Friends Experience will tour to other Australian cities, but cross your fingers — and get whichever five folks you'd like to hang out with at Central Perk to as well. Could you all be any more excited? The Friends Experience hits The District Docklands Level 1, Corner Star Crescent and Studio Lane, Docklands, Melbourne from Friday, September 1, with tickets on sale from 10am on Thursday, July 27 — join the waitlist now. Images: Original X Productions.
As Australia continues to respond to the COVID-19 situation, getting cosy on your couch is becoming the norm. And, while you could take a break from the news of mass-gathering bans, self-isolation requirements, and event cancellations and postponements by indulging in pure escapism, it's completely natural and thoroughly understandable to swing your viewing choices in the other direction. No one alive has experienced a pandemic quite like this one before, but, thanks to decades of movies, we've watched similar events on-screen for years. And, based on how much everyone has been talking Steven Soderbergh's Contagion of late, movies about outbreaks and, yes, contagions are in high demand at the moment. We know you're seeking them out anyway, so we're here to help. Here are ten movies about pandemics, contagions and outbreaks that you can watch via Australian streaming platforms right now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UkXOj8u1Fo CONTAGION Steven Soderbergh is one of America's most prolific filmmakers, with everything from Cannes Palme d'Or winner Sex, Lies and Videotape to amusing heist flick Logan Lucky on his resume — and drug drama Traffic, which nabbed him the Best Director Oscar, too. But thanks to current events, Contagion will be the movie he'll be remembered for, with the 2011 thriller feeling eerily prophetic when revisited today. It all starts with a lawyer (Gwyneth Paltrow) returning from Hong Kong, then falling ill. In methodical style, Soderbergh then tracks the progression and the response. He enlists an enormous all-star cast to help, spanning Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne and Bryan Cranston — and his aim to make as realistic a movie as possible about a pandemic certainly strikes a chord in current circumstances. Available to stream on Google Play, iTunes and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZ5goJibn0 OUTBREAK Over the next few years, once the cinema industry — and existence in general, of course — gets back to normal, a new big-screen genre is certain to emerge. Drawing upon real-life events is such a staple of filmmaking that a plethora of COVID-19 movies is inevitable. Using Ebola as its model, Outbreak did the same thing in the mid-90s. When a virus called Motaba starts wreaking havoc, staff from the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are forced to react. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Donald Sutherland, Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding Jr and Patrick Dempsey, this disaster drama spends plenty of time within the two aforementioned organisations, if watching procedural action is what you're craving at present Available to stream on iTunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFNPNT_4Qww I AM LEGEND When it came to updating Richard Matheson's 1954 book I Am Legend for the 21st century, enlisting Will Smith to play humanity's sole survivor was a logical choice. He wasn't the first to roam around the big screen in such desolate circumstances, with 1964's The Last Man on Earth putting horror icon Vincent Price in the same situation and 1971's The Omega Man tasking Charlton Heston with navigating isolation; however Smith was the thoroughly 2007 choice. And, playing a US Army virologist who sees the whole world turned into vampiric creatures after a genetically engineered measles virus turned lethal, he's one of the best things about I Am Legend. For folks interested in Heston's stint in the same situation, The Omega Man is also available to stream via Google Play, iTunes and YouTube as well. Available to stream on Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7suz9ndPBHg 28 DAYS LATER These days, Danny Boyle is making 'what if?' rom-coms that ponder what life would be like without the Beatles, and Alex Garland is writing and directing moody sci-fi TV thrillers — but back in 2002, they joined forces to tackle a pandemic. And, marking their first proper collaboration after Boyle adapted Garland's best-selling novel The Beach for the big screen two years earlier, 28 Days Later still ranks among the best work on either's resume. Set in the aftermath of the accidental release of a highly contagious virus, the film's images of a desolated London instantly became iconic; however, this is a top-notch movie on every level. That includes its performances, with then-unknowns Cillian Murphy (A Quiet Place Part II) and Naomie Harris (the Bond franchise's current Moneypenny) finding the balance between demonstrating their characters' fierce survival instincts and their inherent vulnerability. Available to stream on Foxtel Now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gpxnI1tQM4 CARGO Australian cinema isn't immune to virus-driven movies — and 2017 post-apocalyptic horror flick Cargo is among the best of them. In this full-length adaptation of Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke's Tropfest finalist short of the same name, the infection turns people into zombies within 48 hours, a situation that the Andy (Martin Freeman) and Kay (Susie Porter) want to avoid. Complicating matters: the fact that they have an infant daughter they'll do anything to protect. Already experienced at trekking across the landscape Down Under after starring in the New Zealand-shot Hobbit films, Freeman wanders across Australia determined to save his family, in a movie that also ponders both environmental factors and Indigenous culture as well. Available to stream on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMbSpnlOOtE THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN Michael Crichton's influence on popular culture is vast. The Jurassic Park franchise is still going almost three decades later, and Westworld (which is based on his 1972 movie) is enjoying quite the small-screen adaptation. Back in 1969, the author also contemplated what might happen if a deadly alien organism started infecting people on earth — and in 1971, The Andromeda Strain hit cinemas. The premise: after a satellite crashes near a small New Mexico town, almost all of its inhabitants die, with a team of scientists tasked with getting to the bottom of it. It's an unmistakably 70s affair, and a slick and solid film too. You might've come across the 2008 TV mini-series remake starring Benjamin Bratt, Viola Davis and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andre Braugher; however we recommend sticking with the original. Available to stream on Google Play, iTunes and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ZtovQtG3s&feature=emb_logo WARM BODIES Pandemic movies and zombie movies often go hand-in-hand, as a number of entries on this list have already demonstrated. And, more often than not, they're grim, bleak and tense affairs — as is to be expected when the whole fate of the human race is at stake. Enter Warm Bodies, which isn't the first zombie comedy by any means, but both earns and owns the term 'zom-rom-com'. Here, R (Nicholas Hoult) is a member of the shuffling undead. Julie (Australian actress Teresa Palmer) is still alive. When they cross paths, he doesn't just bite into her flesh and she doesn't just kill him. This sweet and funny flick is based on the Isaac Marion-penned novel of the same name, and its characters' monikers should give an important detail away, with the influence of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet keenly felt. Available to stream on Foxtel Now and Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8RScNfgPh4 TWELVE MONKEYS Before Brad Pitt won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for sauntering through Quentin Tarantino's vision of 1969-era Tinseltown in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, he was nominated in the same category back in 1996 for Twelve Monkeys. Deservedly so, too, with the star playing a mental patient in a post-apocalyptic version of 2035 — where a virus wiped out most of humanity four decades earlier. As offbeat as it is entertaining and eye-catching, this sci-fi thriller serves up exactly what anyone could hope for with Monty Python member and The Man Who Killed Don Quixote's Terry Gilliam behind the lens. For fans of cinema history, it's also an engaging update of Chris Marker's legendary 1962 short film La Jetée. And while Pitt steals the show, he has fine company, with 90s Bruce Willis in his element as well. Available to stream on Google Play, iTunes and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfeEhb4xnps THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD When The Night Eats the World first hit screens in 2018, it was just a horror film about a man who goes to a party in Paris, then wakes up the next day to find zombies everywhere. It was a nice addition of the genre, too, proving both atmospheric, evocative, and firmly settling on its own tone. Now, this French movie hits close to home — not due to the undead, of course, but because the bulk of the feature focuses on Sam's (Anders Danielsen Lie) experiences stuck inside a flat, including his efforts to stock up on supplies in such circumstances. Cue thrills, twists, company in the form of a zombified neighbour (Denis Lavant) and a desperate need for resourcefulness. Oh, and ample existential dread as well. Available to stream on Google Play, iTunes and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE5dJDgZ644 BIRDEMIC: SHOCK AND TERROR What if humanity wasn't under threat from a virus, but from birds? Not just in one town, either, as seen in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller The Birds — but everywhere. That's the idea behind Birdemic: Shock and Terror. A word of warning: this is the silliest entry on this list, and the schlockiest as well. We honestly can't stress that enough. Indeed, Birdemic: Shock and Terror definitely isn't the world's best movie. In fact, it's the disaster and pandemic equivalent of The Room and a film that makes the Sharknado franchise's production values look positively gleaming. But, sometimes, that's just what you need. It also spawned a sequel, Birdemic 2: The Resurrection, because of course it did. Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top images: Contagion, 28 Days Later, Cargo, Twelve Monkeys and The Night Eats the World.
If you've had the words "bring on the Deadpool and Rob McElhеnney" stuck in your head since 2022, or "we've got Mullin, super Paul Mullin" instead — or as well — then you're either a fan of Welcome to Wrexham or Wrexham AFC, or both. It was back in 2020 that It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Mythic Quest's McElhenney bought the Welsh football club with Deadpool & Wolverine's Ryan Reynolds. Two years later, a documentary series about that huge move dropped its first season on Disney+. Success has followed both on the field and on the screen, including a run of promotions for the club and three more seasons of the series — the latest of which, the fourth, arrives on Friday, May 16, 2025. Thanks to a show that's not too far from an IRL Ted Lasso, Wrexham's fanbase has gone global. Hollywood's involvement will do that — but, as the series has chronicled to touching effect, Reynolds and McElhenney have always put revitalising the club, its stadium, and the town and community around it first. In 2025, Wrexham are heading Down Under, too, in a literal sense. The club has announced three games across Australia and New Zealand in July, visiting the two countries on its pre-season tour. "From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand," said McElhenney and Reynolds, announcing the Down Under trip, which will see the team play in Melbourne, Sydney and Wellington. "We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We're proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward." Wrexham will face off against a trio of local squads: lining up against Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Friday, July 11; taking on Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, July 15; and competing against Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium on Saturday, July 19. For their past two pre-season tours, Wrexham have unsurprisingly journeyed to the US, including playing games against fellow UK sides Manchester United and Chelsea. Now, they're hitting Australia and Aotearoa as part of their plans to ideally be in the same league as both of those powerhouse English teams come the 2026–27 season. Since the 2022–23 season, Wrexham has been promoted every year under manager Phil Parkinson, first from the National League to League Two, then from the latter to League One — and next, in the 2025–26 season, they'll play in the Championship League, aiming to get promoted to the top-tier Premier League from there. If you can't make it to Wrexham's two Australian matches or one NZ game, they're being streamed via Paramount+. And for something to watch in the interim, check out trailer for Welcome to Wrexham season four below: Wrexham Down Under 2025 Fixtures Friday, July 11 — Melbourne Victory vs Wrexham AFC at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, from 7.30pm AEST Tuesday, July 15 — Sydney FC vs Wrexham AFC at Allianz Stadium, Melbourne, from 7.30pm AEST Saturday, July 19 — Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham AFC at Sky Stadium, Wellington, from 5pm NZST [caption id="attachment_1003973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Lord via Flickr[/caption] Wrexham's Down Under tour is taking place in July 2025. For more information, head to the Wrexham website — and for tickets, visit Ticketek in Australia and New Zealand. Welcome to Wrexham streams via Disney+, with season four arriving from Friday, May 16, 2025.
Horn Please has passed through a few different owners' and chefs' hands throughout the years. It was originally run by Jessi Singh until he sold it in 2015, to work over in New York. Amar and Raj Singh then took over until Jessi returned in 2018 to work as a consultant and chef for Horn Please. Nowadays, each of these chefs and restaurateurs plays apart in making Horn Please one of the very best Indian restaurants in Melbourne. It's definitely worth a visit — for a few reasons. Jessi grew up in a humble, North Indian kitchen, and his love of food and traditional cooking methods is evident by just looking at the menu. The 'Street' menu includes a beetroot paneer tikka, generously marinated in curd cheese and charred in the tandoor oven, as well as Colonel Tso's cauliflower, served with a tomato chilli sauce. If you're hanging out for a curry then it's all here, including mouth-watering favourites like free-range butter chicken, marinated in yogurt, tomato and fenugreek, as well as classic village dishes such as Punjabi kadhi. This dish consists of spinach fritters with turmeric and slow cooked sour yoghurt. There's even a cheeky sweets menu to close out the night, including classics such as Indian donuts and mango lassis. Horn Please is no longer BYO, but there's a good reason for that. They've invested a generous pour of time and effort into creating a drinks menu on par with the food menu. Standouts include the salted caramel espresso martini and the dirty lassi. There are Indian beers to compliment the curries and a range of whiskies including Paul John, a sumptuous sing-malt from Goa. The wine list is eclectic with a focus on Australian and European drops. Top images: Peter Tarasiuk
For more than half a century, the Australian Aboriginal flag has flown high with pride as a symbol of the nation's First Peoples — and you can now expect to start seeing it in more places. The Federal Government has just announced that the black, red and yellow design, which was created in 1970 by Luritja artist Harold Thomas, is now freely available for public use following a hugely significant copyright deal. Before the new arrangement, copyright for the flag resided with Thomas — and, when displayed on clothing, to an apparel company thanks to an exclusive license. The latter deal helped spark the Free the Flag movement, after reported infringement notices were issued over the design's use by other organisations including Clothing The Gap and various sporting codes. Over the past few years, you've probably seen Free The Flag shirts, posters and billboards raising awareness about the flag's copyright restrictions. "We've freed the Aboriginal flag for Australians," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, announcing the news in a statement. "Throughout the negotiations, we have sought to protect the integrity of the Aboriginal Flag, in line with Harold Thomas' wishes. I thank everyone involved for reaching this outcome, putting the flag in public hands." The @ScottMorrisonMP Govt has secured the free use of the Aboriginal Flag. The Aboriginal Flag copyright has been transferred to the Commonwealth & all Australians can use the Flag digitally or in any other medium without having to ask for permission or pay a fee. pic.twitter.com/COpVC0DVKJ — Ken Wyatt (@KenWyattMP) January 24, 2022 Now managed in a similar manner to the Australian national flag, the Aboriginal flag is free to use moving forward, "but must be presented in a respectful and dignified way," the Prime Minister said. "All Australians can now put the Aboriginal Flag on apparel such as sports jerseys and shirts, it can be painted on sports grounds, included on websites, in paintings and other artworks, used digitally and in any other medium without having to ask for permission or pay a fee." Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt confirmed that the new agreement resolves the copyright issues around the flag — and that "all Australians can freely display and use the flag to celebrate Indigenous culture". The Minister continued: "now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away." [caption id="attachment_840573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oliver Lupton via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Aboriginal flags and bunting will still be made by Carroll and Richardson Flagworld, the exclusive licensed commercial manufacturer; however, that arrangement doesn't restrict individuals from making their own flag for personal use. The copyright deal also includes an agreement that future royalties from Flagworld's flag sales will be but towards the work of NAIDOC, the provision of an annual $100,000 scholarship for Indigenous students by the Australian Government in Thomas' honour, and the creation of an online history and education portal for the flag by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. And, the Australian Government will also display an original painting by Thomas recognising the flag's 50th anniversary and the historic transfer of copyright in a yet-to-be revealed but prominent location. For more information about the Aboriginal flag and the transfer of its copyright, head to the Australian Government website. Top image: Peripitus via Wikimedia Commons.
New Year's Eve means different things to different people — but if celebrating it in the biggest way possible is your approach each year, then you've likely either made a date with Beyond The Valley before or wanted to. Need some motivation to head to the festival at Barunah Plains in Victoria to celebrate 2025 turning into 2026? Dom Dolla, Addison Rae, Kid Cudi and Turnstile should be plenty. That's who is headlining across the Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 event — and yes, if you fancy spending the New Year's Eve countdown with Dom Dolla, you can. This lineup is also a helluva way for Beyond The Valley to mark a milestone, given that it's the fest's tenth anniversary. [caption id="attachment_1005091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shevindphoto[/caption] Dom Dolla will cap off a year that's already spanned soldout Madison Square Garden gigs, plus stints at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Miami — and will see him play his biggest-ever Aussie headline show at Allianz Stadium in Sydney in December. For Addison Rae, this is her Australian festival debut. Kid Cudi heads Down Under for the first time in a decade, too. The lineup also spans Spacey Jane, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Chris Stussy, Ben Böhmer, The Temper Trap and Luude, plus JoJo doing an Australian-exclusive show, as well as 070 Shake, DJ HEARTSTRING, VTSS, SWIM, Pegassi, Channel Tres, Balu Brigada, Fcukers, Jane Remover, Miss Kaninna and a heap more. New for 2025 is The Lounge Room, with Kat Sasso hosting podcasters and other folks getting chatting — such as Undiagnosed Anthony; AFL footballer Tom Mitchell with the Ball Magnets podcast; more Aussie Rules stars thanks to Sam Draper, Nick Butler and Charlie Comben; Dr Esmé Louise James; Sez; Ash McGregor; and David The Medium. Plus, stage-wise, the Valley Stage is getting a new look and the Dance Dome is scoring a revamp. You'll also be able to enjoy a wellness program featuring meditation, saunas and cold plunges, for relaxing between sets. Beyond the Valley 2025 Lineup Dom Dolla Addison Rae Kid Cudi Turnstile Spacey Jane I Hate Models KETTAMA Chris Stussy Ben Böhmer The Temper Trap Luude JoJo 070 Shake DJ HEARTSTRING VTSS Patrick Mason SWIM Prospa Josh Baker NOTION Pegassi Cassian Channel Tres Mallrat Balu Brigada Fcukers glaive Jazzy ZULAN sim0ne TEED Bad Boombox b2b mischluft Clouds bullet tooth KILIMANJARO Narciss not without friends Juicy Romance Ollie Lishman Chromeo (DJ set) RONA. Bella Claxton DICE Jane Remover Julia Wolf Young Franco Kaiit Miss Kaninna 49th & Main Dombresky BL3SS Torren Foot B2B Airwolf Paradise ATRIP Linska CYRIL HoneyLuv Larissa Lambert Inside Kru Tyson O'Brien SYREETA TV Rock Willo Sex Mask BOY SODA The Tullamarines EGOISM Chloe Parché Brent Honey Emma Moon Morphena MAD.DAY Mell Hall Tina Disco Séarlait House Mum B2B Haus of Ralph Loosie Grind Afrodisiac B2B Baby G Cooper Smith Mon Franco Bertie Shanti The Lounge Room hosted by Kat Sasso 200 Plus Ash McGregor Ball Magnets Club Elevate David The Medium Esmé Louise James Sez Undiagnosed Anthony Teach Us Consent Beyond The Valley runs from Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Barunah Plains, Wentworths Road, Hesse, Victoria. Ticket presale registrations are open now, with festival presales from 11am on Thursday, August 28, 2025. General sales kick off at 12pm AEST on Friday, August 29, 2o25. For more information, head to the fest's website. Beyond The Valley images: Lady Drewniak, Ashlea Caygill, Kelsey Zafiridies.
Thanks to our sweltering weather, abundance of beaches and all-round love of creamy, frosty desserts, Australia has given rise to many a great ice cream. But, one has always reigned supreme. That'd be the humble, colourful, swirl-filled Rainbow Paddle Pop, which tastes like caramel, summer, nostalgia and not having a care in the world (and every Aussie has the childhood memories to prove it). Licking your way through a single Rainbow Paddle Pop on a stick is all well and good (and often messy and sticky). In fact, even though it's the king of Aussie ice creams, you probably no longer give buying a whole box of them a second thought. Plunging a scoop into a tub of Rainbow Paddle Pop ice cream is something new, special and completely different, however — and, thanks to Streets' new one-litre range, it's now on the menu. The ice cream company has rolled out tub versions of three classic Aussie flavours — so, if you're not obsessed with Rainbow Paddle Pops for some reason, you can also tuck into scoopable servings of Bubble O'Bill and Golden Gaytime. And yes, the Bubble O'Bill tub includes bubble gum-flavoured candy pieces scattered throughout its chocolate and caramel ice cream, because we all know that it'd be pointless without them. Expect the new dessert line to be popular — announcing the tubs, Streets' Brand Manager Samantha Jarmul advised that "these are the top requests we receive from Streets' fans". If that's your next at-home sundae sorted, you can pick up tubs for $8 each from IGA supermarkets. They'll also be available in Woolworths stores nationwide by mid-next week, and will then be on Coles' shelves from mid-August. Streets' Bubble O'Bill, Rainbow Paddle Pop and Golden Gaytime tubs are now available at IGA supermarkets, will hit Woolworths stores by mid-next week, and will then be on Coles' shelves from mid-August — and will set you back $8 each.
Has anyone ever cracked open a VB — stubby, tinnie, throwie or tallie, whichever takes your fancy — and not gotten the beer brand's "hard-earned thirst" jingle stuck in their head? Not since the late 1960s, they haven't. Even if you're not a fan of the company's brews, or you've had the hankering for a different type of beer, you've probably found yourself humming the tune to yourself anyway. You can get it lodged in your mind while you're talking, walking, lifting, shifting and any old how, after all, because it's that damn catchy. (Matter of fact, you're probably singing it to yourself now — aren't you?) You can also get that classic anthem stuck in your head while you're getting vaccinated, too, with VB releasing a new advertisement to encourage Australians to get the jab. You'll recognise most of the images, but the tune has had a bit of a revamp to note the impact of lockdowns on going to the pub and indulging that hard-earned thirst. "Right now you can't get it goalin', you can't get it bowlin'. You can't get it takin' a vow, or chasin' a cow," the new riff on the jingle says. "A hard earned thirst comes from being all over town. Not from being in lockdown," it continues. Obviously, it's all a bit daggy, because that's how the OG ad has always played. But the new twist on the song, and the ad, sees Victoria Bitter join a growing list of local companies that've been finding ways to encourage Aussies to get vaxxed so that restrictions and lockdowns can ease and life can look a little more normal again. Running the ad for at least a month to help support the national aim of getting 80-percent fully vaccinated, and therefore loosening more restrictions at that point, VB also joins campaigns by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a heap of Australian hospitality figures and the local live entertainment industry to promote the country's vaccination rollout. Check out the VB vaccination ad below: You can also view VB's television commercial by heading to YouTube.
Twice a year, in February and November, a striking phenomenon descends over Melbourne. As the sun rises or sets in perfect alignment with the east-west corridors of the CBD grid, its glowing orb moves neatly in between the skyscrapers to create a rare spectacle that's been dubbed Melbhenge. We chatted to Sara Webb, Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics at Swinburne University of Technology, to learn how it all works. "What people sometimes don't realise is that the sun doesn't always set directly in the east and in the west — it actually changes throughout the year and that's because our earth is on a slight tilt," explains Webb. "So it's constantly setting in a slightly different position every day of the year." Throw in an east-to-west city grid like that of Melbourne's CBD and you've got the perfect angles and conditions to create an annual sunset spectacular. "Because we do have the Hoddle Grid, that's pretty much the whole length of the CBD you can see down. There are two times a year when the sun lines up perfectly with that position," she says. For those playing along at home, the sunrise alignment occurs every February, while the sunset version happens in early November. [caption id="attachment_829240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Captured by Gabriele Marini @gabryxx7[/caption] Melbhenge is next set to grace us with its presence on November 2, 3 and 4 this year, when the sun sets at around 7.55pm at the exact angle of 250 degrees and ends up being framed perfectly by the CBD buildings. To cop the best possible view, nab yourself a spot looking west along the likes of Bourke, Lonsdale and Collins Streets. Hot tip: the steps of Parliament House are a favourite for photographers looking to capture the moment on film. You've probably heard of a similar 'henge' effect happening in other similarly laid-out cities, like New York's famed Manhattanhenge. And of course, there's the OG Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, which was built around 2500BC to align exactly with the sunrise on the summer solstice. But as it turns out, Melbhenge might not be the first and only of its kind in Victoria. "[Indigenous Australians] actually had what we think was some type of 'henge', made out of these stone structures, where the equinox hit in a specific section — so with the winter and the summer solstice," explains Webb. Known as Wurdi Youang, the egg-shaped stone arrangement is located at Mount Rothwell near Little River, and is thought to be anywhere between 200 and 20,000 years old. Yep — it could be even older than Stonehenge itself. Melbhenge is visible at sunset from November 2 to 4, with one of those days set to be more perfectly aligned than the other two. You'll be able to catch it at sunrise in early February next year, too. Top Image: Melbhenge captured in 2018 by Daryl Teo @lookaboutstreet
It's hard to look past the historically bright personality and sticky pub floors of Oxford Street when passing through Paddington, but the beating heart of Sydney's eastern suburbs has spent the last few years undergoing a facelift amid the challenges of lockouts and lockdowns. Paddington has one of the most tightly-knit communities of the city, with a shared pride in both its history and present-day diversity of venues and businesses. Here, we've distilled a taste of it in partnership with Paddo Collective the locals who know it best. Read on to discover some of our favourite spots to visit in the daytime, then flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
This aptly-named Brunswick local is a step back in time — a time where pubs had character, live music was free, and every chair was vinyl. Still standing after 150 years, The Retreat is the first point of call for the Brunswick faithful, and a worthwhile trip for outsiders. The menu is a strange (but totally great) mixture of regular pub grub and mexican food, the drinks flow freely till 1am, and the beergarden, with its beautiful overhanging tree and constant buzz of laughter and conversation, might just be the best in Melbourne.
It's hard to get a true snapshot of a place you're holidaying in when you don't know a resident who can show you around. Sydney can be a particularly hard nut to crack — how do you balance seeing its famously show-offy coastal and harbour landmarks, with getting a peek at its less well-lit and polished contemporary underbelly? To help you explore more of the city, we've gathered up a few of the very best, and some lesser known, experiences around town. And to do it, we've enlisted the help of Pullman Hotels and Resorts bar manager Jason Song and executive chef Daniel Simpson, because nobody knows a good secret like someone who works in hospitality. Over at the Hacienda, the bar at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Song slings drinks with the best of them, having developed an interest in mixology after years of working in a bank. Simpson, meanwhile, has traversed the world, making a living from cooking, and climbing the ladder all the way to the Pullman Sydney Airport. With our combined mental capacity, we've pulled together some of Sydney's best experiences to be had in the realms of food and drink, leisure and wellbeing, and contemporary art and design. So get your Dora on and start exploring. Check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. FOOD & DRINK ARCHIE ROSE While Sydney has a booming beer brewing history, Archie Rose was the first dedicated spirit distillery to operate in Sydney for a very long time. Far too long, some might say. In addition to the creation of unique Australian spirits, a fine cocktail bar is attached to the distillery, and they offer a number of masterclasses on distilling and blending beverages. And while it's a favourite for after-work drinks, the cozy nooks in the bar are also perfect for a date, a solo mission or a get-together with old buddies. Very worth the trip to the industrial area of Rosebery. Don't miss: The Archie Rose signature dry gin and fresh pear and ginger juice ($9) 678 SYDNEY With Sydney's cultural identity being as multifaceted as it is, it's no surprise that some of the best food to be had made its way to our plates from far-off shores. Located in Haymarket in the centre of Sydney, 678 Sydney prepares some of the most delectable Korean barbecue that you'll ever have the pleasure of supping on, and they'll overload you with all the traditional sides that you can handle. If you're a believer in the maxim that if you want something done right then you have to do it yourself, you're in luck, because the responsibility of manning the barbecue rests entirely on the customer. Don't miss: For the more adventurous, have the sliced beef tongue. For everyone else, the soy marinated pork ribs are pretty incredible. COFFEE ALCHEMY From time immemorial, a deep battle has waged between Australia's two largest cities, all about who can combine water, milk and ground coffee beans the best. Cafe and roastery Coffee Alchemy is one of Sydney's coffee heroes, with the product coming out of their Marrickville digs slaking the lust of many a coffee connoisseur with exceptional regularity. While there are more cafes in Sydney than one could poke a stick at, Coffee Alchemy is one of the few that illuminates just how seriously residents of the Emerald City take their coffee. Can't make it to Marrickville? Coffee Alchemy have a number of side projects, including Gumption in the CBD's Strand Arcade. Don't miss: On a hot day, order a Sparkler — carbonated brewed coffee poured from the tap and served in a beer glass. BODEGA As incredible as they are, there's more to the cuisine of South and Central America than tacos and nachos, and Bodega gives you the opportunity to have a crack at a whole lot of it. The menu is a contemporary take on Latin cuisine based around tapas and share plates, with the addition of a booze list that's got something awesome for everyone. The venue itself is an experience, with its '50s-inspired fittings and a playlist of music you'll actually want to listen to. Great for groups, dates and everything in between, Bodega's the perfect place to explore more of Latin America, in Sydney. Don't miss: The Porky Occy Gnocchi is a guiso (stew) of pork shoulder, chorizo and octopus, and is destined to blow your mind. WELLBEING & LEISURE WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN Despite the heaving metropolis that's at the heart of Sydney, it's not hard to find oneself pleasantly lost among a splash of greenery without venturing to the hinterlands. One of the finest examples of this is the stunning and, as the name suggests, secluded Wendy's Secret Garden. The garden was built under the design and direction of Wendy Whiteley, who has said that she knew nothing about horticulture when she started work on the grounds — located in front of the home she shared with her husband, artist Brett Whiteley — and instead built the garden with an emphasis on aesthetic appeal. The never-ending artwork creates a retreat from the urban jungle. Wendy Whiteley was awarded Australia's highest honour, the Order of Australia Medal, for her construction of the garden, and they don't just give those to anybody. Don't miss: Paths wind, diverge and converge within the garden, creating many quiet corners for picnics. SPIT BRIDGE TO MANLY COASTAL WALK Australia has a simply shocking abundance of stunning coastline — a perk of living on what is essentially a gigantic tropical island. One of the best ways to see this coastline is to hike alongside it — there are dozens of such walks in Sydney, each with their own unique character. The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is a great choice, as it not only lets you appreciate some of the most picturesque harbour scenery in the north, it also means you can take the Manly Ferry back to Circular Quay. Start out at the Spit Bridge, about 10 kilometres north of the CBD and trace the headlands all the way to Manly, wandering through bushland, along cliffs, and onto beaches. Don't miss: Take your swimming gear, because the you'll traipse through a number of hidden beaches that are perfect for cooling off from the walk. LA PEROUSE Although perhaps not as well known as some of Sydney famous beach suburbs, La Perouse offers a perfect snapshot of the city's coastal splendours. Snorkelling, scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding all have their place along this stretch of coastline, which features sheltered, calm beaches like Frenchmans Bay, Congwong and Little Congwong (the latter sometimes trends nudist). La Perouse is located on the northern headland of Botany Bay, so there are also some landmarks of Australia's European colonial history, which you can see on the walk from the beaches to Bare Island. Don't miss: The tower at Bare Island, still functional and intact today, started life as a customs tower to guard against smugglers, then became a home for veterans of the First World War, and has even been a set in Mission: Impossible 2. ART & DESIGN WHITE RABBIT GALLERY Opened in 2009, Judith Neilson's White Rabbit Gallery is home to one of the world's biggest collections of contemporary Chinese art. Focusing solely on artworks created after 2000, the gallery constantly rotates the works on display, and its collection is constantly growing. Works come from some of the most important figures in the Chinese art world (including Ai Weiwei), and entry is free of charge. It'd be nice to leave a donation, though — White Rabbit is a registered charity. Don't miss: If all that culture has made you a touch peckish, the Teahouse in the gallery serves excellent dumplings and snacks, as well as a huge range of Chinese and Taiwanese teas. WE ARE HERE MURAL, FOLEY STREET Far from a raggedy bunch of graffiti, the We Are Here mural that runs for 75 metres parallel to Oxford Street on Foley Street is a coherent story of the vibrant history of the area. From its beginnings as humble track through the dense scrub to the thriving arts and entertainment precinct it is today, the work (a collaboration between artists Sarah Howell, Dylan Demarchi, byrd, The Dirt and Gui Andrade) describes the many and varied parades that have traipsed up Oxford Street over the millennia. Since the land's traditional owners trekked along the route from Botany Bay to Sydney Harbour, Oxford Street has remained an important symbol of Sydney's identity, no more so than every March when thousands march for Mardi Gras, and We Are Here paints this picture perfectly. Don't miss: A recurring motif runs through the mural, portraying the hands that built the area as we know it today, from the artist to the final V for Victory at the conclusion of the piece. CARRIAGEWORKS Converted from a decommissioned train workshop, this arts centre gathers together a little bit of everything that Australia and the world has to offer to the aesthetic appetite. As well as art exhibitions, Carriageworks also hosts regular performances, including some pretty big names in music and theatre. Be sure to grab a coffee or a cocktail and a bite to eat at the in-house bar and cafe, Cornerstone. Don't miss: Carriageworks is open every day, but every Saturday it holds a top-notch farmers' market with fresh produce and some killer breakfasts in the covered outdoor area. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
For every Australian that was a toddler from the 90s onwards, and their counterparts worldwide as well, heroes wear blue, yellow, red and purple skivvies. Since the early 90s, The Wiggles have been one of the biggest Aussie names in children's entertainment, and one of the country's most-successful global hits. Alongside Bananas in Pyjamas and Bluey, they're part of a trio of homegrown icons in pop culture's early-childhood space, all thanks to the decision by Anthony Field, Jeff Fatt, Greg Page and Murray Cook to turn their university studies in the area, plus their experience in music — Field and Fatt were part of The Cockroaches, while Page was in Dead Giveaway and Cook in Bang Shang a Lang — into an album for kids. The rest is history, which The Wiggles just keep making. In Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2021, three decades after the group's self-titled debut album, they topped the poll with a cover of Tame Impala's 'Elephant'. Also among the troupe's recent achievements and highlights: appearing at the Mardi Gras parade, playing Falls Festival, earning some love from Lil Nas X and bringing the OGs back together for adults-only shows. Premiering at the first-ever SXSW Sydney, documentary Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles — which is now streaming via Prime Video — has joined their resume as well. Onstage for today's toddlers — plus every batch of preschoolers since 'Get Ready to Wiggle' and 'Dorothy the Dinosaur' first started echoing — The Wiggles serve up business as usual. Whether playing at home or around the world, the Aussie entertainers put on a child-pleasing live show. Other than Field, the folks donning the skivvies have changed, with the troupe becoming bigger, more culturally diverse and championing gender balance. At gigs specifically focused at 90s and 00s kids who are now well past The Wiggles' prime demographic, Field, Fatt, Page and Cook have reformed for reunion tours. As seen in Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, both types of concerts draw huge crowds. For Field, Fatt, Page and Cook, life has been shaped by wearing bright colours, singing to fans young and older alike, and getting 'Hot Potato' and 'Fruit Salad' lodged in everyone's brains — and lives have been moulded by their efforts in turn. Early-childhood teaching philosophies have always sat at the forefront of The Wiggles, which the OG four attribute to their success. Young devotees who dance along to their tunes then become adults who still think fondly about their first-ever favourite group. Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles clearly has much to cover, then, all within a 104-minute doco that does much more than trade in nostalgia: as directed by Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks and David Stratton: A Cinematic Life filmmaker Sally Aitken, it chronicles how four friends started a phenomenon that's taken them everywhere from small Aussie shows to Madison Square Garden, and sparked a beloved group that shows no signs of stopping. With the movie now delighting audiences, Field, Fatt, Page and Cook spoke to Concrete Playground about all things Wiggles, including reflecting upon their careers via the doco, the whirlwind last few years for the OGs and why they're so beloved. And if you're wondering if Fatt, Page and Cook wear skivvies or their famous colours now, Page bought yellow sneakers just for the film's premiere "to have something yellow in my wardrobe", Fatt says he "definitely avoids the purple" and Cook does "have some skivvies though, but they're black". ON THEIR RESPONSE TO A DOCUMENTARY BEING MADE ABOUT THE WIGGLES Anthony: "This New Zealand company approached us about doing it. So they were filming us for the last couple of years and being with us, and then got all this archival footage, and got fans to send in a whole lot of stuff — and just got all these incredible photos right through our career. We were all a step away from the actual creatives of it, and the storytelling. It was pretty well Sally [Aitken] and Fraser [associate director Fraser Grut] with the guys in New Zealand who put it together. But I was a bit scared to see it. I found it very emotional and beautiful — and sad and happy, all that stuff. A lot of great memories." Murray: "When someone's going to make a documentary about you, you're not involved in the decision-making. There's a bit of trust involved and you just hope that they do the right thing. But once we met the filmmakers, Fraser and Sally, we got to know them a bit, and I felt very trusting that they'd tell the story honestly. You don't want to whitewash — you just want the the truth to be told, I think." Jeff: "And Fraser grew up with The Wiggles. So, he held us in very high esteem." Greg: "I think, too, that because he did, because he was a fan as a child, he got the essence of what the documentary is, and that is showing that connection between us and the children, and that connection that continues on today with the new Wiggles. I think that really sums it up beautifully. And I think the overall tone of the picture is one — can you believe I said picture, like moving picture? — the tone of the documentary is one of joy and happiness. Really, that's what it's about. And I think he's done a great job, and so has Sally." ON REFLECTING ON THEIR CAREERS VIA THE FILM Greg: "It must have been such a challenge to try and cram 30 years into probably 100 minutes or so. But they've done a really good job at capturing those high points and the low points along the way — the milestone moments of The Wiggles. To sit there and watch it back for us, I know personally it was really interesting because living it from the inside, you see it very differently to how other people have seen it. But then to step outside of that now and watch it in a different perspective, it's really quite fascinating." Anthony: "You see little bits on YouTube of things we did 15 years ago, but this was like a line of just what happened. And just at the end of it, I was overwhelmed by it all." Murray: "I thought it was quite moving at at times. There was a lot of joy there, but there were a few tears. It does give you an opportunity to reflect on what it was that we achieved and what we created. I think it's really great for the world to see the people behind The Wiggles — that it's not just four goofballs, although we are that — but that there's theory and philosophy behind it. But also just seeing the journey that we went on together, it was really lovely to be able to see that." Greg: "It's interesting because when people ask us questions like they did in the documentary, they're asking questions that we probably never asked each other. And a lot of things we kind of took for granted that we're on the same page about, or we just felt that we would all feel the same way about, but I think there were some differences — not major differences at all. It's kind of funny, like we never sat around and shared a lot about our own feelings about things. A lot of the time, we were talking about the show, the production that we were going to do, there was a lot of that stuff. So I think for me it was really a chance to hear the other guys' perspective on what The Wiggles was to them." ON REALISING THAT THE WIGGLES WERE BECOMING A PHENOMENON Anthony: "In Australia, we went from birthday parties to playing fundraisers for the Nursing Mothers Association, which was really good. They'd sell the tickets and get a percentage of the tickets, they were fundraisers for them and it was great because, basically, it just was word of mouth. The Wiggles in those days, we weren't on television and we weren't on the radio. But the big step up in America, when I knew that things had changed, was when we went over and the people in customs recognised us — not in a bad way. That's when I went 'things have changed here'. It was because Disney took our TV series and put it on four times a day on their channel. And we became massive in America and Canada, and it was amazing." Murray: "I don't think we thought it would go around the world until we actually spent a bit of time in America. For us in the 2000s, from about 2002 on, America was a fairly big focus because it was very successful there. Once we started doing things like playing Madison Square Garden and doing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, it became a little bit surreal, for me anyway. We'd be sitting on buses going to these cities in America that in a lot of cases we've heard of but never been to, and it was a great adventure but it was also a little bit hard to get your head around." Jeff: "From the early days, for example, when we put out the first video and it really made a connection with our audience — and just little steps like that. We'd quite often play for the Nursing Mothers Association in little halls, and that started getting traction. So the audience was continually building in those regional areas and in the city. So there were these little steps along the way, so it wasn't like a huge leap — it was a very gradual thing for us." Greg: "I think, too, it's interesting that people use words like 'global phenomenon' or 'global empire'. For us, it was never about that. It was just about being able to do something that we loved and do it well. And for that reason, every time we had a little bit of success, it felt like we had achieved so much more than what we ever set out to do. And every step along the way, it just kept building and building. So on reflection, I think that was probably the biggest thing about the doco — to sit back and watch those milestone moments be played back. It's like 'well, god, I can't believe we did that because we never set out to do it' — it was just all these happy bonuses that came along. We've had a a blessed time and I think, I hope, that people take away from the doco the fact that when you do something in life that you really enjoy, if it brings joy to other people and that joy is something that's shared both ways, and if everybody's life can be filled with joy, then it's a really great thing." ON THE WIGGLES' ONGOING SUCCESS Murray: "I think that what made The Wiggles successful in the first place is a few things. One of them is that we had this philosophy that was being child-centred, which is a philosophy from early-childhood education where you put the child first and you think about where they're at in terms of their development. We tried to use that in The Wiggles, I think quite successfully. Also just things like we're pretty genuine about it. We're very genuine about what we're doing and what we're trying to achieve. And the songs are good, I think, and really connect with the audience. What's happened after we moved on is that mostly Anthony's seen to it that those things are intact, that the philosophy's still there, that the way of speaking to the audience is still there, the songs are there. So I think that has carried on through the decades and kept The Wiggles in the forefront." Anthony: "I think the bottom line for us is that we have to entertain, and keep children interested and educate them if we can. We're more about pro-social skills, and I think that we've kept the early-childhood philosophies at the forefront, and we haven't gotten too carried away with too many bells and whistles. When we play a live show, we can go off the script at any time, as opposed to a lot of children's shows that are taped. We can, if a child calls out something, we can go with it. That keeps it interesting for us as well. I think that for all those reasons we still love it. I love it still." ON THE WIGGLES' TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC GROWING UP, BUT REMAINING WIGGLES FANS Greg: "I think for those fans, it's the connection to their childhood, when they were young — hopefully carefree and innocent. It's a time of your life where, if you can connect to that inner child when you're in your 20s or 30s, it's something to celebrate. And if The Wiggles are that connection for people, it's a great channel to be able to play music for them and come to our shows, and it's great for us too, actually." Murray: "Oh it's fantastic." Greg: "Because it connects us to that time of our lives as well, when we were doing something that we absolutely loved doing and very privileged to be a part of so many people's lives in a way where they did embrace us and they still do." Jeff: "And for Australian fans, us topping the Triple J, Hot 100, that certainly boosted things with our older audience now." Anthony: "We get told that it was a positive part of their childhood. And when those shows, when we do those adult shows, we don't change our show at all. I mean, pretty well, we're just the same — in the documentary, Paul Paddick, who plays Captain Feathersword, thought it was going to be a chance to swear on stage. And we said 'no, it's got to be exactly how it was or we're going to ruin what these people think about us'." ON THE HOTTEST 100, LIL NAS X AND THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAST FEW YEARS Anthony: "It's been awesome. I'm still going with The Wiggles, so the eight Wiggles, and I'm loving that we've had Jeff come on stage, Murray come on stage, Greg come on stage with us — and it just proves that we're all part of the Wiggles family. Lil Nas was amazing. He made a couple of fun tweets that he'd like to do a collaboration — I really did think it was tongue in cheek — but we did get to meet him at Falls. Falls Festival was just the best, and hanging out with Australian bands that are in their 20s that grew up with the Wiggles, it's just been great. The Hottest 100 was surreal. And musically, it was great because I got to experience Tame Impala, who I knew nothing about — so it was educational for me." We're ready to wiggle with you! 💛💜💙❤️ — The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) April 27, 2022 Murray: "It's funny that so much of what we've done over the years, like going to America, quite a lot of the things we've done have been uncharted. And we've always had this sense of doing things for the adventure of it — and I think this is again something that we never expected. We never expected the initial success that we had, and we never expected that 30 years later we would be playing for those kids who grew up — and no one ever thought that we'd be on Triple J at all, let alone topping the Hottest 100. So it's just wonderful. It's like some sort of icing on the cake, I guess, that we can still get together and have fun with our audience, but also to spend time with each other, and really go back and do this thing that we loved and this amazing thing we created together. Jeff: "At the time we didn't even know who he [Lil Nas X] was. I was totally out of touch with all. But looking at it now, it's crazy." Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles streams via Prime Video. Read our review.
This tour will get you smiling like you mean it: The Killers are returning Down Under in 2024, playing Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Thursday, December 12–Friday, December 13. The Las Vegas-born rockers were last here in Australia in November and December 2022, and are coming back two years later to get crowds singing 'Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me' again. Hot Fuss, the album that gave the world those two beloved tracks — and 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine', 'All These Things That I've Done' and more — is the reason for the visit. 2024 marks 20 years since it first released, so Brandon Flowers and company are celebrating in the best possible way. [caption id="attachment_972409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr.[/caption] Open up your eager eyes, Melbourne: destiny is calling you two different types of gigs. One is a Rebel Diamonds show, pumping through the group's hits across their entire career, while the other will see the band work through Hot Fuss in its entirety. That said, given the group's lengthy back catalogue, The Killers won't just be focusing on Hot Fuss tunes at the latter concert, but have plenty more songs to bust out. Also likely to get a whirl as well: 'When You Were Young', 'Bones', 'Human', 'The Man' and latest single 'Bright Lights', just to name a few. Sadly, this Aussie tour's November/December timing means that The Killers won't be repeating their AFL Grand Final berth after stealing the show back in 2017. They will be in the country for the AFLW Grand Final, however, if you want to start crossing your fingers. [caption id="attachment_972411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo © 2022 Chris Phelps.[/caption] Top image: Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
2016: what a year. We saw powerful figures do battle on more than one occasion, witnessed pop culture figures return (and unexpectedly flourish), explored multiculturalism in several western nations, examined the impact of unforgiving and inflexible government bureaucracy, and watched a fascist try to dispense with naysayers — and that's just in the realm of film. Many a superhero flick, plenty of remakes and sequels, and the likes of The Hateful Eight, Goldstone, I, Daniel Blake and Green Room can attest to that. We also experienced everything from alien attacks to bear maulings to ghosts needing busting, and we've still only just scratched the surface of the last year at the cinema. In short, it was a great year to be a movie buff. So what's worth watching? Well, Concrete Playground's film critics have been hard at work staring at screens for the past 12 months watching an insane amount of cinema. So here's our picks for the best films of the year — if you only have time to watch ten films this holiday season, be sure to choose these ones. AMERICAN HONEY As directed by Fish Tank and Wuthering Heights' Andrea Arnold, American Honey takes an almost three-hour road trip through the vast, bewildering, heartbreaking disparity between the have and have nots in American society. A streetwise teen looking for a different life proves our guide after she crosses paths with a smooth-talking travelling magazine salesman with an epic rat tail. The latter is the best work of Shia LaBeouf's career, however it's the revelatory efforts of first-timer Sasha Lane as the former — and Arnold's ability to make her film feel as wide-ranging as its roaming narrative, and as intimate as its boxed-in imagery — that packs the strongest punch. Well, that and the eclectic yet expressive mixtape-like soundtrack. — Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHOmrolJEiY THE HANDMAIDEN Dripping with sex, Park Chan-wook's adaptation of Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith is a pulpy, stylish delight. Transplanting the story from Victorian era England to 1930s Korea, the film follows a maid out to steal her mistress's fortune, only for the pair to end up falling in love. Of course there's a lot more to it than that, with the director of Stoker and Oldboy taking viewers on a ride that is both ludicrous and utterly compelling. Aesthetically speaking, every single frame feels perfectly considered, while the twisting narrative will keep you guessing until the end. — Tom Clift MIDNIGHT SPECIAL It's been a great year for showing affection for sci-fi from years gone by — and, before Stranger Things set '80s-loving, TV fans' hearts aflutter, Midnight Special did the same in the cinema. The fourth film from Take Shelter and Mud director Jeff Nichols not only marks his fourth collaboration with the oh-so-great Michael Shannon — and his latest exploration of folks trusting in something bigger than themselves — but also offers an awe-filled, ambitious effort that's also a road movie, a chase thriller, an intimate drama and an otherworldly adventure. — SW THE NEON DEMON Director Nicholas Wending Refn turns his lens on the LA fashion scene with extremely unsettling, occasionally nauseating results. Bringing the same sleek, detached style (punctuated with violence, of course) that he did to his previous films including Drive and Only God Forgives, the Danish provocateur intentionally apes the aesthetic of the world his film inhabits, in order to expose the ugliness underneath. The Neon Demon has its detractors, and understandably so — the last act especially seems designed to test the audience's boundaries. But even those who despise the film would be hard pressed to deny its artistry. — TC CAROL As an actor skilled at bringing complex roles to life, Cate Blanchett just keeps getting better. As a filmmaker fascinated by stories of yearning for a more fulfilling existence, Velvet Goldmine and Far From Heaven director Todd Haynes does too. Combine the two with Patricia Highsmith's ahead-of-its-time 1952 novel The Price of Salt, add a disarmingly delicate performance by Rooney Mara as a shy shopgirl instantly smitten witg Blanchett's glamorous but conflicted older woman, and slow-building romance doesn't get much emotionally resonant and visually radiant than this. — SW DOWN UNDER Although tragically underseen in cinemas, writer-director Abe Forsythe's pitch black comedy set around the Cronulla riots is one of funniest and most insightful Australian films of the decade so far. A satire in the vein of Team America and Four Lions in which the stupidity of the protagonists belies the film's hidden intelligence, Down Under holds a mirror up to the ugly parts of Australian society, while painting bigots and racists as the idiots they so clearly are. Hysterically funny one moment and deeply troubling the next, it's a must see film that feels distressingly relevant today. — TC LA LA LAND It starts with sunshine, colour and song, then often lurks in moody bars and clubs. It spirits aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and avid jazz enthusiast Seb (Ryan Gosling) on a rollercoaster-like romance, and yet doesn't shy away from the pain and heartbreak of both following your passion and falling for someone. It references '50s musicals and '80s pop, but turns its influences into its own tale, proving nostalgic, celebratory and knowing all at once. Yes, Whiplash director Damien Chazelle's La La Land does many things, including bewitch audiences with its block-coloured, big crooning, bittersweet dream about life and love. The film has already been released overseas, but will officially hit cinemas here on Boxing Day. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8Xvsjy57X0 HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE Somehow outdoing his previous effort, the sidesplitting vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, Kiwi filmmaker Taika Waititi delivered one of the funniest and most charming films of the year with Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Carried on the shoulders of veteran actor Sam Neill and his talented young costar Julian Dennison, this heartwarming indie about a pre-teen delinquent and his foster father on the run from the authorities in the New Zealand wilderness delivers big laughs and an even bigger emotional payoff, and will endear itself to you even further on second, third, fourth and fifth viewings. — TC THE WAILING Films about cops chasing killers are common. Movies about brutal murders and sinister forces with potentially supernatural elements aren't all that uncommon either. And yet, South Korean effort The Wailing well and truly stands alone within a crowded field — and not just because the slow-burn horror effort clocks in at two and a half hours. It takes its time and still proves packed with everything from gorgeously moody landscapes to an increasingly dark atmosphere, plus the undead, exorcisms, ghosts and the kind of nods to genre greats that most scary movies only wish that they could manage. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0 HAIL, CAESAR! While it may strike some as a lesser entry in the Coen Brothers canon — lacking the obvious dramatic heft of something like No Country for Old Men or Inside Llewellyn Davis — this seemingly silly comedy about a blackmail plot in 1950s Hollywood is as ingenious and subversive as anything the siblings have ever made. Ostensibly a love letter to the golden age of movie-making, Hail, Caesar! is in fact a barbed satire about misplaced faith in artificial institutions, from politics to religion to tinsel town itself. Throw in an A-list cast hamming it up and having a ball, and you'd be absolutely screwy not to give it a watch. — TC These are our favourite films of 2016, but we've also put together a list of the best films hardly anyone saw this year — y'know, the ones that sort of went in and out of cinemas without much fanfare but definitely deserve a watch. Co-written by Sarah Ward and Tom Clift.
New Melbourne spas are popping up all over the city right now, with the most luxe ones offering hyper-personalised wellness experiences. The latest to fit into this classification of spa (or wellness studio) is Trinity Curated Wellness, which opened on Thursday, October 10. Here, you'll find your usual hot and cold therapy equipment (a traditional cedar sauna, ice bath and warm mineral bath), an LED lounge, medical and holistic treatments, and a stack of wellness classes — think yoga, breathwork and meditation. It's packed a whole lot into its sleek new home within Thomas House in South Melbourne. You could simply book a bathhouse session and explore the facilities at your own pace, but you really should take advantage of the wellness concierge who provides each guest with personalised guidance and support throughout the space. This basically means that they'll help you find the classes and treatments you most need (depending on your wellness pressures). Treatments could include functional medicine, breathwork therapy, nutritional therapy, kinesiology, holistic health coaching, reiki or massage. This will differ depending on whether you're feeling stressed, tired, anxious or one delightful mixture of everything. Those joining the classes in summer are also in for a treat, for the studio has its own private terrace and rooftop — so you can pair your workout with fresh air, direct sunlight, and views of the city skyline and Albert Park Lake. Founder and Director Trinity Scarf shared, "Throughout my life and career, I've sustained a deep interest and curiosity about different wellness practices and modalities. "At Trinity, I've curated treatments and experiences I've most benefited from and invited in-house and guest experts I admire to create personalised journeys for our clients. "South Melbourne will be the first in a series of Trinity Curated Wellness sanctuaries in the pipeline, all within beautiful Fortis developments." You'll find Trinity Curated Wellness at 18 Thomson Street, South Melbourne, open every day of the week. For more information, you can visit the venue's website. Images: Sam Evans and Elisa Watson.
The drive down the Mornington Peninsula to the Peninsula Hot Springs retreat is somewhat of a Melburnian pilgrimage — where Victorians escape the chill of the city every winter via thermal means. One of the first hot springs in Victoria before the 900-kilometre bathing trail was proposed, the team constantly looks to deliver the best service and experience. A $13 million upgrade in 2018 saw the addition of two cold plunge pools, seven new hot spring pools and an impressive outdoor Bath House Amphitheatre to the site's remote and picturesque hilltop location. Guests also have access to two 30-person saunas, a chilled (and Australian-first) ice cave and a 'deep freeze' treatment room, which will be kept at a cool 25 degrees below freezing. This is in addition to the existing hamam, underground sauna, cave pool and the pool at the top of the hill which affords 360-degree views of the area. The venue also has a new cafe, a cultural meeting space designed in collaboration with local Indigenous elders, and a multipurpose wellness centre for classes and talks. Further renovations were announced at the end of last year to expand accommodation and other facilities. A trio of new eco accommodation lodges, three outdoor massage pods and an undercover cafe dining space, as well as a new relaxation and sleep lounge in the Spa Dreaming Centre are all expected later in the year. [caption id="attachment_726805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Updated April, 2023.
Melbourne spas can be spenny. So much so that this sublime form of self-care just isn't accessible to many of us who are operating on a budget. Here to change that is Collingwood's Inner Studio. The wellness centre has teamed up with BAINA to run free communal bathing sessions every Thursday morning in February, onsen-style. From 7–8.30am each Thursday, those seeking an alternative way to start the day can head to the calming leafy space and try Inner Studio's signature Awaken Class. It kicks off with 20 minutes of deep breathwork (aimed to recentre and refocus the mind) and is followed by a quick three-minute cold pool plunge (which they say builds resilience in both mind and body). Concrete Playground has a few converts who swear by the ritual of being submerged into cold water as the best way to start the day. This guided part of the bathing session is then followed by an hour of free time in the Collingwood spa. Warm back up in the sauna and hot pool and grab some tea or coffee in the lounge. If you consider yourself a morning person, this free spa experience will be hard to pass on. To nab one of the complimentary bathing sessions at Inner Studio, head to the spa's website and use the code 'SOAK' when booking.
Think of Box Hill's cuisine, and you'll most likely picture the best Chinese food in Melbourne. With its large Asian population, the Eastern suburb is a mecca for world-class noodles, soups and dumplings. But, after living in Box Hill for over a decade, hospitality veteran Sam Hatherley identified a gap in his neighbourhood and, in 2024, opened the cafe and bistro, UNA UNA. "Can you imagine a hidden bistro tucked under an apartment building in Box Hill, run by ex-hatted restaurant staff? We wanted to bring something fresh," Sam says. "[UNA UNA has] modern European-style, semi-fine-dining dishes with seasonal menus and thoughtful, unhurried service." Local Influence To ease into the suburb and build rapport with locals, Sam launched UNA UNA as a cafe by day, serving focaccia sandwiches, coffee, and specialty drinks and a bistro by night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. "For many of our bistro customers, their first experience was actually trying our sandwiches. It's a great way to connect with the neighbourhood during the day, give people a chance to get to know us, and create a natural introduction to the bistro experience in the evenings." For nearly a century, Box Hill was deemed a dry zone. A hangover from Australia's temperance movement, the laws required residents to vote for a liquor licence to be granted to a new restaurant or venue, with residents facing fines if they failed to vote. As a result, Sam found that there was a gap for a bistro that offers quality cocktails and a relaxed drinking experience. The cocktail menu at UNA UNA is just that. Simple yet refined, reflecting Sam's 20 years of experience, including a stint in Japan. During the day, guests can sip from hand-shaken Italian Whipped Coffee Cream, Whipped Orange Coffee, and house-made Almond Lemon Soda and Walnut Cola. The specialty drinks are creative and refreshing, crafted with the same care and attention as the evening cocktails. From Little Things Like many people in hospitality, Sam always dreamt of opening his own place. "Nothing huge, just a small spot that really felt like me." The seeds of UNA UNA becoming a reality first emerged during COVID, when Sam stepped away from the fast-paced, relentless industry where he worked as a chef and bartender to become a stay-at-home dad. "I loved working in hatted restaurants and bars, but the pace is intense, and most nights I'd be getting home around 2 am," Sam reflects. "I realised I wanted to be more present for my family, and if I didn't start the bistro I'd been imagining for years, I might never do it. It just felt like the right moment to finally build something of my own." The result is restaurant-quality food in a casual bistro setting. "With the rising cost of living, people are more cautious about spending, so I didn't want UNA UNA to be a fine-dining restaurant with a big price tag." Instead, UNA UNA keeps it personal. Comprising of just four tables and a casual lounge area, Sam wanted to ensure that everyone could be looked after properly. For UNA UNA's menu, Sam says it had to be simple, classic, and free from gimmicks — no edible flowers or smoke gun just for Instagram. The Spring Dinner Menu was recently launched, featuring dishes such as Tuna Crudo, Chargrilled Calamari, Lamb Katsu, Tête de Moine, and the signature Roasted Duck Breast. "Our menu is simple but ambitious," says Sam. "We change it every three to four months to reflect what's in season and what's available at the markets. Box Hill has amazing fresh vegetables, meat, and fish stalls, so we make the most of that, keeping everything fresh, local, and full of flavour." At its core, UNA UNA is a reflection of its neighbourhood. Sam's 14-year-old son can often be found helping out on weekends, greeting customers and making coffees. His daughter, Una, tells her friends and teachers about "her coffee shop". "We want UNA UNA to be a place where people can come together — enjoy good food and drinks, and feel part of the community as the neighbourhood grows. It feels like one big extended family," says Sam. "UNA UNA is still young and evolving, and there are so many possibilities ahead — much like my kids, learning and growing every day." Visit UNA UNA. Image credit: UNA UNA
In a sunlit studio on Melbourne's northside, a nightclub-like room houses heavy basslines and the sound of gloved fists hitting boxing bags. In the adjacent room, reformer Pilates carriages, lit by yellow neon lights, move in sync. And in a third, heated space, a class is settling into dimly lit savasana — sweaty, centred, collective. This is Fitzroy, one of Upstate's now 17 locations that have come to redefine what modern movement looks like: less about aesthetics, more about community. For co-founder Gail Asbell, the philosophy that powers Upstate was shaped by something deeply human — loss. Seventeen years ago, Gail and her sister Charelle lost both their father and brother within a short time. Gail was working as a brand manager for Tourism Victoria, climbing a corporate ladder that, suddenly, didn't seem to matter much. "When you go through something like that, you can't help but question what you're doing with your life," she says. "It made me ask myself: what's my purpose?" [caption id="attachment_1074104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Upstate co-founders, Gail and Charelle Asbell.[/caption] Both sisters turned to yoga to cope with their grief — separately, without knowing the other had done the same. "I'd never done yoga before," Gail recalls. "But it became this space where I could just breathe again." At the time, yoga in Australia was far from mainstream. "There wasn't a Lululemon in the country," she laughs. "You'd go to one studio and it was incense and chanting, then another would be super athletic. I loved how it made me feel — but I didn't want to be preached to. I just wanted to move my body and feel good." That experience became the seed of an idea. After training in the US, where yoga was gaining cultural momentum, Gail came home inspired. "I could see there was this gap — studios that were clean, consistent, and focused on how you felt, not how spiritual or flexible you were. I wanted to create a space for that." Together with her sister, she opened the first Upstate Studio in Geelong. "There was no grand plan," she says. "I was pregnant at the time. We thought we'd open one little studio while our kids were young. But it just took off." From that first space came 17 studios across Victoria and beyond — each an embodiment of the brand's mission: to help people find a positive state of mind through movement and connection. Accessibility and community have been part of the DNA since day one. "We grew up on a dairy farm," Gail says. "We didn't come from money. We wanted to make movement something everyone could access — fun, affordable and non-intimidating." That's the spirit behind Upstate's bright yellow branding — "all about positivity and energy," Gail explains — and its inclusive mix of class styles. Yoga and pilates anchor the offering, but boxing has become one of its most-loved modalities. "Boxing's been around forever, but we wanted to teach it in an Upstate way — high energy, fun and empowering," she says. "It's not about sparring or competition. It's about walking out of class feeling powerful." [caption id="attachment_1011773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Upstate's Palm Beach studio.[/caption] Power, for Gail, has little to do with domination. It's about confidence — something she says is central to both movement and leadership. "Empowerment's a funny word," she reflects. "It gets thrown around a lot. For me, it's not about shouting it from the rooftops. It's about helping people build confidence to try new things, to fail and get back up again." That ethos runs through the business. Upstate now employs around 90 full-time and part-time staff, plus more than 250 instructors across Australia — and nearly all of its leadership team started as teachers. "Last year, 95 percent of our roles were filled internally," Gail says. "When someone comes in as an instructor and works their way up into marketing, operations or education, that's empowerment to me — giving women opportunities to back themselves." It's also why Upstate recently launched its own instructor training programs. "We saw a gap — people were graduating with the theory but didn't have the confidence to teach," she says. "We wanted to prepare people to stand in a room, use their voice and feel capable." The result has been more than just new recruits. "Our senior instructors have become educators," Gail says proudly. "It's created a whole new level of opportunity in the business." [caption id="attachment_1069777" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Instructors at Upstate's newest studio, Oakleigh.[/caption] Beyond the studios, Upstate has evolved into a lifestyle brand — hosting retreats, events and collaborations that extend its community beyond the mat. "There's such an appetite for movement paired with connection — whether that's a yoga and wine night, or a mindfulness event," she says. "We send the invite and it's booked within hours." That sense of connection remains deeply personal for Gail. "Movement can completely change how you think and feel," she says. "Even something as small as taking a breath at the start of class — it can shift your whole state of mind." Seventeen years on, the grief that first brought Gail to the mat has transformed into purpose — and a thriving community that continues to grow. "Sometimes we don't stop to reflect," she admits. "But when I see all our team together, or hear a member say a class changed their day, that's when it hits me. This is why we started." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Upstate Retreats (@upstate_retreats) The brand's next chapter includes continued instructor training, overseas retreats, a new Brisbane studio and a top-secret new class offering, but the mission hasn't changed: "It's still about helping people feel good and giving them the confidence to take up space — in the studio, at work, in life," Gail says. To mark International Women's Day this year, Upstate is putting that philosophy into action by launching a fully funded Pilates Instructor Training Scholarship for a lucky recipient, and on Sunday, March 8, members are also invited to bring a woman who inspires them to class for free. Find out more about Upstate — including studio locations, memberships, retreats and instructor training — via the website. Images: Supplied
It’s time to stop fishing behind couch cushions and shaking piggy banks; the boutique hotel-hunters at Mr & Mrs Smith have unearthed 10 budget-conscious escapes that won’t need a second mortgage. These ten wallet-friendly stays made the shortlist for ‘Best Budget Hotel’ in the inaugural Smith Hotel Awards, which just took place in London. Want to know the winner? You’ll have to keep reading. Best for bona fide bohemia: Brody House, Budapest, Hungary Smith’s ‘Best Budget Hotel’ is more like the private designer digs of a swish friend than a hotel. Brody House is bursting with creative inspiration and can add sometime-host to film and fashion shoots to its artistically inclined resume. Each room has its own unique style — some feature freestanding gold bath tubs — and is named after the artists whose works adorn the walls. The Brody House Bar is open to the public and keeps pouring as long as guests keep sipping; there’s also an honesty bar, so you can tap into your inner mixologist. An in-house chef prepares simple and seasonal Hungarian fare that changes daily and is best enjoyed in the picturesque courtyard. Best for pool-side hedonism: Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs, United States Escape the desert heat and hop into the cool cocktail that is Ace Hotel & Swim Club: a reinvented hotel haven, luring in pleasure-seekers, bohemian-beauties and the hipster-chic. Designed with an organic, laidback ethos, some rooms have garden patios and fireplaces, record players and old vinyl. Brave the heat by renting a candy-coloured Vespa or booking a horse-riding lesson. Those reluctant to venture away from the cool comfort of air-conditioning may prefer languidly lying in a hammock and working through the bar’s cocktail menu. The King’s Highway restaurant (formerly a roadside Denny’s diner) dishes up classic American fare with dashes of the unexpected, such as kurobuta pork chops and roasted halibut cheeks. Best for culture vultures: Home Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina Click your heels and escape to Home Hotel, a green dream hidden away in an ivy-entwined structure in residential Buenos Aires. The eco-design and open-air pleasures – an outdoor passageway leads to the restaurant overlooking the gorgeous grounds – extend through to the rooms, which are tricked out with retro Scandinavian furnishings and vibrant vintage wallpaper in pretty florals. Take in an obligatory tango performance and a Lloyd Webber-inspired stroll to the grave of Eva Perón, before succumbing to the nimble-knuckles of Home’s in-house masseur, Luis. Don’t go back to your actual home without sampling delicious tapas and a Bloody Mary at the bar. Best for a romantic rendezvous: The Reading Rooms, Kent, United Kingdom Tucked behind a classic Georgian facade, The Reading Rooms is dotted with antique furnishings, preserved features and nooks for rekindling romance or igniting a new flame. Each of the three rooms occupies a floor of the restored townhouse and has antique wooden floors fit for a foxtrot, high ceilings and views over a peaceful tree-lined square. Begin days by dining on the in-room breakfast spread — bacon and sausage sandwiches, just-baked croissants and fresh fruits — before exploring Margate’s vintage boutiques and the picturesque Kent coast. Best for a rural romance: Borgo della Marmotta, Umbria, Italy Peer over the high stone walls at Borgo della Marmotta to find clusters of beautifully converted 17th-century farmhouses and stables, olive trees and views of Spoleto Valley. There’s no flash and pomp here; instead, expect a simple spin on luxury: rustic cobblestoned passaged leading to charming rooms and pockets of lush garden, pots of lemon trees casting shadows on the terrace and vibrant bunches of wisteria hanging from pergolas. Rise early to snag a table outside for a breakfast feast of sweet croissants, conserves, cheeses and cold cuts, before whiling away Umbrian sun-soaked days by the glittering blue pool. Best for artistic inspiration: The Cullen, Melbourne, Australia One for art aficionados and the creative coterie, The Cullen is inspired by the eye-catching and contemporary works of Adam Cullen — the hotel even has its own dedicated art curator, who has the lowdown on the top exhibitions around town. The gallery-worthy aesthetic continues to the rooms, where cartoonish prints adorn the walls and glass showers are engraved with Ned Kelly-esque horses and bushrangers — the views of Melbourne’s skyline aren’t half bad either. After a day of pedalling between Prahan’s fashionable boutiques — bespoke red Swedish Kronan two-wheelers are available to rent — don your newest designer duds and head downstairs to one of the eateries off the hotel’s ground floor. Gramercy Bistro brings a taste of New York to Melbourne, serving Reuben sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes and six cuts of steak to knock your oversized sunglasses off; Hutong dishes up dumplings and delectable duck. Best for a weekend wind-down: The Wheatsheaf Inn, the Cotswolds, United Kingdom Having played host to Kate Moss, The Wheatsheaf Inn has gone from traditional British coaching inn to bang-on designer den. Paintings of historic British tobacco barons keep a watchful eye over the Inn’s dining room, an inviting and lively eatery where seasonal produce is the star in a daily-changing menu and the all-day weekend brunch is best washed down with a Buck’s fizz. Between feasts, shooting — of the real and clay-pigeon variety — is up for grabs near this rustic retreat or, if you prefer something with fewer bangs, meander around the wallet-tempting boutiques of Northleach. Best for beach bliss: Mia Resort, Nha Trang, Vietnam A sojourn at Mia Resort — once a sugarcane plantation — will certainly leave a sweet taste in your mouth. This sandy getaway is neighboured by imposing mountains, lush greenery and beyond-blue waters, where days are spent moseying barefoot between the turquoise pool, sun loungers and Xanh Spa. Sea-frolicking is thirsty work and Mojitos bar serves at least eight varieties (if we miscounted, blame the rum); sip your way through ginger, whatijo (watermelon), lemon and lychee libations. Nab a spot on the sugar-sand beach for a sunset picnic, complete with a hamper groaning with sandwiches, cupcakes, a cheeseboard and carafe of fruit juice — just make sure to book ahead. Best for palatial paradise: Baudon de Mauny, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Walk through the heavy, centuries-old wooden front door at Baudon de Mauny and into the quiet cobbled courtyard to feel instantly at ease. Sprawling rooms are coupled with vintage-inspired furnishings and contemporary cool to create an escape with style so sophisticated, it could only be French. After exploring the local markets and brocantes, recline on the antique scarlet sofas in the first-floor salon, a glass of Faugeres in hand. Best for coastal calm: Chapman House, Nantucket, United States Forget ships in glass bottles and cliched beach-themed interiors: at Chapman House, nautical stripes have been replaced with pops of teal, coral and ikat prints. A kingly Continental breakfast is served each morning — fresh-baked breads and croissants, homemade muffins, fruits, cheese and granola parfaits — the perfect preface to a stroll around the harbour town or a series of aquatic adventures, including sailing lessons, whale watching, fishing excursions and sea kayaking. You don’t need a reason to return to boutique base-camp but Chapman House gives you one anyway: freshly baked cookies are your afternoon treat here. For more Mr & Mrs Smith boutique hotels, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627. Smith guests enjoy exclusive extras at all stays.
Each year on January 26 triple j put a mortgage on Australia's airwaves, pumping out the best 100 tracks from the previous year as voted by their listeners in the world's largest annual music poll. The station is one of the only non-commercial national youth radio networks anywhere in the world, and places a real focus on uncovering and supporting the best Australian talent, providing a soundtrack to many a misspent youth in the process. So it was with great excitement that listeners awaited results in triple j's inaugural Hottest 100 Australian Records of All Time this past weekend. The results provided us with some interesting factoids, and after the 47,000 votes were counted, the top gong went to Powderfinger's Odyssey Number 5. At the time of its release in 2001, the album sold more than 500,000 copies and spent almost two years weeks on the ARIA Charts, winning six ARIAs in 2001, including Album of the Year and Single of the Year for 'My Happiness'. Our personal picks for the Top Ten at Concrete Playground HQ are: 1. Since I Left You – The Avalanches 2. Frogstomp – Silverchair 3. Crowded House – Crowded House 4. Back In Black – AC/DC 5. Kick – INXS 6. Unit – Regurgitator 7. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 – Midnight Oil 8. Lovers – The Sleepy Jackson 9. In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy 10. Human Frailty – Hunters & Collectors The full Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time list is as follows: 1. Odyssey Number 5 – Powderfinger 2. Frogstomp – Silverchair 3. Back In Black – AC/DC 4. The Living End – The Living End 5. Kick – INXS 6. Internationalist – Powderfinger 7. Apocalypso – The Presets 8. Wolfmother – Wolfmother 9. Since I Left You – The Avalanches 10. Unit – Regurgitator 11. Like Drawing Blood – Gotye 12. Guide to Better Living – Grinspoon 13. Crowded House – Crowded House 14. Vulture Street – Powderfinger 15. Slightly Odway – Jebediah 16. The Hard Road – Hilltop Hoods 17. Eternal Nightcap – The Whitlams 18. Woodface – Crowded House 19. Innerspeaker – Tame Impala 20. Conditions – The Temper Trap 21. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 – Midnight Oil 22. Diorama – Silverchair 23. The Calling – Hilltop Hoods 24. Sunrise Over Sea – The John Butler Trio 25. Get Born – Jet 26. Hourly, Daily – You Am I 27. Neon Ballroom – Silverchair 28. The Cat Empire – The Cat Empire 29. The Sound of White – Missy Higgins 30. Themata – Karnivool 31. Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone 32. Universes – Birds of Tokyo 33. Diesel and Dust – Midnight Oil 34. Memories & Dust – Josh Pyke 35. Hi Fi Way – You Am I 36. In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy 37. Highly Evolved – The Vines 38. A Book Like This – Angus & Julia Stone 39. Birds of Tokyo – Birds of Tokyo 40. Echolalia – Something for Kate 41. Double Allergic – Powderfinger 42. East – Cold Chisel 43. Freak Show – Silverchair 44. Tu-Plang – Regurgitator 45. Sound Awake – Karnivool 46. Walking On A Dream – Empire Of The Sun 47. Black Fingernails, Red Wine – Eskimo Joe 48. Ivy and the Big Apples – Spiderbait 49. Whispering Jack – John Farnham 50. The New Normal – Cog 51. I Believe You Liar – Washington 52. Murder Ballads – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 53. Three – The John Butler Trio 54. Tea & Sympathy – Bernard Fanning 55. Blue Sky Mining – Midnight Oil 56. Bliss Release – Cloud Control 57. The Honeymoon Is Over – The Cruel Sea 58. New Detention – Grinspoon 59. As Day Follows Night – Sarah Blasko 60. We Are Born – Sia 61. Hold Your Colour – Pendulum 62. Cruel Guards – The Panics 63. Grand National – The John Butler Trio 64. Polyserena – George 65. Cold Chisel – Cold Chisel 66. Running on Air – Bliss N Eso 67. Flying Colours – Bliss N Eso 68. The Experiment – Art vs. Science 69. Gossip – Paul Kelly and The Coloured Girls 70. Young Modern – Silverchair 71. Beams – The Presets 72. Beautiful Sharks – Something For Kate 73. Highway To Hell – AC/DC 74. The Overture & The Underscore – Sarah Blasko 75. Living In The 70s – Skyhooks 76. Human Frailty – Hunters & Collectors 77. Immersion – Pendulum 78. Lovers – The Sleepy Jackson 79. Gravity Won't Get You High – The Grates 80. (I'm) Stranded – The Saints 81. Feeler – Pete Murray 82. Up All Night – The Waifs 83. Wonder – Lisa Mitchell 84. 16 Lovers Lane – The Go-Betweens 85. State Of The Art – Hilltop Hoods 86. This Is The Warning – Dead Letter Circus 87. A Song Is A City – Eskimo Joe 88. Imago – The Butterfly Effect 89. Pnau – Pnau 90. The Long Now – Children Collide 91. Gilgamesh – Gypsy & The Cat 92. A Man's Not A Camel – Frenzal Rhomb 93. Moo, You Bloody Choir – Augie March 94. Everything Is True – Paul Dempsey 95. Stoneage Romeos – Hoodoo Gurus 96. Paging Mr. Strike – Machine Gun Fellatio 97. Begins Here – The Butterfly Effect 98. The Boatman's Call – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 99. Thrills, Kills & Sunday Pills – Grinspoon 100. Two Shoes – The Cat Empire https://youtube.com/watch?v=8fBbKtq_Li8
Tarts Anon and Koko Black are both huge names in Melbourne's food scene, as are the folks who dream up all their delicious creations. Pastry Chef Gareth Whitton built Tarts Anon into one of the city's top cake shops, won Dessert Masters, is working on a new cookbook and even created a pressure test for MasterChef Australia. He's a household name, having also worked with teams at Mill Brewery, Gelato Messina, Al Dente Enoteca and Kori Ice Cream. Koko Black's Head Chocolatier Remco Brigou has been working in the world of chocolate since the age of 18, and has been an innovative tour de force at Koko Black for nearly eight years. He's also no stranger to partnering with other chefs, having worked with Lune, Connoisseur, Black Star Pastry and Tokyo Lamington. Now, these two giants in the sweet-toothed sphere of Melbourne's hospitality industry have come together for World Chocolate Day, creating a limited-edition chocolate and leatherwood honey tart. This decadent treat is only available from Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 7, at a few Koko Black stores across Melbourne and Sydney, and at both of Tarts Anon's Melbourne locations. We chatted with both Whitton and Brigou about collaborating on the new tart, and how valuable that these partnerships can be for both chefs' personal growth and the success of their businesses. We also touched upon the role that collaborations can play in helping hospitality companies stay afloat during these incredibly difficult times. On Coming Together to Create a Limited-Edition Chocolate Leatherwood Honey Tart Brigou: "World Chocolate Day is a very important day for us at Koko Black. It is the day that truly celebrates what we do, and for this special occasion we like to work with like-minded brands to create something amazing. The entire Koko Black team, myself included, have always been big fans of Tarts Anon — we'd often discuss how amazing the tarts are and how we would love to work with Gareth and the team one day. So, this was the perfect opportunity, and we reached out. After the first introduction call, we knew straight away that both our brands share the same values, beliefs and spirit for innovation and excellence. We knew straight away that this was going to be a great collaboration." Whitton: "We were asked to join forces with the team at Koko Black as part of their annual celebration of World Chocolate Day. After being such big fans of theirs as well as seeing the elite execution of their previous WCD activations, we were thrilled with the opportunity to work together. Remco and I got together after piecing together a few rough ideas, and chatted out some of these napkin sketches and how we could bring them to life. I had a format that I had in mind, we knew it had to involve chocolate, and we then fell on the idea of using the leatherwood honey honeycomb as inspiration. We also pulled from Remco's Belgian heritage with the peperkoek, plus a couple of textures and recipes that we use quite regularly at Tarts Anon." [caption id="attachment_925594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitton's previous collaboration with Gelato Messina[/caption] On Why It's So Great to Work with Other Chefs Brigou: "For me personally, I love working on collaborations. It is a great way to meet amazing like-minded people in the industry, but it is also a great way to stay inspired. The richness that comes from sharing knowledge and ideas is very valuable to me, and it is something that I will always be thankful for." Whitton: "I always try to work with people who are either very similar to us, or completely opposite. Kinda like matching colours of clothing. Not similar enough, and it's hard to find a connecting point, but if it's either easily interchangeable or very complimentary, then it doesn't seem forced. It opens you up to new environments where you perhaps aren't as confined with your creativity, and also allows you to explore things that you wouldn't see day to day." On the Power of Partnerships to Help Businesses Get Through These Tough Times Brigou: "I think it is important for brands to work together, not only so we can all leverage from each other, but more importantly so we can create an experience to both our customers and maybe introduce our customers to a different brand that they maybe never heard from before." Whitton: "[Collaborations] are a (relatively) low-cost way of exploring new ventures, and keeping outgoings low is of the utmost importance in times like these. Particularly in branches of the industry that rely on seasonal trade (like ice cream, for example) it helps to collaborate with brands that thrive in cooler months to keep revenue coming in. The underlying issue that the industry faces is that the market is becoming so unbelievably saturated right now, which feeds the staffing crisis and the high turnover of businesses. There's a new competitor emerging every other week, so the revolving door of what's 'hot' is moving faster than ever. Collaborating is a good way to stay relevant and be ahead of the game." [caption id="attachment_833241" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brigou's previous collaboration with Connoisseur. Image by Julia Sansone.[/caption] On What's Holding the Industry Back Right Now Whitton: "It's hard to be too optimistic in times like these, there are too many motivated and passionate people trying to grab a hold of a dwindling number of opportunities. The emergence and prevalence of the food blogger is giving a platform that previously only the passionate and culinarily educated had access to, to anyone with an opinion. Now Google reviews and social media are rife with ill-informed and sharp-tongued critics single-handedly destroying businesses, and politics are creeping deeper and deeper into our dining rooms. It seems nihilistic to say, but I fear that most people are too concerned about staying afloat themselves that we're all treading water right now. The amount of tax that small businesses pay is frankly obscene. This is the big killer — wages will always take the biggest chunk, but that is an investment in people. When significant amounts of money are routinely taken from you and continually hinder any opportunity to grow, you are faced with the grim reality of choosing between success in your business or compromising your values to solely chase revenue." On the Best Advice That Brigou and Whitton Have Ever Received From a Collaborator Brigou: "I have had the privilege to work with a lot of amazing people and all of them have taught me so much, whether it is techniques, flavour combinations, or the passion and determination to deliver a beautiful product. I also like to think I have inspired them as well and maybe even taught them something, because that is the beauty of collaborations. It is a two-way street and I feel that sharing knowledge and letting people discover new things is the heart of our industry." Whitton: "The best thing I have learnt from someone I've collaborated with is to understand what it is you want to get out of the partnership. Having a game plan instead of trying to just feature two representations of your brand side by side will always triumph. Quality over quantity." Gareth Whitton and Remco Brigou's limited-edition chocolate and leatherwood honey tart is only available from Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 7 at a few Koko Black stores across Melbourne and Sydney, and at both of Tarts Anon's Melbourne locations. For more information on where to get the tart, visit the collaborations's website.
Imagine that you're 22, you're settling into your chosen career and you're suddenly the name on everyone's lips. Imagine you've gone from never seeing an episode of the past decade's biggest TV sensation to starring in its prequel, in fact. In other words, imagine that you're Australian actor Milly Alcock, who has had a better, brighter and more chaotic 2022 than the rest of us. Before August, the Sydney-born talent was best known for an impressive resume of homegrown parts. Now, she's forever the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Ask Alcock what the year has been like and she's candid. "It's all weird. One day you're you, and then suddenly someone places value on you," she advises. "And you're like 'why me? Why me? Okay, I guess I'll take it. I guess I'll run with it'. So life's been weird, wacky and wonderful, basically, but yeah, it's been such a big year. This year feels like the longest year of my life but in the best possible way." Alcock is chatting with Concrete Playground on the phone from the UK, where she shot House of the Dragon in 2021, and where she's now based as her international career takes off. But after working her way through roles on Australian shows such as Wonderland, Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Pine Gap, Fighting Season and Les Norton, she knows the part that made 2022's dreams happen: her AACTA-nominated role on Upright. Created by Chris Taylor from The Chaser, the show's' first season cast her as Meg, a 13-year-old pretending to 16 who literally collides with Tim Minchin's Lucky while she's running away across the country. An odd-couple dynamic ensues, and so did one of 2019's Aussie TV standouts. Three years later, a second season is here. This time, the headstrong, whip-smart Meg is 17 and no longer speeding across the desert. But Upright wouldn't be Upright if it didn't send Meg and Lucky on another soul-searching, life-defining road trip, this time to Far North Queensland to find Meg's mum. The old adage proves true once again: it isn't just about the destination but the journey. At the heart of the show is a sense of connection and solace, as two lost souls forge a bond that helps them process their individual struggles. That means that Upright's lead performances couldn't be more pivotal; indeed, without Alcock and Minchin as Meg and Lucky, it wouldn't be the success it is, let alone have returned for season two. With Upright's second season now airing on Foxtel and streaming via Binge, Alcock fills us in on the series that helped bring her to attention, making the leap to 2022's biggest TV blockbuster, playing determined young women and handling everything that House of the Dragon's fame has brought her. ON INITIALLY GETTING CAST IN UPRIGHT "You just read the audition scene for Meg and you're like: 'I want to play this character'. You don't even usually see those types of characters on Australian telly at all, and I felt such a kinship with her as soon as I read her on the page. Then when I met Tim, I was like 'please hire, please hire me, this is incredible!'. I owe my Upright my career, because it gave me such a beautiful body of work at such a young age." ON MAKING UPRIGHT'S FIRST SEASON "It was incredibly exciting. I was 18, I just dropped out of school, and I went and travelled around Australia for three months shooting a TV show. I'd never worked like that in my life — I'd never gotten a part like that ever, and I just wanted to do it so well. I just remember being like 'I can't fuck this up, I have to do it right, I have to do it right, I have to nail it, I have to make sure I'm making all the right choices and looking after myself and everything'. I was travelling around and I was without my family, and it got a bit difficult, but it was a massive learning experience." ON RETURNING FOR UPRIGHT'S SECOND SEASON "I didn't think that a second season was going to happen because of the way the story wrapped up — and the time passes. I was like, 'oh it's been three years, we're not going to do another one'. But we did. Meg is such a beautiful person and I'm always excited to talk about Meg, and play Meg." ON CO-LEADING UPRIGHT WITH TIM MINCHIN "We're friends; we just get on and act. And we just go 'these people have chemistry, let's give them the kind of chemistry that this scene warrants because of where they're at in their heads'. I think that Lucky is a bit of a mentor to Meg without her wanting to admit it. He's the only parental figure in her life that kind of guides her in any way. I think Tim and I's relationship reflects that narrative a bit, and we pull from that." ON JUMPING FROM AUSTRALIAN TV TO A HUGE HBO PRODUCTION "It was incredibly daunting. It was the most amount of fear I've felt in my entire life because I was like 'if you fuck this up, you're not going get to another chance'. It really felt like I had to prove myself very quickly, and I wanted to. I was Australian. Everyone was British. It was the pandemic. I didn't get to see my family while we were shooting. I didn't know anyone in London. So I really focused on my work because it was why I was there. I was there to do a job. But quickly, you realise that it's all the same, people are lovely and they're the same — and just the way that it functions is different and bigger because there's more cogs in the machine than there is in a smaller production like Upright, and like other jobs I've done before. I met a lot of amazing people and a lot of beautiful people, and they saw me and were like 'okay, we've got to look out for this one because she's a long way from home'. I was mortified for the first three months, basically. Yeah, absolutely mortified." ON NOT WATCHING GAME OF THRONES UNTIL BOOKING HOUSE OF THE DRAGON "When Game of Thrones is like 'we're doing prequel auditions', and you haven't really done a lot of acting before like I had, you're like 'oh yeah, of course I'm going to audition for this'. It's a massive show — not only a big show, but a very well-written show. It had great characters, and a great story, too. I was like 'yeah, of course'. But I hadn't seen the show before. I knew of it. I knew the accolades, I knew the reputation it had, I knew the status of it, but I hadn't seen it until I booked the job. It was incredibly exciting but also incredibly daunting, because I was like 'oh fuck, I have to do this. I have to live up to that. I don't know if I can do that'. It was exciting and scary. It was a rollercoaster, but you just keep going up. I haven't gone down yet. Then I read a bit of Fire & Blood. I wanted to really get an understanding of what was at stake in this world and be able to contextualise it into the world that we live in on earth. I would go to the library and just kind of study, basically. I would make graphs on what the houses are, what that means, what their titles were, what their status was like in our kind of world — all to understand it." ON PLAYING STRONG, DETERMINED YOUNG WOMEN "That's the way the jobs have landed because until House of the Dragon, I haven't been able to pick and choose — I still can't really pick and choose. I'm so young, I'm still starting out. With House of the Dragon, I was working against amazing actors — Paddy Considine and Rhys Ifans and Matt Smith — who have had a very big and beautiful and broad careers that I admire. I think that it's difficult because on one side, I want to play everyone. But then on the other hand, I know I'll read a script and be like 'this is a great part but I know I'm not that girl'. You just read a part and you're like 'I just can't play her, I'm just not her. In my heart and in my soul, I know I'm not her'. Unless you're a phenomenal character actor like Paddy, like Meryl Streep, like all those kind of legends, you kind of have to lean into parts of who you are. I think that I've been so lucky that there's parts of me that people have picked out and been like 'you can play that role'." ON THE CHANGE THAT HOUSE OF THE DRAGON HAS BROUGHT "I didn't expect anything. I didn't go in expecting anything with this. I think I was protecting myself, because everyone was like 'it could be a flop because it's a prequel'. But I think very early on, we realised that it had a lot of potential just from reading the script alone — but no, I didn't prepare myself at all. I just thought that if nothing comes of this, my life stays exactly the same. If something comes of it, everything changes. I think that for me to be able to do the work while we were shooting, I needed to not get swept up in what could happen because I needed to really focus. The opportunities have changed massively. People around me have changed. A Pandora's box has been opened, and I got to have a little peek inside. I think that just the way that people treat me is a bit different, which is the hardest thing to grapple with. It's weird. One day you're just you and then you're not. And you're like 'why am I chosen, what made me so special?'. I don't see it because I see me every day, I can feel the good bits and the ugly bits — especially the ugly bits, because you're stuck with yourself. It's just tricky. I mean, I'm 22 — I still can barely use a washing machine, let alone [process] what all of this is. But the most important thing is just keeping the right people around me and keeping my head on my shoulders, having that screwed on right — which I think I'm doing." Upright screens on Foxtel and streams via Binge, with both seasons available to watch in full. House of the Dragon's first season is available via Foxtel and Binge. Read our full review.
UPDATE Friday, September 3: Victoria is currently under stay-at-home orders, with all venues restricted to offering takeaway and delivery. Right now, you can get your Sonny's fix by ordering takeaway here, or hitting up UberEats or Doordash for delivery. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, at the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Making its home within legendary rock 'n roll pub The Curtin, Sonny's is a finger-lickin' casual eatery specialising in proper old-school, US-style burgers and fried chicken. Here, in the front bar, red-and-white gingham and red plastic baskets work as a fitting backdrop to a menu of American classics, served alongside a lineup of Aussie tap beers. Southern-style chook is brined for 24 hours and then pressure fried to crisp perfection, while the burgers are unashamedly beast-like. Stock up on napkins before you dive right on into options like the four-piece feed — 1/2 a Bird ($16.50) — loaded bacon or vegan fries ($15), a classic cheeseburger ($13.50), or the standout spicy fried chicken burger piled high with zesty slaw and whole-egg mayo ($14.50). To match, you'll find all the southern favourites, including an ultra-creamy mac 'n cheese ($7), iceberg wedge salad ($7) and gravy-drenched mash ($7). Be sure to add on some deep-fried pickles ($9) and popcorn cauliflower ($9) for full effect. It's delightfully far from virtuous, though if you're feeling guilty, you can always burn off some of your feed with an energetic session in the band room next door.
For half a century, no trip to the Sunshine Coast has been complete without visiting a 16-metre-high pineapple. In 1983, even Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles went there, as throngs of tourists have before and since. Stop by now and you'll still see a giant piece of tropical fruit, but one that's had a revamp, with the Queensland big thing officially reopening after undergoing renovations. Plenty of changes have been floated for The Big Pineapple and its 165-hectare site over the years, with a craft brewery, water park, and places to stay via an RV park, an eco resort and a hotel all among the ideas under the attraction's master plan. For now, however, owner Peter Kendall and his company CMC Property have focused on repairing and restoring the main highlight itself, as well giving the location's train the same treatment. The Big Pineapple has also scored a new cafe, new viewing platform and new children's playground. If the towering sight looks extra shiny — and ready to gleam in the obligatory snaps that everyone takes while they're in its presence — that's thanks to sandblasting, repairs and marine paint by the hundreds of litres. To get a good glimpse, that's where the new viewing platform comes in. Dating back to the 50s, the train now has a similar sheen after a restoration process, including to its carriages and track. "We are awaiting some final certification for the train and hope to start public train rides soon, providing rides across the property including access to Wildlife HQ," said Kendall, also mentioning the zoo with 200-plus species of animals that's been onsite since 2014. Stopping by The Big Pineapple hasn't just been about its fibreglass namesake for some time, given that TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast and its high-ropes courses and ziplines also calls it home. So does coconut foods producer COYO, as well as Sunshine & Sons distillery. Come October, The Big Pineapple Festival — the locale's music festival — will return for the first time since 2021. The fest started in 2013, then ran annually surrounded by pineapple fields until its present three-year break. Getting a ticket isn't just about seeing live tunes in the location's natural amphitheatres in such close proximity to The Big Pineapple, but also pitching a tent at event's 4000-person campground. [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] "The Big Pineapple is undoubtedly the most-recognisable tourism icon of the Sunshine Coast and so I am very proud of the team's work to restore the pineapple to its original glory," said Kendall. "This is just the first stage of the regeneration project. Our number-one priority was to reopen the main pineapple structure and cafe, and to get the train running again." "Our next priority is to complete the renovations to the inside of the pineapple structure itself and we hope to reopen it for tours later on." [caption id="attachment_698027" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anne and David via Flickr[/caption] Find The Big Pineapple at 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, Queensland — open 8.30am–4pm daily. For more information, visit the attraction's website.
The first sky-high venture from the guys behind Arbory and Arbory Afloat, this gem crowns the multi-storey HER building, pairing Thai barbecue with epic CBD views. A cocktail bar-slash garden terrace with a fitout by designer Tamsin Johnson, HER Rooftop looks like an old-world European garden party that's been plonked down in the heart of Melbourne. There are wrought-iron tables and chairs, a geometric Italian marble floor, lush green planter boxes and colour-packed wall tiles. You can squeeze 120 guests up here, and there's plenty for them to drink. The bar's open till 1am every night, slinging a curated mix of cocktails and spirits focused on craft tequila and gins. Other garden-party-worthy offerings include the likes of a charred pineapple margarita ($22), a green apple gimlet ($22) and a handful of Euro-style aperitifs. A concise yet diverse wine list rounds out the fun. To soak up the booze, you've got a selection of Thai plates from BKK downstairs. Expect fried chicken sandwiches with som tum salad and sweet chilli ($19), a range of laab (the vegan laab with crispy eggplant is our personal fave), pork skewers ($8) and a spicy ocean trout salad ($18). A dedicated late-night menu runs until the wee hours, too.
